If you just started your home-based business in the last year, you may be apprehensive about your first time filing and paying small business taxes. Never fear: these tips will make tax season easier for you. 1. Know Your Deductions. You might be surprised at all the expenses you can write off with your home-based business. Your ... Read More
Nellie Akalp
10 Valentine’s Promotion Ideas for Your Small Business
With Valentine’s Day coming up, it’s a great opportunity for your small business to use it as a marketing strategy. Here are 10 Valentine's promotion ideas for your business. 1. Special “We Heart Our Customers” Discount To show your appreciation to existing customers, give them a special deep discount. It should be more than you ... Read More
How to Give Great Client Gifts
With the winter holidays just right around the corner, it’s time to think about investing in gifts for your clients. Sending them a token of your appreciation can go a long way toward building the trusting relationship you need to keep customers coming back. I always decide on my client gift budget in early November. If you have ... Read More
How to Manage Your Finances When You’re Running the Show
Ask any business owner to name their least favorite tasks, and bookkeeping, money management, and paying taxes will all make the list. While these chores may be tedious, they’re absolutely critical. Unlike big companies, the finances of the solo business are often closely intertwined with the personal finances of the business owner. ... Read More
How to Create a Summer Plan for Your Business
Summer is approaching quickly. If you haven’t created a summer plan for your business, there’s no time like the present. After all, summer is the time for fresh perspectives … to refuel, refresh, reinvigorate, and restart. Here’s how to create a summer plan for your business. 1. Take stock of your market No matter how successful ... Read More
Does Your Business Need a Trademark?
Do you ever wonder what will prevent another company from using your same name? Or if you’re legally permitted to use the name you picked for your business? If you’re a small business owner, read on to learn about the trademark, and most importantly, if you need one for your business. Trademarking 101 First, some basics. A trademark ... Read More
Collaborate Your Way to Small Business Success
I’ll admit it, I was raised to be competitive; beginning at a young age in school and sports, right on through owning my own business and competing with thousands of competitors in my industry. And any small business owner knows that a competitive streak is a KEY to entrepreneurial success. However, sometimes it’s collaboration, not ... Read More
Is Failure an Opportunity in Disguise?
Have you been considering the next step in your career? Maybe you want to launch a new business, expand your business, or quit your day job? What’s holding you back? Are you worried you’ll fail? The fear of failure is one of the strongest forces that holds people back from achieving their true potential. People who fear failure ... Read More
Love Yourself, Love What You Do, Start a Business
The last bites of Valentine’s chocolate are gone. All the red and pink marketing have disappeared from store shelves. But it’s not too late to give yourself a lasting Valentine’s gift by starting a business. Have you dreamed of running your own business? Carving your own path? Is there a product or service or market that you’re ... Read More
How to Choose the Right Business: Six Tips for Getting Started
You’ve decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurial life, but how do you know what type of business is right for you? What industry and business type appeal to you and would make the best use of your specific abilities and assets? Starting a business is a thrilling journey and today more women are coming into their own as ... Read More
End of the Year Checklist for Your Business
December is a non-stop whirlwind of family events, holiday shopping, and end of the year parties. But if you're a business owner, no matter the size and scale of your business, it's also that time of year to make sure you've got everything squared away for the New Year. Waiting for your New Year’s resolutions will be too late for ... Read More
How to Be More Productive When Working From Home
Working from home can be a wonderful way to escape the 9-5 grind. There are no mazes of cubicles, no long commutes, and no awful break room coffee. And for many women, a home-based business offers a smarter balance between work and family. But with its many perks, working from home can be challenging. It’s not always easy to stay ... Read More
7 Tips For Being a Successful Businesswoman
As an entrepreneur, a mother of four, and someone who has worked with countless female entrepreneurs, I've seen the unique challenges that successful businesswomen face firsthand. If you're ready to take charge and make it in this world of entrepreneurship,here are my top tips for women looking to forge their own path. Here ... Read More
Starting an Incorporation Business – Interview with Nellie Akalp
Nellie and her husband, Phil started their first incorporation business in 1997 while they were attending law school. They were surprised by the overwhelming demand for their honest, time-saving, and affordable incorporation services. In 2005, they sold their business to Intuit (for $20 million dollars) and retired, but, after their ... Read More
Legal Considerations: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
Raise your hand if you procrastinate when it comes to some aspects of your business. In business, like in life, there are going to be parts you love, and parts you’d rather sweep under the rug for a while. More often than not, the legal aspects of running a business are pushed aside as you focus on serving your customers and making ... Read More
