Small Business Advice

If it's important to be user-friendly, and if the highest form of user-friendliness is user-centric, then why aren't you doing it? That's the challenge posed by Dev Patnaik and Robert Becker, co-founders of Jump Associates. They do "need-finding, which is part of their user-based business design. Three reasons to uncover your customers' needs:

A recent government study showed that the average small business overpaid its taxes by $11,638. That's sad enough. But sadder still is the fact that the tax code is actually written to favor small businesses like yours.

Under the FMLA, employers with 50 or more employees within 75 miles of the company's work site are required to provide FMLA leave to their employees. But even if you're a small employer, innocent mistakes could make the "50/75 rule meaningless to you — and force you to provide FMLA leave. Learn how to avoid that trap.

Sick of the printer running out of ink? Wish your cell phone battery would last longer? Here are some quick, easy tricks to help with those pesky situations.

Child labor laws can be tricky. Here are the rules for legally hiring someone underage.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. In some cases résumé fraud can be a result of these desperate times.

Who knew social networks could help your business? Want an easy way to get ahead of the game, then join these social networking sites.

Want an easy, free way to grow your business? Get referrals! Grow your business without even lifting a finger.

The economy is in a recession and adding to your budget is the last thing on your mind. Take a moment to reassess and make this opportunity your Kellogg moment.

Make the most out of your job as an assistant and partner with your boss. Learn, increase productivity, and maybe even get a promotion!

Want to bring your company to the top? Show your employees that you appreciate and value them.

The internet is a great tool for online job applications. Allow your applicants to apply online so they can adjust and edit their applications.

Note to employers: The federal government has delayed the implementation of e-verify and red-flag.

Some quick tips to increase productivity and enjoy your work environment.

Don't get caught in a discrimination lawsuit. Investigate recommendations for termination before firing an employee.

If you think that your employer is doing something, make sure to have evidence before blowing the whistle.

Favoritism can happen, even if it is unintentional. To avoid it, use a promotional panel to ensure that promotions are made fairly.

The cost of training employees can be steep. If an employee who goes through training only stays at the company for a short period of time, is it okay to ask for the money back?

Don't punish the messenger.

What constitutes a contract? In some cases, an oral agreement may be binding.