Small Business Blog

Intuit QuickBooks Billing Solution promises convenience and faster-paying customers. But does this service really measure up to that promise? In my experience, no. Read on for the gritty details.

One of the challenges of running your own business is finding the time to manage the details and still do the work that makes you money. If you are a graphic designer, for example, you must market, sell, bill and collect — while still finding the time to design. When your scarcest asset is time, you are attracted to services of convenience, services like the Intuit QuickBooks Billing Solution. (continue reading…)

All marketing activities, including free tactics, come at a cost.

This cost may be measured in terms of money, time or even missed opportunities. That’s why it’s so important that you understand who your most profitable customers are, and focus your energy on finding and keeping them.

To do this, you’ll first need to define your ideal customer profile. This will help you focus your efforts like a laser, enabling you to get the best ROI for your lead generation efforts. (continue reading…)

In May of 2009, small business credit card provider Advanta Corporation announced that it would shut down roughly one million small business credit card accounts. The news is a sign of the times: economic conditions are taking a toll on small businesses and their lenders. If the profitability of small business lending continues to decline, small business owners will be increasingly challenged to locate the credit they need to fund expansions and special projects.

One option that’s becoming more popular for entrepreneurs and small business owners is the merchant cash advance. Merchant cash advance providers offer cash upfront in exchange for a piece of the business’ future sales. While this arrangement technically isn’t an extension of credit, it does generally function like an unsecured small business loan: the business obtains a lump sum of cash and repays it, along with a fee, over time. (continue reading…)

Small businesses have been among the hardest hit by this economic recession, as indicated by recently published data from the Small Business Administration. How’s your small business holding up? Chances are, you could benefit from trimming the fat from your expense structure. Try these six strategies for cutting expenses and improving your small business’ bottom line.

Advertise more efficiently

Cancelling all of your ad contracts isn’t an option if you plan to stay in business. If you are wondering why, read Recession Market Strategies. What you can do is… (continue reading…)