Customer Service Moments: Dealing with Poor Reviews Online
No matter what kind of business you run, it seems as though there's always some source of online reviews to keep your customer service people on their toes. But how should you handle situations when you receive poor online reviews? Here's a quick look at some best practices to consider when you have a poor review show up about your business. Don't ignore it. Bad reviews are like raw fish - the longer they sit, the more they stink up the place. Try to take time at least on a w
Tax Season 2019: Organizing Your 2018 Tax Documentation
January 1 is passed, so it's time to get ready for taxes. The tax season, for many people, means a lot of stress and time spent trying to dig up paperwork. Fortunately, getting your 2018 tax documentation in order now makes the actual paperwork process much easier, even though nothing has changed with the latest tax law updates. Here's a quick look at various options for organizing your tax season paperwork in a way that helps you stay on top of the process and decrease your
How does the government shutdown impact your tax season?
The federal government shutdown is one of the top news stories lately, with the impact it will have on the American people receiving top priority by the press. But when it really comes down to it, how will the government shutdown impact your business? Specifically, what will happen with the IRS and the upcoming tax season? Here's a quick look at the number of different ways the shutdown will or will not impact your business with regards to your tax issues. You still need to f
New Year's Resolutions: Business Growth
As 2019 begins anew, it's time to look at your New Year's resolutions, including where you want your business to go this year. But part of being in business means making intelligent decisions and developing a plan on how to reach your business goals. One option to consider is setting up SMART goals for business. Here's a quick look at how to set up this type of goal and see it through to fruition, helping you achieve solid business growth this year. S is for specific: It's ea
How the Federal Government Shutdown is Impacting SBA Operations
The federal government shutdown is now rolling through into its fourth week, causing mild to moderate travel delays due to staffing issues at airports, IRS questions are going unanswered and a number of upcoming government contracts are, in many cases, on hold until the funding issues at the heart of the shutdown are addressed. However, one of the largest areas businesses are being hit by is the shutdown of the Small Business Administration. Here's a look at some key areas wh
What are Top CEOs Predicting for 2019?
Though it would be nice to predict the future, many entrepreneurs find themselves at a bit of a loss when it comes to 2019 business predictions. What will happen in the upcoming year and how will it change your company's approach to the market and industry? Fortunately, we have the guidance of top CEOs who have made no secret of their economic predictions for 2019. Here's what they had to say. Trade changes impact business. If your company hasn't been impacted by the new tari
What's Required of Employers by Illinois Law?
Let's face it - new employers in Illinois have a lot of state regulations to sift through to figure out exactly what they need to do under the law. But beyond the federal regulations, what exactly should you do for your employees? This is a quick guide to help you determine your legal requirements towards your workers under Illinois law. New hires must be reported by Illinois employers to IDES, the Illinois Department of Economic Security. Quarterly wage reports must be filed
How to Get a Federal ID Number as an Employer
When you're a new business hiring from day one, getting a federal ID number from the IRS is vital to keeping your business legal. Referred to as an employer ID (EID) or a federal tax ID, it's used to track which employers are paying withheld taxes on behalf of which employees. Fortunately, it's also a relatively simple process, but knowing how that process works is half the battle. You can easily apply online for an instant number, via fax for a one- to two-week turnaround or
A Glance at Current ACA Requirements by the Federal Government
Let's face it - there's nothing simple that comes out of a government document. The Affordable Care Act, passed by the federal government in 2010, made certain requirements of businesses with regards to providing their employees with health insurance. But what exactly are the ACA requirements for business and how do you make sure you're in compliance? Here's a quick glance at some of the broad strokes to help get you started. Coverage within 90 days of hiring. If you're going
