When starting a new business, there are a lot of things for entrepreneurs to consider. From where to get the money to start it and how to keep cash flow running to what to sell and how to market it, the tasks new business owners must take into account are numerous. Many entrepreneurs, however, are focused on so many different things that they overlook simple steps that can save them money when it comes time to pay Uncle Sam on April 15.

If I've heard it once, I've heard it a thousand times from the leaders of growth companies: When it comes to leadership talent, they prefer developing it in-house to hiring it from the outside. The benefits are obvious: It's cheaper to develop talent in-house; you need not waste time or money on searching, recruiting, selecting, or onboarding. Moreover, in-house talent grasps the company culture in a way no outsider can. There's just one problem. Sometimes it's hard to tell if in-house talent is truly ready to handle a leadership role.

Our personality and professional image sets the tone and stage for how we are all perceived. With the reality of a 24/7 online media world that can change things in a real-time split second,  one small wrong move or right move can go viral and change everything. What does your social brand say about you online? Here are are six ways to create a positive brand perception, which we shape by how we look, what we say and what we do.

The traditional marketing methods that businesses have used in the past are becoming outdated and uninteresting to consumers, leading to low conversion rates, decreased website traffic and lower ROI (on a company's marketing spend). Today, many companies are choosing to implement new and creative marketing strategies with the end goal of establishing their company and key executives as experts in their industry.

Splash Car Wash has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013. Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service. 

A business with a name tied to high-speed auto racing is scheduled to open this month in Elmwood Park, hoping to attract lots of cars to looking for a speedy wash. The owners of NASCAR Car Wash, located at 7525 W. Grand Ave., are hoping their business will capitalize on the high traffic along Grand Avenue. Dean Tomich, who runs the day-to-day operations of NASCAR Car Wash, headquartered in Joliet, thinks they made the right choice.