4 small-business trends to watch out for

While research indicates consumers and small businesses are getting more optimistic, you should move forward cautiously, Cliff Rossi writes. "Don't make any business-altering decisions until the positive outlook remains positive for a while," he writes. Also, be aware of what's going on in the world economy and be ready for more political discussion about business. The Washington Post (1/22)

How to better your tax-preparation process in 2012

A number of strategies -- including switching to a computerized accounting system and regularly balancing your books -- can help to set your business up for success in 2012, writes Bonnie Lee of Taxpertise. "Review your company's financial statements on a regular basis to determine the progress of your business, pinpoint weak spots, and to plan for the future," she recommends. Fox Business Small Business Center (1/20)

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How to spot a mystery-shopper scam

There are legitimate opportunities to become a mystery shopper -- someone who does business with a company to provide feedback about the experience -- but there are some mystery-shopper scams as well. Don't pay for such a position, and don't agree to wire money for a mystery-shopper job. The Topeka Capital-Journal (Kan.) (1/22)

Creating a budget for your small business

It's wise to take a conservative approach when creating a budget for your small business, writes Jacqueline Taylor. "You want to see a steady cash flow, with enough coming monthly to cover what is going out, plus an allowance for the unexpected," she writes. Regularly review your budget and look for opportunities to cut costs if necessary, she writes. Houston Chronicle (1/20)

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What's keeping you from taking advantage of the low prices and mortgage rates available today? Concerned that you may need to sell in a few years and won't be able to get your equity out of your home?

Suppose a buyer purchases a home and finds out that they need to move in two years. Instead of selling the home, they could convert it to a rental. It's possible that it could have a positive cash flow even with the small down payment. In most cases, the conversion would not accelerate the mortgage.
The price of homes and low interest rates combined with a very strong rental market in most areas has attracted a lot of investors. Non-owner occupied mortgages generally require 20-30% down payment compared to a 3.5% down payment for a FHA owner occupant.

The following example looks at a home that might have been purchased as a principal residence and then converted to a rental at the end of two years. There are certainly lots of variables to consider but the high indicated rate of return merits closer examination of the possibilities.

For the buyer who has good credit and ample funds for down payment and acquisition costs, there may never be as good a time to buy a home as now. For the buyer who is concerned that they might have to move in the near future, converting it to a rental might make a great investment opportunity.

Trust is the secret to standing out in the Internet Age

Technology is giving consumers greater insights into pricing, and companies have to leverage their strategic advantages to stay competitive, writes Don Peppers. One critical factor in building business in the current environment is trust, he notes. "Being proactively trustworthy ... requires you to watch out for your customer's interest even when your customer isn't paying attention," he writes. FastCompany.com/FC Expert Blog (1/19)

Your business' legal expenses may be tax-deductible

If you hired a lawyer to help you with your business operations, you may be able to deduct your legal fees from your tax bill, writes Andrew Chow. In general, legal fees that were used to help launch your business, handle an employee lawsuit or create a contract can be deducted, but you may want to discuss the matter with a tax attorney, he writes. FindLaw/Free Enterprise blog (1/19)

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Outsource your cybersecurity to protect your company without breaking the bank

As cybersecurity threats increase, you might want to outsource your security needs, Riva Richmond writes. This approach allows you to make use of security experts and only pay for the work you need done. "You'll probably want to select a company with technology that can meet your specific security needs and provide a responsive support team," she advises. Entrepreneur.com (1/17)

Does your business have the insurance it needs?

A few types of business insurance -- general liability, professional liability and business owner policy insurance -- are important for small companies to have, writes David Mielach. There are also a few types of insurance that some companies may be able to benefit from, including cyberinsurance. "If your website is hacked and someone defaces it and there is a cost to restore that website to how it was, cyber would give you that coverage," said Kevin Kerridge of Hiscox. BusinessNewsDaily.com (1/18)Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 

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How to stave off "lender fatigue" and find financing

A number of factors, including low revenue and a lack of communication, could cause your bank to decide it no longer wants to lend to you, writes James Cassel. If you're looking for fresh financing, consider more factors than the interest rates offered, and determine how involved potential lenders are in your industry. "It is not uncommon for lenders to reduce their concentration in an industry by asking borrowers to find a new lender," he notes. The Miami Herald (free registration) (1/16)

6 BBB tips for choosing a credit card processing service

There has been an uptick in complaints against credit card processing services, according to BBB, which recommends small businesses do their research before settling on a provider. BBB's tips for finding the right processor include to check references, use month-to-month agreements and carefully monitor the costs. Du Quoin Evening Call (Ill.) (1/18)

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Early-season tax-prep tips

With January more than halfway gone, it's time to get your taxes in order. Companies should send W-2 forms to employees and 1099 forms to contractors, and they should also make sure their inventory records are correct, experts say. BusinessNewsDaily.com (1/17) 

9 ways to make your business more sustainable on a budget

Entrepreneurs say a number of simple, inexpensive tactics -- including conducting business over the Internet and switching from paper cups to reusable mugs -- have helped their companies to become more environmentally friendly. Fox Business Small Business Center/Young Entrepreneur Council (1/17)

Protect your identity when you file your taxes

Besides being tough on your wallet, tax season can also present a number of security risks, Dave Johnson writes. To protect your personal information, update your antivirus software, avoid using fax machines and don't trust e-mails claiming to be from the IRS, he writes. CBS MoneyWatch (1/13)

Wedding vendors: How to find the ones that will make your day magic

It's easy to get carried away at a bridal show, so it's important to ask vendors a few key questions to make sure you find what you're looking for, says BBB's Heather Clary. Ask if they are available on your wedding date and if any special deals they are offering will be valid after the show ends, she said. Research vendors with BBB and get commitments in writing, she said. ClipSyndicate/WTVQ-TV (Lexington, Ky.) (1/11)Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 

How to spot direct-mail scams

Some companies use deceptive techniques to try to get consumers to open and respond to their mailings, writes Randy Hutchinson. "The Better Business Bureau Code of Advertising says that an advertisement as a whole can be misleading even though every sentence is literally true," he notes. Check out the entire text of such mailings, and be especially cautious if they don't include a company name or address, he writes. The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tenn.) (free registration) (1/13)

Which merchant account service is right for your company?

Flagship Merchant Services is the top choice for businesses that need merchant account services to accept credit cards, and Merchant Warehouse is another solid choice, writes Danny Chadwick. "Both merchant account services offer high approval ratings, speedy setup time and great customer service," he notes. BusinessNewsDaily.com (1/14)

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With the exception of a mortgage payment, the largest homeowner expense is utilities; and energy is the major component. There are lots of contributing factors such as air leaks, insulation, heating and cooling equipment, water heaters and lighting.

It's estimated that 75% of the electricity to power home electronics is consumed when the products are turned off. Computers, monitors, TVs, cable and satellite boxes, DVRs and power adaptors are spinning your electric meter even when they're not being used.
Unplugging devices can actually make a difference in the size of your electric bill. Plugging several of these offenders into a power strip with a single on/off switch may make the task easier. Most computers have options to put them into sleep mode or even turn off when not in use.

Take 3 1/2 minutes and watch Energy 101. Consider hiring a professional home energy auditor or do-it-yourself. The Department of Energy has a checklist with some valuable suggestions.

How offering a 401(k) can cut your tax bill

Starting a 401(k) can help you and your employees prepare for retirement and reduce your tax bill, Stuart Robertson writes. There are small-business tax credits available to mitigate the administrative costs attached to such plans, and making contributions to the accounts can lower your tax rate, he writes. Forbes (1/12)

Google wants small companies to use search advertising

The percentage of small businesses with websites has increased dramatically during the past few years, and Google is working to get these small firms to try search advertising. Google has introduced a number of programs that cater to small businesses, including an easier-to-use version of its ad platform as well as Mobile Site Builder, which can help companies set up websites. More small-business-friendly programs are in the works, according to a Google executive. FastCompany.com (1/9)

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What you need to know about the new 1099-K tax form

The government is introducing a new tax document called Form 1099-K. The form is necessary for small businesses that exceed $20,000 in sales over the course of at least 200 transactions with a single payment processor. FindLaw/Free Enterprise blog (1/10)

How to avoid home-refinancing scams

Scammers are looking to take advantage of homeowners who qualify for refinancing under the Home Affordable Refinance Program, according to BBB. Such homeowners should contact their lenders first and shouldn't sign over their deeds, BBB warns. Patch.com/Lake Minnetonka (1/12)

New tech tools that could boost business

The 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, which is taking place in Las Vegas, will include some interesting products for small-business use, Jonathan Blum writes. Among the devices at the show are Internet-connected televisions, which might work well in your waiting room, and ultrabooks, which are incredibly light laptops. Entrepreneur.com (1/9)

3 ways to stand out on Google+

Businesses should avoid simply using Google+ to rebroadcast content they have already shared on other social sites, according to Christian Oestlien, a Google+ product manager. "I think a lot of Google Plus users look to see if the brands are actually engaged in the platform itself or just reposting what they've shared elsewhere," he said. Brands can succeed on the platform by providing relevant content to social media influencers and by using the Hangouts feature. Mashable (1/9)

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3 ways to improve your chances of getting a mortgage

Self-employed people might have an especially difficult time getting mortgages in the current economic climate, Amy Hoak writes. To improve your chances, search for experienced lenders, think about using portfolio lenders and consider using tactics to increase your qualifying income. MarketWatch (1/9)

The importance of trust in sales

Trust between companies and customers is essential when it comes to making sales, writes Ken Makovsky. One study found that buyers who aren't trusted face higher costs, he notes. During Makovsky's recent trip to Vermont, he experienced two stores demonstrating their trust for their customers by operating on the honor system. Forbes (1/5)

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People are staying longer in their homes according to the National Association of Realtors and the U.S. Census. Over time, even a modest appreciation could result in a significant gain and homeowners should have a strategy to minimize possible taxes.

Maintenance on a principal residence is not deductible but improvements can add to the basis which can reduce the gain in the sale. Improvements are easily identified if they add to the value of a home, prolong its useful life or adapt it to new uses.
Receipts and other proof, such as pictures, should be kept during ownership and for several years after the sale of the home. They can include the closing statements from the purchase and sale of the home and all receipts for improvements, additions or other items that affect the home's adjusted basis or cost.

For a principal residence, basis includes the price paid, plus certain acquisition costs and capital improvements made. When the property is sold for more than the basis, there is a gain. Currently, homeowners that meet the requirements can exclude up to $250,000 of gain if single or up to $500,000 if married filing jointly.

A simple strategy is to put documents that affect the basis of the home in one envelope. Any receipt for money spent on the home that isn't the house payment or utilities, goes into the envelope. Your tax advisor will be able to sort through them to determine the capital improvements.

For more information on determining basis or capital improvements, see IRS publication 523, Selling Your Home.

BBB tips for businesses that want to build trust

Southern Arizona's BBB says the number of complaints it receives has declined, which is good news for the organization's goal of increasing trust, writes CEO Kim States. She lists eight ways businesses can establish trust, such as by fulfilling their commitments, maintaining integrity and quickly working to resolve problems. Inside Tucson Business (Ariz.) (1/6)

Lack of small-business funding continues to stifle economic growth

A recent report from three economists shows that the economy is still lagging because banks aren't lending money to the small businesses that need it. Because about half of all jobs in the U.S. are with firms with 500 employees or less, and those companies typically don't have the wherewithal to drum up aggressive financial support, the banks that refuse to work with them are impeding the progress of a significant portion of the economy. Slate (1/9)

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Charting a course for a more sustainable year

If you want to make your business greener this year, start by creating a plan to do so, Kelly Spors writes. Such plans need not be long to be effective, she notes. Determine what your most important sustainability goal is, and get your customers involved in your green efforts, she writes. Small Business Trends (1/5)

The truth about social media for B2B marketing

Some people think business-to-business companies shouldn't try to make sales on social media, but that isn't the case, Kipp Bodnar writes. "Spaming people in social media is always off limits. Giving someone what they want when they want it is always a great thing," Bodnar writes. Other common misconceptions include the ideas that there isn't a clear return on investment associated with B2B social media and that social media marketing can completely replace a company's other outreach efforts. SocialMediaB2B.com (1/6)

How ending a business partnership will affect your tax bill

Keep in mind that leaving a business partnership could affect what you owe on your taxes, Bonnie Lee writes. Whether you will owe money to the government depends on factors such as the amount of capital you put into the business and the profits you got out of it, she notes. "If you have a gain, you will owe taxes." Fox Business Small Business Center (1/6)

How to access your free credit report

Everyone is legally guaranteed the right to review their credit report for free once a year, says BBB's Heather Clary. To check your report, go to AnnualCreditReport.com. Viewing your credit score isn't free, however. ClipSyndicate/WTVQ-TV (Lexington, Ky.) (1/4)

Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 
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Your San Mateo Real Estate Advisor

BBB - TrustBrief - Advancing trust in the marketplace