BizFilings Expert Insights

No matter what type of business you own, you will face many of the same challenges. How do I attract and retain customers? How do I find and keep excellent employees? How do I turn a profit? We'll discuss these and several other critical questions with small business expert, blogger, and author Barry Moltz.For additional information and resources: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilingsAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2979091/advertisement

Inflation easily remains the top challenge facing small businesses, according to a new survey of small business owners by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife. The Small Business Index shows more than half of business owners are concerned about inflation. Other concerns include revenue, ongoing supply chain problems, and rising interest rates. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President for Small Business Policy Tom Sullivan joins us to discuss the problems these issues are causing and the most effective strategies for dealing with them.For additional information and resources: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilingsAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2979091/advertisement

Uncertainty was the only thing certain for business owners over the past few years. So what can you expect for 2023? Entrepreneur, author, and speaker Ramon Ray says the best way to grow in these economic times is to develop closer relationships with your existing customers and learn more ways you can serve them well. Ray also offers tips on attracting new customers, protecting your business from inflation, how to keep your prized employees happy and engaged, and whether 2023 is the right year to start a new business.For additional information and resources:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilingsAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Remote employees give business owners access to far more talent, but it's vital to make sure that you hire and manage those remote workers and teams properly. DIYMarketers.com Publisher Ivana Taylor walks us through the homework that business owners need to do to understand the positions they're trying to fill, how to communicate your expectations clearly to avoid frustration down the road, and what to do when serious problems arise.For additional resources: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilingsAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

More businesses than ever are hiring remote employees. But before going down that road, make sure you understand and consider the liability issues that may arise. Big Ideas for Small Business Inc. President Barbara Weltman walks us through three major areas to keep in mind: personal injury, data security, and keeping track of when an employee is working. Weltman also discusses the tax complications that may arise, particularly when employees work in different states.For additional information and resources, please visit: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/how-to-start-a-business-10-steps-to-starting-a-businessAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

DIYMarketers.com Publisher Ivana Taylor shares her "winflation" mindset that she encourages all business owners to have during this time of inflation. Instead of focusing solely on cutting costs and raising prices, Taylor urges us to listen for other ways our customers wish we could help them and come up with enticing incentives for them to do more business with us. Taylor also highlights the value of finding ways to collaborate with other businesses and following up with existing and prospective customers to meet their needs.For additional information and resources: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilings

After enduring a pandemic and the accompanying economic hardship for two years, many business owners are now scrambling to deal with rapidly rising inflation and the ongoing supply chain problems. So how can you adapt to these conditions that are beyond your control? Melinda Emerson. also known as the Small Biz Lady, offers strategies to cut costs, raise prices, and try to keep your customers patient and loyal.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

The pandemic appears to be easing, but business owners may soon need to make some big decisions. BizFilings Service Manager Mike Enright offers his insights on how to navigate where and how employees will work, how to attract and keep the right employees in a challenging labor environment, how to meet evolving customer expectations and much more.For additional resources on this topic, please visit:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/getting-your-small-business-back-to-normal-in-2022https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/small-business-outlook-what-small-business-owners-can-expect-in-2022Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

The government will soon be imposing a new beneficial ownership reporting rule as part of the Corporate Transparency Act, which was passed by Congress last year. CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman explains which entities will need to comply with the new rule, what potential exemptions exist, and what information the government is going to want in these reports.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Small business expert Gene Marks offers business owners timely advice on how to handle inflation, supply challenges, and labor shortages in the new year. Marks also offers encouraging news on the affordability of AI tools that improve efficiency and will improve the bottom line. And he gives business owners a tip on how to get funds from the Small Business Administration at a good interest rate...but you need to act within the next couple of weeks.

A record number of new businesses started in 2020 but many aspiring entrepreneurs are still reluctant to chase their dreams because of their fear of failure. CT Corporation Manager of Customer Service Tim Jensen joins us to explain how that fear is actually a good thing that can be leveraged to make your new business even better. He also offers advice on how to translate prior business failures into future success.For additional resources on this subject, please visit:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/bizfilings-small-business-survey-2021Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Choosing the right entity is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make, and an entity that will protect you from having to pay corporate taxes on top of personal income taxes can be very attractive. It's known as an S Corporation. CT Corporation Manager of Customer Service Tim Jensen explains what it takes to be eligible to file as an S Corporation, how this entity differs from other entity types, and what the ongoing compliance requirements look like.For additional information and resources:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilings/incorporation-optionsAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Could a holding company be the key to making sure your business survives tough stretches and unexpected interruptions like a pandemic? CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman explains what holding companies and operating companies are and walks us through the major benefits and possible drawbacks of choosing this kind of business structure.For more information and resources, please visit:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/using-holding-and-operating-companies-to-protect-business-assetshttps://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/liens-can-secure-funding-and-protect-business-assetsAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

One of the first critical decisions for any aspiring business owner is determining the right business formation or incorporation for you. But why is it important? What are the different options for incorporation and what should be the most important factors in choosing one? We discuss all of this and the incorporation process with CT Corporation Customer Service Manager Tim Jensen.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

A record number of new businesses started in 2020 but many aspiring entrepreneurs are still reluctant to chase their dreams because of their fear of failure. CT Corporation Manager of Customer Service Tim Jensen joins us to explain how that fear is actually a good thing that can be leveraged to make your new business even better. He also offers advice on how to translate prior business failures into future success.For additional resources on this subject, please visit:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/bizfilings-small-business-survey-2021Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Choosing a name for your business is one of the most important decisions any business owner will make. You want it to be memorable and to explain exactly what you do. But naming a business also needs to follow the rules in your state. What do you do if some other business already has the name you want? What is the difference between a legal name and the name the public knows you by? And what words should you be careful not to include in your business name? We discuss all of those questions and much more with Tim Jensen, manager of customer service at CT Corporation.For additional information and resources on naming your business, please visit::https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/assumed-names-dba-what-you-need-to-knowAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Over the past 18 months, Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, or SPAC's, have exploded in popularity for businesses and celebrity influencers. But what exactly is a SPAC? What advantages does it have compared to a more traditional initial public offering? What risks should you know about? And how could it impact your business? We get answers to these questions and more with CT Corporation Senior Director Amit Rajvanshy.For additional resources on this topic:https://www.bizfilings.comAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

It is vital for business owners to protect themselves and their firms through a formal business entity. The limited liability company, or LLC, is an extremely popular choice, but why is that? CT Corporation Customer Service Manager Tim Jensen joins us to explain the many benefits of LLC's and the due diligence you need to perform before making your choice official. Jensen also walks us through the steps of setting up an LLC and discusses the ongoing responsibilities that come with it.For additional resources on this topic, please visit:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilings/incorporation-optionsAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Some businesses are looking to acquire other firms weakened by the pandemic and others are looking to merge to stay afloat. But as these opportunities present themselves, what do business owners need to know before completing a deal? CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman shares five critical pieces of information you will need before signing any agreement.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Some business owners get a very unwelcome surprise when they find out a UCC-1 filing was made against their company. When false, such filings make a business look like a bad bet for lenders and other financial providers. So how do these filings happen? What can be done to set the record straight? And how can you find out whether your business is impacted before the lenders do? We get answers from CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman.For additional information on UCC-1 filings:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/the-courts-are-clear-ucc-1s-must-be-authorized-to-be-effectiveAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

If your business did not have employees working from home before the pandemic, there's a very good chance you quickly figured it out in March of 2020. Now that the business world is reopening, many business owners are planning to have employees continue working from home. But what do we need to know to remain compliant when it comes to business licensing and other obligations? CT Corporation Compliance Business Consultant Donia Wade tells us what we need to know to make these changes as smoothly as possible.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

With a pandemic easing and an economy fighting to recover, law firms are also experiencing a lot of changes. What are the biggest changes that firms are facing? Which parts of the world are seeing the most change? And what opportunities and challenges are law firms seeing right now? We get answers from Devlin Fisher, global sales support manager at CT Corporation.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

CT Corporation Compliance Business Consultant Donia Wade walks us through the key steps for acquiring and maintaining a business license. She also offers best practices for staying on top of license compliance issues and making the process for renewing or adding licenses as simple as possible.For additional resources, please visit:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilings/business-licensesAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Whether retiring, selling a business, or having to close, knowing how to properly dissolve a business is critically important. CT Corporation Manager of Customer Service Tim Jensen walks us through the key steps of dissolution, the risks created by not going through the process properly, and why it's good to understand all of this before we actually need to do it.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Natalie Mendell and Alejandro Martinez of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce discuss their proactive approach to helping businesses in New York City after a year of uncertainty. Martell and Martinez discuss their program of going door-to-door to meet with business owners, learn their concerns, and point them towards resources that will address their concerns over financing, leasing, and more.For more information on legal solutions for small businesses, please visit:https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilingsAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

CT Corporation Manager of Customer Service Tim Jensen explains the many benefits of incorporation, how to choose the right entity type for your business, and how to navigate the actual process of incorporation.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

For more and more law firms, growth and expansion often mean doing work in other countries. In this edition of Expert Insights, CT’s Global Sales Support Manager, Rob McHugh, discusses the opportunities and challenges of doing work internationally, and how law firms can structure their internal operations to best address growing global legal work.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

As businesses continue to look for global opportunities, the law firms that support them can face their own set of challenges. More and more client work contains an international component for which law firms must be prepared to handle. In this edition of Expert Insights, CT’s Global Sales Support Manager, Devlin Fisher, discusses how the global pandemic has affected business activity and the marketplace, what practice areas are seeing the biggest growth, tackling the global components to client requests, and common issues law firms run into.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Millions of people were forced to work from home in 2020 and now some businesses plan to keep it that way. But what do business leaders need to know to stay compliant when it comes to teleworking employees? CT Corporation’s Compliance Business Consultant Donia Wade explains the compliance areas that you need to know about, when a business license is required for these situations, and what tools can make your compliance easier.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

When starting a new business, you have options on what type of entity to establish. Two common considerations are a sole proprietorship and a limited liability corporation. What are the advantages of each, what are the possible downsides, and how will this decision impact taxes for your business? We discuss all these questions and more with CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

After much debate, the COVID relief bill is now law and it includes more than $284 billion of relief for small businesses through a third round of the Paycheck Protection Program. CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman joins us to explain what is different about this round of PPP loans, why most of the changes are good news for business owners, and how you can apply for relief.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

On January 1, a new law called the Corporate Transparency Act went into effect. It requires many businesses to file what's known as a beneficial ownership report. CT Corporation Publications attorney Sandra Feldman explains why the reports are needed, which businesses need to file them, and how soon that needs to be done.

CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman joins us to explain why it is vital for every business to establish a formal entity, the reasons why a business owner would consider changing that entity, and how to go about implementing that change correctly.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Small business expert Gene Marks looks forward to what 2021 has in store for small business owners. Marks explains the Paycheck Protection Program changes available in the latest COVID relief legislation, how businesses can weather more shutdowns, and what new opportunities are emerging from all the upheaval in our economy.

We experienced a lot of sudden change in 2020, but hopefully we've also learned how to lead through times of change as well. Vested Group founder Joel Patterson reflects on the lessons learned from the past year and how to lead future change with clarity and empathy.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

BizFilings Service Manager Mike Enright tells us why scammers frequently target business owners, what the most common scams look like, and how best to protect yourself and your business.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Big Ideas for Small Business, Inc. President Barbara Weltman shares timely advice on how best to prepare your business for tax season and how the pandemic and the CARES Act may impact your tax planning and other year-end decisions.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

If you are ready to make your side hustle a business, it is critical to choose a formal business entity to protect you from liability. Author, columnist, and business owner Chris Corosa explains why every business needs liability protection, how your income and tax status impact your choice of entity, and how he has personally navigated entity decisions throughout his career.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Eliot Gajadhar, director of product development at 1-800Accountant, explains the payroll tax holiday currently available to business owners, the pros and cons of signing up for the holiday, and how employers can best decide whether this opportunity is right for them.

After months of employees working from home, many business owners are seeing productivity as good or even better than it was before. But before you plan to make a telework a permanent policy, what do you need to know? Phyllis Reagin, leadership consultant and former Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Warner Brothers Entertainment, explains how to keep your personnel feeling connected and effective while not stressing them out as they juggle family responsibilities.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

The pandemic created many challenges for business owners but it also brings new opportunities to provide products and services to customers in new ways. Jim Blasingame, host of the "Small Business Advocate Show," joins us to explain why new business niches are exploding right now, how to get your customers to tell you their changing needs, and how business to business relationships can be especially valuable.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

You want your new business to grow, but the desire to realize your goals and dreams can leave you susceptible to making critical mistakes. Shadow CEO Athan Slotkin joins us to discuss six different mistakes you'll want to avoid as a new CEO and how to navigate around them successfully.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts