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The Question:

April 15 is the tax filing deadline for individuals, partnerships and LLCs. When and how will you file?

7% - We will mail our return(s) by the deadline.

40% - We will e-file our return(s) by the deadline.

10% - We will file an extension, and then mail our return(s).

43% - We will file an extension, and then use the e-file option.

My Comments:

As you can see, we’re very close to an even split between those who planned to file their income tax returns by the deadline and those who planne...

As the bubonic plague hung over Europe in the mid-14th Century, it must have been difficult to imagine any associated blessings. But that’s just what the late Norman F. Cantor proposed in his book, In The Wake Of the Plague: The Black Death and The World It Made.

Cantor wrote that the devastation caused the demise of the Dark Ages, and made way for a new, enlightened order. Cantor argues that, “the Black Death heralded an intellectual revolution.�� He is talking about The Reformation, The Renai...

One of sports history’s greatest upsets happened at the 1975 U.S. Open tennis tournament at Forrest Hills, New York, when the Spaniard, Manuel Orantes, defeated legendary Jimmy Connors in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-3), in Connors�� own back yard.

But that contest isn’t the best part of this story. Beating Connors to win a professional tennis Grand Slam tournament couldn’t have happened if the night before, against all odds, Orantes had not demonstrated enormous courage and extreme perseverance....

In this week's video I explain why business planning is essential in small business.

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The Question:

Are differences in communicating and expectations between the generations a problem in the workplace today?

26% - Yes, it’s a big problem and getting worse.

3% - It’s been a big problem but is getting better.

51% - We’ve had some issues, but we’re managing it.

21% - No, it’s not a problem and never has been.

My Comments:

The challenge of effective communication between the different generations is not a new issue. Indeed, it’s been going on for millennia. But we’re just now in a time w...

While talking with an attorney friend of mine, our topic of discussion was about professional behavior in the marketplace. She reminded me that attorneys have very specific ethical and professional standards that are published, plus a well developed monitoring organization, complete with sanctioning authority.

The story is quite similar for CPA’s, architects, medical doctors, or any securities representative such as stock brokers, financial planners, etc. Much of the behavioral track these pro...

Ask any small business owner how business is and even those who honestly report, “It’s great!�� will also likely say, “But we can always use more.��

Knowing this about the heroes of Main Street, to find out what’s really going on you have to ask the way we did recently in our online poll: “What’s the greatest challenge for your business right now?�� Below are five options we provided, the responses, and my thoughts.

It was surprising to learn that less than 10% reported “Finding qualified people��...

In this week's video I talk about being a Hidebound or Visionary seller. Which one are you and what are the consequences?

The Question

What is your greatest challenge right now for your business?

58% - It’s simple: we need more sales.

8% - We’re growing but can’t find qualified people to hire.

24% - High taxes and onerous regulations.

8% - Obamacare has really complicated our benefits strategy.

3% - We need a business loan from a bank.

My Comments:

As you can see, the usual suspects showed up as the top challenges of small businesses. I’m going to have more to say about all of these responses in my Feature Article next...

A while back I heard someone accept an award by telling this story. He said, “I once saw a turtle on top of a fence post. The first thing that struck me was that the turtle surely had not gotten there by �󾱳��������.��

The gentleman went on to accept the award on behalf of all those who had helped him get to the top of his “fence post��.

If you are the owner, employer, and/or manager of a team of people, next time you find yourself “on top of a fence post��, make sure that you recognize the others who...