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.

Smarter business starts here.

Join for the insights. Stay for the “oh, that actually helped.”

A small business owners get some of the best advice from her accountant.

Need advice? Why an accountant might be the best advisor you aren’t using (yet)

Running a small business is hard. While some decisions might be easy, there are so many times when it feels like just a little bit of advice from...

small business accounting business strategy

A composite image showing four people in a video conference. The top-left frame shows a man explaining with hand gestures; the top-right shows an older woman speaking thoughtfully; the bottom-left shows a young woman smiling warmly; and the bottom-right shows a man with glasses and headphones gesturing while talking.

Accounting Onboarding: What to Expect in the First 90 Days

Starting with a new accounting firm can feel overwhelming. At Kaizen, our structured accounting onboarding process guides you through the first 90...

small business accounting business strategy

The Profit First method puts profit before expenses.

Why we’re a pro Profit First CPA firm

Most CPA firms don’t encourage the Profit First model, here’s why we do. Profit First is a book written by Mike Michalowicz on how to properly budget...

profit first business strategy

Illinois Minimum Wage is increasing January 1

Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Illinois will increase for tipped and non-tipped employees.

payroll + hr + compliance

Midwest winters often mean more auto accidents. Keeping a cool head after an accident can keep everyone safer.

5 ways to stay safe after a winter car accident

The days are short. The air is cold. And the roads are often slick with rain, snow, or ice.

small business accounting insurance

Plan with your accountant throughout the year—rather than waiting until end of year—to reach your goals and avoid unwanted surprises.

Why you shouldn’t wait until ‘crisis mode’ to hire an accountant

Tell us if you’ve heard this one before. It’s February (or maybe even March), and you’re scrambling to get some poor, beleaguered accountant to get...

small business accounting tax strategy business strategy

An accounting firm that takes a comprehensive approach to your business can help keep you focused and on the path to creating your dream business.

What Your Accounting Firm Does Each Month (and Why It Matters)

Hiring an accounting firm is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business. But what actually happens behind the scenes once you’ve signed...

small business accounting tax strategy

A payroll provider ensures your people get paid accurately and on time gives you peace of mind. Properly-paid employees are happy employees.

It’s time to outsource your payroll, here’s why

You have a lot of faith in your accountant or accounting firm. As you well know, an in-house bookkeeper has a lot on his or her plate — adding...

payroll + hr + compliance business strategy

ERC, a tax credit that encouraged business owners to keep employees on payroll during the pandemic, has helped many businesses survive the last few years.

What you need to know about the Employee Retention Credit in 2022

The Coronovirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains a business relief provision known as the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), a...

small business accounting employee retention credit (ERC) tax strategy

Pass-through entity (PTE) taxation can help counter negative implications of the cap on itemized SALT (state and local tax) deductions.

How to use the pass-through entity tax in Wisconsin or Illinois

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 had many long-ranging implications, but perhaps none more significant than its effect on itemized deductions and how...

small business accounting tax strategy

It's important to get your payroll right. Calculating overtime in a bi-weekly pay cycle can add another layer of complexity, but there are tools to help!

How to calculate overtime in a bi-weekly pay cycle for Wisconsin and Illinois

A common question we hear from our clients is how to calculate overtime in a bi-weekly cycle. That’s because overtime is calculated in Illinois and...

payroll + hr + compliance

How to pick an insurance carrier for your small business

You have a ton of responsibility as a small business owner, but there’s one thing that often gets lost in the shuffle when you’re starting out that...

insurance business strategy

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