Entries for December 2009

I make spanakopita, a Greek appetizer, every New Year's Eve.  It keeps for a few days, reheats well in a toaster oven, and saves me from having to cook New Year's Day when I just want to sleep in.  This is especially important this year because tonight I am breaking out the margarita machine I got for my birthday. I believe the tradition...

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The holidays are almost over and you're looking forward to the new year.  You may have taken some time off in December to spend with family and friends and your business has taken a back seat.  In a day or two it's time to get back into the swing of things.  For the new year, what should you do with your business? Make sure you've a...

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Um...with a pen? Seriously, though.  It sounds simple, but you should consider the implications of how you sign documents on behalf of your company.  As a business owner you have a split personality.  In any situation, you will be either Jane Doe The Individual or Jane Doe The Business Owner.  Before you sign something that inv...

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No, it doesn't involve a safety pin or have anything to do with a wedding.  This is one of those often-used yet rarely-explained phrases that every small business owner should understand.   If formed and managed properly, corporations and LLCs are treated as legal entities separate from their owners.  This is why we business la...

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I often speak with business owners who are ready to hire workers.  While this is a big step for a small business, many owners believe they can avoid paying employment taxes simply by calling these workers independent contractors.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but calling them independent contractors does not necessarily make them ...

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