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Posts Tagged ‘small business advice’

Best Blog Posts I’ve Read This Week 1st – 7th March 2010

This week my blog reading produced some really interesting and informative finds. These posts offer some great ideas and tips that will jumpstart your week and pump up your motivation level. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

The Socially Responsible Entrepreneur from Blogtrepreneur was insightful and it made being green an effortless choice.

Business Owner’s Card Conundrum from Entrepreneur… discusses the toss up between using personal cards for business purposes or business cards that aren’t covered by the new laws.

Finding the Real Key Economic Indicators for Small Business again from Entrepreneur… important information to process.

Small Business to Start at Home from Create Liberty… manages to avoid giving actual ideas but still a worthwhile read. 🙂

Have a productive week readers!

Home Business Lessons From Tony Soprano

March 5, 2010 2 comments

No one can say that the characters of the Sopranos are a moral authority, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a great resource for some very insightful principles.

When in Doubt… Ask for Advice

Tony Soprano, despite rising to the position of boss, was not averse to getting the opinions of others before making an important decision. Of course, his approach was always to disguise his indecision, but he still valued the opinion of others and appreciated that he may not always have the answer. This is priceless in a successful leader and business owner.

Respect is All Important

Tony Soprano demanded respect. Home business owners must seek to have the respect of its clients and employees (if any are hired) for the operation to reach its full potential. See The Dangers of Not Taking Your Home Business Seriously.

Think Before You Act

Despite being quick to anger Tony Soprano was a strategic thinker. He carefully thought about the consequences and counteractions of his decisions before he made a move. Home business owners would do well to mimic this trait and get in the habit of thinking things through before rushing to a decision.

Don’t Expect Things to Come Easy

Running a business is hard work. Tony often alluded to the fact that people didn’t understand the pressures of being boss not to mention his strained relationship with his mother and even father. In short, you may not have it easy, but home business owners should not be afraid of obstacles or hard work for that matter.

Family is What It’s All About

Finally, the overriding message throughout The Sopranos is that family is what it’s all about. Nothing is more important that your loved ones and this can be adapted directly into the life of the home business owner. Work can get out of hand, but always remember to rein it back into control so that you have time for your friends and family.

Recommended Reading

How to Choose a Successor for a Home Business

How Small Businesses Build Credibility

Challenges of Running a Home Business

Home Business Tax Tips

Uncle Sam is Serious About Home Business Taxes

The tax season isn’t necessarily a joyous time of year, but home business owners who are familiar with some handy tax filling tips can usually survive tail in tact.

Of course, there are some general issues that every home business owner should be aware of. First of all, it is important to make sure your home business qualifies for some of the deductions you may already be counting on. To do this you must ensure that your ‘office’ is a dedicated space and has been used continuously for this purpose.

Tax Calculations Don't Have to Be Complex

Secondly, it is necessary to have proper records. Hopefully, last year’s spring cleaning didn’t get to the receipts and expense accounts that will be needed as proof of your claims. Many home business owners get caught unawares because they have either misplaced or discarded important documents. Don’t be one of them!

Finally, if you haven’t been introduced as yet, it’s time to get to know your common tax deductibles. This will help you to average your tax situation way ahead of time.

Related Article

A Guide to Home Business Taxes

Tax Tips for Small and Home Businesses