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TwitterChoices for consumers – including small businesses – in the telecommunications arena have expanded rapidly in recent years. Contrary to claims and concerns from various politicians and/or regulators, the market is vibrant, innovative and competitive.However, on July 7, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Department of Justice was taking a look at telecommunications firms: “The review is expected to cover all areas from land-line voice and broadband service to wireless,” including exclusivity deals between wireless carriers and cell phone/handheld device makers.On the previous day, U.S.
Archive for July, 2009
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Cash Flow: The Life Blood of Small Business
July 31st, 2009 
admin Nice article in yesterdays Tulsa World talking about how important the cash flow statement is to bankers who are reviewing small business loan applicants and their business plans. When we are reviewing business plans and coaching a client who will be presenting their plan to a bank for consideration, we make sure the client understands their cash position and how it plays in to their future cash projections.
Connecticut Tax Hikes
July 31st, 2009 admin Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell, a Republican, apparently has given up on tightening the state’s budget, and given up on helping the state’s economy, by proposing a bevy of increased taxes.According to the Hartford Courant, Rell’s tax hikes include jacking up the state’s cigarette tax from $2 per pack to $3 per pack, which comes on the heels of a 2007 increase from $1.51 to $2. Also, Rell called for a 10 percent increase in the tax on alcohol, and a three-year, 10 percent surcharge on corporate profits (moving the top corporate tax rate from 7.5 percent to 8.25 percent).As for the Democrats that run the state legislature, they want a higher cigarette tax as well, but also are seeking a big jump in the state’s personal income tax rate (moving the top rate from 5% to 7%) and the imposition of a 15 percent (down from 30 percent) surcharge on corporate profits (shifting the top rate to 8.625 percent).The Courant reported: “Overall, Rell is seeking to raise taxes by $391 million, while the Democrats intend to raise taxes by $1.8 billion over two years.”In Connecticut, taxpayers, including entrepreneurs, small businesses and investors, face bad ideas from a Republican governor, and even worse proposals from Democratic state lawmakers.
How To Measure What Your Small Business Does ….. And Focus Your Efforts On What Makes You Most Efficient
July 31st, 2009 admin Flynet is currently in the process of developing a dashboard portal to enable smaller businesses to take advantage of the advances in business intelligence and dashboarding. A Dashboard is a visual display that can be linked to your existing Computer Software, such as Excel, Sage and many others that organizes and presents information in a way that is easy to read. Measurements are displayed automatically in the form of analogue gauges, dials, traffic lights or visual graphs on a web page.
Support for ObamaCare?
July 30th, 2009 admin The Wall Street Journal just reported that the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC poll shows that more people oppose than support the health care agenda being pushed by the President and Democratic leaders in Congress.The Journal noted:Support for President Barack Obama’s health-care effort has declined over the past five weeks, particularly among those who already have insurance, a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll found, amid prolonged debate over costs and quality of care.In mid-June, respondents were evenly divided when asked whether they thought Mr.
Everyone’s at Risk – Combating the Increasing Threat of Online Fraud and Identity Theft
July 30th, 2009 admin IRS Stakeholder Liaison Phone ForumDate: August 19, 2009 Cost: FREE Location: The convenience of your home or office This IRS phone forum is for: • Tax professionals• Attorneys• Payroll professionals• Industry partners• Small business organizations• Small business owners• State and local governmentsLearn about: IRS identity protection effortsProcess for reporting tax-related identity theft Victim assistance IRS efforts to combat online fraud targeted at taxpayers How to report phishing schemes targeted at taxpayersSign up now for the event of your choice • Select the time that works best for you Note: Time zones shown are Daylight Saving Time.
Symposium on End of Economic Downturn?
July 29th, 2009 admin National Review Online asked the following symposium question this week:Now that the stock market is beginning to rally and profits are once again being reported, we called and asked them what they make of this good news. Did TARP work, or at least help? Should President Obama get credit? Will he?I chipped in an answer, along with several other economic and financial experts.Check it out here.Raymond J. KeatingChief EconomistSmall Business & Entrepreneurship Council
Small Business Resources – 9 Tips For Online Success
July 29th, 2009 admin This contribution is from Jen Woglom Ohs of Boomerang Websites. The article outlines tips for online success specifically geared towards small businesses. There are resources listed here at Small Business Resources cafe to accomplish much of what Jen recommends. For example …. professional website design and website hosting. ==================I hear every excuse from small businesses as to why they aren’t online. Many find the process too daunting or too expensive to even try.
