Archive for the ‘News’ Category

News and Articles for June 14, 2010

Monday, June 14th, 2010

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Time to Rethink Your Investment Strategy?

The recent stock market “flash crash” was unlike anything investors ever witnessed. In a matter of mere minutes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 990 points. Stop-loss orders — a market strategy designed to stem the bleeding — only contributed to the bloodshed on this particular afternoon. As investors lick their wounds, one question remains: Is it time to rethink your investment strategy? For insights, read on.

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Business Tax – Canada

To Be or Not To Be a GST Registrant

Mandatory registration for GST depends on several factors, primarily the total of your global revenue. And the rules apply whether you do business as a corporation, a partnership or a sole proprietor. Here’s a look at when you must register, why it may be a good idea to sign up voluntarily and guidelines on how to report GST to remit what you owe or get a refund or credit on what you have paid.

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Personal Tax – Canada

Master the Nuts and Bolts of ‘Refundable’ Taxes

Investment income is a key goal of financial planning, as is minimizing taxes. When it comes to dividends and other passive earnings, the Income Tax Act includes provisions aimed at ensuring you pay the same tax on that money as you would if you had earned it directly. Here’s how the system works.

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News and Articles for June 4, 2010

Friday, June 4th, 2010

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Ontario Broadens Employee Protections

If your business has operations in Ontario, be sure you have a firm understanding of the breadth of the province’s amended health and safety law. Your company will be held accountable for any violations and the penalties can be heavy. Here is a guide to the major provisions of the law and an explanation of how the large province has expanded the definition of violence and harassment.

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Management

Promote Your Company’s Uniqueness

What makes your company stand apart from its competitors? Once you answer that question and turn it into a unique selling proposition, you are well on your way to capitalizing on your business’s strengths. Here’s a guide on how to create a USP that can draw customers, improve employee morale and even breathe new life into your bottom line and corporate image. 

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Operations

Fed Up Customers Can Hurt Profits

Customers hate waiting, and when they think they have waited long enough, they will likely leave without buying anything. Wait time is a key indicator of customer satisfaction, which is paramount to healthy and sustained profitability. Click “Full Article” for the results of the poll as well as a management checklist on how to maintain outstanding service to your enterprise’s customers or clients.

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News and Articles for March 22, 2010

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

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Improve the Effectiveness of Your Audit Committee

Audit committees face many challenges this year. As the economy moves from recession to recovery, there are new dimensions to the oversight roles and responsibilities of audit panels at public corporations, private companies and not-for-profit organizations. Here are some steps to consider and questions to ask to improve effectiveness.

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Sales

Know Your Prospects!

Investigation is the key to knowing more about a prospective buyer and becoming better equipped to link your company’s products or services to that customer’s bottom line. Click “Full Article” for the three steps that can cut wasted effort and increase the percentage of sales leads that turn into done deals.

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Marketing

Make Your Message Contagious

Watch your business explode when you apply a centuries-old technique to your marketing efforts. Viral marketing can give new life to your sales with little effort or cost. Click “Full Article” for a look at the major symptoms of a good viral campaign and let others do the work for you.

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News and articles for March 8, 2010

Monday, March 8th, 2010

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Don’t Overlook Tax Deductions and Credits You Can Claim

Avoid unnecessary taxes by providing your accountant with all the information necessary to get the federal breaks you are entitled to and use them to your best advantage. Here’s is a breakdown of the most commonly forgotten ways to lower your taxes. Your accountant will know if there are comparable provincial breaks and whether it makes financial sense to transfer or combine certain tax credits with a spouse or common-law partner.

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Management

Make Sure Your Employees Make the Connection

Employees should be aware of how their duties translate into profits for the company. In other words, how they fit into the big picture. Click “Full Article” for some ways to help them make the connection.

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Operations

Pull the Plug on Employee Theft

Sticky fingers erode profits, create losses — and in some cases, even cause bankruptcy. Be vigilant and you can stop thieves in their tracks. Here are 18 ways to go about it.

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News and Articles For February 22, 2010

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

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Do You Have to Pay U.S. Taxes?

You may owe U.S. taxes or at least have to file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service under certain circumstances. As the filing deadline approaches, take a look at this outline of the U.S. tax rules governing Canadian resident and nonresident aliens.

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Human Resources

Help New Employees Reach Their Potential

Ease employees into your company. Think about assigning veteran staffers as coaches to new hires. You’ll save time and money in training and turnover costs. And make sure the orientation is spread over time to allow more information at a slower pace. Here are some tips.

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Business Finance

Unplug the Money Valves

Cash flow is a major concern for businesses. The key to maintaining a healthy balance of money flowing in and flowing out of your enterprise is to understand the cash cycle and take steps to improve it. Click “Full Article” for eight tips on increasing your organization’s cash flow.

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News and Articles For February 8, 2010

Monday, February 8th, 2010

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Start Compiling Your Tax Information Now

Make life a bit easier this tax season by getting an early start on gathering the information your accountant needs to file your income taxes and make the most of the tax credits and deductions that are available to you. Here’s a checklist and a guide to help you keep track of all the information you need to put together.

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Sales

Widen Margins By Streamlining Your Sales Department

Help sales staff become more efficient and add to your bottom line. You’ll find that it’s not that complicated. Click “Full Article for the four essential steps that will increase customer purchases and give you more control over payroll expenses.

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Marketing

Raise Your Company’s Profile for Little or No Cost

Draw customers by taking time to develop advertising techniques that are inexpensive and effective. Marketing through education or adding sales messages to your voice mail are just some of the choices. Click “Full Article” for a few suggestions to get you started.

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News and articles for January 25, 2010

Monday, January 25th, 2010

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Coach Your Team to Score Higher Profits

As the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics head our way and the heavy winter sports season gears up, take some time to gather key managers and employees to brainstorm new profit strategies. Here are a few lessons taken from coaches that can help your business make more touchdowns in its profitability.

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Business Tax – Canada

Hire Apprentices and Get Tax Breaks

Tax credits and grants are available to employers and apprentices on both the federal and provincial levels. And the money can add up over the span of most apprenticeship programs. Click “Full Article” for more information on how your company can benefit by hiring the right trainees.

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Personal Tax – Canada

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You may deduct some travel expenses if your employer requires you to use your personal car or other vehicle to perform your job. However, Canada Revenue Agency imposes strict requirements. For the regulations and the qualifying expenses, click “Full Article.”

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News and Articles for January 11, 2010

Monday, January 11th, 2010

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Step-by-Step Guide to RRSPs and TFSAs

Deadlines seem to rule our financial lives sometimes and another one is approaching. March 1 is the last day to make a 2009 contribution to your RRSP. As well, you need to start thinking how to split your savings this year between your RRSP and TFSA, if you’ve opened one. Your accountant will help you decide, but here’s a refresher on how the accounts work and a brief on two currently popular investment choices.

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Management

Smart Tips For Handling Employee Salaries

Employee compensation requires some astute management to keep the budget under control and your staff happy and on board. Here are eight tips to help you keep your payroll expenses flexible and on target.

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Operations

Keep Track of Your Company’s Software

Redundant and old software may be taking up space on your servers or PC hard drives and may even be putting your company at risk of legal liability. Unmanaged applications can lead to increased costs and security risks. Click “Full Article” for a quick look at how to manage your organization’s software and keep it compliant and up to date.

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News and Articles for December 28, 2009

Monday, December 28th, 2009

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Take Stock of Your Financial Situation

RRSP season and income tax time are just around the corner, so it’s a good time to gather all your financial and estate planning data and compile it into an inventory. The list will be invaluable as you plan your estate, prepare tax returns and apply for financing. As well, it will give your family a helpful guide in the event of your death. Click “Full Article” for a rundown on what to include.

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Human Resources

Keep Top Talent on Board

Giving leeway to employees helps build an effective staff. A desirable environment combines a focused, flexible atmosphere with open communication and challenging work. Here are some smart, family-friendly elements to help your company retain top employees.

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Business Finance

Maintain Liquidity by Minimizing Credit Risk

Liquidity is core to the viability of any business. To help ensure that your enterprise’s liquidity remains healthy, click “Full Article” for some important procedures to bolster customer credit applications and collect accounts receivable.

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News and articles for November 30, 2009

Monday, November 30th, 2009

A Way to Save Business Travel Time

Air travel safety, security and the amount of time involved in flying have sent many companies looking for alternatives to commercial flights for business trips. One of the options is fractional ownership of a jetliner. Click “Full Article” to learn how our firm can help you determine if your company’s travel needs may benefit from this form of ownership.

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A Guide to Doing Business Abroad

As business confidence grows, your company may be looking abroad for opportunities to seize once the economy starts to recover. The World Bank’s recent Doing Business 2010 report provides valuable insight into the best and worst places to operate around the world. Here are highlights of the survey, as well as some helpful federal resources if exporting is in your organization’s future.

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Business Tax – Canada

Avoid Sales Taxes on Business Rollovers

Sales taxes can present a somewhat complicated situation if you decide to incorporate an existing business, particularly when it comes to provincial taxes. Click “Full Article” for a rundown on how Ottawa and the provinces generally treat the taxation of business rollovers.

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Personal Tax – Canada

Save on Retirement Taxes

Saving too much? It’s possible that when you retire you will have so much income that you’ll be in a tax bracket that might cut your savings in half. If you think that may happen to you, click “Full Article” for some strategies you can discuss with your accountant.

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