Smart Business BLOG

Made for sharp business minds—who want clarity, not clutter.

From compliance and payroll to planning for growth, we break down complex topics that shape the decisions behind how you run, invest in, and grow your business.

Smarter business starts here.

Join for the insights. Stay for the “oh, that actually helped.”

Confident small business owner standing on a quaint main street in a rural setting, wearing a casual suit jacket and jeans, symbolizing financial growth through real estate tax savings strategies like cost segregation.

Save BIG Money: Maximize Tax Benefits for Your Real Estate

Owning real estate for your small business isn't just a milestone—it’s a smart financial move. Beyond giving your business a stable location,...

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Sunlit office desk with a laptop displaying payroll software, surrounded by documents, a pen, and a branded coffee mug. A Christmas tree with glowing lights is visible in the background, evoking a productive and festive year-end atmosphere.

Year-End Payroll and Tax Tips Every Small Business Must Know

As the year winds down, there’s more than just holiday cheer and New Year’s resolutions on the horizon. For small business owners, this time of year...

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With secure servers and updated technology, a team member works from home on a desktop computer. She uses AI occasionally to assist with data entry projects, allowing her to spend more time on strategic thinking.

How Remote Work, AI, and Data are Shaping the Future of Business

Key Takeaways: Flexible Work Models: Remote and hybrid setups are here to stay, offering employees more flexibility but also creating the need for...

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A side-by-side image: On the right, an upscale restaurant with soft, warm lighting. In the foreground is a formal place setting, with silverware, cloth napkins, and crystal wine glasses on a dark wood table. On the left, a fast food restaurant with bright, fluorescent lighting and plastic blue, red and yellow booths. In the foreground, a fast food burger, fries, and a fountain drink sit on a blue plastic food tray. There are pitfalls business owners should know about before they expand. For example, merging two very different types of businesses, as illustrated in the image, can present unique challenges.

8 Things Every Business Owner Should Know Before Expanding

Expanding your business is an exciting leap. It means you’re doing something right and are ready for the next big move. But as thrilling as growth...

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A couple in their mid-sixties frolics on a white sandy beach, while, in the foreground, a golden piggy bank and gold coins are situated on a piece of driftwood, representing retirement savings. The couple is carefree knowing they've saved for their later years.

Mandated Retirement Funds: What It Means for Your Business

Retirement planning plays a crucial role in both supporting your employees' financial futures and keeping your business compliant with evolving state...

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A small business owner uses her downtime for self-development to participate in a leadership workshop.

Turn Downtime into Growth: Practical Tips for Small Business Owners

As a business owner, you're used to the hustle—juggling multiple responsibilities, solving problems, and keeping the business moving forward. But...

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A laptop on a desk with YPD's isolved employee calendar displayed. A cloud-based payroll system streamlines time-off requests, approvals, and tracking and ensures compliance with paid leave laws.

Why Paid Leave Laws Matter for Small Business Owners

Paid leave laws have become a critical aspect of employee benefits, especially for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). These laws are designed...

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An team member enjoys using an employee self-serve app on his mobile device from the comfort of his own living room.

Small Businesses Save Time and Money with Employee Self-Serve

In today’s fast-paced business environment, small and medium-sized businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations and reduce costs....

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Worried and frustrated over a business failure, a small business owner holds his face in his hands as two other team members look on. Business owners can learn valuable lessons from mistakes they've made.

7 Lessons Learned from Business Failures

As a CPA, I've witnessed the highs and lows of various businesses. Some soar to incredible heights, while others face the unfortunate reality of...

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Small business owner compares isolved against QuickBooks Online and discovers why isolved is the better choice.

isolved vs QuickBooks Online: Which is Better for Your Payroll Needs?

As a business owner, payroll is undoubtedly one of the most critical aspects of your company. It’s not just about paying your employees; it’s also...

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Why Small Businesses Should Consider a Payroll Service

Why Small Businesses Should Consider a Payroll Service

As a small to medium-sized business owner, managing payroll can seem manageable at first. After all, how hard can it be to cut a few checks every...

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Learn the top IRS red flags for small businesses and how to avoid them to minimize audit risks and keep your business compliant with tax laws. The image shows a desk with tax forms, a calculator, a pen, and a caution sign, symbolizing the importance of compliance and careful recordkeeping.

The Top 5 IRS Red Flags for Small Business

When it comes to running a business, one of the last things you want is to attract the attention of the IRS. Unfortunately, certain common tax...

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