October’s Readers’ Survey: Has your company participated in relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Katrina?
A. Yes, we’ve donated cash or items. B. Yes, we’ve organized a relief effort. C. No, but I’ve contributed as an individual. D. No
Please visit www.kcsmallbiz.com and let us know how you weigh in on this issue. We will print the results—along with a new survey question—next month.
September Survey Results: Last month we asked about the method do you find most effective in recruiting new hires. Here’s what you told us:
Biz Beams
“Don’t be too sure you know what’s coming around the corner, so keep your eyes open for unexpected opportunities.”—Bev Gilbert, Regarding Kitchens
One-Minute Idea
Telephone Etiquette—dispense with the garbledigook. This may seem overtly simple, but mumblers and fast talkers abound. Make sure you and your employees speak clearly when answering the phone. This goes for everybody who interacts with customers, or potential customers, on the phone. Think before you dial. Have a rough plan of what you want to say, and then say it distinctly. When answering incoming calls, make sure the receiver is at your mouth before speaking, clearly identify your company, and if you’re giving information such as contact information, slow down. A little refresher on telephone etiquette can make a big difference in customer relationships.
Challenge? Solution!
Challenge: My partner and I started our business about three years ago. At first everything was going along fine, but as it turns out, I am doing most of the work and am responsible for most of the company’s growth. The situation is driving me crazy. How can I get rid of him? Any suggestions?
Solution: Generally, disagreements between members of a Kansas LLC are governed by the Kansas Revised Limited Liability Company Act (the Act), the applicable case law, and/or the operating agreement that the members of the LLC have executed. Where an agreement conflicts with the Act, the Act supersedes such agreements. The Act does not specifically address the removal of members from an LLC. However, if you have entered into an operating agreement with your partner, determine whether it addresses the removal of a member from the LLC. If it does, then you must adhere to those provisions to avoid breaching the operating agreement. Further, you should determine what the agreement says about the potential consequences of removing your partner from the company. If the operating agreement does not address the removal of members, then your options are limited. You may offer to purchase the other member’s interest in the LLC. You may dissolve the LLC in accordance with the Act and the operating agreement, then start your company again without the other member. However, your partner has the right to start up a new company in competition with yours, unless there is an enforceable agreement to the contrary. All options may have significant implications associated with them, so I recommend that you seek an attorney’s advice before taking any action. Paul Croker is an attorney with Wallace, Saunders, Austin, Brown & Enochs. He can be reached at (913) 752-5567.
Small Business: Number Portraits
73 The percentage of small business that use Internet access services.
$543 The amount small businesses spend on average per month on telecommunications services.
$82.81 The amount the smallest of businesses (zero to four employees) pay per employee for local and long distance phone service.
$20.99 The amount small businesses with 10 to 499 employees face per month per employee for local and long distance service. Source: A Survey of Small Businesses’ Telecommunications Use and Spending, written by TeleNomic Research and funded by the Office of Advocacy. If you would like to contribute to the Grab Bag page, please email Ellen Jensen at
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