Chicago is home to a plethora of businesses that spans many sizes and industries, all of which may be affected by changes in health care legislation. Small businesses in particular may have unique concerns when it comes to the new Affordable Health Care Act. Understanding exactly what this law requires them to provide to their employees, and what benefits or penalties they may be subject to is important. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers information that can help an individual … [Read more...]
Tips on setting up an effective marketing plan for your business
Posted on August 29, 2014 //
For existing businesses and startups alike, strong marketing plans are essential elements for ultimate success. For many Chicago-area business owners who might be product or service experts but not marketing professionals, developing or adjusting these plans can be complex and time consuming. The following are some tips that can serve as a guide when a new marketing strategy is needed. Start with the basics Hubspot provides a great reminder that starting with the right foundational … [Read more...]
The Sarbanes Oxley Act and your business: What you need to know
Posted on July 22, 2014 //
Financial Executives International recently published an article indicating that full compliance with the now 12-year-old Sarbanes Oxley Act has yet to become reality. Citing results from its own research as well as from Protiviti’s 2014 Sarbanes Oxley Compliance Survey, FEI also reports that the majority of executives believe the costs associated with continued compliance will keep growing or, at best, hold steady with current levels. Chicago area business owners are likely to experience … [Read more...]
How to find the right investors for your business
Posted on July 22, 2014 //
The right financial backing is a critical component to success for Illinois businesses. Investment capital provides the necessary means by which new businesses can be launched. It can also propel existing companies to new levels, driving both customer growth and profits. However, many businesses do not understand how to choose the right investors. In order to establish a solid financial foundation, small and large companies alike should understand their needs, research potential investors and … [Read more...]
When making your estate plan, don’t forget your digital property
Posted on July 15, 2014 //
When a woman passed away early this year, she left behind an iPad, among other things. The woman’s sons, who were named the executors of her will, were unable to unlock the device as they did not know their mother’s Apple ID and password. According to The Guardian, the men sought help from Apple but were met with an onslaught of demands. The company cited privacy laws and said that in order to grant them access, the men would need to provide a copy of the woman’s will, the death certificate … [Read more...]
Buying property: Tips on making a good offer
Posted on July 15, 2014 //
After finding the perfect home or piece of property in Illinois, buyers will need to offer the seller an amount they think the property is worth. For those buying property, not understanding the market, offering an extremely low bid or failing to understand how much the home is worth can harm a purchaser’s ability to gain the seller’s consent. To elevate their chances of the seller approving an offer, buyers should be aware of what makes a good bid. … [Read more...]
Choosing the right house to buy
Posted on June 14, 2014 //
Buying a home represents one of the largest financial commitments most people in Chicago, Illinois, will ever make. Choosing the right home is crucial, but many first-time buyers do not know exactly what to consider before making a final decision. Buyers can reduce the risk of making a mistake when purchasing residential real estate by taking time to appraise the following variables. Financial factors First, evaluating the full cost of a home is critical. Homeowners should be realistic … [Read more...]
Protecting intellectual property
Posted on June 12, 2014 //
A gaming company named Wizards of the Coast recently filed a lawsuit against Cryptozoic Entertainment, LLC, and Hex Entertainment, LLC. According to Game Informer, Wizards of the Coast claims a game created by the other two companies is the same as a card game it created years ago, and that the two companies are infringing its intellectual property rights on that game. The two companies have responded with a statement that the lawsuit does not have any merit, as their game is digital-based … [Read more...]
Regulations present challenges for commercial real estate
Posted on June 11, 2014 //
Anyone with experience in commercial real estate development knows the extensive regulations imposed by every level of government can be burdensome. In the present regulatory environment, keeping up with current requirements and ongoing changes can be especially difficult. Most developers in Chicago, Illinois, can benefit from working with an attorney experienced in real estate law to ensure legal compliance and mitigate the risk of costly mistakes. Regulatory concerns Before commercial … [Read more...]
Market research invaluable to business owners
Posted on June 10, 2014 //
Market research is an invaluable tool Illinois business owners can use, especially during the start-up phase of their company, to define and target consumers who may be interested in their products or services. Additionally, market research can help companies determine gaps in their current market and how they can alter their services to meet the demands of their customers. Often, this can result in enhanced operations and improved profitability. For example, before the airline company, … [Read more...]
