The straight line

They say little things mean a lot. And relatively small expenses can add up to a huge amount of money your company could be wasting. By cutting costs, you can enhance your bottom line in several ways. Here are 10 ideas: Improve cash flow.If your business is seasonal, ask your biggest vendors to let you stock...

Need a loan to start or expand your business? Nearly a decade after the financial crisis of 2008, many banks remain hesitant about loaning money to start-ups and small business owners. Stricter lending policies often make applying for financing a nerve-wracking and time-consuming process. Here are some ways to give your loan application a leg up...

In the “good old days,” owners of honestly-run businesses had little reason to fear. “Caveat emptor,” or let the buyer beware, was the norm. Contract laws, particularly those involving warranties, provided consumers with the ability to sue under some circumstances, but it was relatively easy for companies to avoid the long arm of the law. Those...

For company sales representatives, being on a trade show floor can be uncomfortable: You’re surrounded on all sides by competitors and judged by browsing shoppers. But it’s also a prime sales and marketing tool for those who know how to grab hold of every potential opportunity. After all, the average trade show features 573 exhibiting companies where more...

Fall is a good time to pause and review your financial planning strategy. A lot can happen in a year. If your personal life, market conditions or tax laws have changed, you may need to revise your long-term financial plans. Here are some retirement and estate planning considerations that may be worthwhile. Roth IRAs Do you...

August is back-to-school time across the country. Whether the school buses are already disrupting your commute to work — or will be soon — the start of the school year brings opportunities for savvy business owners. Here are some insights into this market segment and creative, real-world marketing solutions to inspire you to think outside the...