By BRUCE FREEMAN, Scripps Howard News Service
Resolving conflict at work is essential
Dear Professor Bruce: I run a small business with a handful of employees. Lately, there seems to be a great deal of tension in the office as two of these employees are engaged in an ongoing battle. I fear it is starting to affect our customer service. What can I do to bring peace back in the office?
Web videos could be important for small businesses
Dear Professor Bruce:Based on the overwhelming popularity web video and its resulting ability to drive site traffic, I am thinking about integrating video into my small business web site. Is this important? Any tips?Answer:
How to protect against non-payment by foreign customers
Dear Professor Bruce:I'm a small business exporter trying to grow my business at a faster rate. Is the U.S. government able to help me get over the hurdle of foreign buyers who won't pay cash in advance? Is there some financing product that would help protect me against non-payment by foreign buyers, and at the same time enable me to access additional credit from my lender?
How to do business with the government
Dear Professor Bruce: I keep hearing about doing business with the government. I have a small business and would like to learn more about this. Where should I start?Answer:
Can you ease your way into entrepreneurship?
Dear Professor Bruce: I want to express my entrepreneurial side but am wary about going all out on my own. Are there any options to "ease my way" into managing my own business, such as companies that help you obtain an existing client base while providing flexibility for choosing when I want to work?
How to make the most from a home office experience
Dear Professor Bruce: I thought that I would love working from home and for the most part I do; but sometimes I really miss the company at the water cooler. It can be very lonely working by yourself. Any suggestions? Answer:
How to avoid business pitfalls
Dear Professor Bruce:I am really serious about starting my own business but I am nervous about making some big mistakes early on and paying dearly for them.What advice can you give on some of the biggest pitfalls I should avoid?
More women need to tap into power of networking
Dear Professor Bruce:I am a young woman with a small crafts business. I am doing fairly well and I want to take it to the next level. What would you recommend as important steps to help garner the resources I need to do that?
How to handle an embezzler
Dear Professor Bruce: During the last couple of weeks, I've noticed what appear to be financial irregularities when taking quick looks over my small business' books, and I've determined that one of my employees is embezzling funds. What steps should I take to ensure that the employee is properly brought to justice, and that my company receives the money the employee stole?
