Not sure if you’re underpaying or overpaying? Third-party salary surveys can help.
Thomas, San Francisco
I have a video production company with five full-time editors. I'm always stressed thinking I'm either overpaying them and I'm going to go broke, or underpaying them and am going to lose them and/or they're going to get resentful. Because of this, I realize I manage them nervously, which is not good management. How does one determine pay parity? I would like to pay them fairly so I can stop worrying and pay and manage them with confidence. Read more…
Your true net profit is the number that potential buyers will want to know.
Susie Pemberton, Centralia, Mo.
I live in a small town and own a child care facility. My gross income in 2008 was $126,134. Someone’s interested in buying it, and they’re waiting for me to give them a price. I understand that I need to “adjust” my expense report for 2008, but I’m not sure what to use for a multiplier. I’ve been in business for six years, and can see room for expansion in the future. How do I name my price?
A guide to breaking big in Apple's very crowded market.
Keeven Kuate Konga, Tempe
What steps do I take in order to make a big jump in the iPhone application industry? I have found an app designer. I know the basics, but is there any other information other than what's given on Apple's Web site?
A research study of the quintessential business dilemma has turned up some surprising answers.
Max Smith, Miami
I run a small company, and the recession is making me re-examine my advertising budget. I ran across claims that publicity may be much more cost-effective than advertising, but found no formal studies on it. I always thought PR was too expensive for small businesses, but in doing my research I posted my project on AllPublicists and got many low-cost offers from publicists. One firm, for example, doesn't charge anything unless they deliver results. However, most companies still put much more reliance on advertising than on PR. Is it because pay-for-results-only publicity such a new option, or am I missing something? Are there any studies on the subject?
How to stand out in a crowded field without spending loads of money on advertising.
Jenny, Deer Park, N.Y.
I own a small beauty shop in a mid-sized town on Long Island, New York. The problem for me is the competition: In the past five years, three more beauty shops opened around the five-mile area, and my business started to sink two years ago. How do I stand out from a crowded field without spending tons of money on advertising?
If the problem of too many owners is killing the business, it's time to restructure.
Kelli, Bishop, Calif.
How hard is it to split a family business? A mother and three siblings each own 20% of the business but the siblings don’t get along at all.
Have a hot idea for an educational software product? Here's how successful entrepreneurs have cracked the market.
Ernest L. Leisner, Buffalo
I have created a word game that I would like to transform into an educational video game. I believe it can go a long way to help improve the dismal illiteracy rate in our schools. I have many aspects of a proposal in place and I’d like to find a government grant to help. I have tried searching the Internet, but there are scams all over the place.
Experts reveal the best ways to keep company information in the building when the employees exit.
Tom Goll, Owner, U.S. Diversified Tech, Nashua, N.H.
We always hear about what employees should do to prepare for layoffs. But what should employers do to ensure that company data, contacts and customer lists don't walk out the door with terminated employees?
How much should you pay your company directors? First, take a hard look at what skills they'll need to guide your business.
Paul Dzera, MGBD, New York City
What would you recommend for determining board of directors' fee levels (annual retainer, board meeting fees, committee meeting fees, etc.), both in cash and stock options? I have a small public company with revenues of about $30 million. To date, I have reviewed the Director Compensation Report available through the National Association of Corporate Directors, but their "smaller" company information is for companies with revenues ranging from $50 million to $500 million.
Registering your company's name as a trademark isn't legally required, but it can pay off down the road.
Nick, Seattle
I am starting a clothing company and need to copyright the brand name. What is the best way to do this on a tight budget?
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As staffs shrink, business owners are taking on support duties they haven't had to handle in years. More
