Owning, operating or starting a business is hard work. While you may think at first how exhilarating it is to be the boss (and it is), there are many challenges to meet as well. In fact, even though it comes with no specific job description, at least in the beginning, running a business may be the hardest job of all. Here are some tips with some links to resources we hope you find helpful on your journey…

Advice

Give it some passion. Though the post linked to here is specifically about pitching to investors, this should apply to just about anything you do in your small business. Are you passionate about your products, services and brand. Rest assured that others can tell and will respond accordingly. <

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Tired of your business debts showing up on your personal credit reports?

You may have had good intentions opening up that corporate mastercard for your business only to find out the hard way that the $5,000 equipment purchase you recently put on your card now shows up on your personal credit files.

What’s even worse is your credit score also took a hit because the new debt just negatively impacted your personal debt to credit limit ratios too!

Sound familiar?

Now don’t feel too bad because you’re in a lot of company as many small business owners fall into the same trap when they apply for a business credit card.

First, you need to know that not all business credit cards have your best interest at heart. Sure y

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The first client, first sale, the website launch, the availability of the first prototype…throughout the course of starting a startup, theres no shortage of exciting milestones. Yet, Im fairly confident that your first encounter with business and tax laws wont make the list. 

While company filings and regulations may not be the most glamorous parts of your startup, theyre absolutely critical to the success of your business, and safety of your personal savings. Heres a quick rundown of the laws and regulations you need to consider when creating a startup. Of

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Tired of putting your personal guarantee on those credit applications?

I’m sure you realize the whole purpose behind the PG is to ensure that if your business fails to repay the debt then you as an owner assumes personal responsibility.

While the majority of creditors add this extra level of protection to minimize the risk of loan defaults not all types of commercial credit sources require it. H

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Saving water doesn’t often rise to the top of businesses’ sustainability initiatives, especially in regions where water shortages aren’t everyday concern. But it should get more attention.

Environmental scientists expect worldwide shortages of fresh water to be one of the most pressing environmental concerns in the next 50 years, as the world’s population nears 10 billion. Moreover, many cities and towns are raising their water rates. (And remember that hot water usage also affects energy bills.)

Every business uses water in different ways, of course – and some a lot more than others. But by knowing how much water you use, and where you use it, you can start tackling the issue. Here are

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So why do you need a Dun and Bradstreet ID number?

It’s basically the starting point for establishing a business credit profile. You’ll soon realize that your DUNs Number is required on the majority of your corporate credit applications because it’s the most widely used identifying number for businesses in the United States. Now t

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