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Tax Time Tidbits
- Most tax preparers, including SME, are required to electronically file (e-file) your tax return. In order to do so, the IRS requires SME to maintain on file a properly signed and dated copy of the authorization form, signed by both you and your spouse (if applicable). SME is not allowed to e-file the return without the authorization form. E-File is the fastest, safest and easiest way to file a return. It is important to make sure that your tax preparer has the signed authorization form so your tax return can be filed.
- FYI: Congress has passed a Two Month Payroll Tax Cut Extension for 2012. The social security tax will remain at 4.2% for the employee's portion (employer's portion is still at 6.2%) through February 2012. After that, both portions will be at 6.2%. This article has more information.
- Our QuickBooks Seminars are on hold for tax season, but we've posted some helpful tips on our website.
- Visit our website for a helpful Tax Calendar from the IRS filled with usefull information to address your small business concerns.
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Marketing Tip from Jessica Yoder
 I recently attended a presentation by business consultant, Jay Handler. He gave excellent tips for professionals to use at networking events. He began by stating the purpose of networking events: to make invisible connections visible. He went on to give some solid networking tips and questions to ask and repeatedly reminded us that people want to do business with people they "Know, like and trust."
I'd like to share with you Handler's recommendations of Five Things NOT to do at a Networking Event.
- Don't be a business card commando.
- Just because people have your card, doesn't mean you made a connection. Go deeper; get to know the person and what they do so that you know how you can help them.
- Don't sit with your friends.
- That defeats the purpose of a networking event.
- Don't talk about you.
- Your objective should be to find out as much as you can about the other person and their business so that you will recognize referral opportunities.
- Don't stand in the corner.
- Don't sell.
I challenge you to use these tips at the next event you attend and hopefully your introductions will be more meaningful and turn into more connections and referrals instead of just another stack of business cards. |
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Technology Tip from Paul Wade
The Consumer Electronics Show ("CES") is taking place as I write this out in Las Vegas, NV. CES is the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow and every year there are a slew of new gadgets, products and software that get introduced to the world.
Here is some of the cool technology introduced on day one of CES:
- A Sony 3D TV minus those annoying glasses
- The Targus iNotebook concept which beams pen and paper notes directly onto your iPad
- A new entry into the ultrabook (ultraportable laptop) market from Dell
- Plenty of new smartphones with 4G capability, better cameras and other features
- The first Windows 8 tablets
You can follow CES here to see these and many other wild technologies.
Speaking of Windows 8, which is rumored to be introduced later this year, there is a lot of excitement surrounding its release. Supposedly it will represent the single biggest change to the Windows interface since 1995. The traditional icons will be replaced with dynamic tiles. Microsoft claims that Windows 8 will require about half the memory of Windows 7. |
