For the love of your business

Articles to LIFT Your Life and Business

3 Major Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Business

Whether it’s your very first or your tenth, if you’re looking to start a new business venture, you have two options: 1) build your own from scratch or 2) buy an existing one. And while many entrepreneurs dream of building their own company from the ground up, the reality is, launching a brand-new business can […]

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Navigating State Laws Governing Business Names

One of the coolest parts of owning a business is getting to come up with its name. On the creative side, you’re choosing a name to represent and encapsulate the essence of your life’s work. On the practical side, you’re trying to come up with something that will most effectively grab the interest of potential […]

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Covering Your Assets: Liability Insurance & Limited Liability Entities

It’s estimated that one-in-three small businesses is sued or threatened with a lawsuit at some point in its life cycle. And even if you end up winning the suit, the price of defending yourself in court can be massively expensive in terms of lawyer fees and court costs. Seeing that you face potentially ruinous risks […]

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Should Your LLC Hold Annual Member Meetings and Keep Minutes?

Many entrepreneurs structure their businesses as limited liability companies (LLC) because like corporations, LLCs offer personal liability protection for their owners. But unlike corporations, LLCs are not legally required to adhere to many of the same corporate formalities required of corporations. Given that LLCs offer the liability protection of a corporation, without all of the […]

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The Tax Benefits of Limited Liability Companies

As its name suggests,  limited liability companies (LLCs) protect personal assets from debts and other business liabilities. But you may not be aware that LLCs can also offer tax savings. As an LLC, you have flexibility in choosing how you’ll be taxed. This allows you to reap a number of benefits unavailable to other business […]

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Corporations and LLCs Don’t Always Provide Personal Liability Protection

One of the primary reasons business owners set up corporations and limited liability companies (LLC) is to shield their personal assets from debts and other liabilities incurred by the business. Indeed, corporations and LLCs exist as separate legal entities from their owners, meaning the business itself can acquire assets, enter into contracts, and take on […]

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4 Vital Legal Agreements All Startups Should Have in Place

When getting a business off the ground, one common mistake business owners make is not establishing a solid legal foundation to protect their company from unforeseen situations and circumstances. The most effective and efficient way to provide this legal bedrock is by putting a set of key legal agreements in place. Gleaned from years of […]

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When Is a Good Time to Incorporate?

Incorporating your business can save you  money on taxes and limit your liability for business debts. But, most importantly, it says to the world — I’m in business. And that sends an important message to you, your clients, your spouse, your friends, family and, yes, even to the IRS. In the early months or years […]

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Hiring? Great! Here’s How to Get Started with Your First Employee

Up until now, you alone have been running your small business. Now you need help. The moment when a small business owner decides to hire his or her first employee is one of triumph. Conversely, knowing how to start the hiring process can be a moment of confusion. If you’re ready to hire your first […]

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Tax Lessons for Your Business, Courtesy of the Clintons!

In anticipation of the election and in response to public demand, Hillary and Bill Clinton have released their 2015 federal tax return. Tax returns have been a hot topic this year, as candidate Donald Trump continues to refuse to release his tax returns. What can you learn from reviewing the Clinton’s tax returns about how […]

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Overcoming Small Business Challenges through Operational Strategies

As with so many things in life, some of the same qualities that help small businesses succeed, can also lead to their demise. Fortunately, much of that risk can be lessened through operational excellence. For example, the owners and managers of small businesses often know each other before they go into business together. Sometimes, they’re […]

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