If you’re dealing with organizations, you’d come across people performing different roles. Secretaries would often serve as “gatekeepers” who may limit your access to the key people to talk to.

This applies to a whole lot of things as well. There’s usually no point in arguing with clerks. If you have an issue with a purchase and can’t get any results with the clerk, knock it up a notch and bring your issue to the manager.

This works with haggling as well. Sales people often are reluctant to give you bigger discounts. Their commissions might be based on their gross sales so discounts would mean less for them. Take your case to the manager who might oblige.

Agressive can be good. Hire an attorney who is passionate. There are those who get professional and personal satisfaction in helping people get out of debt. Find one with a lot of experience and knowledge in handling bankruptcy cases

There are specializations in bankruptcy cases (individual, small business, corporate, etc.). You can find out what specific area your case falls under and find a lawyer that specializes in it.

Take advantage of free consultations. Bankruptcy lawyers often have free consultations first. Get your papers and documentation ready and write down all the questions you want to ask. This will save time and it will also make sure you get the most out of the meeting.

You might also consider other legal alternatives. Some cases can be accomplished as well by paralegals or paralegal organizations.

Clarify the payment terms. Some may do pro- bono work but these attorneys too must make money to survive. Do a little comparison shopping and don’t hesitate to ask.

Unfortunately, not everyone’s cut for entrepreneurship. The Wall Street Journal ran an article of five questions any budding entrepreneur should ask oneself. Quite a handy guide, I might say.

Paraphrased, here are the key abilities that any entrepreneur should have (with comments):

1. Passion – Being an entrepreneur means that you should be able to effectively market and sell your product or service. Many might have the gift of gab but nothing helps a salesperson more than having the belief and passion in the product or service he or she provides.

2. Risk Taking – It might mean taking out a loan or using your life savings. Quitting your full-time job perhaps.

3. Decision Making – Decisions have to be made and some trickier ones need to be made not only swiftly but also smartly.

4. Multitasking – You might not have that large a capital to be able to hire people for various positions, so be prepared to be able to take on several responsibilities at a time.

5. Stress Tolerance – Putting up a business takes real time and effort. Establishing organizitions are tough and growing pains are inevitable so better be sure you can take risks and absorb unfavorable consequences.

One of the biggest costs for any business is people. That’s why massive layoffs and restructuring have been one of the themes during this financial crisis. Others big businesses have looked into putting operations on hold for months just to put cash outflow on hold.

But what about the entrepreneur? It’s a fact that entrepreneurs may be looking at months or years before hitting returns on investment but entrepreneurs have expenses as well. It doesn’t seem to be a difficult choice between food and keeping a business open but those with fighting attitudes don’t give up that easily.

Some 18% of owners surveyed in April said they are working a second job, according to the latest findings from the American Express Open Small Business Monitor. Many of them have sacrificed their personal finances and have stopped taking a salary to deal with the current economic reality.

Part-time work pays for their personal expenses so that they can keep money circulating in the business. Some have even used their earnings to fund the business.

While this all boils down to excellent management skills to make it work, it does carry some risks as well. Entrepreneurs who have done so try to keep this moonlighting a secret from clients since this does affect reputations.

Source: WSJ

In a nutshell, it’s basically like having flatmates to save on rent on an apartment. Space-sharing allows businesses to share office spaces and some of the basic office items and resources (like fax machines, coffee maker, and even a receptionist). Businesses can avail of either desk space and cubicles or pricier rooms.

It also provides many opportunities to network and market since potential tie-ups can be made with businesses with whom you co-share space. However, experts also warn about the lack of privacy. You might be sharing space with competitors as well.

It also presents a better alternative to those who are looking to strike out on their own. Home offices rarely work for more professional endeavors. People who have moved out of their basements and home offices do agree. Minor things like having someone to answer the phone for you helps boost your stock.

Source: WSJ