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Ian Bensman

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Director, Gametheory

183 points

I am an expert in business planning, financial analysis, accounting and small business operations.

I am the Director of Finance for Gametheory, Prior experience includes managing business planning for some of the world's most recognized internet brands (Mapquest, AIM ...

I am an expert in business planning, financial analysis, accounting and small business operations.

I am the Director of Finance for Gametheory, Prior experience includes managing business planning for some of the world's most recognized internet brands (Mapquest, AIM, Netscape). I hold a B.A. in Economics from Colgate University and an MBA from the Smith School at Maryland.

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Ian Bensman asked a question

June 17, 2011

What is the most unusual line item you have seen on an expense report?

Ian Bensman asked a question

May 17, 2011

How do you pay international contractors in their local currency?

Ian Bensman asked a question

Feb. 16, 2011

How do you select an auditor?

Accounting Software

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by Tina Gregory

Feb. 15, 2011

What red flags are there in financial statements that indicate a business is in trouble?

My "go to" financial statement of choice, when evaluating a business is the statement of cash flows. Companies, both public and private, can do lots of things to alter net income and returns, but the cash flow statement can provide some telling clues to what ... more

Accounting Financial Reporting

Accounting Software

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by John James

Feb. 15, 2011

Under what economic conditions should a business invest in growth vs build its reserves?

Under what economic conditions should a business invest in growth vs build its reserves?_____________________________________________________________
This is a really difficult question, on several levels. Ownership and management structure/control, size, overall economic conditions, competitive environment, technological position and current financial status will all interact to impact that ... more

Growth Strategy

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by Rick Kadet

Feb. 14, 2011

Is it right to value an internet business based on content?

With minor exceptions, the Internet is not about content; rather it is about eyeballs and the ability over time to monitize them. There are some companies, such as Amazon or eBay, that will be valued on what is sold on their site, but most of ... more

Ian Bensman asked a question

Feb. 10, 2011

What marketing mistakes can destroy a brand?

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by Mark Herbert

Feb. 10, 2011

What is the difference between an "exempt" and "non-exempt" employee?

Ian,
At it's most simple the difference is that "exempt" employees are not eligible (or employers are not required)to be paid overtime compensation at 1.5 times their regular rate for over 40 hours worked in one week.
There are multiple catagories of exemption including the ... more

Human Resources

Ian Bensman and 1 other person answered this question

Feb. 9, 2011

In start-up land, what does a reasonable cap table look like vs. a poor cap table?

I think there are three things to look for in properly administered equity plans
1. Distribution of equity among investors. If a company has five investors yet the majority of the company is owned by one, the voices of the other investors may not be ... more

General Management

Financial Services

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by Dennis Falletti

Feb. 9, 2011

How do you ensure customers pay on time?

Adding to the many good points, I Will say that no company or one policy can assure that all customers will pay on time. In this economy companies are prioritizing payment based on their accounts receivable cash flow or vendor importance. It is very important ... more

Accounts Payable

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by Douglas Millington

Feb. 7, 2011

How long does a month end accounting close typically take?

This is a great question and also my biggest pet peeve with other CPA's. Before I go off on a rant let's talk about some of the variables involved with closing the books.
First - who are you closing the books for? Are the financial ... more

Accounting Software

Financial Services

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by Tina Gregory

Feb. 7, 2011

How do you determine the line of credit you should offer a customer?

Setting credit lines is an important part of risk, financial and marketing management. From the risk and financial standpoint, you want to make sure the line of credit offered meets the customer’s true ability to pay. From a marketing standpoint, the line should also enable ... more

Accounting Software

Accounts Payable

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by Tina Gregory

Feb. 4, 2011

Is there such a thing as good debt?

Yes, debt can be beneficial as part of an organization's finance structure. The simplest example of how debt can be beneficial is to look at risk and return factors. If you can borrow from a lender at 5.5% for 36 months, to fund a venture ... more

Ian Bensman asked a question

Feb. 3, 2011

How do you build a business plan?

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by Jesse de Agustin

Feb. 1, 2011

Is a super bowl commercial really worth $3M?

Good question and something to really think about. I think that my commentary on the question "Who are 2-3 advertisers that you expect to do well at the Super Bowl?" will help give some color on this question as well. Here's the link:
http://www.focus.com/questions/marketing/who-are-2---3-advertisers-you-expect...
Brands must ... more

Ian Bensman recommends this answer by Ken Kaufman

Jan. 31, 2011

Which financial statement best speaks to the financial health of a business?

Wow, I would have to disagree with most of the comments so far, which is not normal. There seems to be a lot of focus on all three of the main financial statements, but their is one that is the key to measuring fianncial health ... more

Accounting Software

Ian Bensman asked a question

Jan. 27, 2011

Is six sigma a methodology that can apply to SMBs?

Process Analysis

Six Sigma Concept

Ian Bensman asked a question

Jan. 27, 2011

What is a Search Engine Referral?

Search Engine Optimization

Ian Bensman asked a question

Jan. 27, 2011

Is is ok to email a resume for a job opening with a "read receipt"

Human Resources

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