How to survive sales and use tax audits

Any growing company can expect to hit the department of revenue’s radar at some point. Since it may be inevitable, it’s important to be prepared for sales and use tax audits. Cheryl A. Fields, sales and use tax manager at Clarus Partners, gives tips for surviving a sales and use tax audit.

John Glenn's extraordinary life

John Glenn was an extraordinary person. He flew more than 100 successful wartime missions as a U.S. Marine; set a transcontinental speed record and an average flight speed record; was the first American to orbit the Earth; was a four-term Senator; and received the Congressional Gold Medal. And those are just the highlights. Get to know the man behind the legend in our enhanced digital edition of Smart Business.

How to stay compliant when growing into foreign markets

Foreign jurisdictions have legal systems that are becoming much more sophisticated. Walter R. “Bob” Bashaw II of Sherrard, German & Kelly, P.C. discusses common mistakes made by companies as they pursue growth in foreign markets, and how to structure compliance departments.

Spreadsheets, departmental databases make way for a new technology trend

Case management might not sound like a technology buzzword, but the all-inclusive system brings together bundles of information relating to a single case — a client, project, etc. — rather than working with individual documents or files in silos. Blue Technologies’ Heather Stump shares how to ensure business scalability through case management solutions.

As oil and gas picks up, insurance increases should be scrutinized

Drillers, suppliers and others connected to Marcellus Shale are hiring again, says Taylor Troiano, area vice president at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. But as revenues go up, workers are hired and equipment is running again, insurance premiums will increase as well.

Discipline can be a lifeboat for entrepreneurs

As leader you have become a Jack-of-All-Trades and a consummate juggler. There’s never enough time. Your employees are stretched to the point that they’re barely keeping their heads above water. Your team feels like it’s drowning in its own success.

Competing with leviathan

A middle-market company can hold its own against the leviathans of industry. After all, many have done so successfully for a very long time, often seeing large competitors come and go.