Resources to help your company grow
A staffing agency turns to Ask FSB for growth resources.
Scott Zimmer, AAA Labor, Minneapolis, Minn.
I purchased a 52-year-old industrial staffing agency. Where can I find affordable assistance to help structure the company for growth? There is very little help available for staffing agencies. Read more…
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DiggWhen a rogue partner makes off with your clients
Cassie Mariol, New Philadelphia, Ohio
I started a janitorial service, Complete Janitorial Solutions, and my sister joined me as an equal partner. In January, I told her I would like to get out of the business in six months. In February, my sister formed a new enterprise under her own name, contacted all of our clients, and told them I was planning on quitting the cleaning business. She then asked them to terminate any contracts with Complete Janitorial Solutions and sign new ones with her. The only compensation offered for my financial setback was a 2000 Astro van. Am I in any legal position to ask for compensation? What kind of severance am I entitled to? When we became incorporated, we never wrote up any legal documents stating what would happen in this case. Read more…
To fire or not to fire - the ethics of the layoff
The problem of what to do with an underused employee presents ethical quandaries for one small business owner.
Sam Margolin, Philadelphia, Pa.
I have a service technician, but due to the business environment we have been receiving very few service calls and the service department is not bringing in enough money to support him. I hate to pay my technician for sitting around all day. Do you have ideas on how I can make better use of my technician? Read more…
How to shed a deadbeat partner
Dissolving business partnerships is more like divorce than divestment.
Mandy Hinrichsen, Drexel Hill, Pa.
My business partner and I are equal owners of a hair salon. We have a partnership agreement. I work hard and enjoy my job. My partner, on the other hand, is burnt out. She never shows up to work and when she does, she sits in the office on the phone handling personal business. I want to buy her out, but she refuses. What can I do? Read more…
Setting prices for a new line of business
A pressure-washing business owner checks with Ask FSB for advice on setting prices for a new line of services.
Sylvia Suter, Brookfield, Wis.
I own a pressure-washing company in the Milwaukee area. I’m interested in expanding my business to pressure wash outdoor business signs. I think signs would be a great niche for my business. The problem is: I have no idea what to charge per sign. Would the charge per sign be according to size? Thank you for any information.
Pricing marketing services
Yolanda asked FSB how to determine the fees for her freelance paralegal service. How do you determine the fees for your business?
How can I keep my retirement plan?
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Shopping for the best business insurance policy
Nikki is trying to find insurance for her business. How did you shop around for insurance? Share your tips with Nikki here.
How to Avoid Deadbeat Clients
Paula is having problems getting customers to pay for services. Have you ever had problems getting clients to pay? Tell us how you solved the problem.
Finding funding for rural businesses
Kim needs funding to grow her rural commerical satellite business. Do you have a business in a rural community? How do you grow your business?
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