Ask SmallBizClub Archives

What is the best way to Select a Tax Advisor?

When evaluating bookkeepers and accountants, the professional expertise that you require (accounting, tax, and/or general financial advice) will influence the type of professional that you select. Also, as a general rule, the more accounting activities you allow a bookkeeper or accountant to perform, the higher the cost.

What is the best way to increase traffic to my website?

Marketing | Ed Fox

Some business owners elect to implement SEO methods themselves; however, higher search engine rankings take time to develop and there is no technique, short of paying for a higher search listing, that will produce quick results.

What are the adv/dis of a “Strategic Alliance”?

Risk | Fran Tarkenton

Strategic alliances can vary from simple joint marketing agreements to full-fledged joint ventures. We do not know the specifics of your plans but typically strategic alliances are formed for the purpose of collaborating on new technology or product development…

Domain Registry vs. Domain Hosting?

Technology | Ed Fox

A domain name is a website address on the Internet. You can own a domain name without having a website to be hosted. Domain Registration is the process of acquiring a domain name from a domain name registrar.

What’s the best way to generate residential and commercial leads for my business?

Sales | Chris Barnes

Customer and professional referrals are generally very effective for building contractors; however, the basic tool to maintain a steady flow of work and build a customer base is a comprehensive marketing plan.

As an employer can I fringe benefit a voluntary benefit in order to reduce the employees’ tax liability?

Human Resources | Angela Cordle

We do not know the type of fringe benefit you plan to provide your employees or whether you intend to provide it to them on a pre-tax or post (after)-tax basis, but if your goal is to reduce your payroll tax liabilities and increase your employees’ take home pay, then you will need to provide the benefit on a pre-tax basis through a flexible benefit (Flex), or cafeteria plan.

How do I search and file a patent?

Legal | Jason White

A patent for a product or business process invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor. Patent protection prevents others from using a product or business process invention for commercial purposes without the permission of the inventor. As explained the information below, there are two basic types of patents – “A design patent protects only the ornamental appearance of an invention, not its utilitarian features. A utility patent would protect the way an article is used and works”.

Tax on Gifts?

Tax & Accounting | Matt Tarkenton

A personal gift is not includible in the gross income of the recipient, or donee, of the gift; however, gifts exceeding the annual exclusion for gifts ($14,000 in 2013) may be subject to gift tax, which is the responsibility of the maker, or donor, of the gift. Whether a gift is subject to gift tax will depend on the donor’s total lifetime gifts.

Forming a General Partnership?

Starting a Business | Fran Tarkenton

Doing Business As (DBA) name, assumed name, fictitious name, and trade name generally refer to the same thing, but business name registration laws and processes do vary by state.

Is it possible for me to do the branding and marketing myself? If so, where do I start?

Marketing | Matt Tarkenton

We do not know your marketing experience and your timeline for implementing a brand strategy and new marketing plans for your business; however, it is certainly possible for a small business owner to develop branding and marketing plans. Also, many businesses find it productive to utilize outside advertising agencies to help develop branding and marketing strategies.

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