Backing up your accounting data used to mean printing off reams of paper reports stuffed into boxes, and then you had to find a place to keep all that. Today, backing up your accounting data means generating a few PDFs and keeping extra copies electronically. 1. Save PDF versions of year-end accounting reports Accounting systems…
In response to “Want to develop your small town? Start with your assets, Luther Snow says,” two of you asked for more information about facilitating business-to-business marketplaces. Simone Cahoj said in a comment: I’d love some more ideas about facilitating a business-to-business marketplace. We have tried this but I think we need a different approach! :)…
Recently I was fortunate enough to catch a webinar with Luther Snow talking about the asset approach and positive development. Urban Bias Snow started by addressing the prevalent “urban bias”: assuming that the way things happen in the concentrated center is what matters everywhere. Urban bias is evident in: centralized meetings traditional land economics (high price…
A friend who is buying a business is needing a number of spreadsheets, contracts and legal forms. That got me looking for reputable and reasonable places to find sample business forms online today. For US-based businesses, I found these three: 1. BizFilings.com Business Owner’s Toolkit Lots of checklists useful for going into business, a nondisclosure agreement…
Joel Bennett Joel Bennett Interview Joel Bennett of Pella, Iowa, helped pioneer a co-working space in his town, called Veel Hoeden (“Many Hats”). It has grown from just 4 offices to 9 offices plus space for more people who just drop in with a laptop. It has supported existing entrepreneurs, and it’s helped create new entrepreneurial ventures….
The “shop local, shop independent” message is starting to get through. More shoppers say they prefer small local stores over big boxes, according to the Deluxe Annual Holiday Shopping Survey. What can a small town do to keep the momentum alive through the last of the holiday shopping season? Join with other small towns and…
One thing small town businesses often need help with is getting clear on who they are and what they do. I see retail businesses that can’t tell you why they are any better than an online store, professionals and consultants who can’t tell you exactly what they do, and service providers who target “everyone!” My…
Rick Skorupski Interview Rick Skorupski Why would a retired Navy man, who loves boating and the Jersey Shore, move to South Dakota? Great question. Turns out, it’s because of the people, the culture and the cost of living. For Rick Skorupski, those reasons added up to more than enough to make him happy in his…
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