As a small business owner, you’ve probably heard the saying: nothing is certain except death and taxes. But what happens when those taxes catch up to you in ways you didn’t expect? Whether it’s an overlooked payment, a miscalculation, or an honest mistake, tax debt can quickly spiral into a source of stress that keeps you up at night.  

But here’s the good news: it’s not as hopeless as it seems.  

Small business owners often think of the IRS as an unbeatable foe, but in reality, it’s an organization that *can* work with you—if you know how to approach the situation. The key is taking action sooner rather than later.  

Step 1: Open the Envelope 

If you’ve ever avoided an IRS notice like it’s an ex texting, you’re not alone. But burying your head in the sand will only make things worse. IRS letters are scary, yes, but they’re also your first step toward resolving the problem. The quicker you understand what they’re asking for, the faster you can come up with a solution.  

Step 2: I...

It’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s—a strange limbo where you’re technically working but also wondering if it’s acceptable to pour Bailey’s in your morning coffee. 

(Spoiler: It is.)  

Before you start Googling “vision boards for overachievers,” take some time to reflect on the past year. Evaluating what went right—and what went horribly, laughably wrong—isn’t just cathartic. It’s also how you set the stage for a bigger, better 2025.  

Here’s a simple end-of-year evaluation framework to help you wrap up 2024 with clarity and confidence.

1. Break Down the Numbers  

Numbers don’t lie (unlike that one client who swore they’d pay on time). Start with the basics:  

• Revenue Growth: How much did you make compared to 2023? 
•  Profit Margins: Did they grow, shrink, or ghost you?  
• Customer Retention: Are people coming back, or are they one-and-done?  
• Expenses: What costs could you cut in 2025 without sacrificing quality?  

A little tip? Don’t just look at the numbers—as...

Ah, the end of the year. That magical time when the calendar reminds you of everything you said you'd accomplish but didn’t (we’ve all been there). But don’t panic. December isn’t just about panicked holiday shopping and year-end tax prep; it’s also the perfect time to reflect, regroup, and set *realistic* business goals for the year ahead.  

2025 is knocking on your door, and it’s bringing a fresh 365-day opportunity to level up your business. Whether you crushed 2024 or just survived it, now’s the time to map out what comes next. But here’s the kicker: the key to success isn’t about dreaming big; it’s about planning smart and sticking to the plan. Let’s get to it.

Reflect Before You Project: Wrapping Up 2024  

Before you even think about setting goals for 2025, you need to face the good, the bad, and the "WTF was I thinking" moments of 2024. Ask yourself:  

• What worked?  
• What flopped harder than a bad sales pitch?  
• Where did you crush it?  
• Where did you completely drop...

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve at least thought about hybrid or remote work. Maybe you’ve already made the switch, or you’ve been operating this way for a while. Either way, you’ve probably realized that keeping your company culture alive when your team is scattered across home offices, coffee shops, or coworking spaces is a whole new challenge.  

In our last post, we talked about the pros and cons of hybrid work and how it can work for small businesses. But if you’ve made the leap—or even if you’re just weighing your options—one thing is certain: company culture can’t be left to chance. For small businesses, culture is the heartbeat of your team, and it’s what keeps everyone aligned and motivated. So, let’s dive into how to keep that heartbeat strong in a remote world. 

 Why Culture Matters Even More When You’re Remote  

Back in the office days, culture kind of happened by accident. Happy hours, water cooler chats, random snack runs—those little things added u...

So, you’re considering the hybrid work model. You’re not alone. Since the pandemic flipped our work lives upside down, this new approach to productivity has been all the rage. But is it the right fit for your small business?

Let’s break it down.

First things first: What is a Hybrid Work Model?  

Think of it as the best (or worst, depending on your perspective) of both worlds. Employees split their time between working remotely and showing up in the office. 

Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s not. So, let’s get into the juicy stuff—what works, what doesn’t, and how to decide if this trend is worth the hype for your business.

The Pros: Why Hybrid Might Work for You  

1. Flexibility = Happier Employees  

Nobody likes being chained to a desk five days a week. Hybrid models let your team skip the soul-sucking commute and work in their pajamas half the time. Happier employees are more productive, less likely to quit, and way more tolerable on Slack.

2. Cost Savings  

Fewer butt...

Hey, business owners—let’s talk about the elephant in the room: raising your prices. You know you need to do it, but the thought of that one client raising their eyebrows (or walking away) sends you spiraling. 

Newsflash: if you’re not regularly adjusting your prices, you’re leaving money on the table and undervaluing your time, skills, and expertise.

Let’s break this down and give you the tools to raise your rates without scaring off your customer base—or sacrificing your sanity.

Step 1: Understand the Psychology of Pricing

Customers don’t pay for what you do; they pay for the value they perceive. Price isn’t just a number—it’s a story. Here’s how to make yours convincing:

• Anchoring: People judge prices relative to other prices. Position your service against a high-value alternative so your rates seem reasonable in comparison.
• Charm Pricing: Odd numbers, like $97 or $499, feel smaller than round numbers. Use this sparingly for products, not services—it’s less effective for...

 You know what they say—your reputation is everything. And in the business world, it’s not just a feel-good platitude; it’s a matter of survival. One bad review or an ill-timed viral post can send your business into a tailspin faster than you can say, “That wasn’t what I meant!” 

But fear not. We’re diving deep into PR damage control for small businesses because, let’s face it—if Amazon and Starbucks aren’t immune to bad press, neither are you.  

The Fallout Is Real: Why Reputation Matters More Than Ever 

In today’s “camera-in-every-pocket” culture, a single customer with a grievance can spark a PR nightmare. Social media, review sites, and even local news can amplify small issues into colossal problems. That’s why having a plan for damage control isn’t optional—it’s essential.  

As John P. David, founder of David PR Group and guest on The Liquid Lunch Project (Ep 184), says:  “The best defense when it comes to review sites is offense. Talk to your existing customers and have them ...

So, you've built a business from the ground up, shed a little blood, a lot of sweat, and probably some not-so-pretty tears. Now, the thought of an “exit” is on your mind—whether it’s about cashing in, passing it on, or even retiring on a beach. But preparing your business for a smooth and profitable exit? That’s an art, my friend. So, let’s dig into what it takes to sell smart, sell high, and leave with no regrets.

Start with the Big Question: Who’s Buying?

When it comes to selling, you need to know your audience. Turns out, Wall Street is looking for Main Street businesses. As we covered in our recent episode of The Liquid Lunch Project with Jordan Wagner, private equity firms are interested in the “boring” essentials—think HVAC, plumbing, and property management. Why? Because these businesses offer steady, recurring revenue and a reliable customer base. So, if you’re the proud owner of a “boring” business, know that you might be sitting on a goldmine.

Nail Down Your Numbers

As a small business owner, the holiday season is like stepping onto a treadmill you can't get off. You’re working longer hours, juggling endless to-do lists, and trying to keep both customers and employees happy. It’s all tinsel and cheer until burnout comes sneaking down the chimney, leaving you fried, frazzled, and fueled by nothing but holiday cookies and caffeine.

Here’s the truth: managing your health and wellness isn't just a nice idea for those who have the extra time. (Extra time? What’s that?) It’s a survival skill if you actually want to make it through this season without turning into a holiday Grinch.

The good news? With a few strategies, you can dodge burnout, keep your energy up, and maybe even enjoy the holiday cheer. Who knows—you might even have a moment to relax with a glass (or three) of eggnog.

Let’s break down how to stay healthy, sane, and maybe even a little merry while your business—and everyone else—goes full holiday crazy.

1. Set Boundaries – and Actually ...

Running a small business is like playing whack-a-mole with your bank account. Just when you think you’ve got one thing handled, another financial headache pops up. And let’s be real—cash flow is often the biggest mole of them all. Without it, your dreams of growing the business—or even keeping the lights on—can quickly evaporate.

But hey, no need to lose your sanity over it (you’ll need that for the endless emails). Whether you're a bootstrapped startup or have been in the game for a while, managing your cash flow effectively is non-negotiable. So, let's dive into some actionable (and, dare we say, fun?) tips to get your cash flowing in the right direction.

Invoice Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

Yes, we’re starting with the basics. If you’re not invoicing on time, you’re leaving money on the table—and worse, delaying payments can put a chokehold on your cash flow. Think of it this way: if you’re slow to invoice, your clients will be slow to pay. Implement invoicing software that auto...