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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DiggBuilding a winning team
Tips for switching from contract workers to full time help
Rebecca Fountain, Las Vegas
I have a small business I’m starting in Nevada called Slurry Recycle Solutions that specializes in the development of cost-effective and safe solutions for the construction industry. I’ve been using independent contractors and would like to hire a full-time staff because our business is growing. How should I approach the hiring process? Read more…
Forming a separate S-corp
Steve Kotranza, Tampa
Can I form a separate S-corp and function through it as an advisory company to my main S-corp, then take a retainer from my main S-corp for professional services? I would receive dividends from the advisory S-corp, but I would not receive a salary.
Building a loyal workforce
Steve Berry, Flagstaff, Ariz.
I own a company that focuses on the construction of high-end custom homes. Because it is expensive to live here, it is difficult to hire and retain skilled employees. Skilled workers who choose to live here have no loyalty to any company and demand wages that are out of line with the industry standards. Companies offer excellent benefits, health insurance, incentive plans, etc., but nothing seems to work. How do I stay competitive with other companies and build a loyal workforce without driving my costs through the roof?
Increasing fees and keeping customers happy
Gala Ufim, Bergenfield, N.J.
Our dental lab is a small family business. We try not to increase our customers’ fees because of the weak economy, but our minimal annual fee increase does not cover the rising cost of production. How can a small dental laboratory face increasing costs of materials and labor while keeping the customers happy at the same time? 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…
Who gets the name in a business custody battle?
A business “pre-nup” could have helped these squabbling partners resolve their differing visions for expansion.
William Taylor, Denver, Colo.
My partner and I are having disagreements on how we’d like to expand our business. We currently operate a small restaurant. My idea is to open more locations. To do so, we’d have to bring on additional partners in these new ventures, which would mean we would not have the same amount of company shares in the new location. Currently, I’m the majority shareholder with 55% in the company stock, to her 45%. I have offered her the opportunity to expand with me. She’s declined, saying she’d like to go out on her own, alone, and open another location with our current name. As a majority shareholder, can I protect the company name, and not allow her to operate a new location if I’m not involved? Read more…
Help, my business is growing!
Nick is trying to grow his Delaware business to include New Jersey and New York. Have you expanded your business across state lines? Share your advice with Nick.
Where side businesses blur ethical lines
Ginny asked if she needs a business license to conduct seminars outside her full-time job. Does Ginny’s situation cross ethical lines?
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A rural indie channel is paying $25 million to pair the shock jock's chatter with tractor pulls and Christian cowboys. more
