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I Demand a New Tax to Fund My Marketing!
Some taxes never get put to a vote. Such was the case with the “Christmas tree tax” that was announced today in the Federal Register. The tax is a 15-cent per-tree tax on growers and importers of fresh Christmas tree. Believe it or not, this tax was supported by many growers. Why, you ask? Good […]
Continue readingInternet Sales Taxes and Government Fairness
The cash-strapped California government wants to collect sales taxes from Internet-based businesses. For the third time in three years, California lawmakers are pushing for legislation to make it harder for Internet sellers to avoid collecting sales taxes, and prospects for getting it passed are stronger than ever. Passing the bill is a question of “e-fairness,” […]
Continue readingThe Unfixable Ship: An Allegory
An old sea-faring vessel is making its way across the ocean. It is a majestic galleon: three giant masts, huge billowing sails — something straight out of Moby Dick. Unfortunately, the galleon is not as sea-worthy as it looks. It is 234 years old. The ship’s hull is simply not as sturdy as it once […]
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The Dream Stealer I Wish I Had Listened To (Or, How I Lost $30,000 on a Dumb Business Opportunity)
I’ve been in business since I was 12 years old. Worked out a deal with the sales guys down at the Richmond model homes. I’d water all the plants in the model homes each Saturday and they’d pay me $5 cash. Not bad since it only took me an hour. Gradually, I scaled up. Started […]
Continue readingWhy the Government Hates Small Business
When it comes to business, size matters. If you’re a small business — or solopreneur — you have a distinct disadvantage over big corporations. There are the obvious disparities. Corporations have deeper pockets, bigger ad budgets, greater economies of scale. But the biggest advantage of all is the political leverage big corporations have that small […]
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