PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- The business world continues to change at warp speed. For small businesses, however, one thing remains constant: the importance of good relationships.This is especially true at a time when corporations are getting larger and even significant clients are being driven to a computer or phone for “customer service.” Small business owners know that building ...

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- Keeping good financial records is key to running a successful business. It’s also important to maintaining a good relationship with your bank.Most business owners are extremely smart and intuitive about their companies, but many fall short in the area of record keeping. This is often because they’re too busy and don’t want to invest the time or money to set up an ...

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- Small businesses have long been called the engine of the U.S. economy. The description is apt: over the last 20 years alone, small businesses have created two out of every three jobs, according to a National Economic Council report. and recent research indicates that small businesses are more optimistic now than they’ve been since 2008.If small businesses drive ...

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- As a banker with Tompkins Mahopac Bank, I’ve worked with many entrepreneurs. I know the challenges of launching a business. I’ve seen many start-up companies succeed and fail. Often the reason for failure is that the entrepreneur has a good idea, but hasn’t thought through how to turn it into a viable business. To succeed in today’s competitive marketplace, not ...