ZenBusiness Blog
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ZenBusiness Blog is a platform founded in 2015 with a mission to help small businesses start, run, and grow. Looking for the best free small business resources available? We've got you covered. Check out new topics discussed weekly and stay tuned to for more!
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
Protecting Your Business on the Web
Whether you’re an accountant, a designer, or a plumber, chances are you use the web to advertise your services, communicate with clients, and manage your network. And if you’re using social media, a blog, or your website as a platform for marketing your freelance business, then you need to understand the legal and financial risks of posting content.
In many ways, the web is still a legal Wild West. As the Internet evolves, our legal system is struggling to keep up with the challenges presented by social media, file sharing, digital copyright law, and online ..read more
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
Elevator pitches are important, no matter what your business. If you haven’t heard the term before an elevator pitch is business lingo for a proposal that can be explained in a short length of time, say 30 seconds or so.
Elevator Pitch: A Real-World Example
The need for a good one was driven home to me just last week. I do a lot of public speaking on business issues, and I was talking to another speaker when he asked what it is I talk about. “Small business success,” I replied.
“Hmmm…,” he said curiously and quietly in response.
“What do you talk about?” I finally asked. He said something lik ..read more
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
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Running a successful business means ensuring clear communication and mutual understanding within your team. A crucial aspect of this is the annual meeting, where members come together to discuss various matters concerning the company’s growth and future. But what does a well-planned “annual meeting agenda” look like? Let’s dive in and break it down in a way that’s simple and easy to understand.
What is an annual meeting?
An annual meeting is a mandatory gathering for corporations and, in some cases, LLCs where important topics related to the company’s func ..read more
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
Navigating the world of taxes can be daunting, especially when you’re a business owner. If you find yourself needing to contact the IRS, it’s essential to be prepared and understand the process. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know before dialing the IRS phone number for business.
We’ll cover the main contact number, the best times to call, answers available on the IRS website, reasons to call, how to prepare for your call, and the benefits of using a tax professional.
How do I call the IRS?
The main business number for the Internal Revenue Service is 800-829-4933. When callin ..read more
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
For the self-employed, healthcare is a paradox: when you’re paying for insurance out of pocket, even basic coverage can sometimes cost you an arm and a leg; on the other hand, if you stupidly forgo insurance, then you run the risk of actually losing an arm and a leg.
The good news is that, if you’re self-employed, there are several ways to ease the strain of healthcare costs. The first and best plan is to shop around.
Beyond that, you may also want to consider setting up a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs are tax-advantaged medical savings accounts available to individuals enrolle ..read more
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
Starting a business can be an exciting but challenging journey. As you embark on this new venture, it’s important to have a solid legal foundation to protect yourself and your business. To navigate the legal complexities of entrepreneurship, it’s wise to consult with a knowledgeable business lawyer who can provide valuable guidance. In this article, we’ll discuss the key questions to ask a lawyer when starting a business, helping ensure you have the necessary information to make informed decisions and set yourself up for success.
Legal Questions to Ask When Starting a Business
Not sure what q ..read more
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
Email marketing is one of the best ways to reach your customers. Not only is it more effective than some marketing methods, but it’s also less expensive. Here’s how you can successfully use email marketing to reach prospects and customers.
The results are in, and an old favorite that was largely written off by small business owners is the clear winner. If you want to reach your customers, put a lot of time and effort into email marketing.
According to a recent study by McKinsey, reaching people through email is 40 times more effective than Twitter and Facebook combined!
You read that right ..read more
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
“USP” stands for unique selling proposition, a term coined by famous ad man Rosser Reeves. A USP is that one unique, identifiable difference that sets your business apart from everyone else. What is distinct about your business, why is that important, and what does that mean to potential customers? That is what is supposed to be contained in your USP.
If you think about those businesses that have a very identifiable USP, you’ll notice that it is, in fact, a large part of their success. The USP is a reason for consumers to frequent a business, a catchphrase, and a distinctive hook for the ..read more
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
When it comes to starting a business, confidentiality is crucial. You want to ensure that your innovative ideas and plans remain secure. This is where a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), also known as a confidentiality agreement, plays a vital role. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of using an NDA for your business plan and provide step-by-step guidance on creating an effective NDA.
What is an NDA?
A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a legal contract that establishes confidentiality between the parties involved. It helps ensure that sensitive information shared during busines ..read more
ZenBusiness Blog
1y ago
When you own a small business, hopefully, there comes a time when you grow enough that you are at the point where you need to begin to think about hiring help. That then begs the question:
Should you hire an employee or an independent contractor?
How do you know if you’re ready to hire? Look at how you use your time. As Michael E. Gerber pointed out in The E Myth, as your company begins to grow, if you find yourself spending more time working in your business than working on your business, then you need to start looking for help.
Yes, you love the work you do, but in ..read more