As of September 1st, 2009, Illinois merchants will see changes in the sales and use taxes associated with candy, personal grooming and hygiene products and soft drinks.
What Once Was Food Now Isn’t
Candy and soft drinks, sold right there in the supermarket were once considered food (taxed at 1%). Not very good food, certainly not healthy for you in most cases, but food nonetheless. Not anymore. Items that fall within the designation of “Candy” as well as the expanded definition for “soft drinks” will be taxed at the higher general merchandise rate (6.25%).
Candy. Illinois law defines “candy” as follows: A preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners, in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops or pieces. This would include items that range from gum and breath mints to choco...
By Charles M Cooper · August 10 2009
small business, sales tax, illinois, use tax
Government, Politics and the Economy
Obama: Small Business Promises Kept and Broken
President Obama promised to help Main Street where, but has he kept that promise? Here's a look at where he's followed through -- and where he hasn't. CNNMoney.com
Survey Suggests Recession to End This Quarter
With recent data suggesting that the recession has bottomed-out, the Blue Chip Economic Indicators survey of private economists showed about 90% of the respondents believe the recession will be declared over this quarter. FoxBusiness.com
Management and Operations
By Charles M Cooper · August 10 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Tips from August 7, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss people management: recognition & rewards.
Specify reward criteria. Define expectations. Explain your qualifications. Make the reward criteria clear to rule out favoritism.
Say Thank You! Simple. Short. To the Point. It acknowledge small & major successes & validates the importance of others' work.
Boost self esteem. Foster intrinsic rewards & make people proud, excited & enjoy their work by giving constructive criticism.
For a long term impact, reward all employees who meet the criteria. The more rewards, the more satisfied & encouraged employees.
Daily Overview: Good recognition & rewards provide employees with a fair return for their efforts & motivate for the future.
By Cheryl Sowa · August 07 2009
small business tips, small business, recognition, rewards
Here is a question for all our readers:
Why does customer service stink so badly these days?
I mean, all you hear is how customer service, which is the one real way you can stand apart from your competition, is terrible. In a recent New York Times article, Chicago small business owner Jay Goltz discusses the three reasons he has come up with for the terrible state of customer service. He blames health insurance, crazy pricing and the lack of a real merchant class in this country. Here is what he has to say:
Because of the high cost of health insurance, many companies have opted to hire a lot of part-time staff, which allows them to avoid having to offer benefits. This creates a problem: It is difficult enough to train full-time people. Having them there part-time and having a huge turnover makes it all the more difficult.
Meanwhile, in th...
By Charles M Cooper · August 07 2009
small business, customer service, health insurance, parttime employees
Government, Politics and the Economy
Small Business Job Losses Continue
The mass-layoffs in the economy may have slowed, but small companies are still dropping employees to stay afloat. CNNMoney.com
SBA's Mills Has the Answers for Small Business
SBA chief Karen Mills discusses the challenges facing small business as well as her role in getting struggling companies the help they need. WSJ.com
US Unemployment Slows
Unemployment slowed last month and the overall un...
By Charles M Cooper · August 07 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Tips from August 6, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss people management: motivating employees.
Communicate your vision of the company. Explain the mission & goals. Remind employees to enhance importance of the company.
Involve employees in special projects they're normally not assigned to. Allow them to be creative & show you value their opinions.
Allow flexibility in some situations, such as a new baby, death, or illness. It will give employees encouragement to trust you.
Reward your employees. Any size reward acknowledges you're thankful for their work & accomplishments. It's the thought that counts.
Daily Overview: Boosting morale doesn't have to put a hole in your wallet. Show respect & your employees will work.
By Cheryl Sowa · August 06 2009
small business tips, small business, vision, people management
Government, Politics and the Economy
Small Business Still Struggling Under Obama's Programs
President Obama may have kept some of his promises to small business owners, but the credit crunch continues and it still has far too many small companies trapped in a death spiral. CNNMoney.com
Romer: Stimulus Working
In a recent speech, Council of Economic Advisers Chair Christina Romer defended the Obama stimulus package and left the door open to a possible second stimulus. FoxBusiness.com
Management and Operations
By Charles M Cooper · August 06 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Tips from August 5, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss people management: handling problem employees.
Document the behavior. Specify nonverbal, verbal, & physical behaviors & actions that cause concern or damage to others.
Sit down & meet with the employee. Discuss attitude problems. Agree a problem exists. Determine a reason for the behavior.
Describe the behaviors you will not tolerate & tell them firmly they must stop. Tell them the preferred behavior you want to see.
Give the employee an opportunity to speak, but don't leave your problems up for discussion.
Daily Overview: Problem employees don't always have an issue with ability but attitude. Make them aware & change it.
By Cheryl Sowa · August 05 2009
small business tips, small busines, problem employees, behavior
