Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

As a non US resident, I'm an outsider looking in at the economic stimulus package rebate, but am following it with interest.

IRS Rebates
The IRS Economic Stimulus Calculator will give you a better idea of how much you are eligible for. Most people seem to say about $600 for an adult - $1200 for a couple, and maybe more with kids. 

Rebates tend to be ploughed straight back into small business. Or you may pay for an urgent personal expense - even an indulgence or two. It's all about priorities.

This month at Small Biz Mentor we're gleaning small business insights from the food industry.

I've been following a few reality TV restaurant series where a visiting chef takes a look at what's happening in a restaurant. He gives no holds barred advice on what needs to be done, and provides some funding and resources.

The restauranters themselves are often too close to the situation, to see what the visiting professional sees. Can an outsider see things you miss?

I know your small business isn't reality TV, but it could be interesting to at least reflect on this approach when deciding how to use your rebate.

Take a step back, and try to view your business from the point of view of an informed outside professional or colleague in your small business field.

• If he or she was allocating your rebate, what would they see as the priority?
  
  
• What would your manager or staff nominate as the priority?