Bizfilings Expert Insights

New businesses created by people 45-years-old and above have been a growing trend for more than two decades, and in the wake of the pandemic, even more people are wondering if now is the time to make their move. "Ageless Startup" author Rick Terrien explains why middle-age is a great time to launch your own business and walks us through the smart ways to do it.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

While you focus on reopening your business, the Federal Trade Commission reports that small business scammers are aggressively on the prowl. Rosario Mendez from the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection joins us to discuss the scope of the problem, the different methods that scammers are using to access your data and your money, and what you can do to stop them.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

The legal profession is known for being resistant to change but LawSites blogger and podcast host Robert Ambrogi says the ongoing pandemic has forced law firms and courts to adapt in ways that will change the legal system for the better. Ambrogi walks us through seven critical changes - from modernizing the courts to clients and lawyers no longer needing to meet in person to overhauling how law schools train the next generation of attorneys.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Small business owners are facing unprecedented challenges right now, both in enduring shutdowns and preparing to reopen, but there are some best practices for making sure your business survives. In this conversation from March, Big Ideas for Small Business Inc. President Barbara Weltman walked us through some of the many loan programs available to business owners and points out that some of those loans don't even need to be paid back! She also offers examples of how businesses adapted to the new conditions and how this experience may help owners with long-term planning.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Many businesses are open again and millions of others are planning to reopen soon. But things will look very different than they did back in March. What steps do you need to take to protect customers and employees? How might your vendor relationships have to change? And how can businesses band together to make reopening as successful as possible for everyone? We get answers from Matt Wagner, vice president of revitalization programs at Main Street America.Visit the BizFilings site for more information on COVID-19.https://www.bizfilings.com/landing-pages/covid-19Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Quintessence Group President Melinda Emerson explains how ramping up your online presence is now critical to your business surviving and possibly thriving. Emerson details how to proceed, whether you have no website or whether you need to improve your website and get serious about social media. She says there will be winners and losers after this recession and how we approach our online efforts can make all the difference.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Small business expert Barry Moltz explains how businesses need to pivot for the next year or longer since many customers will be reluctant to do business in person until the coronavirus threat is behind us. Moltz tells us what changes to expect in customer behavior, how to adapt to them, and how your online engagement will be critical to convincing people that their safety is your highest priority.Visit the BizFilings site for more information on COVID-19.https://www.bizfilings.com/landing-pages/covid-19Access our full library of podcasts for small businesses:https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Small business owner and author Gene Marks explains the many benefits of the government's Paycheck Protection Program, what to be aware of before you apply for the money, and how to make the process work as smoothly as possible. He also details several other federal programs available to assist business owners. Finally, Marks offers advice on what to do when you open your doors again and outlines the financial lessons every business owner ought to learn from this crisis.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

As small business owners wait for the chance to reopen or fully return to normal operations, what can business owners be doing now to survive the shutdowns and be ready to go at full strength? BizFilings Service Manager Mike Enright walks us through seven key areas from caring for employees to assessing operations and financing to planning for the future. For additional resources, please visit https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/research-topics/running-your-business/protect-small-business-or-startup-during-the-coronavirusAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Emergencies like COVID-19, a fire, or a tornado could force businesses to shut down for long stretches of time. But just because the doors are closed doesn't mean the compliance obligations stop. CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman explains how to respond if your LLC or corporation has to close for a while and details the responsibilities you still have under the law. She also provides critically important tips if your business needs to close permanently.

Small business owners are facing unprecedented uncertainty right now but there are some best practices for making sure your business survives. Big Ideas for Small Business Inc. President Barbara Weltman walks us through some of the many loan programs available and points out that some of those loans don't even need to be paid back! She also offers examples of how businesses are already adapting to the new conditions and how business owners can utilize some of this time to focus on long-term planning.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

As millions of Americans suddenly find themselves working from home, what are the best ways for business owners to keep both productivity and morale high at an uncertain time? Matuson Consulting President Roberta Matuson explains how leaders can make their colleagues and employees feel valued from a distance, why flexibility is critical, and how this sudden shift to telework can look different between large and small businesses. Matuson also points out that how you treat your people now will have a big impact on how long you'll have them once things get back to normal.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Once you decide to establish a statutory business entity there are five critical questions you need to answer. CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman walks us through decisions like which entity is best for you, where to set it up, what to name your business and more. Feldman also explains the different considerations when answering each of these critical questions.For more information on entity formations, visit the BizFilings site. https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/research-topics/incorporating-your-businessAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesses https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Change is always coming to your business, but the right leadership approach can embrace that change to build strong teams and foster continued success. Deke Copenhaver, author of "The Changemaker," walks us through the critical attributes of a business leader who embraces change and inspires those around them to give their very best.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Roughly half of startups fail within the first five years, but why does that staggering statistic persist? In their new book, "The Titanic Effect," Indiana University Professors Kim and Todd Saxton explain it's because hidden debts and other issues lurking below the surface often combine to ruin businesses. They also explain how being on the lookout for these icebergs greatly improves your chances for success.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesseshttps://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman explains what business owners need to know before expanding operations to another state. Feldman walks us through the entity, tax, and licensing issues that must be addressed and also details the penalties for noncompliance.

Printful CEO Davis Siksnans shares how his printing business quickly grew from a small operation to an international success. Siksnans explains how to gauge whether your side gig has the potential to be a success, how to know when it's time to go even bigger, and why aspiring business owners should never do work for free.For resources to expand into other states, visit BizFilings:https://www.bizfilings.com/managing-your-business/filing-services/foreign-qualificationAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesses:https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Accountability expert Sam Silverstein shares what accountability is and what it isn't and explains how to evaluate the commitment of your team members to your stated values. Silverstein also details how to hire people to build a thriving culture of accountability and why focusing on accountability first often leads to even greater profits.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesses:https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

CT Corporation Publications Attorney Sandra Feldman explains the three most critical elements of a limited liability company, or LLC, and how those apply to a business. Feldman also lays out the consequences for failing to abide by the LLC and details why every business owner in an LLC needs a good operating agreement.For more information on the pros and cons of forming LLCs, visit:https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/research-topics/incorporating-your-business/creating-an-llcAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesses: https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Small business expert Gene Marks explains why he believes this will be an "easy" year for businesses thanks to a strong economy. He also offers accounting tips to improve the cash flow for your business, highlights innovations that could be a big help to you, and discusses the biggest mistake small business owners keeps making.