FastUpFront Small Business Blog

Unless you’re one of those uber confident people who just loves to work the crowd, business networking can be one of the more daunting aspects of running a business. If you are not a natural networker, there are nevertheless several things you can do to make the process more feasible. Finding an effective combination of [...]

In previous posts, such as this one, I’ve discussed some of the unique opportunities crowdsourcing offers for small business owners- especially in the areas of business finance and market research. But there is a flip side to these benefits. If you do not exercise your due diligence, at best, you can end up forking over [...]

Faced with a lousy job market, many people are trying the entrepreneurial route these days. They start their new ventures which such high hopes and enthusiasm. But little do most of them know, that they probably won’t see their companies operating through 5 years, much less turn a profit. At least, that’s what the Small [...]

If the thought of filing your business taxes makes you head for a bottle of Tums, then take a look at these five business tax tips to simplify the process. Learn how gain more control, take advantage of free or low-cost tax tools, and get educated.  (Image Credit) 1. Maintain clear records and know what [...]

One common and free way to generate publicity for your business is to send out a well-written and targeted press release. Small businesses can send newsworthy information to reporters and media people, who then write or report about the business.   How can you ensure that your press release is eye-catching enough for a reporter to open [...]

Running a solo business brings all the glory and all the grief. On the one hand, the business owner is free to make every decision. On the other hand, he or she bears the burden of performing every last task.     Here is a list of some of the challenges associated with solo entrepreneurships, [...]

I saw a recent post at womenonbusines about how important it is for small business owners to seek out public speaking opportunities- even if those opportunities are unpaid. I couldn’t agree more. With all the emphasis these days on online social networking and hyper-connected, mobile technology, still nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. In the business [...]

If you are looking to start your own business you might want to consider the sound advice of famous entrepreneurs- those who have already trodden the path to business success. In the following list, several well-known business tycoons offer a collection of business tips and general words of wisdom to keep you and your business [...]