Small-Business Q&A: Can a $36 debt hurt credit scores?

Dear Karen: My business disputed a cable bill for $36. I refused to pay. Can this damage my credit?

Answer: Any unpaid bill can be reported to a credit agency and hurt your credit. Check your credit rating at no cost through the Federal Trade Commission, at ftc.gov/freereports.

“This may be a case where principle has gotten in the way of pragmatism,” said Kevin Reeth, a certified public accountant and co-founder of Outright.com, a small-business bookkeeping service.

You’d have been better off paying the disputed bill and then fighting for a refund. “Sometimes, small-business owners must stand up to the big guys,” Reeth said. But it pays to pick your battles.

How to research customs regulations

Dear Karen: Where can I find information on customs regulations?

Answer: There is a wealth of information available at the website of the U.S. Commercial Service, an arm of the Commerce Department. You can access customs rules as well as summaries of international markets, trade counseling and business matchmaking at trade.gov/cs.

The agency also runs Export.gov, an Internet portal that provides export finance information, agricultural export assistance and a list of upcoming trade missions. Find your local U.S. Export Assistance Center at export.gov/eac.

Online marketing should have personality but stay professional

Dear Karen: Do you have advice about online marketing?

Answer: Keep your online message concise and don’t be afraid to show your personality. “Customers want to know the person behind the brand,” said Peggy McColl, author of “Viral Explosions.”

Make sure the face you show the world is professional. Don’t put a vacation snapshot or boudoir photo on your website. “Have a professional photo done,” McColl said.

And look over your site, removing any associations, pictures or links that potential customers might find unprofessional, such as game widgets (unless you’re in the computer gaming industry) and embarrassing comments.

Small-business questions? E-mail Karen at smallbiz@latimes.com.