Tag Archives: sme

Small Business 2013 – Saving Money Idea #3


Make better use of outsourcing.  Outsourcing and off-shoring have bad reputations perpetuated by folks who have no factual idea about either concept.  Outsourcing is simply delegating necessary tasks to people or companies outside of your business.  Off-shoring is buying goods or services from lower cost regions.  Yes, both concepts can cost people their jobs but your job/businessContinue reading “Small Business 2013 – Saving Money Idea #3”

Small Business 2013 – Saving Money Idea #2


Occupancy is a fancy term for the cost of housing your business.  It can include rent, property taxes, utilities, depreciation, maintenance, janitorial and so on.  Rent is a major expense for most businesses.  If you don’t rent or own your business building, move on to the next post.  If you do rent or own yourContinue reading “Small Business 2013 – Saving Money Idea #2”

Small Business 2013 – Money Saving Idea #1


I used to pay about $4,000 each year for telecommunications including internet.  I also purchased a phone system back in 2005 when I hired employees.  My telecommunication expenses were almost as much as my rent expense.  My first Money Saving Idea for 2013 is cutting telecommunication expenses. Do you really need landlines for phones orContinue reading “Small Business 2013 – Money Saving Idea #1”

Starting a small business – Social Entrepreneur


“I want to make the world a better place.”  “I only buy Fair Trade products.”  “I want to contribute X amount of my profits to XYZ charity.”  I am a newbie to these kinds of businesses.  As a misanthropic curmudgeon, I try to maintain an open, however skeptical, mind to these business models. If you’reContinue reading “Starting a small business – Social Entrepreneur”

Starting a small business – Marijuana


A few more states legalized possession of marijuana.  Check out this map – I can’t verify the information.  But it looks like legalization is gaining momentum.  Does this mean that you could start a marijuana business? Farming sucks.  You need arable land, water, seed, fertilization, a strong back, hanging barns and security.  (I’m basing thisContinue reading “Starting a small business – Marijuana”

Free Business Plan Review Offer


I must be crazy.  On April 16th, I posted an offer on Craigslist for a free business plan review.  I wouldn’t write it for you but give you creative criticism from the point of view of a potential investor or loan officer while also testing the feasibility of the plan.  There were NO takers.  IContinue reading “Free Business Plan Review Offer”

Starting a small business Part 9


How much money do you need to start a business? How do you make a small fortune in the restaurant business?   Start with a large fortune.  That one kills at most CPA gatherings. Lots, to answer my first question.  When starting a business, you need to figure out what you need including capital equipment,Continue reading “Starting a small business Part 9”

Starting a small business – Websites


Check out a free webinar happening now.  Click here now.  I should have shared this earlier.  It is full of great ideas.  It’s free.  No one is trying to sell anything, except a download of the video.  If you have time, check it out. I’m stuck on hold with IRS and taking notes from webinarContinue reading “Starting a small business – Websites”

Starting a small business – Restaurants – UPDATED


Just don’t.  “When I save some money (or inherit it or win the lottery), I want to start a little Uzbek restaurant where all my friends can come and hang out.  It will be like a party every night.”  How about: “I can cook so I can open a restaurant.” A successful restaurant might be theContinue reading “Starting a small business – Restaurants – UPDATED”