What is Forensic Accounting and How Can I Use it for Lost Data?
Did you backup your data? When your computer is hacked or is damaged from an electrical surge, that's often the first thought that goes through your head. Unfortunately, if you didn't, that data may be lost. How can you account for that information so that you can keep your business running without spending all of your time in the process? Two words: forensic accounting. Forensic accounting is a process used in criminal law circles to recover information that has been otherwi

Have You Checked Out the New Google for Small Business Site?
Having Google included as part of an overall sales and marketing strategy for a business has become more and more important for large and medium businesses to be successful. However, the level of expertise needed has often left this tech giant's services somewhat out of reach for the small business owner. Not anymore. Google for Small Business is a new website that can help you grow your company. Here are some details on how it works. Small business owners often have to wear


Tips for Managing These Problem Personality Employees
When you have employees, occasionally you're going to run into employee problems. How do you deal with problem personalities in your company? If you're not quite sure, you're not alone. Conflicts between employees can cause serious issues with your productivity, but resolving those conflicts in a positive fashion can be difficult at best. Here are some tips on how to manage a few common problem personalities in the workforce. The credit-taker or one-upper: An employee who is


How to Leverage Information in Business Accounting Statements for Smoother Operations
When you're running a business, financial structure and cash flow are two major issues that can regularly cause problems. According to the Small Business Administration, 28% of business bankruptcies are due to these problems. Fortunately, if you're keeping your books going, you already have a great tool to leverage to your benefit: accounting statements. Here's how to use them as a vital source of business intelligence. To start, make sure that your accounting processes are k


7 Tips to Keep Your Business Operating in the Long-Term
When you start your business, you have every intention of keeping it running for a long time. But what business strategies can help ensure that you're taking the long-term outlook into account when you're working on a daily basis? Here are a few tips to help get you started. Put customer service first - always. The customer is the driving force that brings business to your company, so it's important to keep them in the center of your business. If you don't, you'll lose busine


Going Global: Considerations for Moving Onto the International Stage
As our world gets more connected, many businesses are considering going international with their efforts. Long the purview of large multinationals, international business is becoming more common every day. Here's a quick look at some considerations to keep in mind when going international with your business. Start by researching the basics. What's required to do business in that country? Do you need to have an office or substantial operation to be able to do business there? W


How Will the Illinois $15 Minimum Wage Impact Your Business?
With the February Illinois State Senate vote, the minimum wage in the state is expected to rise to $15 per hour over the next several years. But how will that change impact your business operations? We've taken a look at how this type of action has impacted workers and businesses in other states. Here's a quick look at what we found and what you can expect if the Illinois minimum wage change will impact your company. There tend to be two opinions on what happens when a state


How Will Your Company Be Impacted By the Illinois Fuel Tax Hike?
With the new Illinois budget in effect as of June 5, a number of new taxes have come into effect, including the Illinois fuel tax increase. Doubling the state fuel tax to $0.38 per gallon, it's planned to fund a $45 billion infrastructure plan, improving roadways across the state. But how will this tax increase impact your business when it goes into effect on July 1? Here's a look at the potential issues you may face. Companies that have a lot of fuel usage will be hit especi


Considering Starting a Missouri Medical Marijuana Business? Here's How
With the passing of Amendment 2 on Election Day, legalizing medical marijuana in Missouri, many investors are considering starting a medical marijuana business in the state. But what's involved in the process? Here's a quick look at the legal outline. The process of reviewing applications for cannabis licensing in Missouri is a blind process, with all demographic information stripped out of applications before the process begins. The new law requires the state to grant licens

