Avoiding the pips (and the MGs)

What would have happened if Gladys Knight had fired one of the Pips? Or if Booker had had a falling out with one of the MGs?

I think Gladys would have found another way to get to Georgia.

The problem with being a sideman is that you make it (or not) at the whim of the front man. In exchange for the intellectual comfort of being handed a chart, you give up control and your ability to lead.

Most of all, instead of having a relationship with the audience, you merely have a relationship with the front man.

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Avoiding counterfeits, building permission

Smsproof Catherine Casey shared this picture (click to enlarge) of a medicine sold in Nigeria, where counterfeit drugs are a huge issue. Each packet comes with a scratch-off number. Use your cell phone and SMS the number to the company, and the company will text back whether the packet is legit. I’m sure clever counterfeiters will try to game the system, but it’s not that hard to make it work.

It’s easy to imagine ways that this could be used to increase after-sale connection (offers, insight, instructions, coupons) for all sorts of items, particularly in parts of the world where SMS is cheap and ubiquitous.

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Avoiding momentum

Some days, even the best dentist doesn’t feel like being a dentist.

And a lifeguard might not feel like being a lifeguard.

Fortunately, they have appointments, commitments and jobs. They have to show up. They have to start doing the work. And most of the time, this jump start is sufficient to get them over the hump, and then they go back to being in the zone and doing their best work.

Momentum is incredibly useful to someone who has to overcome fear, dig in deep and ship. Momentum gives you a reason to overcome your fear and do your art, because there are outside forces and obligations that keep you moving. Without them, you’d probably stumble and fall.

And yet…

And yet many of us fear too much momentum. We look at a project launch or a job or another new commitment as something that might get out of control. It’s one thing to be a folk singer playing to a hundred people a night in a coffeehouse, but what if the momentum builds and you become a star? A rock star? With an entourage and appearances and higher than high expectations for your next work. That’s a lot of momentum, no?

Deep down, this potential for an overwhelming response alerts the lizard brain and we hold back. We’re afraid of being part of something that feels like it might be too big for us.

Hint: it probably isn’t.

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Avoiding a possible bond-market bubble

Latest risk for investors: bubble in bond market Afinancial bubble is like watching a tornado: You see it far away, you discuss its seriousness with…
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Internet Marketing Gets Naked for Small Business Owners Avoiding Action

Her highly… a three-day virtual intensive that will demystify how to make money online and prove that Internet marketing can be transformational…
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Introducing “Business.gov Insights”: Tax Season Preparedness; Tips for Avoiding Filing Pitfalls

Tax Season Preparedness; Tips for Avoiding Filing PitfallsDid you know that the Small Business Administration offers small business owners an online forum to share information and experiences with other business owners and subject matter experts alike?

Business.gov, which has long operated as the government’s official website for small business, not only brings together resources from across government to help small businesses start-up, operate and grow, it also operates an online Community (with more than 8,000 members) that enables business owners to interact directly with government and industry professionals, while sharing information about starting and running a successful business with each other!

The Community provides a forum for you to connect with other business owners for advice, camaraderie, and even potential partnerships.

Each month we hope to bring you a round-up of what small business owners are talking about in the Community, what our experts have to say, and answers to common questions.  We’re kicking off this month with tax season tips and resources!

Tax Season is Here – Get Answers to Common Small Business Tax Questions

No one says that doing your taxes is easy, but a little preparation and planning can make the process less painful. Here are some essential resources and tips from the Business.gov community of small business experts to help you get your arms around your business tax preparation and avoid common pitfalls.

New Tax Laws for the 2009 Filing Season

As you prepare to file your small business tax return, you’ll need to be aware of several new tax laws that went into effect in 2009. Read “Before you File your 2009 Tax Return – Take Note of Major Tax Changes that Apply this Year!”.

Business Income Tax Filing Tips

Small business owners have many questions about filing taxes, but here are answers that address some of the more common areas of confusion:

  • A Primer in Taxable Business IncomeWhen filing your business income taxes, you must report all income – not just income from the sale of goods, services, or property. Check out this easy-to-read guide on what is taxable income and what is not.
  • Cash vs. Accrual Accounting for Taxable Income and Expenses – Are you filing your taxes and are confused about how to record your business income and expenses? Read on to learn which cash vs. accrual accounting method can work better for your small business.
  • An Intro to LLC Tax LawWhether you are newly registered LLC or have been established for some time, this 101 in LLC Tax Law can help you navigate the constantly changing tax laws that apply to your business structure.

Tax Deductions and Expenses

Tax deductions are tricky to navigate and the laws that govern them are often misinterpreted. Get the facts with these quick reference articles:

Avoiding Tax Audits

When Avoiding a Tax Audit – the Best Offense is a Good DefenseThough fewer than 1% of taxpayers are selected for a tax audit, business filings that report year-after-year losses, large charitable contributions, or claim large tax deductions may raise red flags for the IRS. Here is some guidance to file your tax return in a way that minimizes your chances of getting audited.

Additional Resources

Visit the Small Business Tax Center on Business.gov. This one-stop shop portal helps business owners stay abreast of tax requirements, tax changes and a whole range of tax tips to help you prepare for the year ahead.

If you have tax questions or tips you want to share with other small business owners, post them on the Business.gov Filing and Paying Taxes Discussion Board.

From Small Business Trends

Introducing “Business.gov Insights”: Tax Season Preparedness; Tips for Avoiding Filing Pitfalls

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Avoiding the Social Media Pigeonhole | Brand Elevation Through Social Media and Social Business | Altitude Branding

http://homewealthproject.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/HLIC/d9cc20f92836731ad6122d35c787289b.jpg Listen here: You don’t want to be a social media expert, okay? You really don’t. Social media is limited in focus and lifespan. It’s *one* line of…
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