Bizfilings Expert Insights

Rich Graeter of Graeter's Ice Cream explains how he protects the traditions of the business that's been in his family for 148 years while also embracing the innovations needed to keep the company successful for years to come. Graeter discusses how he decides where to innovate and expand, how he deals with the compliance issues that accompany expansion, and what tips he has for family-owned businesses.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesses: https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

"Fix Your Business Author" Melinda Emerson, also known as the Small Biz Lady, walks us through the year-end priorities business owners should be thinking about now. Emerson tells us why you should be meeting with your tax experts in October, evaluating personnel, and doing everything you can to maximize existing business while on the lookout for new clients.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesses: https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Major national brands like Dunkin Donuts, Papa John's, and Weight Watchers are making big changes in their logos and branding. But how much difference do imaging and branding make, especially for small businesses? Crowdspring Founder and CEO Ross Kimbarovsky explains why they matter for all businesses and how you can tackle them without breaking the bank.For more marketing resources, visit the BizFilings site.https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/research-topics/marketingAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesses: https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

GrowBiz Media CEO and Founder Rieva Lesonsky walks us through seven deadly marketing myths and explains why you do need to have a marketing campaign, which method of advertising is an absolute must, why trying to reach as many people as possible is not necessarily a good idea, and why having a secure, professional website is vital.For more marketing resources, visit the BizFilings site.https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/research-topics/marketingAccess our full library of podcasts for small businesses: https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

While business agility and adaptability are sometimes valued more than traditional business planning these days, don't be fooled. Business planning is just as important but it can also be done much more simply than many existing and aspiring business owners realize. Palo Alto Software founder and "Lean Business Planning" author Tim Berry explains why you need a business plan, what it needs to include, why it doesn't have to take a long time to put together, and how to use it to make your life easier.

Very few people expect their marriage to end in divorce, but it does happen and the financial punch for business owners can be severe if they are not prepared. Matrimonial law attorney Jacqueline Newman explains how to protect yourself and your business from divorce before you ever tie the knot and what options remain if you're already married.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesses: https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

CyberScout founder Adam Levin explains why cybersecurity requires constant vigilance from business owners and that running a smaller business doesn't make you any less of a target from hackers and thieves. Levin explains why internal communication is vital in warding off new threats and how business owners who are not tech savvy can stay on top of the issue.

CyberScout Founder and Chairman Adam Levin explains why all business owners need to develop a "culture of privacy" to protect their finances and sensitive information from business identity theft. Levin walks us through ten different ways businesses can be compromised, specific steps to guard against hackers, and what to do if your business is compromised.

HJR Global CEO Harrison Rogers has built several successful businesses and is now considered one of the top young entrepreneurs in America. Rogers walks us through his journey from struggling high school student to stunning business success. He also shares several painful lessons he has learned along the way and how applying them can benefit your business.

"Take Your Human to Work" author Erica Keswin explains why investing in and honoring relationships is not just preferable but essential in today's business world. Keswin discusses the results of her "Spaghetti Project," proving that strong relationships at work lead to better performance. Noting that millennial and Gen Z employees expect relationships to be a priority in the workplace, Keswin details how to turn your company in that direction.

Pinnacle Global Network CEO Allison Maslan explains why businesses owners should be looking to scale their operations, whether they're looking to be a global competitor or a regional success. She then walks us through the five phases of scaling, taking us from the formation of a company to a business structure that delegates many responsibilities to your most trusted subordinates.Access our full library of podcasts for small businesses: https://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/guides/podcasts

Dean Foster, founder of DFA Intercultural Global Solutions and author of "Bargaining Across Borders," explains how knowing traditions and customs in other parts of the world can be the beginning of successful working relationships and how not knowing those things can ruin your efforts before you even begin How can an introduction or an exchange of business cards be a plus or minus for you and how will people in other countries expect you to negotiate? Join us as Dean shares helpful tips from his 35 years of studying business culture around the world.

Inbound marketing is a proven concept but what is an inbound organization and what does it look like? Dan Tyre, formerly of Hubspot and author of "Inbound Organization," explains why the inbound approach really needs to start within the culture of a company if you want to maximize that strategy with your customers. Tyre also discusses the key attributes of an inbound organization and how to determine the right personnel for making that change.

Erin Archuleta, lead seller advocate at Square, joins us to share some eye-opening statistics about small business owners, including a stunning number who work second jobs or don't take a salary. She also offers helpful advice for business owners concerned about cash flow and and staying on top of all parts of the business.

Beena Soiefer, nonprofit services and finance manager at Vcorp, joins us to discuss why filing for nonprofit status could be very beneficial for your business and how to apply for that designation.  Soiefer also walks us through the tax implications of such a change and what the compliance requirements look like. Join us for a concise tutorial on the nonprofit world.

House Small Business Committee Chairman Rep. Steve Chabot says now is a great time to launch or grow your business.  He explains how the recent tax legislation and federal efforts to roll back regulations are putting American businesses on a much stronger footing both at home and abroad.  Chabot also admits what could have been done better in the the tax bill and details what his committee is doing to beef up cybersecurity and what services the government offers to help businesses guard against cyber attacks.

Jeannette McClennan, president and founder of the McClennan Group and author of "Innovators Anonymous: Seven Steps to Get Your Product Off the Ground," walks us through the keys to bringing a new concept to market while avoiding the grief, disorganization, and wasted money that is so often part of the process.  McClennan explains the value in studying your future competitors and understanding your own strengths and weaknesses.  She also tells how embracing metrics and low-budget prototypes will be welcome strategies for your bottom line.

Michelle Seger, global strategy and change management leader at SalesGlobe, explains what a change management plan is and why businesses need one.  Seger also offers advice on how to get the idea into writing and why communicating the plan with employees ahead of time is the most critical factor in the plan's success.

Small business expert, speaker and columnist Gene Marks joins us to discuss the most important trends for small business owners to incorporate into their work in 2018.  Marks explains why getting a firm grasp on the health of your cash flow and your overall financials is critical for every business owner.  He also discusses how innovative new software can help your business stay ahead of the curve and how staying organized through lists is a great way to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Tax and business attorney Barbara Weltman walks us through the recently signed tax reform law, why she thinks it is far too confusing, and the factors that will determine whether it helps or hurts your business.  Also a small business consultant, Weltman offers tips on how to stay ahead of your tax preparation responsibilities and explains how embracing technology makes the job a whole lot easier.