123Print's Tips for Your Small Business

10Jan 2014 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

Small Business Spotlight – My Three Sons Photography

Small Business Info, Small Business Spotlight

This week, 123Print is shining its Small Business Spotlight on ... My Three Sons Photography My Three Sons is a photography business located in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Owner Tammy has a true passion for her art that really shines through her work. (more…)

09Jan 2014 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

The Perils and Joys of Working from Home

Small Business Info, Work from Home

A Day in the Life of a Work-at-Home Business Owner The buzzer for my clothes dryer just went off. No big deal … just an ordinary day at home, right? Well, no. Not exactly. I conduct my construction inspection business out of my home. Deep in the woods, surrounded by pine trees, a pool and a cozy front porch ... as you can see, the challenges of working from home are many. I don’t punch a clock, so why not sleep in an extra half hour? Let the phone ring, I’ll get it shortly. Oh, and the dog needs a bath, let’s take an hour break for that. Yes, and I’ve also convinced myself that there’s no justification for getting out of my pajamas. No one will see me. (more…)

07Jan 2014 by Cindy Berrier 1 Comment

Lose Weight and Other Small Business Resolutions

Monday Marketing Minutes, Planning, Small Business Info, Workplace

According to a New Year’s Resolutions infographic we did, the number-one resolution last year was to spend more time with family. As an owner or employee of a small business, we highly recommend that you, too, get your priorities straight and resolve to spend more time with the people you love in 2014. This doesn’t mean that you have to let business slide. It just means you need to strive for a better work/life balance. Other typical categories that are used for setting personal resolutions include: self-improvement, education, weight, finances and relationships. Using these same categories, you can also set company goals that can create small business success in 2014. (more…)

05Jan 2014 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

3 Office Trends for 2014

1st Saturday Style, Planning, Small Business Info, Workplace

[caption id="attachment_6224" align="alignleft" width="300"] Reading tea leaves to predict 2014 office trends.[/caption] Last Monday, we talked about small business trends for 2014. This weekend, we’re reading the tea leaves to predict office and office culture trends for the coming year. It seems that things could be much more flexible and fluid for small business offices in 2014. Any Device Will Do — In 2013 and before, it was helpful to have everyone on staff using the same kind of computers and phones. If your business is big enough to have your own IT person or an IT service on contract, those folks would still tell you it’s easier for them to troubleshoot, fix and answer questions when everyone is using the same make and model of technology. But with many large…

30Dec 2013 by Cindy Berrier 2 Comments

6 Small Businesses Trends for 2014

Monday Marketing Minutes, Planning, Small Business Info, Workplace

Can you believe it’s already the last week in December? This is crazy. Just yesterday I was riding my bicycle across Iowa in 90-degree heat, and now it’s time to ring in the new year? Tempus Fugit, as they say. Since the new year is insisting on arriving, perhaps now would be a good time to consider 2014 trends that will affect small businesses. Google “2014 small business trends,” and you’ll find dozens if not hundreds of articles. We pulled out some of the top small business trends for 2014 to help you as you plan your business strategies for the coming year. (more…)

26Dec 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

How to Wield Social Media as a Double Edged Sword

Job Searching Tips, Life Insight

It goes without saying that students nowadays live in a fast-paced world and that is why some of them have this sense of entitlement that can be very detrimental to the way they feel, think and act towards their surroundings and the people surrounding them. Some of these students expect everything to be handed to them on a silver platter without breaking a sweat unlike the older generations before them who need to "earn their bread" and prove their worth with hard work and honest labor. (more…)

23Dec 2013 by Cindy Berrier 2 Comments

Year-End Tax Preparation for Small Businesses

Monday Marketing Minutes, Small Business, Small Business Info

This being a holiday week, business could be a little slow. That makes it the perfect time to do some early tax planning and preparation. Following are three SMB tax tips to get you started: 1) Organize Your Books As the year comes to an end, you should look over your accounting records. Are they up to date? Do the numbers add up? Do you have all your supporting documentation? This might include last year’s tax forms, a summary of expenses and expense receipts, bank statements and, if you use your own car for business purposes, you’ll need your vehicle log. Being more organized can help you take advantage of the deductions and credits that might be due to your small business. (more…)

21Dec 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

When to Move Your Business From Your Basement to an Office

Small Business Info

It’s almost the end of the year and your business has finally taken off to the extent that 2014 could mean a new office space and a new beginning! But before making the big move, you and your business partner needs to make a checklist of questions that you consider important before making a final decision. 1. Are you and your business partner really short of space? The biggest concern any business has is space. How much is enough? And when does space really become important? The rule of thumb is simple — if you are having difficulty locating things and are easily suffocated, it’s time you look for a bigger space. Research shows that a minimalist desk with almost no clutter largely improves productivity. So, instead of cramping your…

20Dec 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

Small Business Spotlight – Loose Cannon Creative

Small Business Info, Small Business Spotlight

This week, 123Print is shining its Small Business Spotlight on ... Loose Cannon Creative Loose Cannon Creative is a company specializing in videography, photography and graphic design. The "Loose Cannons," as they call themselves, began working together in 2011 and decided that while they had other full-time jobs, they knew that their creative specialties were their passion and they needed to do something about it! That's how the freethinking, freelancing sons of guns Loose Cannon Creative team was born. [caption id="attachment_6161" align="aligncenter" width="851"] © Loose Cannon Creative[/caption] (more…)

20Dec 2013 by Cindy Berrier No Comments

Small Business Spotlight – Keeli’s Cupcakes

Small Business Info, Small Business Spotlight

This week, 123Print is shining its Small Business Spotlight on ... Keeli's Cupcakes Keeli's Cupcakes is a family owned and operated bakery specializing in trendy smash cakes, cupcakes and cookies. They stock a large variety of cupcakes as well as licensed character picks/rings for children's cupcakes. Making someone feel extra special is easy and affordable — let Keeli's Cupcakes be your convenient "go to" place for you to surprise, thank or reward others with a yummy treat! [caption id="attachment_6167" align="aligncenter" width="967"] © Keeli's Cupcakes[/caption] (more…)