Category: Ask an Expert

Dismal Holiday Season

Dismal Holiday Season Answered by Anita Campbell , Founder and CEO of Small Business Trends on December 20, 2013 Q: Cena Senemar, http://tandttactical.com asks: I am having a slow Christmas season, having tried online and TV advertising and also e-mails to former customers. What other options are available to business owners who are having a…

Read More >

Questions to Ask Credit Card Vendors

Q: Art Goudey, Compass Consulting asks: When I get new clients who are just starting a business, they ask me what questions they should ask credit card processors or vendors to make sure they get the best rate and the system that is best for them. Since I’m not well-versed in that area, can you…

Read More >

Gross Sales and Accounting

Q: Jeff Pardini, Hills Flat Lumber Company asks: Based on a percentage of gross sales, what percentage should be allowed for accounting? A: I’ve checked with various sources, and can’t any published statistics measuring accounting in that fashion as a metric. For small businesses, such metrics can be misleading, because of our small size and…

Read More >

Small Business Grant

Q: Tim and Merlie Mayer asks: Where can a business owner get a grant or loan for their business? What are the best resources available? A: For grants, your best bet is to check your local city or county.  Sometimes there are programs — either in the form of outright grants, or low cost or…

Read More >