May/June 2008

focusonsmallbiz

may june 2008 cover

Feature Index

You’ve Been Branded!
What does “small business” mean to prospective clients? Less expertise? Fewer resources? Less technological proficiency? Not if you’ve created the right company brand.

Is a Merger the Answer?
Sometimes, even the most successful small businesses encounter a growth plateau.

Have You Ordered the Coffee?
Controllers for small businesses wear many hats—strategizing for fiscal growth one day, ordering plastic spoons for the break room another. But what might be challenging today will be opportunity knocking tomorrow.

Column Index

Hire Learning | The Best Mentor
What makes a mentoring program work?

Bottom Line | Multinational Manufacturing
Are US companies weighing all the risks before taking the outsourcing plunge?

Up & Comers | People Are Talking...
How do young professionals get in on the networking act?

Corporate Insider | Fair Value Challenge
It’s a complex issue, but as fair value accounting gains speed, understanding it is priority No. 1.

State Sighted | Tourist Class
Illinois’ leaders don’t believe in leaving tourism to chance.
It’s a cash cow.

Small Biz | Taking Care of Business
Juggling the business you have with the business you want is no easy feat.

Stock in Trade | Don’t Call Us
…We’ll call you…The last words you want to hear at the end of a job interview.

Money’s Worth | Schooled in Money
How do you teach your kids about the right way to spend and save?

Tax Citings | Brainteaser
Tax return preparer disclosure standards, and their disparity with taxpayer standards, continue to overstress today’s tax professionals.

Regulars

First Word | A message from ICPAS President & CEO Elaine Weiss.

Seen & Heard | News bytes, sound advice and practical business tips.

Standing Ovation | Applauding member contributions.