General Business

44% Say It's Still Possible To Work Up From Poverty, 38% Disagree

Americans are now less convinced than they have been at any time during the Obama presidency that it's still possible for anyone in this country to work their way out of being poor.

Economic Optimism At Lowest Levels In Over Two Years

Just days after the government's announcement that unemployment has risen to 9.1%,  short- and long-term confidence in the U.S. economy are at the lowest levels of the Obama presidency.

Six Sneaky Ways States Are Raising Small-Business Taxes By Cliff Ennico

It's no secret that state and local governments are hard up for money. Even with the economy improving somewhat and tax revenues increasing, most American states right now are facing budget shortfalls.

A Securities Law Primer For Startups (Part 2 of 2) By Cliff Ennico

Sadly, the securities laws don't make it easy for small startups to raise capital from lots of "little" investors. So how do you structure a startup when
-- You've got lots of people involved, some putting in money, others putting in "sweat equity" and still others providing both
-- You are looking to raise only a small amount of money (less than $250,000) to launch the business?
-- You cannot afford the services of a qualified securities attorney?

74% Favor Banning Regulators From Working For Those They Regulate For At Least Five Years

Americans overwhelmingly believe that government regulators should be banned from working for companies they regulate for at least five years. A sizable number also think companies that offer jobs to regulators should be banned from doing business with the government altogether.

A Securities Law Primer for Startups (Part 1 of 2) By Cliff Ennico

"Some friends of mine and I are forming a limited liability company to develop and market a mobile phone software application. There are 12 of us in total, and we live in three different states. Five of us will be developing the product in our spare time without putting in any money. Three of us just want to put in money without getting involved in running the company, while the remaining four will be putting in money as well as doing some consulting work to develop and market the product. Our lawyer has told us we will have problems setting up this company because of the federal securities laws. Say what? We're only looking to raise about $25,000."  

51% Think It’s Bribery When A Company Offers A Government Regulator A Job

The “revolving door” is a standard feature in Washington, D.C., with people regularly going back and forth between government and private industry jobs. The practice raises conflict-of-interest questions but is generally quite legal. Voters, however, think it smacks of bribery.

A 'Rich Guy' Speaks Out Against Higher Taxes (Part 2 of 2) By Cliff Ennico

In case you've forgotten who I am since last week, my name is Joe, and I make exactly $250,000 per year before taxes -- one of the so-called "rich people" whose taxes should be raised in order to redress what many otherwise smart people view as an "income inequality" that threatens the very fabric of American life.

54% Expect Higher Interest Rates A Year From Now

Most American adults continue to believe interest rates will be higher in one year's time, but a majority says the rates they're paying now haven't changed over the past year.

Americans Spending More On Groceries Than Ever Before

Adults nationwide remain heavily concerned about inflation, and the number who says they are paying more for groceries now compared to a year ago has reached a new high.

50% Are At Least Somewhat Confident in U.S. Banking System

Americans remain narrowly divided in their views of the stability of the U.S. banking system but still express little concern about the safety of the money they have in the bank.

A 'Rich Guy' Speaks Out Against Higher Taxes (Part 1 of 2) By Cliff Ennico

You don't know me. My name is Joe, and I make exactly $250,000 per year before taxes.

42% Say President Has Bigger Impact on Economy Than Fed Chairman, 41% Disagree

Voters still view the Federal Reserve Board's performance with skepticism and are evenly divided when asked whether the Fed chairman or President Obama have more clout when it comes to the economy.

A Politically Correct Guide to the Broadway Musical 'How to Succeed in Business' By Cliff Ennico

TO: O. Leo Leahy, Drama Teacher

FROM: Political Correctness Committee, Nunzio Saccamano High School

This memo concerns your field trip to take students in our Dramatics Club to see the Broadway musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." We understand the students are very excited to see Daniel Radcliffe (who played Harry Potter in all those movies) in the starring role, although some were disappointed that he isn't running around naked as he did in "Equus" a couple of years ago.

44% Say Fed Press Conferences Good for Economy

Ben Bernanke held the first-ever press conference by a chairman of the Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday and plans even more. Many voters think this increased transparency by the nation's chief banker will be beneficial to the economy, although they still have mixed feelings about Bernanke himself.

The Final Frontiers of Employee Discrimination By Cliff Ennico

I hope you were as amused as I was to read about the recent discrimination lawsuit against Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: Five Ways You Know You're Dealing With a Problem Client By Cliff Ennico

"I've been running a small service business for a while now, and it seems like I have problems with every client these days. Most don't pay on time -- I have to remind them every month to pay their invoices, and a couple have stopped returning my phone calls altogether.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: Converting a Corporation into a Limited Liability Company By Cliff Ennico

"My two brothers and I have run a successful service business for more than 20 years, which we run as a 'C' corporation.

47% Have Some Confidence in Stability of U.S. Banking System

Confidence in the stability of the U.S. banking system is up a bit this month but still remains at discouraging levels.

61% Say Enforcing Immigration Laws Would Cut Poverty

Americans feel more strongly than ever that the lack of immigration law enforcement directly effects poverty in the country.