Ralph Coker

Recession based in consumer fears

Q. My business sales and revenue have slowed. How deep and long will the recession be? A. We won't know for sure until afterward because of the delay in issuing the GDP data. The typical recession occurs when demand outruns ... FULL STORY » | Comments (5)

J.P. Ellenberger

Check vitals to help business

Q: Many people suggest that I set up a series of metrics to monitor my business. I hear executives talk of the metrics of their business. Is this really a good idea? A: That is the kind of question one ... FULL STORY » | Comments (2)

H. Swint Friday

Auto giants' failure may benefit area

In the past month I have fielded a number of questions about this economy, among them: Should we bail out the financial institutions and the auto manufacturers? As I wrote last month, I believe we should provide assistance to the ... FULL STORY » | Comments (9)

J.P. Ellenberger

Do you need to protect your 'brand'?

QUESTION: I have heard that there are a lot of things a business must do to protect its brand. I just run a small business. Should I be concerned about brands losing their power? ANSWER: That is an interesting question. ... FULL STORY »

H. Swint Friday

Long-term success of U.S. depends on our children

Stop the insanity! I can't take hearing another pundit tell the American people that we need to spend our way out of this recession. That's like telling recovering addicts that they need another fix to get over the pain of ... FULL STORY » | Comments (1)

Ralph Coker

Christianity, business work well together

Q. How can I apply my Christian principles to my business practices? A. Ethical and legal business practices are compatible with Christian principles. We should be tolerant of the beliefs and conduct of employees, customers and business associates as long ... FULL STORY » | Comments (3)

Ralph Coker

Tax accountant will know if Texas franchise tax applies

Q. Does my new business have to pay the new Texas business franchise tax? A. The March/April 2008 issue of Southwest Economy published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has a good summary of the new Texas franchise tax. ... FULL STORY »

Tom Whitehurst Jr.

Keep in touch, Whataburger

Most parents fondly remember when their kids were small and they called spaghetti "buh-SKET-ty." South Texas kids grow up with another of those -- Water Booger. As much as the folks at Whataburger may not like to hear it pronounced ... FULL STORY » | Comments (47)

H. Swint Friday

Make (organized) list, check it twice

Wow, what a name for the biggest shopping day of the year. I am not sure if Black Friday is apt for the chaotic shopping frenzy that accompanies the day after Thanksgiving because, when I hear the name Black Friday, ... FULL STORY »

Ralph Coker

Compensate for high prices with better service

Q. I'd like to start up a retail electronics store. Can I compete with the big chain retailers? A. Stand-alone independent retailers such as electronics, hardware and bicycle stores have similar problems competing with big-box retail chains and mail-order and ... FULL STORY » | Comments (8)

On Small Business with J.P. Ellenberger

Q. This financial crisis thing and all the gyrations of the market plus the predicted or actual recession seem to be foretelling some hard times in the future for any business. Is there any light at the end of the ... FULL STORY »

H. Swint Friday

Personal Finance 101 with H. Swint Friday

Wow, what has the world come to? My kids persuaded me to take them to McDonald's for breakfast. As most parents know, McDonald's is not a cheap meal when kids are involved. To add insult to injury, they have started ... FULL STORY » | Comments (3)

Ralph Coker

Plan ahead for rise in gasoline prices

Q. Gasoline cost is a major expense for my service business. Are the lower current gasoline prices likely to continue? A. Gasoline prices depend on crude oil prices. A barrel of crude is 42 gallons. Earlier this year, when crude ... FULL STORY » | Comments (1)

H. Swint Friday

Personal Finance 101 with H. Swint Friday

The presidential contest pitted two qualified individuals with differing views on how to steer our nation's economy. The question for voters was which candidate's ideas for change would be best for them and their particular situation. Clearly, a majority thought ... FULL STORY » | Comments (1)

Ralph Coker

On Small Business with Ralph Coker

Q. What are the advantages of buying a franchise business and the best practices for operating a franchise successfully? A. Franchises have a number of advantages over starting up your own new business. The franchisor has a nationally recognized brand ... FULL STORY »

Recession based in consumer fears

Q. My business sales and revenue have slowed. How deep and long will the recession be? A. We won't know for sure until afterward because ...

More Columnists
• Check vitals to help business
• Auto giants' failure may benefit area