If you are self-employed or own a small business, you know all too well that out-of-control overhead costs can be crippling. Operating costs are a necessary evil– you need to spend money to make money, after all. But for businesses trying to weather tough economic conditions, or for start-ups just trying to break even, one…

Reader Steven asks the following question: I’ve had a small business on the side for a few months now and I would like to turn it into an L.L.C. I’ve never done this before and have no idea where to start. What information can you provide on making a small business more formal? I…

Becky McRay over at Small Business Survival likes to keep things real. In her new post, Simplified Marketing Plans for the Real World, Becky tackles a realistic way for small business owners (and Company of One types like you reading Lifehack.org) to manage their marketing tasks: Simplified Marketing Plan Outline 1. Name and describe each market 2. Tell…