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Bill-paying scam involves Social Security numbers

Some scammers are targeting the public with a new scam involving Social Security cards, according to BBB. Scammers trying to get people's Social Security numbers claim that the government or other organizations will pay consumers' bills. WAFF-TV (Huntsville, Ala.) (5/8) 

What you need to know about tax nexuses

As more companies conduct business over the Internet, it's important to understand the concept of a tax nexus, which can affect a business' tax liability. The rules surrounding tax nexuses vary by state. BusinessNewsDaily.com (5/7)

How to prevent your website from getting infected by malware

Some hackers are targeting websites of small companies. One scam small-business owners have to watch out for involves an e-mail that purports to be from BBB. The e-mail is fake, and a recipient's computer may be infected with malware if he or she clicks on a link in the message. Bloomberg Businessweek (5/7)

What sets trustworthy businesses apart from the pack?

Companies that exhibit a high level of trust tend to be collaborative and have strong leadership, according to research by Interaction Associates. They also tend to acknowledge the work of their employees and look toward the future. HCI.org (5/10)

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Be ready before disaster strikes your business

Creating a disaster-recovery plan is key to getting ready to deal with natural disasters and other interruptions to your business operations, Stephanie Faris writes. A cloud-based recovery solution can help to get your business back on track if you lose access to critical data. You should also test your disaster plan to make sure it will work in the case of a real emergency. SmallBizTechnology.com (5/4)

Pick the perfect price for your products

It's a mistake to base the price of your product on the amount charged by your competitors, Nicole Fende writes. This approach assumes they have correctly priced their products -- which might not be the case -- and your company's cost structure is similar to theirs. You should also factor in the cost of your time when setting your prices, she writes. Small Business Trends (5/6)

5 tips for managing your legal costs

Businesses can use strategies to keep their legal bills from getting out of hand, writes Edward Tan. One way to keep costs manageable is to find a lawyer who is willing to work for a flat fee. "While there are some lawyers who won't play ball, remember that there are plenty of fish in the sea," he writes. FindLaw/Free Enterprise blog (5/7)

How to fix a company cash-flow crisis

Failing to pay your company's bills on time could damage your cash flow, Marlene Habib writes. "Pay tax, supplier and other bills on time to avoid high penalties and a bad credit reputation," she writes. Other common cash-flow mistakes include not cutting yourself a paycheck and not making use of accounting software. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (5/10)

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How to protect yourself from scammers during a move

BBB and the American Moving & Storage Association are warning customers who are moving to be on the lookout for scammers. Research movers before selecting one to help relocate your stuff, and be wary of online price quotes, they advise. Also, don't automatically pick the cheapest option. Time.com (5/7)

Can credit unions help to close the lending gap?

Some small-business owners are turning to credit unions as they search for capital to expand their businesses. "Credit unions are filling a void in the marketplace that has existed because many commercial banks have abandoned the small-business sector," said Rohit Arora of Biz2Credit. Meanwhile, legislation has been introduced in Congress that would increase the amount of money that credit unions can lend. Crain's New York Business (5/6)

Can you trust your church with your donation?

Around the world, people are expected to donate more than $500 billion to Christian causes, but it's important to remember that not every religious organization is trustworthy, say experts. Before donating, it's a good idea to ask questions about how the money will be spent and to ask to see financial statements, according to fundraising consultant Laura Fredricks.The Wall Street Journal (5/7)

Report: Lack of security could jeopardize mobile banking

According to a Juniper Networks survey, 63% of mobile-phone users say they're not sure whether they should trust their mobile security. That could hamper the development of mobile banking, the report finds, as the majority of respondents say they would stop using services such as online banking if there was a security breach. eWeek (5/10)

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Tips for guarding your social media accounts

You can take several steps to protect your social media accounts from being compromised. It's important to use unique passwords strengthened by using letters, numbers and symbols. You also should be sure to update your browsers and avoid clicking links in suspicious messages. Chicago Tribune (5/3)

How to compensate your employees with stock

If your company doesn't have access to much cash, it can pay employees or vendors with company stock, Susan Schreter writes. But business owners should be careful to avoid giving away so much stock that they lose control of their companies. "Entrepreneurs should be cautious when negotiating stock compensation agreements with employees or vendors and resist making statements that can be construed as guarantees of big profit outcomes," she advises. Fox Business Small Business Center (5/3)

Why estate planning is critical to business-succession success

Small-business owners should create estate plans to make sure their businesses don't end up in probate after they die. "If it goes into probate, the probate court decides who gets what," says Charley Moore of Rocket Lawyer. When developing an estate plan, small-business owners should think about what they want to happen to their companies in the future. Fox Business Small Business Center (5/4)

How to keep your marketing messages out of your customers' spam folders

Maintaining a sterling reputation is key for e-mail marketers, because messages may not make it to recipients' inboxes if the sender is regarded as a spammer, writes Riva Richmond. It's usually a better idea to build your own e-mail list instead of buying one, she advises. It's also a good idea to tweak your content so that it doesn't seem like spam. Entrepreneur online (5/10)

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Prepare yourself for the coming uptick in small-business lending

Research shows many banks have plans to step up their lending to small businesses. "As more banks pursue small business lending, you could find yourself with more options, including new banks you may not have considered before," Rieva Lesonsky writes. "Use a variety of sources to keep in the loop as to which banks are most aggressive in pursuing small business loans." Small Business Trends (5/2)

Scammers are targeting military families

Scammers are attempting to extract money from military families by posing as their relatives, according to BBB. You can help to protect against these scams by asking for personal information and by talking with other family members. Avoid wiring money, BBB recommends. WFMY-TV (Greensboro, N.C.) (5/3)

How a lack of trust can hurt your business

Organizations that suffer from a lack of trust may experience many negative consequences, according to Peak Solutions' Richard Fagerlin. Trust is based on three factors, Fagerlin says: integrity, competence and compassion. Society for Human Resource Management (5/2012)

3 top tools for taking payments on the go

If you have to accept payments on the go, a mobile credit card processing service might be the answer. Among the best services available are Flagship ROAMpay Merchant Services, Leaders Merchant Services and Intuit GoPayment, according to TopTenREVIEWS. BusinessNewsDaily.com (5/9)

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Spring organization tips for small-business finances

To get your business' finances in order, it's a good idea to meet with a CPA and to make sure your business is structured properly, writes Nellie Akalp of CorpNet.com. "Sometimes an entity is formed with one income target in mind, and you might need to reconsider the entity for a different income level," she writes. It's also important to make sure your business and personal finances are separated from each other, she writes. Mashable (5/1)

How an SBA loan can help your business

Small businesses that need to get access to funding should consider Small Business Administration loans. Such loans may come with better terms than other types of loans, said Santiago Perez, SBA sales manager for California Bank & Trust. Smart Business (5/2012)

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How to protect yourself from a "grandparents" scam
  
Some scammers target their victims by posing as family members or friends in trouble, according to BBB's John North. The scammers then ask their victims to send money. People can protect themselves from these sorts of scams by protecting their personal information, refusing to wire money and avoiding suspicious links in e-mails, he explains. ClipSyndicate/WDTN-TV (Dayton, Ohio) (5/1)

How to get ready for your next tax bill

Now that tax time has come and gone, it's time to start preparing for 2013's return. It's important to keep your books up to date and to think about starting a retirement plan, Bonnie Lee writes. "Receiving only Social Security benefits is not a viable retirement savings plan."Fox Business Small Business Center (4/27)

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Overcoming distrust to tackle cybersecurity threats

There is a lack of trust between businesses and the government when it comes to dealing with cybersecurity threats, according to Jeff Moulton of the Georgia Tech Research Institute. For that reason, the institute is introducing a new system called Titan, which is designed to help handle security threats. Defense News (5/1)

Why location matters when you put your data in the cloud

For a number of reasons, customers may want their cloud-based data to be stored in certain geographical locations. For example, a gaming company may want its information to be stored near its customers to reduce latency. "Most of the largest providers have data center operations fairly well dispersed globally. For the most part, it's pretty explicit where the data is," said Michael Crandell of RightScale. Network World (4/25)

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How to boost your company's cash flow

Companies can improve their cash flow by eliminating wasteful spending and seeking better payment terms from suppliers, writes Cynthia McCahon of Enloop.com. They can also improve cash flow by fine-tuning their inventory management. SCORE Small Business Success Blog (4/27)

The biological basis for trust

Research found that oxytocin, which is a chemical messenger, seems to be related to trusting behavior in in our personal and professional lives, writes Paul J. Zak. "To trigger this 'moral molecule,' all you have to do is give someone a sign of trust," he writes. Showing someone a sign of trust causes "the person being trusted [to experience] a surge in oxytocin that makes her less likely to hold back and less likely to cheat." The Wall Street Journal (4/27)

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BBB advice on how to protect your privacy on the Internet

To protect your identity and guard against property theft, it's important to be wary of sharing information such as your address or Social Security number, according to BBB. You also should talk to your children about online privacy issues without using scare tactics. The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) (free content) (4/29)

How green power can give your business a boost

Using green power to run your business might give you a leg up on the competition, said Scott Nash, who runs an organic grocery-store business. "That is how they can differentiate themselves from the big guys," he said. Businesses can request that their energy companies provide them with power from sustainable sources. Entrepreneur online/The Daily Dose blog(4/25)

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How to choose a pricing strategy for your new product

Before making a purchase, customers must first decide they need a specific type of product, Mark Stiving writes. Afterward, they usually choose between the available products on the market that satisfy their needs. "Every time you approach a pricing problem you need to know which one of these is the final decision," he explains. Entrepreneur online (4/23)

Are you average or extraordinary?

The difference between run-of-the-mill managers and truly exceptional leaders lies in their core beliefs, writes Geoffrey James. Great bosses see their company as a community, their own job as a service and their employees as peers rather than peons. "Average bosses see employees as inferior, immature beings. ... Extraordinary bosses treat every employee as if he or she were the most important person in the firm," James writes. Inc. online/Sales Source (4/23)

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How to protect yourself from overseas e-mail scams
  
Scammers are trying to extract money from their victims by sending e-mails promising financial rewards in exchange for helping them to move money out of their home countries. Recipients can protect themselves from such schemes by protecting their personal information, deleting suspicious communications and turning to BBB for assistance, according to BBB's John North. ClipSyndicate/WDTN-TV (Dayton, Ohio) (4/24)

5 types of records you need to keep to avoid paying too much on taxes

It's possible to overpay on your taxes if you don't keep proper records about income and expenses, Bonnie Lee writes. "To prevent confusion, monies from sources other than sales when deposited into the business bank account must be classified according to the type of income they represent," she writes. Fox Business Small Business Center (4/20)

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Google introduces its cloud-storage solution

Google has rolled out its cloud-storage service, Google Drive. The service, which will be integrated with Google Docs, comes with 5 GB of free storage, but you can get more by paying a monthly fee. Mashable (4/24)

How to tackle stress with technology

Many small-business owners are feeling stressed, but using technology might help to ease their minds, Stephanie Faris writes. Consider using inventory-automation software and an answering service to handle phone calls, she recommends. Also, make more information available on your company's website. SmallBizTechnology.com (4/20)

What saving for retirement can save you at tax time

Contributing to a retirement plan can be a wise strategy for business owners who are looking to save on their tax bills, Gail MarksJarvis writes. "[B]ecause retirement savings plans give you a tax break upfront when you contribute money to them, you can often stretch your money further simply by using one of these plans." Chicago Tribune/Your Money blog (4/19)

The most successful businesses are built on a foundation of trust

Creating a culture of trust is critical to the performance of your company, writes Christine Crandell. "Trust means doing what you said you're going to do when you said it'll be done and to the best of your ability." Like the performers at a Cirque du Soleil show, employees have to be able to rely on one another, she explains. Forbes (4/21)

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Small-business tax deductions you should know about

Small-business owners may be paying more on their tax bills because they aren't reporting mileage and advertising expenses, according to a recent survey. However, small-business owners did list other expenses, such as those related to marketplace fees and office supplies, the survey found. BusinessNewsDaily.com (4/19)

Don't fall for too-good-to-be-true travel offers

Scammers are looking to extract money from consumers by promising amazing travel deals, warns BBB. Consumers can help to protect themselves from such schemes by being skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true and by asking questions to learn more. They should also research companies with BBB. The Topeka Capital-Journal (Kan.) (4/22)

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Protect yourself from sketchy storm chasers

Attorneys general in Arkansas and Oklahoma are cautioning consumers to watch out for scammers who promise to fix storm damage or make improvements to their properties. It's a good idea to ask for references and research contractors with BBB. Also, be wary of contractors that want the entire payment upfront. Tulsa World (Okla.) (4/18)

Overly complicated tax code confuses business owners

Research shows small-business owners consider the administrative burdens involved with filing their taxes to be a significant challenge. Eighty-five percent of small-business owners enlist a professional to help with the preparation of their returns, according to a survey by the National Small Business Association. South Dakota, Texas and Nevada are the three states with the most favorable tax codes for small-business owners and entrepreneurs, according to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council. BusinessNewsDaily.com (4/16), Small Business Trends (4/16), Business Finance (4/17)

How to prepare for succession at your small business

There are practical and legal issues to think about when planning for succession in your company. You can begin the succession-planning process by figuring out what you do on a daily basis, buying necessary insurance policies and providing training to your employees. CrowdSpring.com (4/16)

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Even if you lost money this year, you may gain at tax time

If your small business lost money this year or experienced a natural disaster, you may be able to take a Net Operating Loss and get money from previous years' tax refunds, writes tax pro Bonnie Lee. This also lets you carry the loss to the following year to lower taxable income. To file a NOL, use IRS Form 1045. Fox Business Small Business Center (4/13)

Why your business' online reputation is so important

Your online activities -- including interactions on social networks, transactions on e-commerce sites and Web searches -- contribute to your "social currency," which can affect your success in future endeavors, writes Markus Barnikel of carpooling.com. "Marketplaces must define clear rules for rating other users and ratings should only be allowed after social interactions truly occur; if bad behaviors occur, they must be eliminated quickly," he writes. TechCrunch (4/15)

Tips for forecasting future cash flow

Forecasting future revenue and cash flow can be tricky, but it is doable, Tom Gray writes. When making this forecast, you should consider the invoices you have sent out and how much money you expect to receive in the coming weeks. You should also factor in the projects that you are working on and the likelihood of winning new business, he writes. SCORE Small Business Success Blog (4/17)