Keep Your Business Compliant

Copyright and Works for Hire: Protect Your Copyright Ownership

By William S. Galkin, Esq. February 1, 2023

When you pay an outside contractor to create something for your business — for example, a website, some software, a logo, or some other created work — it would seem logical to assume that since you paid the contractor for the work, you own the copyright. Unfortunately, that isn’t always true. Here’s what you need ...

How to Pay Yourself When You’re a Sole Proprietor

By Janet Attard February 1, 2023

Getting paid when you work for yourself isn’t as simple as it may seem. Sole proprietors can follow these guidelines for paying themselves in a way that doesn’t land them in trouble with the IRS or other government agencies. How do you pay yourself when you are self-employed and haven’t incorporated your business? It ought ...

Corporate Transparency Act: Reporting Requirements for Small LLCs and Corporations

By Janet Attard January 1, 2023

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is federal legislation that will require LLCs and corporations with fewer than 20 employees to start reporting ownership information to the federal government in 2024. Here are details that may apply to your small business. As the owner of a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation with few or ...

How to Evaluate a Commercial Property Lease

By Tim Knox December 1, 2022

You’ve finally found the perfect location for your new business. Before you sign a lease, remember that no matter now friendly your prospective landlord seems, the lease is not likely to be in your favor. Here are some important points to consider before signing a commercial lease. After you’ve found a location for your brick-and-mortar ...

How to Protect Your Personal Assets in a Business

Team ZenBusiness December 1, 2022

If you’re thinking about starting a business, you should know there are some situations in which your personal assets may be at risk. If you have significant personal property, including but not limited to a home, cash savings, or ownership of assets like stocks and bonds, those holdings could be in jeopardy if you’re held ...

How to Prevent Workplace Bullying in Your Business

By Tim Parker November 1, 2022

Workplace bullying can decrease morale, reduce productivity and cause good employees to quit. Worse, it can get your business sued. Use these seven strategies to deal with workplace bullies. Workplace bullying is a widespread problem. According to a Workplace Bullying Institute study, 79.3 million workers are affected by workplace bullying. 30% of respondents said they had been ...

10 Items Your Business Plan May Be Missing

Team ZenBusiness November 1, 2022

You’re ready to go and get funding for your startup idea, but the obstacle of writing a detailed business plan is slowing down your progress. Don’t be the entrepreneur who forges ahead without a plan, leading to their startup company’s eventual demise. A well-written business plan is often the difference between your entrepreneurial dream staying ...

How to Set Company Policies to Avoid Problems

By Bob Adams October 2, 2022

Some people view company policies as a sign of encroaching bureaucracy and hence avoid having written or established policies as much as possible. There are even a few publicized cases of relatively large companies that have enjoyed tremendous success without the benefit of company policies. However, if you don’t have some company policies, you may soon ...

Social Media Copyright: How Influencers Protect Their Content

Team ZenBusiness September 30, 2022

In almost every industry, from beauty, to fitness, to technology, you’ll find an influencer on social media. These small business owners use social media to interact with consumers and promote their brand with various types of content.

Successful Startup Advice: Leaving an Employer to Launch a Competitor

By Greg Rankin September 1, 2022

If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving your current job to start a competing business, then you’re not alone. Nearly 4.3 million people quit their jobs in January of 2022, which is near the record level set in November of 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. All signs point to now as the ideal time to ...

Getting a Commercial Lease — Without Signing a Personal Guarantee

By Marshall Lee September 1, 2022

There was a time when entrepreneurs and small business owners were able to negotiate commercial leases without a personal guarantee. Landlords were often willing to forgo a guarantee in exchange for higher rents, longer lease terms, or larger common area maintenance (CAM) fees, but now…? Well, let’s just say that the times are changing. Landlords, ...

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