Brian 
One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to leave typical employment and start their own business is health insurance. This is a very valid and good reason to hesitate, but there are solutions. Even very small businesses can qualify for health insurance. As little as two full-time employees can be enough to get health insurance … Read more
I can’t tell you how many employers I’ve watched knowingly or unknowingly break the law. Seriously, every business owner should take at least specific classes at a community college (or an equivalent class online or at least read a book!) and employment law is probably at the top of the list. Payroll There are lots … Read more
Many small business owners try to call employees independent contractors in order to save money on payroll taxes and workers comp. It is not an option, it’s not up to you. The IRS has clear rules about this and they are surprisingly clear for government rules. True Independent Contractors The best example of a true … Read more
Many employers try to count employees as salary to get more work out of them without paying overtime. This is illegal. There are rules in place already, it’s not just up to the employer to decide. First, let’s clarify that salary means exempt from overtime, so you’ll see it referred to as exempt (salary) vs … Read more
This is one issue I’ve heard for a long time, many people call “employment at will” right to work. These are two very different issues and you should be familiar with both, at least at a basic level. Right to Work The term right to work refers to states where people have the right to … Read more
This is one thing that many if not most business owners forget to do or don’t even know they needed to do until it was too late. It’s also a very easy way to quickly get your business in financial trouble. If you are on payroll, you pay the government your payroll taxes out of … Read more
I know, every business owner wants to grow. No one starts a business in hopes it stays the same. But growth can also be harmful. Here are a couple of examples of how I’ve seen growth kill or at least hold back and harm businesses. Case Study 1: A Small Restaurant Wants a Bigger Space … Read more
This is a common mistake that many entrepreneurs make. They have an idea of what they need and find someone who is close to what they need, more or less. But when that person doesn’t check every box the business owner pictured in their head, then it can go sour. Most business owners will either … Read more
Over my years of working for and with so many different small business owners, I’ve realized there are two main types. Recognizing which type you are can make all the difference in the world in how well your business does. Type 1: The Type A Person This is the person who is great at the … Read more
This is one of the first things any business has to decide but it can have a huge impact on the business and personal impacts for the owner. Sole Proprietorship A sole proprietorship simply means you are making money as an individual, not a separate legal entity. If you register with your state this way, … Read more