Archive By Section - Business Columns
New Year’s resolutions for small businesses
It makes us, or it mars us, think on that, And fix most firm thy resolution. -William Shakespeare The beginning of the new year is a traditional time for reflection and for the making of commitments to undertake projects and reform habits. This is especially the case for small business owners when it comes to the organizational aspects (as opposed to the day-to-day operations) of business. So, as a time-saving benefit for the busy business ...
The state budget and your LLC
As we all should be aware by now, the state of California finally has a budget for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. But have you had a chance to get into the details of how the state was able to raise revenues to cover its persistent budget deficit?
Reduce your property tax
It's that time of the year again - property tax time. If you purchased your home in the last three to four years, chances are your home's value has dropped lower than your purchase price. Before you write that check for taxes, it is essential for you to look at the assessed value on your property tax bill, and find out if your home is still worth that - the value your property tax is ...
Estate plan checkup
The beginning of the new year is an excellent time to sit down with a professional to review your entire estate plan, including your trust, will, power of attorney, health-care directive, community property agreement and other documents intended to make sure your assets and personal needs will be managed according to your wishes. If it's been longer than a year, you're probably overdue for an estate-planning checkup.
‘Be greedy’, especially when others are fearful
So says Warren Buffet, the billion dollar investor, who is now buying US stocks. He said "A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful".
A better place in 2009?
The year 2008 was a difficult one for most businesses, many having to downsize for economic reasons. Downsizing in this case means cutting expenses, reducing payroll and eliminating clients that could no longer afford to pay for products and services.
Some employees quit but still come to work
Terri Kabachnick is the founder of The Kabachnick Group a company focused on teaching service-oriented businesses how to develop customer loyalty through employees.
Helpful strategies during a bear market
The past year has been a challenging one for investors and financial planners. The stock market slipped into bear territory as the nation's housing troubles spread and credit costs pushed higher, while corporate bankruptcies and government infusions of liquidity transformed the financial industry. Most investors are worried about what to expect next. Who doesn't? No one can accurately predict how long a bear market will last or when the economy will stabilize. Previous articles have ...
Tried and tested strategies for success
When Wilbur and Orville Wright finished the first successful manned flight on Dec. 17, 1903, they amazed and astonished the world. They also demonstrated the power of their problem-solving method.
Take a risk — but do it intelligently
Taking risks is difficult, whether for an individual or a company, because it involves uncertainty.
New laws to know in the new year
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Chestnuts roasting, cooler weather, holiday decorations, long lines in retail stores and ... a bevy of new laws passed by the legislature for California employers.
Don’t ignore served divorce papers
In the initial stages of a divorce many people find it difficult to face the reality of the circumstances before them and will often ignore and try to avoid the process altogether, but doing so can have serious detrimental effects.
Tax strategies for your business this year
The month of December is winding down, but you still have time to make some tax-advantaged moves for your business before the year is up. These are a few ideas to put on your list. Capital contributions
Business owner resolutions for the New Year
* The economy might not be working for me, and it might not be working against me, so to play it safe, in 2009, I am going to be satisfied with flat revenue. We will worry about growing the top line in 2010.
The foundation of every organization
Organizations are built on people. The only true long-term competitive advantage any organization has is the people employed and working inside of it.
Articles by Section - Business Columns
Ken Keller: Permission to argue is granted
Peggy Noonan wrote a column in the Wall Street Journal on April 20 about her attendance at Margaret Thatcher's London funeral service. She commented that Mrs. Thatcher was often frustrated with her staff. Thatcher once said to her aides, "I don't need to be told what, I need to be told how."
Bob Khalsa: Statewide median home price at five-year high
Heated market conditions fueled by a tight inventory and strong sales in higher-cost coastal regions drove California's median home price in March to its highest level since May 2008. Local prices, right here in the Santa Clarita Valley are headed higher, too.
Ken Keller: How one company turned it around
This week I'd like to introduce a company in a far different place compared to just a year ago. The organization has gone from despair to celebrating success. At the end of the first quarter of 2013, the owner said his company had "…Increased sales, reduced costs and improved our overall financial position in terms of positive cash flow and profitability, as well as reduced debt."
Steven Tannehill: What do businesses want, anyway?
This is part two of a two-part column.
Bob Khalsa: Feds ease loan modification rules
Some homeowners who are still struggling to avoid foreclosure may soon benefit from streamlined rules that offer an easy way to lower monthly payments and modify their mortgage without requiring financial or hardship documentation.
Ken Keller: Here are the vitamins a leader must distribute
Looking back on those individuals who were my bosses, a clear distinction comes to mind.
Holly Schroeder: New homes benefit more than just buyers and builder
The only people who benefit when a house is built are the family members who get to live there, and the builder who constructed and sold the home, right?
Steven Tannehill: What do businesses want anyway? Part I
This column is part one of a two-part column.
Ken Keller: Lessons to be learned from lack of feedback
In 1970 I started my first official job. I worked nine hours a week at a small grocery store. For the next two years I grossed $11.25 a week.
Bob Khalsa: Prices, sales rise as SCV’s housing market continues its recovery
The residential housing resale market in the Santa Clarita Valley continued to recover during February, with sales and prices up to their highest levels in years.
Ken Keller: Getting crystal clear about your business
There is a terrific exchange in the courtroom drama "A Few Good Men." Colonel Jessup, played by Jack Nicolson, turns from being a witness in a court martial to being the prosecutor when he asks Lieutenant Kaffee, played by Tom Cruise: "Have you ever spent time in an infantry unit, son?"
Disaster recovery — is your business prepared?
Is your business prepared for a disaster? While it is not something any of us like to think about, businesses should have a disaster plan in place.
Joe Klocko: The conundrum: supply and demand, wages and the skills gap
Most people understand the basic economic principle of supply and demand and incorporate it into their daily decisions. They may not do it consciously, but economic decisions are made every day by each and every one of us.
