Small Talk

Small businesses downsize their real estate

There’s a downsizing trend under way at many small businesses: Moving to smaller offices because of shrinking staffs and as more workers telecommute.Owners say they’re saving money on real estate, office furniture and other expenses by... Full story

Who to hire depends on what growth you expect

Even though the economy  is still suffering and many small businesses won’t be hiring for some time, some companies are thinking about taking on more workers. The question for many is, what kind?Some business owners will hire full-time or... Full story

A downscaled party can still boost worker morale

Joyce M. Rosenberg

It doesn’t have to be a downer when the weak economy forces small businesses to scale back their holiday parties from the big catered or restaurant affairs they held in the past. These events can still be opportunities to build teamwork and... Full story

Small businesses have big leverage with landlords

Joyce M. Rosenberg

While small businesses are still struggling in this weak economy, many are catching a break when it comes to negotiating with landlords. The weakness in the commercial real estate market comes in part from high vacancy rates in many parts of the... Full story

Local teams, even T-ball, can be marketing tools

On football and soccer fields across the nation, small business owners are taking advantage of a huge marketing opportunity: sponsoring local sports teams.Just about every sport, from T-ball played by 5-year-olds to semi-pro baseball or basketball,... Full story

Small business angst rises as tax deadline nears

T hese are anxious times for some small business owners who face an Oct. 15 due date for their 2008 income tax returns. These owners got extensions of the deadline for filing their returns back in April but aren’t ready to file. Or, they... Full story

Small businesses deal with H1N1 issues

Small business owners who weathered the first wave of swine flu last spring are dealing with the illness all over again, including issues like employee absences and staffers who are afraid of getting sick.“Outside of the Obama health care... Full story

High hopes: Small business is becoming optimistic

Small business owners are joining consumers and investors in showing some cautious optimism about the economy.An index that measures owners’ optimism rose last month, boosted by expectations that business conditions will improve in the future.... Full story

Businesses may want to look at retirement

NEW YORK Like many investors, small business owners may be wondering if this is a good time to go into the stock market. For those with employees, the debate may extend to whether it’s the right time to set up company-sponsored retirement... Full story

Use upcoming tax deadlines to plan for the future

With a pair of tax deadlines approaching, small business owners have a chance to turn some bureaucratic requirements into a planning opportunity for the rest of 2009.Sept. 15 is the day companies must make quarterly estimated tax payments.... Full story

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