“…the government has been cracking down on companies that treat workers as contractors for wage, tax and benefit purposes but as employees when it comes to their work duties.”

So how do you avoid getting into trouble with the IRS?  It’s actually pretty simple.  If you tell someone when, where and how to work, they are NOT a contractor.  Contractors have more independence than employees–setting their own hours, taking on additional clients if they choose, and choosing where they work.  Still confused?  Well, the Small Business Administration has a checklist on its website which shows the difference between an independent contractor and an employee.

And if you do break the IRS’ rules when it comes to independent contractors, you could end up paying back employment taxes and penalties.

Update your homepage:  Find a couple of compelling photos and/or stories that really show what your organization is all about and post them front and center on your homepage.  People connect with people – not text, facts, and figures.

Simplify giving:  Make sure your donate button is also on your homepage and that it connects to a simple, user-friendly fundraising form which is embedded directly into your website.  If your donation form is too long, too complicated or requires supporters to leave your website to complete their transaction, you run the risk of losing donations.

Show how donations will be used:  People want to know where their money is going.  Share your clients’ success stories – they don’t have to be long, just one or two paragraphs – to remind donors of all the great things they’ve done and could continue to do for your organization.

BCD wanted a fresh look for 2012, so we delivered with an e-magazine layout which draws the eye to the photos.  The new design has already been a hit – this month’s e-newsletter has already been viewed more times than the previous newsletter!