Category: Small Business

Knowing the true and correct value of your assets is one of the most necessary steps during a divorce. Once you file for a divorce, you will need extra finance to provide for various divorce procedures. Additionally, valuing your assets correctly will ensure a smoother divorce process. 

A Columbus divorce lawyer will help you in all the legal formalities. However, while dealing with the law, you must also understand the actual value of your assets to avoid complications. 

Following are the reasons why:

Undisclosed assets 

Take the proper measures and ensure that all assets are known to both you and your partner. If any of your purchases get disclosed in the future may it be accidentally or intentionally, it can cause complications in your divorce later.

Equity distribution.

There is a possibility that your spouse fights to take a share in the property that you owned before marriage. Your attorney will help you appropriately; however, if you validate your assets beforehand, it will help you secure your assets.

To produce a budget.

After your divorce, you will have to take all your financial decisions individually. Therefore you must know the actual value of your assets, and combining this; you can easily create a budget according to your monthly expenses.

So you can choose a reasonable settlement offer.

There will be certain compromises that you will have to make after your divorce. You must secure all your payments and get proper medical insurance or an adequate pension plan to secure your future.

You can prepare a post-divorce financial plan.

As you have been sharing all your finances with your partner all these years, it will be difficult for you to take up all the financial charges individually. However, if you know the value of your assets, you can choose where to invest in the future from the properties that you own.

Mistakes to avoid while dividing assets:

1. Even when two assets look like they share equal value, consult professional help before making any decision. The asset’s market value that you are willing to give up can be more than you imagine.
2. Even if you have an expert financial advisor or a trusted attorney by your side, it is essential that you understand the value of your assets yourself, take your own decisions and avoid depending entirely on them.
3. If your partner insists that you take an investment plan instead of a property, understand that investments have risks and can give you zero returns in the future, so always prefer assets over investments. 

Divorces can be complicated for you and your family; however, it is essential to start thinking practically and choose what is best for you and your future.

Millions of Americans make use of ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft. It connects passengers and the driver through an online platform such as the official app. Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time, including when you’re in a rideshare vehicle. 

You’re entitled to receive compensation if you sustain damages in the accident. The person that caused the accident and is proved to be negligent while driving in court is held liable for compensation. A car accident attorney can help provide evidence for the other driver’s carelessness and create strategies for you to receive your rightful reimbursement. 

An Atlanta car accident attorney assesses your case and effectively recovers your damages. 

Understanding insurance regarding ridesharing cars. 

Ridesharing service cars usually do not carry personal insurance for accidents caused during commercial rides. It is the ridesharing companies that have insurance coverage for their drivers. They have extreme specifics regarding what their insurance will cover to minimize losses, such as whether the driver was logged in the app or was in the middle of making a trip. An attorney can read these legal documents, inform you about the claims you can recover from this fund, and collect evidence accordingly. 

Call Medical Emergency Services 

Medical reports from a qualified professional are required in court to prove the injuries you suffered. These state your diagnosis, the impact of the accident on your body, your symptoms, and future complications, along with the treatment you require. This helps estimate your total losses. 

File A Police Report

Calling the police and filing a complaint regarding the accident with necessary details can be used as a statement of proof if the opposition tries to accuse you of partial negligence. 

Save Contact Details

Ensure that you have the contact details of everyone included at the scene, their relevant information and insurance details. Inform your insurance company about the accident. 

Recording Evidence 

Take pictures and recordings of the accident, the property that was damaged, the visible wounds, and the location where it occurred. Surveillance footage cameras can also be of assistance. Witness statements describing the incident can also be used in court. 

Follow Your Attorney’s Guidance

Rideshare claims are complex due to the presence of several parties. Attorneys are proficient in creating beneficial agreements and getting you compensated for every monetary and emotional loss you suffered in the accident. They consider how your future is affected by accident in terms of income and occupation and discuss the correct legal measures accordingly. They educate you regarding the case regulations so that you have a simplified understanding of your situation, which helps reduce stress. Following their instructions are advantageous for your case and compensation. 

Small business owners can easily get caught up with your daily operations. From time to time, try to examine what are the tasks that you have completed. One of the questions you should ask yourself is whether you should use accounting software such as MYOB accounting software.

Why Should You Use Accounting Software?

This type of software is beneficial to small business owners. Do you need accounting software? Accounting software can manage your book so you can concentrate on running your business. Below are some of the benefits of accounting software.

It can help in improving efficiency

As a business owner, you want to run your business as efficiently as you can, especially in accomplishing your administrative duties. By using accounting software, you can easily manage your books. In this way, you can concentrate on doing your profit-generating tasks.

Most accounting software programs permit you to do your bookkeeping in just a few easy steps. You just have to enter your transactions, and the software will do all the computations. Furthermore, if you are using cloud accounting software, you can do your accounting work anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. By using accounting software, all your information will be kept in one place. It means that it will be easier for you to refer to your previous transactions. You don’t have to waste your most priceless time finding them on your paperwork or spreadsheets.

Your accounting will be fully automated

Automation can make your accounting tasks much simpler. Most accounting software programs such as MYOB accounting software can do computations, generate invoices, and compile statements. Automatic computations can save you the hassle of doing the calculations manually. At the same time, you can also guarantee that these automated figures are more accurate than your manually calculated figures. When the accounting software is doing the income and expense totals, there will be chances for mistakes. In turn, you will have a clearer idea of your business’s bottom line.

You can simplify your tax filing

Keep in mind that disorganized records can likely cost you when filing your taxes. Rather than handing over a box of receipts to your accountant, why not buy your accounting software. In case misrepresented information is found on your return, you will have to pay fines and penalties for it. Or perhaps you could be facing some legal issues. There is no need to worry about accounting software if you have lost any receipt or made a mistake in recording your sales.

Even if you can successfully submit your return to the IRS without any discrepancies, still having disorganized books can likely cost you. If you are paying your tax preparer on an hourly basis, you will have to pay the additional hours spent organizing your records. Also, you could be missing some deductions that your business is eligible for.

With accounting software, you can guarantee that all your business’s transactions are well organized. Hence, your tax preparer can quickly fill out your tax return. You will spend less time on your paperwork, and you will have more time to spend on getting those refunds that your business is entitled to.

Acquiring accounting software can provide you with several benefits. It can make your accounting system more efficient with less mistakes.

Are you contemplating filing a petition for a visa or a green card? Do you wish to avoid work or deportation? Consider looking for the hardworking, honest, and professional immigration attorneys at Goldstein Immigration Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA. You should be careful when choosing the one to meet your immigration needs. You could also come across several unreliable lawyers. They would lie to you and charge an exorbitant fee. Rest assured that such lawyers would take you for a ride.

If you were skeptical about finding the best immigration lawyers, go through the following tips.

Tip #1 – high priced and exclusively dressed lawyers

If you were impressed by a well-dressed lawyer, it does not mean that the lawyer is great t handling your immigration process. Rest assured that the posh suit would indicate a highly priced lawyer. The exorbitant fee of such exclusively dressed lawyers would burn a significant hole in your pocket. Exclusive dressing sense does not imply that the lawyer is updated and intelligent. Research well and find a lawyer who is worth his salt.

Tip #2 – wrong advice

Be wary of lawyers offering you unethical and wrong advice. These money-spinning lawyers would ask you to document a lie. Rest assured that if the lawyer asks you to lie, you are in wrong hands. Do not trust a lawyer and never hire his or her services.

Tip #3 – visa consultants or petition preparers

Such brands of people are not the immigration lawyers you should involve with. They would prey on foreigners who require some assistance for their immigration needs. They would assist in typing various documents. It would not be wrong to suggest that an average person could prepare his or her immigration petition. Rest assured that such visa consultants would be of no use to you.

Tip #4 – lawyers available at immigration offices

Numerous lawyers look for business at immigration offices. They would approach you, but this itself has been a sign that lawyers are out of business. Such lawyers might not be great at their work. Rest assured that a reputed and competent immigration lawyer would be busy doing his or practice. A competent immigration lawyer would not look forward to hunting new clients in offices.

Tip #5 – unreal promises

Only the immigration judge, Department of Homeland Defense, and the USCIS could decide the fate of your immigration case. Therefore, if you come across lawyers claiming to have a 100% success rate, be wary of such lawyers.

These tips would help you choose the best immigration lawyer for successful filing of your immigration case.

A lot of companies are still relying on Excel for managing their bookkeeping. However, a single stroke of the keyboard can change their financials. A lot of business owners don’t have an accounting degree, so it makes sense to bring accounting experts like F.O. Givens & Company into their team. The following are some accounting tips that small business owners can consider:

Manage Business Accounts and Personal Accounts Separately

If you want to easily manage your accounts, ensure you separate business from personal accounts. If you get used to having many accounts, you will be able to easily see your expenses when tax season comes. By having a business account, you can stick to a business budget

Keep Track of your Business Expenses Carefully

By keeping track of your business, you can get the full advantage of write-offs and tax credits. You must keep track of inventory, suppliers, utilities, and insurance to keep a budget and save for unexpected expenses. Because errors can occur when tracking business expenses on an Excel spreadsheet, you will want to use accounting software for it. The software can automate some of the systems and processes inside your business which will save you time and stress. Automating your accounting tasks using the right software will save you the time you can use to perform other important business tasks.

Hire Accounting Experts

If you don’t know where to start with your accounting tasks, you may want to hire an expert to help you set up your systems and processes. Your accountant will set up bookkeeping processes, maintain business financials, prepare and file taxes, give advice on financial planning, as well as create audited financial statements. Reputable accounting firms offer services aside from accounting and bookkeeping. Most of them also provide business consulting services which you can take advantage of especially if you own a new business.

Have you decided to put your affairs in order? Do you accept that estate planning would be essential for you? Many people wonder about how to choose an estate planning attorney in McKinney, TX. The foremost aspect to consider would be that your estate-planning attorney would be the person with whom you would share plenty of personal information. It would be imperative that you choose an estate planning attorney with whom you were comfortable talking about your needs and concerns. If you are skeptical about discussing your personal information with an estate-planning attorney, rest assured he or she is not the right person for you.

Your attorney would be your legal confidant. He would be bound by duty to gain your confidence beyond their estate plan. They should be good at keeping secrets. However, it does not matter what their duty is if you were not comfortable discussing with them your specific needs and concerns. If you begin to feel discomfort talking with your estate-planning attorney, consider looking for an estate-planning attorney somewhere else.

Yet another aspect to consider would be that not all attorneys would have a similar capacity to handle your estate planning needs. The initial step would be to find an attorney who would be a good fit for you. It would be important to inquire about people whom they know and trust. You could inquire with your friends and colleagues if they know an estate planning attorney. It would also be important to inquire what they think about an estate planning attorney as a person. If you get a recommendation, do not stop there. It would be imperative to inquire about their schooling, their practice, experience, and the field they specialize in. It may not tell you everything about the attorney but would provide adequate information about the potential attorney you intend to hire. If the recommended attorney does not specialize in estate planning, you may not want that attorney to create a financial plan for you and your family.

The best advice would be to find someone with whom you could relate well and feel comfortable sharing personal information. It would not be wrong to suggest that your estate planning attorney would be someone whose judgment you would rely on. They would recommend legal options for accomplishing the goals you set for them. It would be imperative to trust your instincts and impressions about your attorney. Therefore, it would be important for you to trust the professional before hiring his/her legal services.

Did you know that nearly 94 per cent of organizations in Australia that employ the workforce are small businesses? According to 2019 statistics, there are about 2.2 million such organizations that account for half of the workforce in the country and make up one-fifth of the GDP. When these businesses prosper and thrive, so does the national economy.

But starting a new business is indeed a challenging task. It requires an accurate strategy, a combination of the right elements and a lot of patience before you can see your business progress. In most occurrences, it is not the capital and the opportunities that generate the results, but the direction of your efforts and a carefully implemented strategic plan.

If you are contemplating launching your startup or a small venture, you have come to the right place. This article will help you in putting your confusions aside and let you discover the things you need to pay attention to, for making your organization successful. The following are some tips to help you steer your venture in the right direction.

1. Invest Small

One of the basics of any new venture, be it a large organization or a startup, is to start small. As the famous saying goes, “do not put all of your eggs in one basket,” never put everything at stake. Estimate every resource you have and then employ each in your business in a careful, concise and calculated way. Also, always have a plan ‘B’ ready if your initial investment does not work out. Do not risk everything all at once, and have enough investment at hand to be able to retreat in case of a loss.

2. Keep Things Organized

No small business can afford to be dishevelled and disorganized and let others capitalize on the situation. It is imperative to keep things centralized at first and delegate the responsibilities at a later stage. In terms of being organized, you should have a thorough and advanced knowledge of the products and services you are offering. One method to keep things together is to invest in promotional compendiums as these can help present your services in an assorted manner.

3. Employ the Right Team

You cannot expect to have your business progress efficiently if you do not have a combination of capable people teamed up. To do so, you will need to figure out your key departments and their responsibilities. Next, you can start finding the experts equipped with the necessary skills and expertise and proceed to employ them. In addition to the core divisions, you must focus on bringing in those who know the pulse of the business. For this purpose, hire the workforce that can market your product, conceptualize ideas and bring them to life. You will also need experts who can monitor the progress, plus suggest and recommend relevant changes. Employ your team carefully, so you do not have to resort to layoffs at a later stage.

4. Manage Cash-flow

You cannot run a successful small business unless and until you have complete control over your finances. This means that your financial analysts or accountants should be skilled at managing the cash-flow. Many ventures make the mistake of borrowing a lot of money, but that can sometimes backfire. It is truly important to create a viable fiscal plan in light of your potential expenses and implement it with care. When your business gains some momentum and you begin to earn a profit, focus on repayment more than anything else. Your business will only sustain itself if it is financially strong and free of debt.

5. Set Up a Strategic Plan

For a successful business, you need to have a strategic plan in place right from the beginning. This is the moment to design and develop your plan, set your benchmark and decide about your performance milestones. Also, generate a mission statement, company policy and the rules that will govern your organization. Note down what will be your strategies in the next five years, 10 years and so on. Also, finalize on paper as to how you will be expanding your team and delegating the responsibilities to them.

6. Have Competitor Insights

Knowing about your competitors is one of the first crucial steps to performing well at your work. The more in-depth knowledge you can have about them, the better. Also, learn why some of the businesses that offered similar products and services failed to make their mark. And, what were the core foundations and decisions that made other businesses successful? Having these important aspects of business thought-out will help you benefit from the experiences of similar businesses and ventures.

7. Plan for Crises in Advance

There is no possibility of averting major losses if you do not have your business prepared for the crises in advance. Whether it is a shortcoming to reach out to the target audience, internal mismanagement or a global recession, you should always have a contingency plan. Not just that, but you must also have a team that analyzes the market and evolves solutions to help the organization get up on its feet again.

8. Prioritize Customer Care

Regardless of the nature of your business, you will always need to dedicate considerable time and effort to customer care. Needless to say, lay full emphasis on attracting the customers to grow and strengthen your business. Never delay the resolution of their issues and assure them of your attention and interest. This will create loyal customers and allow you to explore newer markets in the longer run.

9. Optimize Use of Digital Tools

No small business can expect to sustain the tide or survive without the effective use of digital tools. In addition to making the most of the apps, you need to have a workforce that has a progressive digital mindset and attitude. Also, it is necessary to have advanced computers, software, and equipment in place to be on par with the competitors.

Conclusion

Small businesses have huge competition, and they need to implement a practical yet out-of-the-box strategy to attain their goals. It is important to have the right investment measures, financial management, and workforce in place to be successful. Last but not least, it is imperative to optimize the use of digital tools to help your organization get noticed.

In today’s competitive market, it’s difficult for businesses to care about society or the environment rather than caring about earning profits. With dwindling world climate and increasing pollution in the air, the small businesses should start thinking about adopting Corporate Social Responsibility. Being socially responsible is the right way to operate in the corporate sector and help build the whole community. This way, businesses will know when, where, and how to perform their daily operations without harming the environment.

The possibilities of practicing Corporate Social Responsibility are endless, with supportive employees and customers on the back end. Any small business can quickly become more socially cautious with the right mindset and determination. Such companies are considered one of the building blocks of society as they join forces with the environment.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is practiced by those businesses that want to be socially accountable for their business operations. Such business models take into consideration the moral, ethical, and socially desirable ways to perform different tasks. They are also loyal and sincere to the public and stakeholders. Another name given to CSR is corporate citizenship, where businesses become more cautious of their social, environmental, and economic impact.

Businesses will have to identify the negative factors affecting the society and eliminate them. They will also have to implement some beneficial ways to become more socially responsible in the future. In this way, small businesses will gradually prosper and build a positive brand image, as well. One way to do so will be through using and promoting eco-friendly products. Some examples of eco-friendly products can be eco-friendly bags, recycled plastic wraps, organic towels, biodegradable paper, and recycled bottles.

Following is a list of ways to help small businesses practice Corporate Social Responsibility in the right away:

1. Devising a Corporate Social Responsibility Plan

Small companies should incorporate CSR in their business plan from the very beginning. They should not hesitate about adopting the right code of ethics to operate in a healthy working environment. It’s crucial to plan everything systematically, from outlining the code of conduct between employees and customer services to highlighting environmental issues. A business should pinpoint how to work, keeping the welfare of the society in mind as much as possible. With the help of a proper CSR plan, small businesses will stay devoted to the environmental and social goals as well.

2. Creating Realistic Goals

Most small businesses want to do a lot for the environment but fail to do so because of the unattainable goals. There are many reasons for failure, a major one being the ineffective allocation of available budget. That is why businesses should work on creating realistic goals to achieve them in time. Try taking one step at a time by setting small goals in the beginning. For example, using biodegradable products instead of non-recyclable ones.

3. Taking Part in Safety and Health Programs

Small businesses can easily follow safety programs at work, which will secure society’s welfare in terms of providing a safe working environment for the employees. Healthcare programs and awareness campaigns about the situation will help in increasing the business’s reliability. That is also an effective way to leave a long-lasting impression on clients who want to work with sensible organizations.

4. Discussing Plans with Suppliers

Try to get the suppliers on the same page for future ease and mutual benefit in the underlying process. Therefore, informing the suppliers about the social interests of the business can meet the overall business expectations. Discuss issues such as ethical ways of supplying materials and appropriate pricing methods beforehand. In this way, everything will go according to the devised plan.

5. Teaming Up with Compatible Small Businesses

Now that you know about how to practice Corporate Social Responsibility try to get on board with like-minded companies. That will help you in building a corporate social community where businesses look out for each other. Joining hands with other socially conscious activities will also lead to new opportunities to promote your small business. Fundraising organizations and charities will soon reach out to you, and it will benefit the economy and society in return.

6. Giving Out Bonuses and Rewards Regularly

The best way to influence others in your business to practice CSR will be through giving regular bonuses and monthly rewards. That will motivate others to contribute to a charity and donate from time to time. Employees, as well as customers, can be encouraged to donate more, with rewards given to them for doing that. Within the organization, the productivity level of employees and their morale will boost up, while maintaining a good reputation in the society. Customers always prefer to interact with socially responsible businesses, and rewards will be a fantastic way to promote that.

7. Avoid Indulging in Green Washing Your Small Business

There is no point in making deceptive claims about the services and products of your business when you know those claims cannot meet the expectations. Try to be fair and honest with your clients while promoting your business in an environmentally friendly way. The integrity of the company should never be undermined and use only effective marketing strategies. Rather than manipulating the public, play fairly, and never risk your company’s image through greenwashing.

One more tip to consider here will be to get a B-Corp certification done. Those companies that are socially cautious and want to benefit the environment will get these certificates. B-Corps are companies that get certified to operate for the betterment of society. The primary purpose of such companies is to generate profit while creating value for the general public and the environment.

Conclusion

When your business accomplishes the pre-set CSR goals, everything will come in place. By practicing Corporate Social Responsibility, you will earn the trust of your employees and other stakeholders. The public will also favor your company’s products and services over the competitors’ products and services. This type of positive and socially accountable attitude will improve the company’s image and brand name in the corporate sector.

A camera backpack is a vital part of photography.

Your gear needs effective storage for multiple situations, especially outdoors.

Below, we have 5 tips on picking the best camera backpacks. Read the list to get an idea on what you need!

#1 – Massive Space.

Your backpack has to fit a DSLR camera, different lens, and camera cleaning items.

The more space the better. Because you’ll need different compartments for each item category.

Massive space lets you carry other items too. Especially items necessary for photography editing, such as…

A Laptop.

A laptop is your litmus test to camera bag size.

If the bag can fit a 15 inch laptop, you can buy it. If it doesn’t, look for a different one.

Tripods.

1 tripod is enough. And chances are, your travels with this bag will require a tripod.

You don’t want a separate bag for your tripod. You need it to fit into a single bag, minimizing the load you carry.

So make sure the bag can handle a tripod, along with your camera too.

#2 – Proper Padding.

The dividers in the bag should be well-padded.

Why? Because padding protects your lens and camera in case of an accident.

Padding ensures that your expensive equipment doesn’t get damaged. And this is vital for DSLR cameras, which cost thousands of dollars.

#3 – Water Resistance.

You’ll hardly find a bag that’s waterproof. But you need something as close to that as possible.

So look for a bag that’s water resistant. It should have features that block out rain and snow.

Example.

Get a bag with a rain cover.

Rain covers let you adapt to surprises fast. They’re especially useful for hiking, where finding a rain shelter is hard.

#4 – Comfort.

Remember, you carry a lot in a camera backpack. So the bag is bound to be heavy.

Make sure it’s comfortable. It should rest well on your shoulders. And it should be padded enough as to not stab into your body.

If possible, get a bag with a waist belt. This alleviates some pressure from your shoulders, especially for long walks.

#5 – Side Storage.

Probably a staple in any bag. And it is necessary in camera bags.

Side storage lets you carry non-photography items without filling your pockets. You can store a water bottle, car keys, and your cellphone.

Make sure the side storage is tight, and is properly zipped. So minimize the use of storage nets.

Time to Get Your Bag.

You don’t have to waste time researching.

Just visit Schubert Photography. There, you’ll find the best camera backpack for pros and hobbyists!

It fits all the previous requirements. And it’ll make storing your gear a breeze!

If you are a business owner, it is important to be able to count on a professional courier service that offers a number of delivery options. That way, you have one go-to source to take care of all your delivery needs. Choose a company that offers full delivery services to ensure that all your deliveries go as planned.

For example, when choosing a professional courier, you need to make sure the company offers the following services:

• Same or next day delivery: This is important if you want an item delivered as quickly as possible.
• Parcel delivery: Make sure the carrier can manage all kinds and sizes of packages, including packages that measure as much as four metres in length.
• Refrigeration: This service should be provided for the delivery of items such as medicines or foods.
• Countrywide Delivery: This service should be offered even if the company is locally-

Are the Deliveries Fully Insured?

When selecting courier services in TN37, also make sure that goods in transit are fully insured. Whether you need one-off delivery or daily delivery services, you should be able to receive both of these services from one company.

Does the Company Offer Free Price Quotes?

Once you find a courier company that offers all these services, you need to contact them to discuss your exact logistics needs. Make sure the delivery provider offers free, no-obligation quotes when determining pricing.

Selecting a courier service is also made easier when you review your current delivery requirements. For example, consider what you need to send and what you wish to spend. This will make it easier for you to decide on a courier company.