This post is the second of a four-part series on credit card reform. Two weeks ago the US Senate approved a credit reform bill designed to protect customers overburdened by their financial obligations and subsequent poor credit ratings. But even after the bill was pushed through the Senate, one glaring question still remains: Will the […]
Author Archives: Gary Barzel
The Credit Card Reform Bill: What are the Changes?
This post is the first of a four-part series on credit card reform. The next three posts in this series will discuss the expected effects of the credit reform bill in general as well as how credit reform may effect small businesses in particular. The series will then end off with some credit card alternatives. […]
In Trying Times, Smaller Businesses Are Considering Credit Insurance
It used to be that credit insurance was exclusive to the large companies that could afford to pay the high premiums in exchange for a bit of financial peace of mind. Not any more. In response to the economic slowdown and an across-the-board reduction in consumer spending, now even small and mid-sized businesses are considering […]
Funny Business Jokes to Brighten Your Day
With all the talk about the recession, job insecurity and lay offs, here are a few business jokes to lighten things up a bit. The Flowers A new business was opening and one of the owner”s friends wanted to send flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the new business site and the owner read […]
Business Owners: Preventing Workplace Bullying
A year ago, I posted this article offering tips for employees who are dealing with workplace bullies. Then, workplace bullying was already a hot topic. These days, as people face growing job insecurity and tough economic times, an underlying feeling of unease is brewing. The issue of workplace bullying has not only become more significant, […]
Popular Open Source Applications for Small Businesses
Open source applications and online services have been generating a lot of buzz over the past few years. Many of the open source alternatives are formidable contenders to the major liscensed software programs and services out on the market. Depending on the nature and circumstances of your business, bringing in open source apps may be […]
Tips for Conducting Business Background Checks
In response to the current economic situation, many businesses are being more deliberate when it comes to deciding who to work with and hire. This includes their relationships with other businesses. Not surprisingly, conducting business background checks is fast becoming a standard practice among companies big and small. Getting information on potential business partners or […]
How to Build Your Business Credit Rating
Having a good business credit rating is a golden key that can help open the doors of financing- whether from the bank, vendors and suppliers, or potential investors. And with the current economic environment making it harder for small businesses to get the financing they need, this key is all the more vital to the […]
5 Tips for Preserving Your Business Line of Credit
Many small businesses rely on a bank-approved business line of credit as a convenient source of short-term financing. But preserving this credit-line is not always so easy. Most banks make a commitment for one year. At the close of the year the business’ financial statements, tax returns, and credit rating are reviewed. If the bank […]
Unemployed Professionals Seek Small Businesses: A Win-Win Situation?
Earlier this week officials of the New York City Economic Development Corporation announced the initiation of a program that pairs out-of-work professionals with start-ups and growing small businesses. The program, known as JumpStartNYC, illustrates an unavoidable trend that has been gaining traction over the past couple of years. (image credit) As the economy continues to […]