Small Business Articles

From the unemployment rate to tariffs, the author looks at the things she’s thinking about and how they’ll affect her business heading into 2019

Thinking about diving into the world of small-business ownership? You’ll be off to a good start if you first consider some of the tough lessons many business owners learn early on.

Businesses that undercut their services are a frustration in this industry, but if you stay on top of how efficiently your operation is being run, you won’t be tempted to head down that road

If you're concerned about your company's bottom line, any time of the year is a good opportunity to figure out how to trim overhead costs that may be eating away at your profits

The government doesn’t mess around when you owe it money. Do what you can to get out in front of your tax debt.

If you want happy and productive workers, avoid these sometimes trite, oftentimes dismissive phrases and take a more direct approach to communication

A well-written and executable budget is necessary for running a successful plumbing or drain cleaning business

You start your own business largely to have more control over operations, but there’s a point where that can become detrimental to both yourself and your company

Have a few unhappy customers made it their business to burn you through website or social media complaints? Here’s how you can turn around your online reputation.

Details of an exit plan for your company should be worked out when you open the doors — or even earlier

You may already be diligently monitoring online reviews customers write about your company, but have you ever thought about doing the same for your competitors? There could be something there to learn as well.

You want to retain good employees, not see them leave. But if it does happen to you, here’s some advice on how to best respond.

These five strategies can help you earn more work — even if your estimate is not the lowest one a potential customer has received

You want to answer all of their questions but still be able to dispense the information and get on with the day