How to write focus group questions

Customer focus groups can provide clues for increasing sales and revenue, but only if you ask the right questions. Here are some tips for coming up with a first-rate list of questions for your groups. Decide on the objectives for your focus groups. What are you trying...

Don’t avoid subject of succession planning

We’ve all heard the news. The Baby Boomers have begun turning 65, the traditional retirement age. Over the next 19 years, all the Baby Boomers will hit that milestone. While not everyone wants to retire at that magic age, it is a reminder that time is ticking by...

Your Energy Credit May Be All Used Up

The nonbusiness energy property tax credit was extended for one year by Congress in the December tax bill. It allows homeowners a credit for the cost of making certain energy-efficient home improvements. But before you make a qualifying purchase during 2011, be sure...

Three big ways to cut expenses

These challenging economic times have meant a bit of belt tightening for most of us. If you’re in this mode, here are a few major expense items you might want to consider. 1. Insurance Most people believe they have to carry insurance and, in most cases, that’s true....

More high income people audited

For the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2010, the IRS examined about 18.4 percent of returns filed by the highest income demographic – people with income in excess of $10 million. That represents a significant increase from the prior year, when the same audit rate was...

Six tips to help managers get promoted

The economy is starting to look up again. This means your company is likely to be doing more hiring and promoting. If you’re interested in moving ahead in your career (and who isn’t?), this is the time to make some personal career resolutions that will...