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 owner uses her downtime for self-development to participate in a leadership workshop.

Turn Downtime into Growth: Practical Tips for Small Business Owners

As a business owner, you're used to the hustle—juggling multiple responsibilities, solving problems, and keeping the business moving forward. But...

business strategy
A laptop displays YPD's isolved employee calendar. isolved is a cloud-based payroll system that streamlines time-off requests, approvals, and tracking and ensures compliance with paid leave laws.

Paid Leave Laws for Small Businesses: Why Compliance is Crucial

Paid leave laws have become a critical aspect of employee benefits, especially for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). These laws are designed...

payroll + hr + compliance
An team member enjoys using an employee self-serve app on his mobile device from the comfort of his own living room.

Small Businesses Save Time and Money with Employee Self-Serve

In today’s fast-paced business environment, small and medium-sized businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations and reduce costs....

payroll + hr + compliance
Worried and frustrated over a business failure, a small business owner holds his face in his hands as two other team members look on. Business owners can learn valuable lessons from mistakes they've made.

7 Lessons Learned from Business Failures

As a CPA, I've witnessed the highs and lows of various businesses. Some soar to incredible heights, while others face the unfortunate reality of...

business strategy
Small business owner compares isolved against QuickBooks Online and discovers why isolved is the better choice.

isolved vs QuickBooks Online: Which is Better for Your Payroll Needs?

As a business owner, payroll is undoubtedly one of the most critical aspects of your company. It’s not just about paying your employees; it’s also...

payroll + hr + compliance
Why Small Businesses Should Consider a Payroll Service

Why Small Businesses Should Consider a Payroll Service

As a small to medium-sized business owner, managing payroll can seem manageable at first. After all, how hard can it be to cut a few checks every...

payroll + hr + compliance
Learn the top IRS red flags for small businesses and how to avoid them to minimize audit risks and keep your business compliant with tax laws. The image shows a desk with tax forms, a calculator, a pen, and a caution sign, symbolizing the importance of compliance and careful recordkeeping.

The Top 5 IRS Red Flags for Small Business

When it comes to running a business, one of the last things you want is to attract the attention of the IRS. Unfortunately, certain common tax...

tax strategy
A football team used to cold, snowy conditions gains an edge in harsh weather over a team used to milder climates. Discover your business's unique competitive advantage and maintain your market edge.

Give A Competitive Advantage To Your Business

As a small or medium-sized business owner, you’re likely always looking for ways to gain an edge over your competition. Just as in sports, where...

business strategy
The Profit First system ensures profit is the priority from the start. Similar to the envelope budgeting method, where you allocate money into different envelopes for various expenses.

What is Profit First and Why Do Accountants Hate It?

Mike Michalowicz, the author of the book Profit First and founder of the Profit First Method, developed a comprehensive training and certification...

profit first
A focused businesswoman reviewing financial documents for creating a small business budget in a modern office. She is planning budgets, analyzing expenses, and projecting revenue for better financial management and growth. This image represents budgeting, financial planning, and business strategy for small businesses.

7 Steps to Develop a Budget for Your Small Business

Developing a budget is a crucial aspect of running a successful business. A budget provides a roadmap for allocating resources, making informed...

business strategy
ERC Updates 2024: You may still be eligible to apply for the Employee Retention Credit, but the deadline to apply is looming..

Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC): What's Different in 2024?

You might be asking yourself "Is ERC is still even available in 2024??" While the program is no longer accepting new claims for wages paid in 2020,...

tax strategy
Leverage small business networking events to develop and nurture strategic partnerships.

How to Build Strategic Partnerships for Small Business Growth

Forming strategic partnerships can be a game-changer for small businesses and entrepreneurs. These alliances allow you to leverage the expertise,...

business strategy
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