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Smart Answers

Small Business Advice from Karen Klein
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A Nose for Business

A pair of doctors with a thriving sinus practice recently started retailing their saline nose-wash nationally. Here's how they balance their two businesses.

Karen E. Klein- November 01, 2006 Similar items

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Holiday Time at the Office? Call the Lawyer

Snowflakes, peace on earth, and sexual harassment lawsuits: how to walk the gift-giving line with clients and employees alike.

Karen E. Klein- October 25, 2006 Similar items

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Reality Check Before the Business Plan

Before you launch, get feedback from your target market with a survey to make sure your concept and price range are viable.

Karen E. Klein- October 23, 2006 Similar items

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Finance, Then Ready, Set, Sew

First, use your own working capital, then call an accountant familiar with the industry or a specialized apparel financing firm.

Karen E. Klein- October 18, 2006 Similar items

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Using Retirement Money for a Startup

If you're under 59, you probably don't want to touch your nest egg, but you do have several solid alternatives.

October 16, 2006 Similar items

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How to Find a Reputable Overseas Rep

First, determine exactly what鈥檚 happening in your target market. Then reach out to distributors and sales reps and consider hiring local salespeople. Once your volume is high enough, you might even want to buy a small distributorship.

Karen E. Klein- October 11, 2006 Similar items

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The Small-Employer Pension Plan Dilemma

Some new "small-business friendly" retirement plans are affordable to set up, and you can manage it yourself or hire a firm to do it.

Karen E. Klein- October 09, 2006 Similar items

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Do I Need an Employer ID Number?

It's legal for a sole proprietor to operate a business under a Social Security number instead of an EIN. It's just not a very smart practice.

Karen E. Klein- October 04, 2006 Similar items

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Smart Ways to Transfer a Business

First, determine the goals of all parties involved. Then find a lawyer to help shape the transaction.

Karen E. Klein- October 02, 2006 Similar items

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Hiring Your Relatives

Before you offer family members positions in your business, weigh the pros and cons, then draft a formal employment policy.

Karen E. Klein- September 27, 2006 Similar items

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Travel Expenses Offer Small Tax Benefit

An employer tells staffers who drive to clients' offices to deduct expenses and mileage on their personal tax returns. Is this legit?.

Karen E. Klein- September 25, 2006 Similar items

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Do the Due: Be Wary of Internet Scams

When an unfamiliar company offers to fund a business idea, if it sounds too good to be true, it may be. Here's how to do the due diligence.

Karen E. Klein- September 18, 2006 Similar items

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Building a Better Business Plan

By all means try to communicate something of your personality, if it's important to your startup, but don't skimp on hard data.

Karen E. Klein- September 12, 2006 Similar items

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Why Your Biz Needs Its Own Plastic

As more major banks make lending and credit decisions using automated processes, switching to a business credit card is worth considering.

Karen E. Klein- September 11, 2006 Similar items

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Finding Your Online Audience

The subtle art of positioning your business on the Web and how to join the conversation once you鈥檝e found your niche.

Karen E. Klein- September 06, 2006 Similar items

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An Online Business for $3,000

Our expert checklist covers the major tasks鈥攁nd costs鈥攊nvolved in setting up a business to sell products or services on the Internet.

Karen E. Klein- September 05, 2006 Similar items

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Who Needs an Insurance Broker?

Maybe you, since hiring one can make it easier to buy benefits for your employees鈥攁nd in many cases, it won't cost you more.

Karen E. Klein- August 30, 2006 Similar items

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Understanding Your Summer Interns

The interns this business-owner hired wore flip-flops and didn't know how to work the copier, but they were creative and fearless too.

Karen E. Klein- August 28, 2006 Similar items

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How to Fight Bankruptcy Scams

Yikes, a customer who owes you is conspiring to protect his assets. Here's how to do battle鈥攁nd decide whether it's worth your trouble.

Karen E. Klein- August 23, 2006 Similar items

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A Company Blog Keeps People Connected

Blogs can help businesses communicate internally more effectively and cheaply than e-mail and workflow management software.

Karen E. Klein- August 21, 2006 Similar items

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