Year-End Checkup

Here are some ways you can run a diagnostic on your business for 2013 new year planning.

Tax Tips

Some tax advice for year-end 2012, new year 2013, compiled into one blog posting.

Need A 2.5-Ton Army Truck?

Uncle Sam's best-kept secret: It sells used military vehicles and equipment at pennies on the dollar, most to small business owners.

Slicing the Pie

This week's column reports on dividing equity in startup firms.

Risking Retirement

Small business owners are significantly less likely to have qualified retirement plans for themselves than their peers who are employees of larger companies.

That puts them at much greater risk once they reach retirement. My column this week looks at two new studies on entrepreneurs and retirement.

The news is not encouraging.

How-To Market Your Biz

When I was writing exclusively advice columns, the most common questions I got were about marketing and sales.

I recently learned about a helpful site that can answer just about any question on this topic and help you find and rate marketing professionals.

It's called MarketingZone and it's specifically geared toward small business owners. I spent some time on the site and thought it looked helpful.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Ask Me Anything - Almost!

Join us tomorrow for a web chat I'm doing for the ICIC, the Institute for a Competitive Inner City.

This is a terrific group, doing good work to lift small businesses, and I'm honored to participate.

Leaving the Nest

Is 2013 the year you'll escape the spare bedroom? Check out my tips for alternative, low-cost office arrangements.

Loan Demand Slow to Start

SBA loan demand is starting off slowly for Hurricane Sandy victims. My column updates the numbers on small businesses.

Is The Love Affair Over?

Only about one-fifth of restaurants and retailers can profitably incorporate daily deal coupons into their marketing plans long-term, says a new study. My question: Will more small biz sour on Groupon, et al?