To some extent, you can create your future rather than simply trying to predict it by the decisions you make. A board of directors gives you access to expertise, provided you choose them wisely, but at the cost of giving up control of the business to them. When visiting or …

Fixed and variable costs both vary over longer periods of time. With systems in place, your job changes from micromanaging and controlling every move for every employee to making sure the company systems are followed to deliver perfect results. Does a business owner getting sued by an irate customer or …

The justification of interest lies in the fact that men prefer present goods to future goods--a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush--and interest is the difference in value between the two at the present moment; it is time value. Maybe you stand for the right to …

In these cases the deferred participation plan is used. If you've ever participated in a bake sale, been paid for a musical performance, or operated a baby-sitting, painting, or lawn-mowing service, you've been involved in a small business. The same is true of the availability of funds. But you should …

Identify what you need to train your people to do and then make these your training topics at least once or twice every year. Likewise, you ll want to explain the key, appropriate positions of your team members. You can try to get lucky by hiring and firing people until …

You need not be a Democrat or an Episcopalian because your employer is, but if you are wise you will avoid discussing with him questions of politics or religion. Profit is the return for the risk you take in business. It s probably a better idea to ask for a …

However, this is rarely the case, for one simple reason: You usually have to pay your own suppliers before your customers pay you. Even if you are successful in finding an investor, odds are good that you won t get quite what you asked for. Your mission statement should be …

When deflation occurs within a given industry or market segment due to a productivity increase, it is usually not problematic as profits are not adversely affected. Your attorney, your accountant, and your insurance broker are all crucial members of your team. You may have sold a lot of products in …

People like to buy where others buy. And many of them share certain objectives as well, such as raising money or persuading a partner to join the firm. Wouldn't it be better for everyone if products were sold directly by producers to consumers, bypassing the markups of intermediaries such as …

It has a legal definition when applied to the responsibilities of financial professionals, such as stockbrokers. They are neutral; they lead discussion and debate but not outcomes. Hence, a negative consequence is that, while aiming to reduce uncertainty, business deals can introduce rigidity due to their time-boundedness and the inherent …

While you remain in the driver s seat, writing the plan and doing all the heavy thinking, your business plan software can handle research, organization, calculations, and more. Then look at your sales and marketing budget and efforts. Venture capitalists often demand significant input into management decisions by placing one …

A short-term loan may be for 90 days and used to finance receivables so you can get a big order out the door. They can also help you meet long-term goals. Profit is financial gain or return from the use of capital. Profit is what's left over after all costs …

The small-business arena is one of those areas where the government has made strides in doing something helpful. Your goal is to see your top customers every two to three months. To do this you need to run a credit check on them before you agree to trade with them …

It s also important to maintain your credibility because you will probably need additional funding as your company grows. Give poor players a chance to improve or get rid of them. People are motivated for their reasons, not yours. A highly relevant issue for management is the measurement and appropriation …