Idea of the Day®
May 15, 2025
Understanding AI
If you’re baffled by AI, take a free course to learn more about it. Elements of AI is basic stuff. IBM SkillsBuild offers credentials for job-seekers. Coursera, another credential program, is business oriented (e.g., module 3 is entitled “Building AI in Your Company”). #IdeaoftheDay
Big Ideas for Your Business
Resources For Your Business
May 15, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
Small businesses operate with a tight staff; each person counts and it’s difficult for staff to cover when an employee is out for any reason. But some employees may be reservists called to active duty to serve in war, to help FEMA during a disaster, or for other reasons. For example, my son-in-law was called […]
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May 13, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
While the calendar says the official start of summer is more than a month away, it’s not too early…or too late…to be thinking about that time of the year. The nature of your business may greatly affect what you do now. For example, if your business is outdoor-focused, you’re facing your busy season and need […]
May 8, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
Who knew that mom’s cliches would serve as lessons on how to be an entrepreneur? In honor of Mother’s Day, I’d like to thank my mom and all moms for their unintended wisdom when they repeatedly said those cliches most of us remember. How many times did you hear “What part of NO don’t you […]
May 6, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
It’s been estimated that nearly one in 5 people in the U.S. have a mental health issue. SAMSHA says “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.” Within a business context, mental health issues […]
May 1, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
National Small Business Week 2025 in the U.S. is May 4 through 10. There’s a free virtual summit on May 6 and 7 (register here). As the SBA says: National Small Business Week acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners and recognizes their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication. So, let’s celebrate…and […]
April 29, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
If your business is growing, you may want or need to expand to other locations. One or more of these locations may be across state lines. The U.S. is made up of 50 states and the District of Columbia, each of which has its own rules and regulations. What does expanding into another location mean […]
April 28, 2025
By John Jones
The U.S. government estimates that there are over one million warehouse and storage buildings with a total floorspace of 17.4 billion square feet. That’s a lot of space to keep clean. Waste management in warehouses isn’t just about keeping floors clean. It’s about improving operational efficiency, maintaining safety standards, and contributing to environmental goals. Warehouses, by […]
April 25, 2025
By John Jones
Maintaining clean and pleasant restrooms is essential to a productive and positive workplace. These spaces are often overlooked but can leave a lasting impression on employees, customers, and other visitors. A fresh and sanitary restroom not only contributes to hygiene but also promotes well-being, reduces absenteeism, and fosters a more professional atmosphere. In this article, […]
April 24, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
If you and/or your employees sit before a computer screen all day or a good part of it, eye problems can arise. Eye strain is the most common ailment, but there can also be dry eye and retinal damage. Eye problems can cause an inability to sleep. Taken together, vision problems may seriously impact employees’ […]
April 23, 2025
By Aaron Franks
Obtaining funding often feels like a significant milestone for small business owners. But when loan applications hit a wall, reality sets in fast. Denial letters don’t offer much comfort, and time is rarely on your side. If your loan application has been rejected, the path forward may seem uncertain—but it isn’t the end of the […]
April 22, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. It’s a good time to review your company’s driving policy to increase the safety of your staff and others, as well as to reduce your insurance costs and liability exposure. For example, driving-related injuries make up a quarter of all workers’ compensation claims and half of workers’ compensation […]
April 17, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
Traditionally, Spring is the time for individuals to clean out their homes…and for businesses to do the same. But moving beyond traditional approaches to spring cleaning, GiGO Clean Technology Inc., an app offering on-demand cleaning services by connecting customers to cleaners directly, says: “The world of hygiene and cleaning is evolving rapidly, driven by technological […]
April 16, 2025
Launching a new product is a strategic event that requires meticulous planning and execution. In today’s competitive market, a simple announcement isn’t enough to capture the attention of your target market. Small business owners must build genuine anticipation to maximize impact and drive initial sales. Discover actionable strategies to ensure your next product launch’s success. […]
April 15, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
Congress is continually giving lip service to its desire to help small businesses, but rarely does something important taxwise in this regard. Much assistance goes to “large” small businesses (remember the SBA definition of a small business in most instances is up to 500 employees). With Congress currently in the midst of talks about tax […]
April 10, 2025
By Barbara Weltman
April is National Financial Literacy Month. According to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), “’Financial literacy’ describes the skills, knowledge, and tools that equip people to make individual financial decisions and actions to attain their goals; this may also be known as financial capability, especially when paired with access to financial products […]
Multimedia
Resources For Your Business
A Good Time to Review Your Company’s Driving Policy
Don’t Take Tax Advice From …
Increasing Productivity without Burning Out Your Employees
Growing Your Business with a New Business Plan
Barbara’s Books
By Barbara Weltman
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SMALL BUSINESS TAX WRITE-OFFS AND STRATEGIES FROM A LEADING NAME IN TAX If you own a small business, this comprehensive guide explains in easy-to-understand terms the essentials of business taxes to prepare you to work better with your CPA or other tax adviser or handle tax responsibilities on your own. Whether you’re […]
By Barbara Weltman
THE COMPREHENSIVE HANDBOOK FOR AMERICAN TAXPAYERS LOOKING FOR EVERY LEGAL TAX DEDUCTION AND CREDIT This edition of this popular book has been fully updated to reflect the latest law changes, rulings and court decisions impacting 2024 returns. It’s organized in a way that allows you to easily refer to the appropriate deductions and credits for […]
By Barbara Weltman
Ideas you’ll use everyday! With only so many hours in the day, it’s impossible to stay on top of key developments and opportunities to help you run your business better and smarter. 500+ Big Ideas for Your Small Business gives you quick access to resources and tips you can use every day. Whether you’re a […]
By Barbara Weltman
Your GPS to Get You Where You Want to Go in Your Business Do you enjoy driving and being your own boss with flexible work options? Are you looking for a part-time (or full-time) activity that earns good money? Maybe you’ve already discovered that there are great opportunities for making money with your car. Or, […]
By Barbara Weltman
A Step-By-Step Road Map–with Checklists–to Get You Started Up, Profitable, and Successful Whether you want to start up a part-time home-based business or jump in full throttle and work on it full time, you need a start-up guide. A road map! Home-Based Business Start-Up Guide will help you chart your course to work-from-home success. Written […]
What every self-employed person needs to know about their taxes! If you’re self-employed, chances are the majority of your time is spent finding new customers or clients, servicing existing ones, and handling each and every aspect of your business. Freelancers, independent contractors, gig economy participants, and other individuals working for themselves need to be aware […]
By Barbara Weltman and Harvey Bezozi
Created for Uber and Lyft drivers as their GPS — to help them get where they want to go in their business, safely and securely. Note: This e-Book has been updated with a new title and revised content (shown). Do you enjoy driving and being your own boss with flexible work options? Are you looking […]
By Barbara Weltman
Presenting a recently-launched, updated, paperback edition! Barbara Weltman takes an inspired look in Smooth Failing at the hard lessons learned when things go wrong. Through extensive interviews with entrepreneurs whose ventures failed for a variety of reasons — some stunningly unexpected, some painfully inevitable — Weltman gleans valuable insights about the small mistakes that can lead to large scale catastrophe. Smooth Failing seeks to save readers from similar disaster — while empowering those who are learning from failures and adversity to bounce back stronger and wiser on the often rocky road to success.
By Barbara Weltman and Jerry Silberman
12 surefire ways for your business to survive and thrive! Owning a small business can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding experience, but to be successful, you must know what to do while the business is up and running, and, most importantly, what to do when the business runs into trouble. This book is definitely […]
By Barbara Weltman
As Vicki Raeburn of Dun & Bradstreet notes in the forward, “…the successful creation of credit by small business has a significant effect on one of the most important business drivers, namely cash flow. … [This book has] the information needed to understand and build business credit.”
Testimonials
I just wanted to take a moment to say that I really enjoy reading your content each day. It’s always insightful and appreciated!
– Kristie Walker, Walker Properties, LLC
Thank you for all the helpful tips and ideas I’ve learned from your daily email!
– Sally Howard
You help me become better informed and to feel better connected to other small businesses even if just through knowing we’re all seeing your newsletter and paying attention to the same concerns.
– Sally
Barbara’s newsletter and the information she shares are always useful and topical. Always an excellent newsletter from you, Barbara!
– Bob Benowitz
I love the simplicity of your articles. — Marie
– Marie Porolniczak, CB
Jim Blasingame, Host of The Small Business Advocate Show, and author of the award-winning books, “The 3rd Ingredient,” and “The Age of the Customer” says: “At a time when working from home is becoming the norm, why wouldn’t right now be a perfect time to start a home-based business? If you’re still with me, here’s the next logical question: Why wouldn’t you want to learn how to do that from someone who was home-based before it was cool? Someone who was making being home-based look good before technology made it easy.
Well, that person is my friend, Barbara Weltman, and she’s put all of her experience, wisdom and perspective in a new book, “Home-Based Business Start-up Guide.” It’s a by-the-numbers tutorial on how to launch a successful home-based business.
Let Barbara help you get your home-based business going with her book, and all of the other awesome resources she produces in support of small businesses. She’s the best.” — Jim
– Jim Blasingame, Host of The Small Business Advocate Show
I love your ideas of the day! They have become an instrumental part of my learning!
– Gina Bertoletti
You should sign up for the “Idea of the Day®” by Barbara Weltman. This will give you great tips and help you with your daily business needs. She writes every article with consummate skill.
– Lesley
As a tax attorney and small business specialist, Barbara has a lot of great information to share. Barbara, your blogs contain information that everyone can use! Your newly-expanded ebook, “175+ Big Ideas for Small Business” ebook has lots of great recommendations for small business owners.
– Lisa Rubenfeld
For a small business owner, the information [in your book] is absolutely one of the best I’ve come across! Thanks so much for the break-down of information.
– Michelle Joe
I just wanted to reach out and give you a very big, truly heartfelt “thank you” for all the work that you do to help small business owners grow and succeed.
More specifically, I wanted to offer you some praise for your blog posts and Idea of the Day®. My email inbox gets so very cluttered. And honestly, on most days I will do a wholesale delete of many, many messages. But I literally stop and specifically look for your name and your small business Idea of the Day®. I don’t want to miss it! In fact, I look forward to reading it daily (even on weekends!) because I know I’m going to learn something new that saves me money, time or just adds to my professional knowledge in a way that helps me help others too.
So thank you, thank you, thank you for your efforts!
– Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach
Thank you for finding this important information. Getting your daily email is like getting an MBA in small business.
– J. S. Budnik
“Thank you, Barbara Weltman, for all of your articles and tax advice to small business owners! All the best.”
– Shane Madigan
I follow your blog religiously for the great tips you provide. I love the new look. It makes me smile to see that your blog got an update. Thanks for providing such useful information.
– Lee Drozak
She has been an advocate, public speaker, and resource for small business news since the release of her first book, J.K. Lasser’s Tax Deductions for Small Business, in 1995. Since then she has run her website, her Big Ideas for Small Business® newsletter, and her blog, not to mention written over a dozen books. Ms. Weltman is on this list twice because for many business owners, it is easier to scroll through her Twitter feed for trending topics and news events than search her website. However, if you don’t take a minute to read her newsletters or blog — you’re missing out.
– Meredith Wood, Fundera Ledger
You help me become better informed and to feel better connected to other small businesses even if just through knowing we’re all seeing your newsletter and paying attention to the same concerns.
– Sally
Barbara’s newsletter and the information she shares are always useful and topical. Always an excellent newsletter from you, Barbara!
– Bob Benowitz
I love the simplicity of your articles. — Marie
– Marie Porolniczak, CB
Jim Blasingame, Host of The Small Business Advocate Show, and author of the award-winning books, “The 3rd Ingredient,” and “The Age of the Customer” says: “At a time when working from home is becoming the norm, why wouldn’t right now be a perfect time to start a home-based business? If you’re still with me, here’s the next logical question: Why wouldn’t you want to learn how to do that from someone who was home-based before it was cool? Someone who was making being home-based look good before technology made it easy.
Well, that person is my friend, Barbara Weltman, and she’s put all of her experience, wisdom and perspective in a new book, “Home-Based Business Start-up Guide.” It’s a by-the-numbers tutorial on how to launch a successful home-based business.
Let Barbara help you get your home-based business going with her book, and all of the other awesome resources she produces in support of small businesses. She’s the best.” — Jim
– Jim Blasingame, Host of The Small Business Advocate Show
I love your ideas of the day! They have become an instrumental part of my learning!
– Gina Bertoletti
You should sign up for the “Idea of the Day®” by Barbara Weltman. This will give you great tips and help you with your daily business needs. She writes every article with consummate skill.
– Lesley
As a tax attorney and small business specialist, Barbara has a lot of great information to share. Barbara, your blogs contain information that everyone can use! Your newly-expanded ebook, “175+ Big Ideas for Small Business” ebook has lots of great recommendations for small business owners.
– Lisa Rubenfeld
For a small business owner, the information [in your book] is absolutely one of the best I’ve come across! Thanks so much for the break-down of information.
– Michelle Joe
I just wanted to reach out and give you a very big, truly heartfelt “thank you” for all the work that you do to help small business owners grow and succeed.
More specifically, I wanted to offer you some praise for your blog posts and Idea of the Day®. My email inbox gets so very cluttered. And honestly, on most days I will do a wholesale delete of many, many messages. But I literally stop and specifically look for your name and your small business Idea of the Day®. I don’t want to miss it! In fact, I look forward to reading it daily (even on weekends!) because I know I’m going to learn something new that saves me money, time or just adds to my professional knowledge in a way that helps me help others too.
So thank you, thank you, thank you for your efforts!
– Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach
Thank you for finding this important information. Getting your daily email is like getting an MBA in small business.
– J. S. Budnik
“Thank you, Barbara Weltman, for all of your articles and tax advice to small business owners! All the best.”
– Shane Madigan
I follow your blog religiously for the great tips you provide. I love the new look. It makes me smile to see that your blog got an update. Thanks for providing such useful information.
– Lee Drozak
She has been an advocate, public speaker, and resource for small business news since the release of her first book, J.K. Lasser’s Tax Deductions for Small Business, in 1995. Since then she has run her website, her Big Ideas for Small Business® newsletter, and her blog, not to mention written over a dozen books. Ms. Weltman is on this list twice because for many business owners, it is easier to scroll through her Twitter feed for trending topics and news events than search her website. However, if you don’t take a minute to read her newsletters or blog — you’re missing out.
– Meredith Wood, Fundera Ledger
Barbara Weltman is one smart cookie – I follow her on Twitter, and her content is always interesting and informative.
– An eBay Radio listener – purplejaime1976
It’s BRIEF, concise and timely. Funny, I do a quick scan of my bloated mail box, quickly deleting what I feel is a time waster. But I NEVER delete Idea of the Day® until I’ve first opened it. Both you and Napoleon Hill’s Thought for the day ALWAYS get read. You’re in terrific company. Thanks.
– Don Aronowitz
