FastUpFront Small Business Blog

I’m sure you’ve seen the articles about how to save money in this up-and-down economy, so you’re likely aware that web conferencing is becoming more and more popular. For those who are unfamiliar, web conferencing is a way to hold a meeting virtually so that everyone can attend and interact, as opposed to talking through [...]

A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. House of Representatives made a conspicuously bi-partisan effort to pass the Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act which essentially makes it easier for businesses to raise capital through crowdfunding.   Crowdfunding is a relatively new form of raising money. By tapping into the extensive reach of the internet, prospective [...]

As countless brick and morter small business owners fish for ways to survive a whirlwind of sluggish sales, creeping inflation, and economic uncertainty, many may be making decisions that are actually hurting their companies.   According to a recent survey conducted by American Express Open, the majority of Americans seem to realize the value of [...]

Sometimes it seems as if technology is changing at the speed of light. Blink just once, and suddenly that cutting edge device of yours seems like a clunky relict. Though most small businesses owners may not be hanging on to every advance the tech world has to offer, many still need to be sure that [...]

As the U.S. stock market continues to yo-yo about like a row-boat on choppy waters and reports rippling from across the ocean suggest that the Euro-zone is just barely keeping its head above water, there have been some pockets of relative calm and even prosperity. So just who is benefiting from all the economic turmoil [...]

When it comes to the U.S. economy, sometimes it seems that everyone loves a good scapegoat- especially when the “everyone” is desperately trying to turn a blind eye to some ugly, fundamental problems…   As economic analysts try to make sense out of Wall Street’s recent nose dive, there are so far several suspects in [...]

Irregardless of which side of the political camp you place yourself, chances are the recent “agreement” to raise the debt ceiling probably brings little comfort, and with good reason. Analysis of the deal reveals that the proposed $2.4 trillion in deficit reduction over ten years is a mere drop in the bucket compared to the [...]

Businesses looking for ways to keep their overhead costs down, may want to consider subletting a part of their rental property to another business. Doing so can help to maximize any unused space and ultimately shave off a significant amount of a business’ monthly rental expenses. But for a subletting arrangement to truly work, it [...]

According to a recent Wells Fargo Business Insights survey, poor cash flow continues to be a major worry point for small business owners across the nation. These findings come as no surprise given the overall decrease in consumer spending and consumer confidence coupled with inflationary pressures and high rates of unemployment.   But as more [...]

Part of the fallout of all the economic uncertainty, the government’s petulant turf wars, and the day-to-day struggle with money, has been an overall increase of stress, anxiety, and depression among the majority of Americans.   There is a well-know correlation between chronic stress and anxiety and the increase of stress-related illnesses, and according to [...]