Ct Expert Insights: Business Strategies For Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners

Tungsten Branding President Phillip Davis offers his expertise on how to name your new business in a way that conveys a clear message and leaves people wanting to know more about it.  Noting that a business name should be a "conversation starter versus a conversation stopper," Davis walks us through his decision to name his own business and offers several tips on what to avoid when choosing a name.  Finally, he explains how to determine if anyone else has the name you have in mind for your business and what steps to take once you've made your decision.

National Association of Non-Profits President Blair Anderson tells us how starting a non-profit differs from launching a traditional business, the tax implications to keep in mind, and how to register your non-profit. Once your business is formed, Anderson explains how you’ll also need to consider your business plan, management structure, and roles and responsibilities.

Bill Moore, senior manager of transactional business consultants and law firm sales for CT Corporation, walks us through how to conduct due diligence before submitting a Uniform Commercial Code filing  Specifically, Moore explains how to find any outstanding liens that could complicate the deal and what business owners and lenders should do if they find some surprises

If you’re looking to expand your business beyond the U.S, Canada is an excellent choice, due to similarities in business regulations and ease of navigating the requirements necessary to set up shop north of the border. Traci Houck of CT Corporation talks about why companies should consider Canadian expansion and how to get started.

Small Business and Entrepreneur Council President and CEO Karen Kerrigan joins us to discuss how existing and aspiring small business owners should approach the regulations imposed on them by all levels of government.  Kerrigan explains how to factor the time and money needed for compliance and what resources will make your life easier.  She also details why she sees the federal regulatory environment getting more favorable to business owners and what challenges still remain.

Entity management is essential to the health of your business, whether you’re a small company or a large corporation overseeing multiple entities. CT’s Business Compliance Consultant Sharon Carroll explains some of the basics of entity management, the role it plays in an organization, and how to best manage compliance responsibilities. 

Jeff Williams, chief coach at Bizstarters, a company focusing on the explosive growth of baby boomers starting new businesses after age 50.  Williams explains why the number of new business owners who are 50 and older is soaring and why they tend to be more successful than their younger counterparts.  He also walks through some of the challenges unique to starting a business later in life and how to decide if this is a good idea for you.

When thinking about all you need to do to start your new business, researching the proper business entity might not be at the top of your list, but it should be.  Lori Ann Fox, government relations and regional attorney at CT Corporation, details why it is vital for new businesses to establish a formal entity.  Fox explains the different types of entities and how to choose the right fit for your business.  She also details how the different entities could impact your tax bill and what sort of compliance is necessary long after you open your doors.

The good news is you can start an online business within hours.  The bad news is that anyone else can do it too, so how can you prepare for success?  Small Biz Lady Melinda Emerson explains why a good business plan is the best place to start and what priorities ought to be in that plan.  Emerson also points out where to find help for establishing your formal business entity and taking care of other important legal requirements.  She also offers advice on how to stand out from the crowd by providing an excellent customer experience on the very first day.

You've finalized a business merger, but how do you determine how successful it is?  CT Corporation Client Relationship Manager Mike Malkowski walks us through the process of evaluating the effectiveness of a new merger and explains how effective communication is one of the keys to a smooth transition.  He also explains how the right preparation before the merger makes the implementation less daunting.

Remodeling expert Shawn McCadden explains the critical steps in launching a contracting or construction business.  He explains the differences between the two types of businesses, the right entity to establish, and which insurance and liability policies are necessary.

Teresa Goody, founder and CEO of The Goody Group, speaks about why it is critical to establish a structure for your new business and how to make sure you're choosing the right one.  She also discusses what to look for in your local laws and regulations to help set your business on firm legal ground.

Pabir Nijjar, who turned around a struggling pizza restaurant in California, shares his personal story and discusses what it takes to be a successful restaurant owner. Nijjar explains everything from permits and licensing to building your reputation in the community and turning a profit.