Geared for Success

Some businesses are learning the hard way that they’re spending more than what they can afford. By getting organized and keeping track of all the expenses can really help keep the company on the right path to staying afloat in this tough economy.

Keeping track of your business expenses is going to come in handy when tax season comes around. Financial expert Armando Montelongo offers advice on how businesses can keep track of their business expenses.

Get an Expense Log

Your local office supply store will carry an expense log book where you are able to keep complete track of the money that’s coming in and going out. Some logs will include sections where you can put your receipts and information on mileage if you’re traveling for business related things.

Write Down Expenses

It’s better to keep track of everything as you go along or at the end of each month. Getting organized and writing down expenses will make tax season go smoother. As you’re spending money to make business related purchases keep track of it in the log. If you’re unable to do this each day, put all your receipts in an accordion file and fill out your log book at the end of the month.  Waiting until the last minute isn’t always the best idea.

Use Software

Using software helps make the process go smoother. The software could make the process even easier for you since all you need to do is type in the information and it’ll do the calculations for you.

Get IRS Information

When it comes to expenses like your mileage and purchases it’s important to check with the IRS to find out how much you’re able to deduct on your taxes. If any information ends up being incorrect you could get audited.

Image by The Prime Minister’s Office via Flickr

The Kazakhstani culture in everyday life gives great honor and respect to elders in the community. The culture is predominantly patriarchical, so men are viewed as the leaders in society.

Hierarchy is also equally important in Kazakhstan democracy and culture. People with prestigious titles, or who play a vital role in society, are given the greatest honor.

These cultural attributes are also depicted in business relationships. To make lasting business relationships in Kazakhstan means knowing how to demonstrate expected behaviors. Here are tips to show proper Kazakhstani business etiquette.

• Handshakes

Handshakes are usually done using both hands and are more gentle compared to the firm American handshake. Handshakes are also customary at the end of meetings, much like what’s done in the U.S. It’s expected that if you encounter the same person several times throughout the day, to shake hands each time. Since a large majority of the Kazakhstani population is Muslim, men do not typically shake hands with women.

• Greetings

It is advisable to wait to be introduced by the senior member of the group rather than introducing yourself. When addressing people, formal academic and professional titles and surnames are used. Before calling someone by their first name, you should wait for them to give you permission to do so.

• Business Cards

Exchanging business cards is a standard practice, so you don’t have to feel you’re being pushy if you give someone your card. Exchanging business cards is very important to affirm your title and gain access to high-ranking members of society. Including your title on your business card is vital, as this is a part of establishing your authority. Kazakhstanis like for your business card to be printed in Russian on one side and in English on the other.

Image via Wikipedia

An effective brochure can attract new customers to your company, but what exactly makes a brochure effective?

The best-designed brochure will lose customers if it doesn’t include basic information. This means clearly stating the company’s name, address and phone number, website address, a recognizable logo, and a headline that outlines the company’s services. Don’t be tempted to list too much information as this will only confuse the potential customer.

Include an image relevant to your company. This could be the company’s building, a picture of products, or even a photograph of staff members. Images create a welcoming, more inviting feel.

A brochure should be as firm as a handshake. If a brochure is created in a basic office program and printed on regular printer paper, it isn’t high quality and won’t be noticed. People notice the texture and weight of a high-quality brochure. This is one instance where you would do better to splurge on brochure printing services.

Avoid difficult words that would leave most readers requiring a dictionary. Simply state what makes your business better than the rest and, if possible, print the cost of services or individual products. Customers like to know what they can expect to pay before contacting a company.