Smart Business BLOG

Made for sharp business minds—who want clarity, not clutter.

From compliance and payroll to planning for growth, we break down complex topics that shape the decisions behind how you run, invest in, and grow your business.

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A man sits at a table in a restaurant, working on a laptop displaying a payroll spreadsheet with columns for Employee, Reg., Tips, Overtime, Holiday, and PTO. A notebook beside him has a checklist reading “check payroll coding,” “Tips,” and “Overtime,” with the last two items checked. A coffee mug sits next to the notebook, and cafe staff and customers converse in the background.

How to Prepare Payroll for 2025 Tip & Overtime Tax Deductions

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brought in two new payroll-related deductions for 2025. They could be a real benefit for employees—but only if...

payroll + hr + compliance
A female small business owner in a short-sleeved blouse looks through black binoculars with focused intent. She stands in a softly lit, office-like setting with warm shadows, evoking a sense of observation, strategy, and forward-thinking.

2025 Economic Outlook: What Small Business Owners Might Be Missing

If the first half of 2025 didn’t go quite the way you planned, you’re in good company. Plenty of business owners started the year with high hopes....

business strategy
Over-the-shoulder view of a woman sitting at a cozy café table, reviewing a document titled 'One Big Beautiful Bill: Key Tax Changes.' A coffee cup rests beside the papers, and natural light filters into the warm, inviting setting.

What’s in the One Big Beautiful Bill? 2025 Tax Highlights

On July 4, 2025, the President signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB)—a sweeping tax package with more than 100 provisions affecting individuals,...

tax strategy
Two business professionals in a serious discussion, reflecting the uncertainty small businesses face as private equity activity slows in 2025.

What Private Equity Wants from Small Businesses in 2025

What small business owners need to know about valuations, tariffs, and navigating today’s uncertainty

business strategy
A small business owner reviews a financial report while standing in front of a whiteboard filled with strategy notes, symbolizing intentional, sustainable growth planning.

Sustainable Growth: 6 Questions to Ask Before You Scale

Growth sounds great—until it puts your business at risk.Have you ever felt like you should be growing faster? Before you chase big revenue numbers,...

business strategy
A confident small business owner stands with arms crossed in front of a storefront with a sign reading

Bulletproof Your Business: How to Thrive in a Recession

Economic downturns are a natural part of the business cycle, and while it's impossible to predict exactly when the next recession will occur, savvy...

business strategy
Over-the-shoulder view of a woman reviewing a W-9 form on her desktop computer in a warm, softly lit home office with natural light and a brass lamp.

Misclassifying Employees: How 1099 Mistakes Lead to Fines and Audits

Hiring a contractor might seem easier—less paperwork, fewer costs. But what if that “contractor” is actually an employee in disguise? You could be on...

payroll + hr + compliance
A confident female small business owner stands with arms crossed inside a thriving, warmly lit café. Despite a storm outside—visible through large windows where someone walks with an umbrella—her business is bustling with customers. The scene symbolizes economic uncertainty, yet her steady success reflects thoughtful preparation and resilience.

How to Prepare Your Small Business for Economic Uncertainty

Not long ago, I had a conversation with a business owner who called in a panic. The market had taken a dip, the news was wall-to-wall fear, and...

business strategy
Small business team collaborates around a digital dashboard, using visible metrics and shared progress tracking to stay accountable—without micromanagement.

How to Motivate Employees Without Micromanaging or Going Broke

Motivating teams isn’t about handing out bonuses or barking orders—it’s about creating a system where people stay focused and accountablewithout...

business strategy
Split-screen image showing the difference between DIY payroll and using a payroll service—on the left, a business owner looks overwhelmed; on the right, she appears calm and confident with a simplified payroll setup.

Payroll Options for Small Business: What to Consider Before You Choose

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably had to make some important decisions about payroll—whether to handle it yourself, use software, or...

payroll + hr + compliance

New Employee Leave Laws Explained—What They Mean for Your Business

If you run a business, you know how fast employee leave laws can shift. One minute, everything’s running smoothly, and the next, there’s a new rule...

payroll + hr + compliance
A business traveler sitting at the airport with a suitcase, looking at her phone, representing work-related travel and potential tax deductions.

How to Write Off Business Travel Expenses (Without Missing Deductions)

I’ve done my fair share of traveling—both for work and, let’s be honest, to catch some great concerts. Along the way, I’ve learned how to track...

tax strategy
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