Have you ever looked at your aging report with high hopes that your over-60-days and over-90-days columns would just zero out this once? I have, again and again, and I’m pretty sure I am not the only one! What’s happening with these clients? In this blog post, we’ll talk about the most common reasons these balances persist and how you can get them to approach zero the next time you look at your report. Billing Surprise! The first reason is...

For growing small businesses, being able to outsource is a flexible and cost-effective way to get the help you need to run your business. Here are some criteria to consider when evaluating whether to outsource a function or activity or whether to hire an employee. Consider the Duration of Your Needs Carefully examine how long you need for the help will continue. If you are merely looking to staff a specific project , outsourcing to a contractor is the hands-down...

I am sure many of you have heard the buzzword "Web 2.0". For many, it may have been from people or design companies that say make sure your website is Web 2.0! In truth, Web 2.0 isn't a new form of the internet. It is simply a word describing a trend that has been around for the last few years. In short, a Web 2.0 website focuses on user experience and interactivity, allows users to share content, and is powered...

You and your Elance buyer seem to be a perfect match, and your project bid is on the verge of being accepted. But it’s not smooth sailing yet. What’s the easiest way to spoil what could otherwise be a great working relationship? Poor communication. While using a PMB is the perfect way to share ideas, clarify points, and create a history of your discussions with your client, the most successful freelancers also rely on a handful of documents to ensure...

Urban legends stick. A sticky idea is one that’s understood, remembered, and changes something—behavior, opinions, or beliefs. Legends like the “kidney thieves” tale seem to stick effortlessly. But it’s not just sleazy ideas that stick naturally, it’s also lots of valuable ideas: proverbs, fables, and scientific ideas, to name just a few. Unfortunately, most ideas don’t stick. Case in point: the last PowerPoint presentation you saw. So how do you make sure that your ideas stick? In our book Made to...