Business Fashion Tips That You Can Use Now
By Michele Broad
The transition to business wear can be pretty tricky sometimes especially for the female entrepreneur. You have made the move from employee to business owner so now what do you wear? You want to make a stylish impression on your clients without going overboard.
It is important to remember that not all casual clothing is appropriate for business wear.
In order to do this effectively, the sophisticated entrepreneurial woman needs a few basic
business wear essentials for business and business related events.
First, you’ll need a simple pair of black slacks. Black slacks are versatile and can be dressed up or down as the situation calls for. An additional pair of neutral slacks is also advisable for mixing and matching options.
A must have is a few straight skirts hanging just below the knees. These skirts
are flattering and can be worn with a multitude of tops. Mixing and matching gives you endless options and saves you lots of money. Casual skirts that are split at or below the knee are acceptable in most business settings.
Mini-skirts in the business world are not advisable.
You’ll need both a sleeveless and a sleeved fitted dress that can be worn with or without a cardigan.
Brightly colored tops can be worn with either pants or skirts to reveal a pulled together fashion statement.
A black cardigan is chic and easy to wear and a definite wardrobe must have.
A sexy shell in a neutral color looks chic under a jacket.
A few crispy white long sleeved or short sleeved shirts are always a smart look.
Your wardrobe should also have a black or grey coat or in warmer climates a sweater or shrug is acceptable.
Black and neutral pumps with an elegant heel can compliment just about any
outfit. Flip-flops, slippers and flashy athletic shoes are not acceptable
in the business world.
A simple black or neutral purse also compliments most
outfits.
Remember that clothing that reveals too much cleavage, back, chest, feet,
any of your stomach or underwear is not appropriate for the business world.
Jeans are also not appropriate for the business world no matter how dressy they may be.
All clothing should be pressed and clean. No torn, dirty or frayed clothing
is acceptable. The only picture or words that are acceptable on attire is
your company logo.
Michele Broad
Fashion Consultant
Weekenders USA Fashion Line
If your fashions are becoming to you …you should becoming to me
www.weekendersusa.com/fashiondoctor
Sunday, January 6, 2008
You've Got To Know In Order To Gow
You’ve Got to Know in Order to Grow! Joining a membership organization is a great strategy when you are looking at ways to grow your business. But the buck doesn’t stop there. To see results from your membership, develop a plan before you join. All too often, business owners walk away disappointed at the organization when it was their own lack of purpose that caused a lack of results. Here’s what I mean by that. Many small business owners don’t take the time to understand the mission of an organization or who its members are in advance of joining. Moreover, many business owners have no clue as to who their own most profitable target market is and how to service them. It’s not uncommon to hear a hair stylist, for example, say their target market is “anyone with hair”. Well, even obnoxious, mean spirited people have hair. Do you want to service people with obnoxious personalities or mean spirits? Knowing your most profitable target market is critical because you will need to articulate this information to the other members of the organization you plan to join. Instead, many women business owners focus on their offering. They’ll say something like, “I am a graphic designer” or “I am a coach”. That’s fine, but in order for others to provide qualified leads and referrals to you, they need more information. And if you can’t give them that information in a clear, concise, quick fashion, you lose out. Take some time to develop a marketing plan. Doing so will assist you in identifying who your most profitable target demographic is and even more importantly, what their needs are. Also, take some time to understand the needs of the organization and how you can help fulfill those needs. Now, you can grow your business by stating what niche you serve and what you can do to meet the needs of your niche, and what you can do to serve the needs of the organization. A win-win indeed!
By Cynthia Renee Frazier, Author of 101+ Proven Growth Strategies for Small Business Entrepreneurs, and sponsor of Walk the Walk for Financial Freedom Virtual Growth Summit. To learn more about the author, visit www.EnergyTourCafe.com.
By Cynthia Renee Frazier, Author of 101+ Proven Growth Strategies for Small Business Entrepreneurs, and sponsor of Walk the Walk for Financial Freedom Virtual Growth Summit. To learn more about the author, visit www.EnergyTourCafe.com.
TAX SAVING TIPS
No question, the federal tax law is complex. And the law has become even more complicated as a result of all the new tax legislation enacted over the last several years. Complexity leads to opportunities for taxpayers to reduce their taxes – but planning is essential.
It’s smart to approach your tax planning effort from several directions. On the income side, your focus might be to be to find ways to defer taxes on your income or to have income taxed at a favorable rate. As for expenses, you can look for ways to reduce your taxable income by increasing deductible expenses.
Key Developments for the 2008 Tax Year
The 5% tax rate of net capital gains and qualified dividend income for the tax year 2007 drops to 0% for 2008. Capital gains and dividends that otherwise would be taxed in the two lowest ordinary tax brackets (10% and 15%) will not be subject to federal income tax. The 0% rate is scheduled to continue through tax years 2009 and 2010.
The contribution limit for individual retirement accounts (both traditional and Roth) increases from $ 4,000 in 2007 to $ 5,000 for 2008. A “catch-up” provision permits an additional contribution of up to $ 1,000 by individuals who are at least age 50 in 2008.
Distributions from certain retirement plans may be rolled over into Roth IRAs, starting in 2008. Certain requirements apply.
The “kiddie tax” provision will now apply to many college-age children with investment income.
Eligible taxpayers may elect under Section 179 of the tax code to deduct as a business expense the cost of new or used assets placed in service in 2008, as opposed to claiming depreciation, up to a maximum of $ 128,000. The maximum allowable for 2007 was $ 125,000.
Charitable Contributions
Watch out for new stricter rules for charitable contributions. For 2007, you cannot deduct any cash contribution unless you retain either a bank record that supports the donation (such as a cancelled check or credit card receipt) or a written statement from the charity that meets tax-law requirements. For cash donations of $ 250 or more, a bank record is not enough. You must obtain a charity-provided statement that meets tax-law standards. Also, you cannot deduct donations of used clothing and household items unless that are in good used condition or better. This includes furniture and furnishings, electronics, appliances, linens, and the like. Be sure to keep a list and photo (to help establish the item’s condition) of donated items.
Business Deduction Strategies
Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed
Tax qualified retirement plans provide self-employed business owners and their employees with tremendous opportunities to save for retirement while gaining tax advantages.
Eligible small employers can claim a tax credit for 50% of administrative and retirement-related education expenses for the first three plan years (maximum annual credit of $ 500).
Deducting the Cost of Business Assets
The ability to depreciate the cost of business equipment, furniture and fixtures, and buildings is a significant tax advantage. By carefully timing when your business places certain assets in service, your business can obtain larger first-year depreciation deductions.
Other Deduction Strategies
Business driving: Deductions for the business use of an automobile may be calculated using a standard mileage rate (48.5¢ for 2007 and 50.5¢ for 2008) or by figuring actual expenses, including depreciation.
Domestic production activities deduction: Manufacturers, construction contractors, and businesses involved in certain other U.S. production activities can deduct 6% of their qualified production activities income or, if less, 6% of their taxable income. The deduction percentage will rise to 9% in 2010 and later years. The deduction is limited to 50% of W-2 wages.
Energy-efficient commercial buildings: A deduction of as much as $1.80 per building square foot is available for amounts spend in 2008 to make a commercial building energy efficient. Specific energy and power cost reduction targets must be met.
Conclusion
Through careful planning, it’s possible your tax liability can be significantly reduced. The information discussed is a good way to get you started with planning, but is no substitute for personalized professional assistance. Please don’t hesitate to email or call me with questions or if you need assistance reviewing your specific situation.
Robin Massingale
Certified Public Accountant
rmassingale@jcs-cpa.com
(909)865-2177
It’s smart to approach your tax planning effort from several directions. On the income side, your focus might be to be to find ways to defer taxes on your income or to have income taxed at a favorable rate. As for expenses, you can look for ways to reduce your taxable income by increasing deductible expenses.
Key Developments for the 2008 Tax Year
The 5% tax rate of net capital gains and qualified dividend income for the tax year 2007 drops to 0% for 2008. Capital gains and dividends that otherwise would be taxed in the two lowest ordinary tax brackets (10% and 15%) will not be subject to federal income tax. The 0% rate is scheduled to continue through tax years 2009 and 2010.
The contribution limit for individual retirement accounts (both traditional and Roth) increases from $ 4,000 in 2007 to $ 5,000 for 2008. A “catch-up” provision permits an additional contribution of up to $ 1,000 by individuals who are at least age 50 in 2008.
Distributions from certain retirement plans may be rolled over into Roth IRAs, starting in 2008. Certain requirements apply.
The “kiddie tax” provision will now apply to many college-age children with investment income.
Eligible taxpayers may elect under Section 179 of the tax code to deduct as a business expense the cost of new or used assets placed in service in 2008, as opposed to claiming depreciation, up to a maximum of $ 128,000. The maximum allowable for 2007 was $ 125,000.
Charitable Contributions
Watch out for new stricter rules for charitable contributions. For 2007, you cannot deduct any cash contribution unless you retain either a bank record that supports the donation (such as a cancelled check or credit card receipt) or a written statement from the charity that meets tax-law requirements. For cash donations of $ 250 or more, a bank record is not enough. You must obtain a charity-provided statement that meets tax-law standards. Also, you cannot deduct donations of used clothing and household items unless that are in good used condition or better. This includes furniture and furnishings, electronics, appliances, linens, and the like. Be sure to keep a list and photo (to help establish the item’s condition) of donated items.
Business Deduction Strategies
Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed
Tax qualified retirement plans provide self-employed business owners and their employees with tremendous opportunities to save for retirement while gaining tax advantages.
Eligible small employers can claim a tax credit for 50% of administrative and retirement-related education expenses for the first three plan years (maximum annual credit of $ 500).
Deducting the Cost of Business Assets
The ability to depreciate the cost of business equipment, furniture and fixtures, and buildings is a significant tax advantage. By carefully timing when your business places certain assets in service, your business can obtain larger first-year depreciation deductions.
Other Deduction Strategies
Business driving: Deductions for the business use of an automobile may be calculated using a standard mileage rate (48.5¢ for 2007 and 50.5¢ for 2008) or by figuring actual expenses, including depreciation.
Domestic production activities deduction: Manufacturers, construction contractors, and businesses involved in certain other U.S. production activities can deduct 6% of their qualified production activities income or, if less, 6% of their taxable income. The deduction percentage will rise to 9% in 2010 and later years. The deduction is limited to 50% of W-2 wages.
Energy-efficient commercial buildings: A deduction of as much as $1.80 per building square foot is available for amounts spend in 2008 to make a commercial building energy efficient. Specific energy and power cost reduction targets must be met.
Conclusion
Through careful planning, it’s possible your tax liability can be significantly reduced. The information discussed is a good way to get you started with planning, but is no substitute for personalized professional assistance. Please don’t hesitate to email or call me with questions or if you need assistance reviewing your specific situation.
Robin Massingale
Certified Public Accountant
rmassingale@jcs-cpa.com
(909)865-2177
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