The need to safeguard privacy has become increasingly important. Many users are concerned about their online activities being tracked and their personal information being sold to third-party companies without their consent. To address this issue, Zoho, a leading software solutions provider, has introduced Ulaa, a revolutionary browser designed with privacy as its top priority. In a recent interview with Raju Vegesna, Chief Evangelist at Zoho, we delved into the importance of privacy and how Ulaa can help users protect their sensitive data.

The Need for Privacy-Friendly Browsers

When asked about the motivation behind creating a new browser, Vegesna highlighted the lack of privacy and user-friendliness in most existing browsers. He stated, “If you look at the majority of the browsers in the market today, they’re not exactly privacy friendly and user-friendly. You know as a user we are being tracked. I should say maybe we’ve been surveilled. Without our permission our information and our activity is being tracked and related to other companies we do not know, sold to other companies we have no control on.” He added, “We believe you know browsers have to be developed by companies that do not have an active interest in surveillance.“

Vegesna further emphasized Zoho’s commitment to privacy by mentioning that Ulaa initially began as an internal project for the company. After recognizing its usefulness, Zoho decided to extend the browser to the wider market. With a business model that is not ad-based and a strong focus on privacy, Ulaa aims to provide an alternative to browsers developed by companies driven for surveillance and data collection.

Integration with Zoho Tools for Enhanced Productivity

Apart from its privacy features, Ulaa offers seamless integration with various Zoho tools, thereby enhancing productivity for users. 

Vegesna explained, “They are subtly integrated with several Zoho tools and increasingly it will integrate with more.” 

Users can log into their Zoho accounts directly from the browser, enabling them to synchronize their tabs and access other Zoho features. The integration also includes tools such as an annotator and a note-taking application, which are pre-built into Ulaa.

Moreover, Ulaa leverages Zoho’s own translation service to provide translations without relying on third-party surveillance companies. These integrations, both visible and behind the scenes, are developed with privacy in mind, ensuring that user data remains protected.

Accessibility for All Users

One of the key advantages of Ulaa is its accessibility to all users, regardless of whether they are Zoho customers or not. Vegesna clarified, “You don’t have to be a Zoho customer. You can be just an end user and you don’t even have to create a Zoho account to use the browser.Just go to ulaa.com, download the browser in your favorite operating system, start using it. Only if you want to synchronize your browsing sessions, you may have to create a Zoho account. Otherwise, you can simply use Zoho. We simply use the whole other browser without any Zoho account and without Zoho knowing anything about you.”

By making Ulaa available to all users, Zoho aims to provide a privacy-focused browsing experience without any unnecessary barriers or prerequisites.

Zoho Start: Simplifying the Process of Starting a Company

In addition to Ulaa, Zoho has introduced another innovative solution called Zoho Start, which aims to simplify the process of starting a company. 

Vegesna explained the motivation behind Zoho Start, stating, “Zoho Start is a service we are launching here only in the US for now where we help freelancers or any independent would-be entrepreneurs create a company. If you’re thinking about starting a company, Zoho Start can assist you. We can help you through the process where we collect information and submit information to the respective government agencies to, you know, to set up a company.”

Zoho Start is designed as an end-to-end platform that covers the entire lifecycle of a startup, from idea validation to company formation and beyond. It offers a range of features and services, including idea management, business plan creation, investor engagement, legal documentation, team collaboration, and more. By providing a comprehensive suite of tools and resources, Zoho Start empowers entrepreneurs to focus on their core business while minimizing administrative burdens.

Embracing Privacy in the Digital World

In an era where online privacy is increasingly compromised, Ulaa represents a significant step forward in empowering individuals and businesses to protect their personal data. With its emphasis on privacy and user control, Ulaa offers a secure and user-friendly browsing experience, free from intrusive surveillance and data tracking. Its seamless integration with Zoho’s productivity tools further enhances user workflows, while the accessibility of Ulaa to all users, regardless of Zoho account ownership, ensures privacy for all.

Zoho’s commitment to small businesses is further demonstrated by the introduction of Zoho Start, which simplifies the process of starting a company, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Together, Ulaa and Zoho Start showcase Zoho’s dedication to empowering individuals, protecting privacy, and fostering innovation in the digital world.

As the need for privacy-friendly solutions continues to grow, Zoho’s Ulaa and Zoho Start serve as powerful examples of how technology can be harnessed to prioritize user privacy and provide valuable tools for individuals and businesses alike. With these innovations, Zoho has taken a significant stride towards a more secure and privacy-conscious digital future.

This article, "Raju Vegesna Goes Deep on Privacy Browser Ulaa and Zoho Start" was first published on Small Business Trends

Companies are constantly seeking ways to streamline their operations and maximize efficiency. One way of achieving this is by leveraging the power of the right business software. 

From managing leads to converting them into loyal customers, businesses can benefit greatly from integrating software solutions into their workflows. 

Small Biz in 15 speaks with Marc Fishman, Marketing Director at CodeFish, an IT boot camp. Fishman explains how CodeFish has harnessed the potential of software, particularly Zoho, to transform their business and empower their students. 

Fishman also delved into CodeFish’s journey, the significance of software in their operations, and the potential benefits for small businesses looking to adopt similar strategies.

CodeFish: Revolutionizing IT Education

CodeFish is an IT boot camp that specializes in training students from scratch and equipping them with the skills necessary to embark on successful careers in the field. 

Fishman emphasizes their mission of providing students with all the tools needed for a rewarding IT career. 

He states, “We want them confident when they come into an IT field that they’ve been given all of the tools necessary to navigate an actual career in IT. We are literally the first step in a long career.”

Leveraging Software for Enhanced Efficiency

Fishman says his company’s efforts to leverage software to streamline its operations began with a very important decision.

A Shift from Salesforce to Zoho

CodeFish’s journey began with a transition from their original business, Tectorial Academy, to become Code Fish. 

Explaining this transition, Fishman shares, “We maintained the building presence but changed all the marketing over, and now we are CodeFish.” 

As part of their rebranding and operational improvements, CodeFish decided to integrate Zoho into their business processes, moving away from Salesforce. Fishman believes that Zoho presents an opportunity to train great students for businesses and partners, differentiating CodeFish from other coding boot camps.

Targeting the Immigrant Community

CodeFish primarily caters to the immigrant community in Chicago, with around 95% of their students coming from countries like Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey. However, Fishman recognizes the need to diversify their student base and expand their reach to a broader audience. By leveraging technology solutions like Zoho, CodeFish aims to attract a more diverse range of students.

The Impact of Zoho on CodeFish’s Operations

From marketing to other aspects of CodeFish’s operations, Zoho improves the company’s efficiency in a variety of ways.

Using Zoho as a Comprehensive CRM

Zoho serves as a foundational tool for CodeFish, enabling them to effectively track and manage leads. Fishman highlights, “We use it first and foremost as a CRM, tracking all of our leads.” As a marketing director, Fishman also utilizes Zoho’s marketing tools such as campaigns and Zoho Social to consolidate their marketing efforts.

Exploring Zoho Finance and Integration Opportunities

To further optimize their operations, CodeFish is actively exploring the integration of Zoho Finance and subscription models. Fishman explains, “My goal is to use as many of the 50 apps as humanly possible if only to get in the record books.” By seamlessly tying together various Zoho applications, CodeFish aims to create a holistic and streamlined experience for both their students and internal processes.

Empowering Students Administrators and Instructors

The company doesn’t just use Zoho for its operations. Students also benefit directly from the software.

Portals and Zoho Learn: Transforming Student Experience

CodeFish aims to empower their students by providing self-sufficiency and access to resources through portals and Zoho Learn. Fishman envisions a future where students can address problems independently while having seamless access to educational materials. By transitioning from Google Classroom to Zoho Learn, CodeFish intends to consolidate their educational assets under a unified platform.

Zoho’s Transformative Influence

Zoho’s transformative influence extends beyond the day-to-day aspects of CodeFish operations. The integration of Zoho has also facilitated data-driven decision-making and enhanced communication within the organization. With Zoho’s analytics and reporting capabilities, CodeFish can gain valuable insights into their marketing campaigns, student enrollment patterns, and overall business performance. This data-driven approach enables them to make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies that maximize student satisfaction and success.

In addition, Zoho’s collaboration tools, such as Zoho Cliq and Zoho Projects, have streamlined communication and project management within the CodeFish team. From coordinating curriculum updates to facilitating real-time discussions and file sharing, these tools have fostered efficient collaboration among instructors, administrators, and students. The seamless integration of various Zoho applications has created a cohesive ecosystem that supports CodeFish’s mission and empowers their team to deliver exceptional educational experiences.

By harnessing the power of Zoho, CodeFish has not only optimized their operations but also built a strong foundation for continuous growth and innovation. The success of their integration highlights the importance of selecting the right software solutions that align with business goals and enable organizations to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of business operations, leveraging the right software solutions can significantly impact a company’s success. IT bootcamp CodeFish understands the importance of streamlining their operations and providing an exceptional learning experience to their students. Through their utilization of Zoho, they have been able to transform their processes and enhance the student journey from lead generation to customer conversion.

By integrating Zoho into their business operations, CodeFish has automated their student experience, allowing for seamless tracking of leads and efficient customer management. The comprehensive suite of Zoho applications, such as CRM, campaigns, social media management, and finance tools, has empowered CodeFish to optimize their marketing efforts, streamline their subscription model, and ensure a solid foundation for their students’ IT careers.

Furthermore, CodeFish’s commitment to diversity and inclusion sets them apart, as they aim to attract students from various backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for growth and success. By embracing a diverse student community, CodeFish creates an inclusive learning environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

The success of CodeFish demonstrates the power of integrating the right software solutions into business operations. With a clear focus on providing quality education and equipping their students with the necessary tools, CodeFish has positioned itself as a leading IT bootcamp, helping individuals transition into successful careers in the IT field.

As technology continues to advance, businesses must adapt and leverage software solutions to stay competitive and deliver exceptional experiences to their customers. CodeFish’s journey showcases the potential for transformation that arises when the right software, such as Zoho, is implemented strategically. By embracing innovation and prioritizing the student experience, CodeFish has solidified its position as a reliable and effective IT bootcamp, empowering individuals to thrive in the IT industry.

This article, "From Leads to Customers: Streamlining Operations with the Right Business Software" was first published on Small Business Trends

Small businesses need to prioritize efficiency and growth in order to succeed. 

One effective way to achieve this is through the use of software solutions. With a plethora of options available, finding the right software can be a daunting task. 

To shed light on this topic, Small Biz in 15 spoke with Susan Clark, President and Owner of Cornerstone Solutions, a boutique firm specializing in helping businesses streamline their operations with Zoho software. In this article, we’ll explore Susan’s insights on choosing the best software for small businesses and the key factors to consider.

Why Efficiency Matters

“In order to be a really good solid company, you need to handle some of those issues that are not as efficient as they should be,” says Susan.

Efficiency is the key to growth and success for small businesses. By leveraging software solutions, businesses can optimize their processes and improve productivity. Susan emphasizes that software is the pathway to efficiency, and through her experience and consultation with various businesses, she believes that finding the right suite of software is essential.

Understanding Your Business Needs

When it comes to choosing the right software, Susan advises focusing on the “why” behind your business decisions. 

“Why should you pick Zoho forms versus Zoho survey? Why should you pick Zoho itself over other products?” Understanding the purpose behind your software choices is crucial. 

Susan’s approach with Cornerstone Solutions is to help clients identify the reasons behind their software needs and make informed decisions. This emphasis on the “why” sets her firm apart from others.

Catering to Diverse Industries

Cornerstone Solutions works with a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, finance, business services, and technical sectors. 

According to Susan, their clients vary in size, from solopreneurs to companies with over 500 users. The firm does not target a specific customer type but rather focuses on assisting anyone who seeks help and is interested in improving their business operations. 

Susan believes that every client, regardless of size or industry, deserves the same level of attention and support.

Why Zoho?

When asked about the preference for Zoho, Susan points out several reasons why Zoho stands out among other software solutions. 

Firstly, Zoho offers an affordable and comprehensive suite of tools, making it an attractive option for small businesses. 

Additionally, Zoho’s software is highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor it to their specific needs. Susan also praises Zoho’s management team for their understanding of the small to medium-sized business market and their commitment to continuous improvement.

Challenges Faced by Small Businesses

Small businesses often face the challenge of not knowing what they don’t know, Susan says. Many entrepreneurs prefer to handle everything themselves, but at some point, they realize the need to prioritize their time and expertise. 

Susan mentions that most of her company’s clients approach Cornerstone Solutions because they no longer want to spend time learning new technologies or navigating complex software solutions. They seek guidance in understanding their needs and identifying the right tools to enhance their operations.

Key Tools and Features

The core tool that most businesses seek is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. 

“CRM is the core of your business,” says Susan. 

Losing access to customer information can be detrimental to a business’s success. Zoho CRM, in particular, is highly regarded for its integration capabilities, connecting various aspects of a business’s operations. 

Susan also highlights the importance of Zoho Books, the finance suite, which provides valuable insights into a customer’s payment history, outstanding invoices, and credits. 

Other popular tools include Zoho Forms, Zoho Survey, and Zoho One, which offers a comprehensive range of applications for businesses of all sizes.

This article, "Insider Tips: Choosing the Best Software for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends

Small businesses can greatly benefit from implementing versatile software solutions that streamline their operations. Steve Festa, owner of Blues Brothers Construction, shared his experience with Zoho in an episode of Small Biz in 15. In this article, we delve into the insights that Festa shared about using software to make a roofing company more competitive.

The Blues Brothers Construction Story

Blues Brothers Construction is a roofing contractor company based out of South Florida, Boca Raton. They specialize in residential roofing and repairs. Steve Festa started his business in 2005 following Hurricane Charlie’s rampage through Central Florida.

“What got me into this,” Steve shared, “was the realization that most roofing companies were failing in their service delivery. So, I decided to start my own company based on a different set of morals and values, focusing on customer experience.”

The Need for Software Solutions

To stay organized, keep tabs on project timelines, and manage estimates, Blues Brothers Construction sought out software solutions. Steve explained, “We needed an accounting software and a system that could synchronize our database of information.” This need led them to Zoho.

Steve was drawn to Zoho’s multifunctionality and its capacity to connect various aspects of the business under one umbrella. He noted, “Having everything tied together within one entity and not having to connect different products using other tools was very useful.”

Implementing Zoho in Blues Brothers Construction

Steve highlighted that his initial draw to Zoho was due to the CRM and the projects application. He stated, “I need to sell the product and manage the sales cycle, but I also need to produce the work and have a project management style organization past the sales point.”

Zoho’s CRM enabled Blues Brothers Construction to improve their marketing and sales process. Steve emphasized the importance of the blueprint process and the workflow process in Zoho’s CRM, saying, “I can guide my users through a process that I’ve curated to make sure we’re following that same experience for our customers.”

The company also utilizes Zoho’s Creator for on-the-fly estimating and contract creation. They also appreciate Zoho’s analytics tool that allows Steve to gain a quick overview of the business’s status.

Advice for Other Small Businesses

Steve advises other small businesses to begin their search for software solutions by honing in on their customer experience and defining their ideal customer. He commented, “Zoho has different tiers, which is one of the main reasons I went with it. It allowed me to transcend the process and keep building as creatively as I wanted.”

He also stressed the need to try out different software options to find what suits your business best. “We navigated through tons of software before we stumbled across Zoho,” he noted, “It gave me the vision where I could come up with different scenarios for the business.”

Final Thoughts

Using Zoho, Steve has been able to design and engineer his business process, keep tabs on what’s happening, and never be out of the loop as an owner. His journey illustrates the transformative power of technology in streamlining business processes, enhancing customer experiences, and ultimately, driving business growth.

As Steve Festa said in his interview, “At the end of the day, I can always hang my hat on my morals and my values and make sure that I’m giving that customer experience. I did what I said I would do. That’s important to me.”

This article, "Leveraging Zoho for Business Success: Insights from Blues Brothers Construction" was first published on Small Business Trends

When it comes to social media marketing, understanding the fundamentals and keeping up with trends can be quite challenging. Deborah E, a seasoned expert in the field, discusses her experiences and insights, illuminating how businesses can utilize social media effectively for their growth and success.

Embracing the Power of Social Media

“[The] first time I heard of anything social media was Facebook,” recalls Deborah, reflecting on her initial experiences. Initially, her perception of social media was somewhat dismissive, particularly in the context of the financial industry where she was working at the time. The idea of financial professionals spending work time on Facebook seemed absurd to her. However, this perspective changed when she was tasked with managing social media for her company, which sparked an intriguing journey of learning and growth.

Learning from the Experts

Deborah’s education in social media began with a $10,000 per month PR company located next door. “I was able to go over there for like an hour at a time, sit down, and they’re like, ‘Deb, you’ve got to get this company on LinkedIn'”, she narrates. The immersive experience provided her with a wealth of knowledge about social media platforms and their role in business strategy.

Where to Begin with Social Media Marketing

When asked where a business should begin with social media marketing, Deborah’s straightforward advice is to jump right in. “Start tweeting,” she says. “Start getting the company online in social media, getting the brand out there, getting the logo out there.” She encourages businesses to develop a strong online presence but also stresses the importance of choosing favorite platforms to focus on, as it’s impossible to maintain an active presence everywhere.

Choosing the Right Social Media Channel

In Deborah’s view, the best social media channel for a business is not a one-size-fits-all answer. “It depends on your business, your niche, where’s your audience hanging out,” she advises. Additionally, personal style and preference play a significant role. She personally loves YouTube but also interacts a lot on Facebook and Twitter.

Creating a Social Media Marketing Strategy

Creating a social media marketing strategy doesn’t need to be a complex process. Deborah suggests beginning with a simple spreadsheet or downloadable calendar to map out content and post frequency. Tools like Post Planner or Small Biz Trends can be helpful, or if you’re more tech-savvy like Deborah, you could even program your own system. Regardless of the method, consistency and engagement are key.

Building a Community on Social Media

Engagement, consistency, and a dash of innovation are the key ingredients in building a successful community on social media, according to Deborah. “Be engaged, be relational, and find that innovative edge,” she advises. She also emphasizes the importance of commitment and warns against taking long breaks from the platform, as it can negatively impact the growth of the community.

Budgeting for Social Media Marketing

While many social media platforms offer free options, the cost of social media marketing is not solely monetary. It also involves time and effort. Deborah suggests setting aside a budget of around $500 as ‘play money’ to get started, covering everything from hiring help to investing in various services and tools.

Navigating the Dos and Don’ts of Social Media Posting

Deborah cautions against posting content that could be offensive or inappropriate, emphasizing the importance of staying true to your brand and avoiding controversial topics. “First, define your brand and what your brand will handle,” she advises. “Avoid kind of the obvious — don’t bully, don’t pick on any people groups.”

Harnessing the power of social media for business success can be a daunting task, but with insights from experts like Deborah E, the path becomes clearer.

How to Effectively Use Social Media Advertising

When it comes to using social media advertising, Deborah suggests starting small. She emphasizes the importance of testing different strategies and keeping an eye on analytics to see what works best. “Facebook ads are a great place to start. They’re affordable and offer incredibly detailed targeting options. But you’ve got to understand your metrics and KPIs,” she advises.

The Role of Social Media in SEO

Deborah points out that while social media doesn’t directly impact SEO, it can still play a significant role in a company’s online visibility. By creating shareable content, a business can increase its reach and potentially gain backlinks, which does impact SEO.

The Future of Social Media

When asked about the future of social media, Deborah believes that technology like augmented and virtual reality will continue to play an increasingly larger role. However, at the end of the day, the need for authentic, human connection will always be paramount. “No matter what new platforms or technologies emerge, the key to social media success will always be authentic engagement with your audience,” she says.

Tips for Handling Negative Comments or Reviews on Social Media

Deborah advises treating negative comments or reviews as opportunities rather than threats. She recommends addressing the comment publicly, then taking the conversation offline as soon as possible. “Try to resolve the issue privately. If you handle it well, that person could become one of your biggest advocates,” she suggests.

Advice for Those Looking to Enter the Social Media Marketing Field

For those looking to enter the social media marketing field, Deborah encourages constant learning. The landscape of social media is ever-changing, so staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies is crucial. “Become a lifelong learner. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment. That’s how you’ll find what works best for you and your brand,” she advises.

Deborah concludes by emphasizing the importance of balance. While it’s essential to have a robust online presence, it’s also crucial not to let social media control your life. “Find a balance. Yes, be present online, but also make sure to have offline time with family and friends. Remember, social media is just one tool in your marketing toolbox,” she says.

With the insights shared by Deborah E., businesses can better navigate the social media landscape, ensuring their marketing strategies are effective, up-to-date, and contribute to their overall success.

This article, "Expert Social Media Marketing with Expert Deborah E" was first published on Small Business Trends

In this latest episode of Small Biz in :15, Brian Hawkins, the marketing manager at Ghost Bed, provides illuminating insights on the concept and efficient utilization of sales funnels. Ghost Bed is renowned for its adept use of sales funnels in driving its marketing campaigns and business success.

Understanding the Sales Funnel: Brian Hawkins’ Definition

According to Hawkins, “A sales funnel is, you know, you’re trying to get a home run, but you bat singles, you don’t try to go for the sale right away. You only have to focus on batting singles and providing value.” He explains that sales funnels aren’t about aggressive selling, but rather about delivering value to potential customers. Hawkins sees the process of sales funnel creation as building a sequence of personalized experiences that add value.

Personalized Experience and Value Addition in Sales Funnel

In Hawkins’ view, the key to a successful sales funnel is to establish a sequence of experiences that personally engage and add value for potential customers. He suggested, “give them a meatball, give them something of value to be able to connect with, give some kind of case study success, some kind of pain point.”

To establish a relationship with a potential customer, the marketer must first provide something of value. He or she should offer valuable articles or publications, third-party endorsements, or other shareable assets.

Setting up a Successful Sales Funnel

When asked how to set up a sales funnel, Hawkins stressed the importance of understanding your customer, knowing your customer journey, and connecting with them throughout that journey. He mentioned, “You know your customer best, you know it better than the agency.” This customer knowledge can be utilized in setting up an effective sales funnel.

Personalization and Storytelling: Key Components of a Sales Funnel

One of the key takeaways from Hawkins’ presentation was the critical role that personalization and storytelling play in sales funnels. For instance, he spoke about the success of a Black Friday SMS campaign that used a personalized approach. The campaign was framed as a message from the fifth-generation owner of the business, asking customers why they hadn’t made a purchase.

Sales Funnels as a Source of Customer Insight

The sales funnel isn’t just a method of selling; it’s also an invaluable tool for learning about your customers. Hawkins noted that every time a customer lands on a certain page of your website, “that’s a checkbox,” a piece of data that can provide insight into the customer’s interests, industry, pain points, or geographic region.

To sum up, a sales funnel isn’t just about selling; it’s about building relationships, offering value, and gaining insights about your customers. The process may require some initial work, but with a well-designed sales funnel, you’re not just aiming for immediate sales; you’re batting for singles and setting the stage for a home run.

This article, "Mastering the Art of Sales Funnels" was first published on Small Business Trends

So, you’ve started a small business. That’s great news! However, with tax season upon us, it’s time to discover how taxes will affect your new endeavor.

If this sounds like you, you’ll want to check out this episode of SBT in :15 with Barbara Weltman, Attorney and Founder of Big Ideas for Small Businesses, Inc. and author of J.K. Lasser’s Small Business Taxes. In this in-depth interview, she gives us some business advice to make our business taxes less daunting.

Check out this edited transcript of their discussion on the latest episode of Small Biz in :15.

What’s Different about the Tax Filing Process Starting Out?

Shawn Hessinger: What do beginning small business owners need to know about taxes that’s different than paying taxes when you’re running a small business?

Barbara Weltman: Well, taxes are just part of doing business, and there are different kinds of taxes you must deal with. You have income taxes. You have employment taxes. If you’re self-employed, you’re going to be paying self-employment tax. There are excise taxes. There are various penalties. So, you have to know about all of these different aspects.

Small business owners need to know what’s going on at the federal level, state and local levels regarding their tax filings. In essence, there are certainly a lot of moving parts you must know about. I think the important thing to know is that most small businesses use CPAs or other tax professionals, perhaps just to prepare returns or do payroll. But the important thing for small business owners is knowing they must understand what taxes are all about because it influences business decisions.

How to File Taxes for the First Time as a Business Owner

Shawn Hessinger: How does a business owner file taxes for the first time? You talked about getting a CPA. I mean, maybe that’s the first step. But how do you go about this process? What’s different than, say, filing your personal income taxes?

Barbara Weltman: The first step is keeping good books and records. As a small business owner, you must do so for your personal finances. For business, you’re required by tax rules to keep good books and records. And having those good books and records enables you to do your taxes. Add you may be able to do it yourself using the software.

I certainly don’t recommend doing paper returns anymore. There is too much opportunity for math errors and missed opportunities. At least with software, it prompts you to do what you need to do. Or you can turn to a tax professional – there are various types of tax professionals –a CPA isn’t the only option.

If you don’t know a tax professional, get a referral. Ask other local business owners who they use and get a good referral for an expert.

Some experts are enrolled agents who are licensed, in a sense, by the IRS. They get that certification. They have continuing education requirements. So, they’re supposed to be knowledgeable in what they do.

There are CPAs, but there are also regular accountants who may act as enrolled agents. There are H&R Block-kind of storefront places that will handle those kinds of things. There is an IRS website where you can find a tax professional and see their certifications, and you can search by ZIP Code.

What Tax Forms Do Small Business Owners Use for their Tax Returns?

Shawn Hessinger: What form or forms does a small business owner use to file their tax returns? Obviously, the different kinds of tax forms for different kinds of tax returns, and it depends on how your business is set up. But what tax form do you use for this in the first place?

Barbara Weltman: It depends on how your business is set up. So, for example, if you are a sole proprietor, and you haven’t taken any legal steps to form anything else, or you are a one-member limited liability company (a one-member is only one owner of an LLC). If you’re a one-member LLC, you’re treated like a sole proprietor.

For LLC taxes, you will file a Schedule C with your personal income tax return. Therefore, Schedule C will be used to report all your business income and expenses, and that goes along with your Form 1040 – your personal income tax return.

There’s no separate filing if you fall into that category – an independent contractor, same thing. A one-member LLC can opt to be treated like a corporation and tax, let’s say like an S Corporation – you have that option. So, if you are a limited liability company with two or more members, you’re a partnership and will file Form 1065.

Now, this means that the entity, the partnership, the LLC have you, don’t pay taxes. What it does is it reports its income and expenses on the tax forms. Then it issues to you the owner of Schedule K-1, which reports your share of all of this, your share of the business income or loss, your share of certain items that pass through separately to you – like – if the partnership made charitable contributions that passes separately to you, but it’s your share of that. So, if you’re 50% owner, you will get 50% of what the partnership reported.

The next kind of business would be an S Corporation – you just didn’t incorporate. But for tax purposes you are a pass-through entity and treated more like a partnership than a corporation, meaning that the S Corporation files Form 1120S. Then it’s up to the Schedule K-1 to tell the shareholder your portion of business income and expenses that you report on your personal return.

So again, the S Corporation, in most situations, there are some exceptions we won’t go into, but most times the S corporation never pays taxes. You’re doing this on your personal return, and each owner does it separately.

Let’s say you have an S Corporation with two owners. You will file the 1120S, and each owner gets 50% of what’s there. The owners may be in different tax brackets, so the owners may be paying a different tax rate on the profits. And then, of course, the last entity is a C Corporation or regular corporation that’s its own taxpaying entity. It files form 1120; it pays its own taxes, its own estimated taxes, and you, as the shareholder, get either salary if you’re working for the corporation, or maybe the corporation is paying dividends to you. You report what’s distributed to you.

Shawn Hessinger: I think a lot of beginning small businesses, particularly solopreneurs, they might go the LLC route. Could you tell us a little about the differences between taxes for an LLC and those of an individual?

Barbara Weltman: From a tax perspective, it depends on if you have just one member, one owner or two or more. So, if you have one owner, you’re pretty much the same as if you didn’t take any legal action. Now, legal action is great because it gives you the needed personal liability protection. But from a tax perspective, it really doesn’t make any difference.

But if you have two or more owners in the LLC, you’re more like a partnership. You’re going to be treated tax-wise as a partnership. The LLC is probably the most popular kind of entity these days because it gives you that personal liability protection. But from a tax perspective, it’s not that dramatically different from the other options.

Shawn Hessinger: You mentioned it a little bit; this LLC, that is likely to be treated as something else, say an S Corporation. Does that make any significant changes in the way you pay your tax?

Barbara Weltman: That’s primarily the driver for doing that. If you elect to be treated as a corporation, then you elect S Corporation status. It enables you to take a salary and have the withholding on it, covering the taxes you’d have to pay on, not only the salary you get, but also on your share of the business profits.

It eliminates, for many owners, the need to pay separate estimated taxes, which I think is challenging for owners who are just starting out. Because for many, this is a new concept. I like to think that most of these people are, you know, their W-2 employees. So, they’ve always had withholding handle their tax obligations. But now the burden is on you to ante up.

Shawn Hessinger: Does an LLC just pay quarterly taxes?

Barbara Weltman: Remember the LLC, the partnership, the SE corporation. They’re not taxpayers. They’re pass- through entities. Everything passes through to owners. The burden of paying taxes falls on owners. And they must pay estimated taxes, which happens four times a year. It’s called quarterly, but it doesn’t fall evenly into quarters.

One of the good things about being a pass-through entity is you may be able to qualify for this deduction called a qualified business income deduction. Essentially, 20% of your profits is a personal deduction on your tax return. It’s based on your business income. It’s not a business deduction. It’s a personal deduction, but it doesn’t cost you anything. You get it because you qualify, and that’s a really good write-off.

To find out which business expenses are non-deductible, you can go to the following: 16 Nondeductible Expenses for the 2022 Tax Year.

Barbara Weltman: The other thing I want to talk about and just mention is that there’s a growing number of tax credits, and tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your taxes.

If you think of a tax deduction, the deduction is worth only as much as the tax bracket you’re in. Say you’re in the 22% tax bracket; the thousand-dollar deduction saves you $220 in taxes. But a $1,000 credit saves you $1,000 in taxes.

We hope you enjoyed our interview with Barbara Weltman. If you’d like to know more about the tax credit and tax deduction opportunities you can claim, check out these articles: The Top 25 Small Business Tax Deductions for the 2022 Tax Year and Your Guide to Business Tax Credits (2022 Tax Year).

Also, to find out how the Federal Income Tax Deductions have changed for 2022 and 2023, you can find out in this guide by Small Business Trends.

This article, "Don’t Do Your Business Taxes Before Reading This" was first published on Small Business Trends

Many small businesses are completing sales and reaching customers like never before thanks to ecommerce technology.

In this latest episode of Small Biz in :15, Steve Chou, the founder of MyWifeQuitHerJob.com, sits down with Small Business Trends Executive Editor and tells the truth about ecommerce and small business.

Check out this edited transcript of their discussion:

Shawn Hessinger: When we’re talking about ecommerce, what kind of businesses are we specifically talking about?

Steve Chou: I mean, technically, ecommerce is really just a sale of things online, but the specific type of ecommerce that I refer to as ecommerce is the act of selling physical products online.

The 4 Main Ecommerce Business Models

During the show, Chou discusses 4 common ecommerce business models.

Shawn Hessinger: There are all kinds of ecommerce businesses. Could you give us just a broad overview of what you’ve seen?

Steve Chou: At the core, it’s about selling physical products, but that’s the sourcing. And the delivery mechanism will change. There’re different models for that one.

For one, there is drop shipping. Drop shipping is when you take orders in your store, and you have this agreement with the supplier when an order comes in. The supplier stores the inventory and ships it to the end customer.

And a good drop shipper will actually include your brand in the packaging so that it appears to be coming from your store. And the drop shipper is really just a supplier. Essentially, this is the cheapest way to get started in e-commerce because you don’t have to worry about inventory. You basically take the sale and perform customer service.

The second type is the one that most people are familiar with. This is where you buy someone else’s product. Let’s say I want to carry iPhones, and I buy them at the wholesale price, which is usually 50%. Then, I store it.

Afterward, when a sale comes in, I deliver it to the end customer. That has a much higher margin than drop shipping. But obviously, you are responsible for and have to deal with the inventory.

The next business model is called private label. This is where you create your own branded product. Like, you’re literally working with the factory. You create something that you call your own, you put your brand on it, you have to buy in large quantities, and then you sell them.

But the margins are infinitely higher in this business model, and you have full control over the entire process, including sales, customer service, and the entire supply chain. Incidentally, private label is probably the best way to start a long-term business because you’re building your own brand at this point.

And then the final business model is what I would call selling on Amazon or relying on a marketplace. So I categorize it like Etsy, eBay, Amazon, Walmart, etc. They are all in this category. This is where you’re basically outsourcing your customer base.

Here, I’m taking advantage of Amazon’s traffic, right? So, I list something on Amazon. Amazon already gets a ton of traffic. I get a sale, they take a big cut – and in the case of Amazon, they’ll actually handle your fulfillment for you as well.

I would say those are the four main business models of e-commerce.

How to Start Your E-Commerce Business

Shawn Hessinger: If you were going to give advice to somebody who is just starting out, what would you tell them to start?

Steve Chou: For starters, the kind of e-commerce model is going to depend on what your starting budget is going to be.

One, if you have less than a hundred bucks, you’re pretty much limited to drop shipping. Two, if you have $1,000, then go with wholesale. In the US, the minimum orders are on the order of like 100 or 200 bucks for the product. Three, if you have $3,000, it’s a good idea to go with private label. I think private label should be everyone’s end goal because you want your own brand.

Now, that’s not to say that you can’t do all three, right?

Shawn Hessinger: When somebody asks you, “What are the best products to sell online,” what do you say?

Steve Chou: I think it just depends on your skill set. I would say that the best way to get started is thinking about a product you need yourself.

I can think of a bunch of things I could potentially want to sell. Like, right now it’s cold in California. I like to play Ultimate Frisbee, but when I play, my hands get really cold and numb.

If I go out and buy football gloves or soccer gloves for it, they’re too thick. So, I lose the feel of the disc. I don’t know if anyone’s selling these ultimate Frisbee gloves. And that’s something that I might pursue.

So, scratch your own itch. That’s one way to do it.

Another way to do it is to use tools. There are tools out there like Jungle Scout that scrape all the Amazon listings and will tell you approximately how much money they’re generating in a given month.

And what you can do if you want to do your research on Amazon is to look at a couple of products. You can look at the sales numbers, and you can look at the number of reviews. The number of reviews reflects how mature a particular Amazon listing is. And what you want to see in general is listings that have like less than 100 reviews that indicate that that product isn’t that mature.

You also want to see an even distribution of revenue. And most importantly, you want to make sure that if you see a product that’s selling pretty well, that you can put your own spin on it. And again, this all kind of leads to the private label realm. You want to sell something better than everyone else or different. You have to stand out. And by doing that and using a tool, you can make the research process much faster.

Be sure to catch the entire episode where Steve Chou gives listeners more secrets on how to start an e-commerce business, including:

• Where to find a supplier if you have an original idea for a product and want to go the private label route.
• How to find a good drop shipper or where to get inventory if you’re not getting it manufactured.
• Why it’s a good idea to validate your product on e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon before building your own e-commerce website.

This article, "The Truth About Ecommerce You Might Not Realize" was first published on Small Business Trends

Take a look at the most successful businesses around the world and leadership tops the list of the reasons why they are successful. And this applies to businesses of all sizes, including solopreneurs who are going at it alone.

Whether you are responsible just for yourself or others, knowing what makes a great leader will serve you and the people that work for you well into the future.

In this episode of Small Biz in :15, Paula Jenkins, founder and CEO of LFS Consulting, identifies the traits of good leadership and how you can achieve them.

This is the edited transcript of the interview of the latest episode of Small Biz in :15. You can watch the full interview in the player above.

Who is the Best Kind of Leader?

Jenkins says, “The best kind of leaders raise their hand and say, I need help. Let me just say that one more time. The best kind of leaders are the ones who raise their hands and say they need help.”

And for some of us, it takes us a little bit longer to do that. And I think that’s really hard. But the moment you do and you start recognizing, wow, the help that comes is really helping me, that’s the game changer in your business. And it’s hard.

How Does This Apply to Small Businesses?

Shawn Hessinger: A lot of small business owners, and particularly solopreneurs may not think of themselves as leaders because they know their thing, they know their niche or whatever they’re getting into. So, I’m wondering, why is leadership important in small business? Like, why is it important for you to think about this initially?

Paula Jenkins: Yeah, it’s a great question so often because we don’t think about it. We don’t understand the correlation between our success and how to sustain our business. And that’s where the leadership part comes in, is how you lead your business, how you lead the finances of your business, how you lead your social media. I think a lot of times we think of that leadership piece as a person. It’s a team, it’s a group, it’s an organization.

The leadership piece is also just how you run the business, how you show up, how you lead your brand, and how you lead your product or your service. So that leadership piece is critical because you do want to make sure that you show up in a way that’s going to sustain your business and grow your business.

So, whether you have a team or not, that isn’t the part that matters. What matters is you understand that how you lead, how you show up, that’s the part. No matter what the size of the business, that’s the part that matters.

Defining Leadership

Shawn Hessinger: What would you say is a good definition of leadership?

Paula Jenkins: Leadership is about influencing that’s what it’s about and whether that is guiding people or thoughts, whatever you want to call their actions, their behaviors. Leadership is truly about the influence that you have on someone, somebody, some team. That’s really what it comes down to.

We could have lots of other words that we can add in, but at the end of the day, you are influencing somebody, period. And so, for me, leadership is influencing or guiding other people when it comes to their actions when it comes to their behaviors. That to me is leadership.

What Does a Leader Look Like?

Shawn Hessinger: When you think about leaders, maybe a lot of people have a vision in their head of what a leader is supposed to be like. When we talk about leadership there are different types and styles of leadership, aren’t there?

Paula Jenkins: Yes, there are. I call myself a servant leader. That to me is who I am and how I show up. And it’s really important for me to show up as a servant leader when I am leading. It is not about me, it is about others. It’s about meeting people where they are. It is about really making sure that the work gets done. But it’s never about me, never has been about me.

Then you also have other leaders where it may be very transactional, but it is about getting it done. And in some cases, you may need that.

I will tell you, I have not spent the time to say here’s the five or the eight or the nine or the ten, because there are so many different kinds [leadership]. I think the key is recognizing who you are and where you are.

Figuring Out the Kind of Leader You Are

Shawn Hessinger: I don’t know if it’s discovering the kind I am or if it’s deciding what I want to be. How do I go about doing that? I mean, how do I go about figuring out what kind of leader I am?

Paula Jenkins: It will take time. I think it is the environment you are put in. I think it is the situation that you’re put in, the people that you are leaving and leading, the people that are surrounding you and what is needed.

A lot of times what we don’t understand is depending upon the situation, the environment, and people’s personalities, you have to show up in a different way. And that doesn’t mean again, I’m always talking about it’s not about good, bad or indifferent. It is what is needed at the time.

What are the Qualities of a Leader?

Shawn Hessinger: You also see when you look up what are the elements of leadership, and people look at those lists and they say, gee, I don’t have those personality types, or I’m worried, I don’t have those personality types. But do we really know? What are some of the things that might indicate that you’re a good leader?

Paula Jenkins: Well, here’s what I will tell you. For me, everything begins and ends with communication. So when I immediately think about leadership it is honestly we have to start with how we communicate. Now some of us are really great communicators, some of us have work to do and some of us are not as good. I recognize that. But communication is key.

How we communicate with our teams, with our people, and with our investors, all that is important. That one to me is the most important element. But there are others. Yes, it’s how you care, it’s empathy. We have to be able to be empathetic. I’m also really big on emotional intelligence and understanding, our self-awareness and self-regulation, our motivation, all those types of things. But I will always say it absolutely starts with how we communicate.

Biggest Takeaway

Jenkins says, “I am really big on feedback and I think it’s really important to ask for it. I don’t shy away from it. I’ve said for years, probably decades, if you don’t tell me what I’m doing well I may not continue doing it, if you don’t tell me what I’m not doing so well, I might continue to do it.”

So part of it is also understanding what’s working in the environment that you’re leaning, what’s working for the people that you’re leading. That is an important piece of leadership. And so how we find out who we are, we can ask. That’s not a bad thing. It’s not a bad thing.

This article, "Secrets to Improve Your Small Business Leadership Skills" was first published on Small Business Trends

If you are an entrepreneur looking to build a new website, you may wonder: Why use WordPress? For starters, it is a popular content management system used by 43.2% of all websites on the web. Plus, the use of it is increasing every year.

At face value after reading that, you may think it’s a slam-dunk to use WordPress for your small business. However, your website is an important part of your business – and you may be surprised to find out that there are some businesses it isn’t designed to support. E-commerce is a prime example.

Artist, web developer and coach Kerch McConlogue, owner of wefixbrokenwebsites.com, has worked with WordPress since 2005. In this episode of Small Biz: in 15, she tells us about the benefits and limitations of a WordPress website.

Check out this edited transcript of their discussion on the latest episode of Small Biz in :15.

Why Use WordPress?

Shawn Hessinger: So, what kind of businesses are WordPress websites best for?

Kerch McConlogue: Theoretically, anyone could do anything on a WordPress site. I’m not sure The New York Times is the right answer – but there are a lot of enterprises that use WordPress.

If you’re a small business and just starting, you want people to know where your store is. They want to know where you’re going. So, you need something that is almost slightly better than a brochure. That’s like the basic of “basicness.” So, if you want to have a blog, if you want to do some educational stuff, WordPress is great for that. Or it’s great if you have things you want to sell. It’s good for sales.

Say, I have a book, or I have a sweater I want to sell – then you don’t need WooCommerce, you don’t need Shopify – you don’t need anything else. Essentially, you could use a PayPal button that you get from PayPal put on, and that would work. Or you have three things you want to sell, and you could use gravity forms or something like that to let people buy this one thing. That’s great.

But if you go into selling hundreds of jewelry pieces that will be turning over a lot, maybe Shopify is a better answer. And here’s one that you’ll have to look up: Mouse-eCommerce. If you have things you’re selling and you have lots and lots of options for each thing, WooCommerce is a pain for that. But Mouse does great work.

Shawn Hessinger:  So, I think what I’m hearing is if you’re just getting started and planning to set up a whole store, and you have hundreds or thousands of pieces of merchandise – WordPress might not be the best use.

Kerch McConlogue: Something like that is more a store and less a sharing of information. For example, Amazon is not a WordPress site – Amazon doesn’t try to educate you; they try to sell you stuff. 

And maybe that’s the bottom line: What are you trying to do on your website? Is its purpose to sell stuff? If so, maybe it’s not the best choice. But if you’re trying to do some education, some more information, you’re trying to pass off, classes or something like that, then it is probably fine.

How to Decide if a WordPress is a Good Fit

Shawn Hessinger: Ok. Then, how do you decide if WordPress is right for you? And are there other ways you can promote your business? Some people have a Facebook page, for example, and nothing else. What then?

Kerch McConlogue: Many people new to the whole thing think, “Well, I don’t need all that. I could have a Facebook page or a Facebook group.” But on Facebook, content has a shelf life of about 20 minutes. And if somebody misses it on that 20-minute thing, then they’ve lost something.

I’m not saying it’s nothing, and you might start there. But once you’re sure that you’re really moving ahead and you really want to have an actual website that actually has content on it and information on it, then you want to move into the next thing.

If you want people to come back to learn who you are, to like you, to trust you, and then get around to buying something, you’ve got to have more than just a store.

Even in a brick-and-mortar store, people come in, they’re going to look…”Can I help you?” “No, I’m just looking.” And they do that a couple of times, and then they decide, “You know what? I’m going to go back there and buy something.” But it has to get through the “know me, like me, trust me” before you can pass me your money, whatever it is.

Is it Better to Hire a Developer or do the Work Yourself?

Shawn Hessinger: I want to use WordPress to set up my business website. Do I want to try and set this up by myself, or do I want to hire somebody?

Kerch McConlogue: The beauty of WordPress is you can get somebody to set it up for you. On the other hand, if you have the inclination to, you could add your content, you could change the prices, you could, you know, add pictures…you could do all those things yourself. It’s relatively easy.

However, it’s tedious, and it always takes more time than you think – even for people who know what they’re doing. That was the line for me when I needed a website. So, can you do it yourself? Yes. Do you want to? Maybe, maybe not.

Shawn Hessinger:  I want to find a WordPress developer to set my site up. Where do I go? 

Kerch McConlogue: First off, don’t rely on family and friends. They’ll often tire of things quickly, and then you’ll be stuck.

Instead, find a local meet-up and ask questions like:

• • Who are you using?
  • Who did it for you?
  • Can you help me start with something? How do I go about it?

Also, you can find freelancers on websites like Fiverr and Upwork to do your WordPress development. More importantly, make sure you own the domain name and hosting when you do. That way, if they get anything wrong, you still have control.

Why WordPress for Your Small Business?

Be sure to catch the rest of the episode, where you’ll learn more about why you would use WordPress for your small business. In it, Kerch McConlogue goes on to discuss how you can use WordPress Meetups for indispensable help with development, how you can stay in control of the vision of your WordPress website and much more.

This article, "WordPress May NOT Be Right for This Type of Business" was first published on Small Business Trends