If you are working for someone else, there has probably been a time or two you have wondered if you have what it takes to start your own business. Not everyone is wired to be an entrepreneur, especially when it comes to taking risks to launch your own venture. There are pros and cons to […]
Read MoreA recent Wall Street Journal survey on how small business owners are coping with the new healthcare law found that almost a third of those surveyed (29%) have been forced to make staff cuts. Unstable market conditions and economic pressures can force a business to dismiss or lay off employees, and employers should be aware […]
Read MoreBecause of increasing regulatory scrutiny of privacy laws, employers should take extra care in safeguarding personnel files and medical records as you would any other confidential company information. Employers should keep personnel files stored securely in a locked cabinet, and make them available only to managers or supervisors who have a legitimate business reason to […]
Read MoreRetail giant Target suffered a massive data breach last December that eroded its reputation and its bottom line. How did this happen? Apparently, hackers gained access to Target’s IT infrastructure via a third-party HVAC contractor that was connected to their network. This security disaster illustrates the risk that many businesses face when contracting with third […]
Read MoreOn March 13, President Obama signed a presidential memorandum that directs the U.S. Department of Labor to propose new rules governing overtime exemption regulations for white collar workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Presidential Memorandum instructs the Secretary of Labor to update the FLSA regulations for workers who qualify for overtime protection, […]
Read MoreThe IRS and State Governments have both stepped up their enforcement action against business owners who misclassify employees as independent contractors. One friend of ours was just fined $150,000 for Worker’s Comp Fraud stemming from a misclassification of employees as Independent Contractors. Knowing this, it is imperative for you to know the difference when it […]
Read MoreSmall businesses can ill afford litigation – not only because of the cost, but also for the time and attention lawsuits can divert from your business. Here are six tips to help you avoid one of the most prevalent sources of business litigation: employee lawsuits. Adhere to nonexempt status. If employees work more than 40 […]
Read MoreIs there love in the air at your company? We’re not talking about people who love their jobs…we’re talking about employees who find love while on the job, and this could lead to a bad breakup for business owners. Workplace romances are not uncommon these days, especially since men and women work together putting in […]
Read MoreThe employment landscape has changed over the last few years and many small and mid-size companies today operate with outside help – contractors or freelancers who perform important tasks but who are not full time employees on your payroll, or even third party companies who consult on a new product or service. While companies that […]
Read MoreOne of the most common questions business owners want to know is what kind of legal agreements they need. And while the answer to this question depends a lot on what kind of business you operate, there are four key legal agreements that virtually every business owner will need to protect and operate their business […]
Read MoreAre you thinking about launching a new business in 2014? If so, you need to set the right legal foundation or risk costly consequences down the road. Here are five legal tips for entrepreneurs: Find a legal adviser. The best time to have a business lawyer is when you’re just starting out. He or she […]
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