A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.

Small business blog for small business owners, includes resources for businesses, small business grants, business plans, business letters, daily business tips, online marketing advice and information. Learn ideas for your small business.

01/24/2012 08:00 AM

Social Media Advertising for Small Businesses

According to Cassino, social- media marketing offers local businesses an easy way to sidestep expensive local-media advertising channels and deliver their offers directly to potential customers. In the latest survey of more than 4,000 small firms conducted by Borrell, local business owners on average said they expected to devote about 14 percent of total online-ad spending this year to social media. That is more than double the 6.6 percent social-media allocation by local businesses in 2011. Put that into dollar terms and it represents a spending increase from about $1.1 billion last year to projected spending on social media this year of over $2.2 billion by local businesses. complete article

01/23/2012 08:00 AM

Mobile Business Apps

While recent trends indicate that many of us are opting to use cloud-based and mobile software, businesses rely on software that can reside on a variety of platforms: cloud, mobile, and yes, on-premise. We have picked 25 small business apps—some of which are clouds services, others for mobile devices and some are standard on-premise software installs. What they all have in common are ways to enhance your business and your business success. complete article

01/17/2012 08:00 AM

1099 Forms

Form 1099s are information returns. They make the IRS aware that someone else has received income from you. Generally speaking, if you paid any one person or entity $600 for services last year, tax law requires you to send them and the IRS a 1099-MISC. That MISC is for miscellaneous income. Not everyone does that right now, accountants say. Consider the small building contractor who pays his painter, drywaller and other subcontractors in cash. He might not have filled out a 1099 for each. A self-employed consultant who pays a graphic artist $600 for marketing material must file one, too. This year, for the first time, the IRS is reminding all these taxpayers of their legal obligation directly on tax forms complete article

01/13/2012 08:21 AM

50% Off Business Cards

50% Off Business Cards Great business cards at a discount. Get 50% off of any business cards. Enter the coupon code BIZCARD4LESS at checkout and receive 50% off of business cards.  Checkout the Business Card Store Offer is valid through January 31, 2012 at 11:59 PM PT.

01/05/2012 08:00 AM

2011 Reflections and 2012 Predictions

No country suffered more than Japan in 2011. Japan was rocked by an 8.9 earthquake, then a tsunami that was created from the quake hit the small island. The tsunami caused significant damage to one of Japans power plants making it impossible to properly cool or shutdown the nuclear reactor. The inability to cool the nuclear plant resulted in a nuclear melt down, and the escape of radiation. When the trifecta hit, the Japanese people earned the world's respect, they managed the tragedy with stoicism and grace. The consequences of this horrible tragedy, and implications of the radiation leaks, into the sea and atmosphere are still unknown. Japan will bear the scars from 2011, for generations to come. 2011 Reflections, 2012 Predictions

01/04/2012 08:00 AM

Small Business Administration Seeking Nominations

The U.S. Small Business Administration - SBA is seeking nominations for awards honoring the critical economic role small businesses play in federally funded research and development through SBAs Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

01/03/2012 08:00 AM

Business Resolutions for the New Year

With our economic challenges sure to continue for a while, here are some resolutions to consider for 2012. Business plan This is the most fun-damental item needed by any business. You wouldn't drive to Florida without a map; you shouldn't try to start or run a business with a business plan. Business Resolutions

01/02/2012 08:00 AM

Social SafetyNet

Creating a safety net for your social-media activities has never been more important. When Twitter went down last year for several hours, tweeters believed that it was a service attack with all their personal and business information hacked and lost. Although Twitter denied falling victim to an attack, new hackers and technologies surface daily -- making protecting your social content and contacts all the more vital. Social SafetyNet

01/01/2012 08:00 AM

What is Hot What is Not in 2012

What is Hot and What is Not in Technology for 2012 Top Winners Predicted for 2012 What is Hot 1. Mushroom Cloud The virtual cloud is now a mushroom cloud. More and more applications and data is available virtually. Customers are no longer tied to their desktops, data is accessible in the cloud. As long as you have an Internet connection, you have access, regardless of your hardware. 2. Smart Mobility Mobile phones have become smart devices, they are more than just phones and alarm clocks. By the end of 2012, it will be hard to find a phone that does not run games, support Internet connections and have built in web browser. 3. Multi-Function Devices I suspect that devices will begin merging, there is no longer a need for so many gadgets. The functionality of the devices from smart phones, kindles, ipads and computers are redundant and there is likely to be device consolidation as the overlap in functionality increases. What is Hot and What is Not 2012

12/28/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Survey

In a recent study conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small business owners stated their biggest challenges are: 1) Economic Uncertainty- 49%; 2) The National Debt- 47%; 3) HEALTH CARE- 39%; 4) Over Regulation- 36%; 5) Taxes- 28%. Next to the state of the economy and the debt, the most specific fear for small business comprises the impending health care regulations which are proving to be difficult to decipher and threaten profitability.

12/27/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Wrap Up

Tis the season for year-end wrap-ups and Top 10 lists. While condensing a years worth of events into a single Best Of list can be daunting, looking back can also give us a fresh perspective. In that spirit, we are highlighting some major themes that came up in our small-business coverage this year. While it is impossible to make a single pronouncement about the overall state of American small business in 2011, a few general observations hold: The business climate is still fairly bleak, as is the mood of many owners. Few companies are planning hiring sprees for 2012, and the hurdles to growing a business weak customer demand, tougher credit requirements remain daunting. That said, start-ups still started up this year and business owners still invested in new ideas and strategies. Here are some of the other small-business topics that resonated with us this year: complete article

12/15/2011 08:00 AM

Gift Ideas for Small Business Owners

Waiting to the last minute to buy holiday gifts is often rite of passage in December. But no doubt a holiday list is waiting in an iPhone, on a to-do list in the kitchen or rattling around in your head. But when thinking about what to get the loved ones in life, don't forget the small business owners in your life. Being a part of a community means frequenting local businesses that work tirelessly year round to provide the highest quality products and services. When you have a good relationship with a small business owner, sometimes even a small gesture can mean the difference between a good year and a great year for them. But what do get a small business owner? Here are five suggestions on both the low and high end, depending on how generous you are feeling this year: complete article

12/14/2011 08:00 AM

Snail Mail Slow Down to Impact Small Businesses

Snail mail is about to trudge even slower, forcing companies dependent on the postal service, such as prescription-medication firm Express Scripts and thousands of small businesses, to revamp fundamental business models. The U.S. Postal Services plan to save $2.1 billion a year and fend off possible bankruptcy threatens to end almost all overnight delivery of first-class letters and postcards next year. complete article

12/13/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Lacking Confidence

MerchantCircle, the largest social network of local business owners in the nation, today issued the results of its seventh Merchant Confidence Index, a survey of local business owners across the country sharing their confidence levels in the current economy, and their expectations of future revenue, marketing spend and hiring. The results of the 2011 Q4 survey of more than 2,500 local merchants indicate that business optimism has decreased over the past six months. The current MCI score is 59.4 out of 100, down 6 percent from the score of 63.2 in June 2011. complete article

12/12/2011 08:00 AM

Tax Tip for Small Business

As 2011 winds down to a close, many small business owners are scrutinizing year-end tax deadlines in a last-ditch effort to lighten their payment to Uncle Sam come April. One of the smartest moves they can make, including the self-employed is to start a 401(k) plan before December 31st.  It’s important to note that while a few solo 401k plan providers will allow purchases for a 2011 plan through December 31st, a traditional plan for a business with employees would need to be purchased a week or two earlier. complete article

12/09/2011 08:00 AM

Tips to Identify Your Customers

In order to effectively target your customers, you need to know who and where they are. Customers come in all shapes and sizes, so how do you discern which customers are the best to target? Tips to Identify Your Customers

12/07/2011 08:00 AM

Retirement a Far Cry for Small Business Owners

Three-quarters of small business owners say so many Americans are financially unprepared for retirement it's reached crisis levels, a survey says. A survey of small business owners by Nationwide Financial indicates small businesses may add to the problem because only 19 percent of these businesses offer their employees a 401k or other employee self-funded retirement plan. complete article

12/06/2011 08:00 AM

Financial Literacy

A recent study distributed by the Employee Benefit Research Institute showed that Texans have the lowest financial literacy in the country. The survey revealed that Texans largely do not understand basic financial concepts like interest rates, mortgages, and investments. But this knowledge gap is not limited to Texas alone; it is issue throughout the United States. complete article

12/05/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Should Take Stock

We know the holidays are always hectic, but it is an important time of year for your business. Not only is this the season when retailers make most of their income, it's also a good time to sit down and strategize, USA Today recommends. complete article

11/29/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Politics

Although they are some of the busiest people in the country, small-business owners find time to get involved in the democratic process. Many of them feel they have no choice but to push back on a government that sings their praises while dipping its long arm into their coffers. Not to mention all the times they get nudged, pushed or slapped by its misguided policies.   complete article

11/28/2011 08:00 AM

Monetizing the Holiday

Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world. How to Monetize Christmas some ideas! Christmas Sneakers Christmas iPhone Cases Christmas Return Address Mailing Labels Custom iPad Cases Christmas Party Invitations Christmas Web Design Elements Christmas Greeting Cards Christmas Logos

11/26/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Saturdays

While Black Friday may be known as the busiest shopping day of the year for large retailers, independently owned boutiques are hoping the next day, Small Business Saturday, will be their busiest day of the year. Small Business Saturday is a day that is designated nationally to supporting local busineses.

11/25/2011 08:00 AM

Technology Review Sites

Technology product review sites can be a valuable resource for small businesses that need to make purchasing decisions. Sites offer expert and consumer opinions, as well as how-to information, competitive pricing locations, and the latest news on technology trends. Here is a list of technology review sites.

11/24/2011 08:00 AM

UK Small Businesses Optimistic

62 per cent of small business owners expect their revenue to increase in 2012 27 percent plan to create new jobs over next twelve months 65 percent say winning new business will be their priority over the next twelve months Britains small businesses expect to grow their profits and employee headcount over the next 12 months despite the bleak economic climate, according to a survey of 374 small businesses by Simply Business, the UKs largest business insurance broker. complete article

11/23/2011 08:00 AM

Regulatory Concerns are The Issue

Many small business owners will tell you that regulatory concerns hamper their plans to hire and expand. But according to a new survey, where they really run into difficulty is pinpointing exactly which regulations are responsible for their problems. Echoing the results of several recent studies, four out of 10 small employers (between one and 25 employees) say regulatory and legal problems are impeding the growth of their businesses, according to the latest National Small Business Poll released Tuesday by the National Federation of Independent Business. More specifically, 82 percent of them said the obstacles stemmed from government regulations. But here is the real kicker: Of those who said regulations were a major growth impediment, only 36 percent identified a specific regulation or set of regulations that was responsible for their problems.

11/16/2011 08:00 AM

Any Tips on How to Survive in a Seasonal Business?

Any tips on how to survive in a highly seasonal small business? Many retailers encounter a huge spike in business during the holidays. Seasonal businesses dedicate a large part of the year to preparing for those certain weeks or months when most of their revenue is generated. Those boom times come at a price - a struggle for financial survival throughout the remainder of the year, when business slows to a trickle. complete article

11/15/2011 08:00 AM

Problems of Fast Growing Companies

TOP PROBLEMS OF FAST-GROWTH COMPANIES •Hiring quality employees •Controlling costs •Motivating employees •Training employees •Wise use of capital

11/14/2011 08:00 AM

Prepare for Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is coming up in two weeks and it's not to early to prepare for it. Experian Business Services recently listed 10 tips for preparing for the day, Nov. 26. Small Business Saturday started last year as way to encourage people to shop at local stores and to think about small businesses as an important part of their holiday shopping. Prepare for Small Business Saturday

11/12/2011 08:00 AM

Why Small Businesses Matter!

U.S. small businesses, which are responsible for almost two-thirds of new hires annually, are facing rising barriers and an increasingly hostile relationship with Washington due to federal regulations.

11/11/2011 08:00 AM

How Small Businesses Can Use Social Media

As a small business owner, it can be difficult to decide where your time is best spent, especially since your time really does equal money. Technology may make marketing and customer service easier, but it can also be more time consuming with existing, and potential, clients expecting a 24-7 social media presence, and business owners wanting to take advantage of every available opportunity to spread the word of their product or service. complete article

11/08/2011 08:00 AM

6 Tips for Building Big Brand

Here are 6 simple tactics that I have put together to help small business owners to build a BIG brand: complete article

11/10/2011 08:00 AM

Top Notch Resources for Small Businesses

This list of resources for small business leaders and entrepreneurs includes Small Business Trends and our sister site BizSugar and will supply plenty of ideas for use in your own business. Top Notch Business Recources

11/09/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Leave Big Banks

Bad relationships with big banks are leading more small-business owners to switch to local banks, community banks, or credit unions. While banks such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America claim their small-business lending has increased this year, many of the banks define small businesses as those with less than $20 million in revenue.

11/08/2011 08:00 AM

Is It Too Late to Save on Taxes

As we near the end of 2011, can I do anything to make sure I do not pay more taxes for my small business than absolutely necessary? complete article

11/07/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Cutting Back on Holidays

Small businesses are toning down their holiday celebrations and gifts this year, experts say. Some spent a little more in 2010 than they had during any other year of the recession, but slow growth is making them scale back again.

10/25/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Tax Deductions

Two generous tax breaks that small business owners got during the recession are going to shrink dramatically in 2012. That makes yearend tax planning more important than usual. The changes affect the deductions for purchases of equipment. One is called the Section 179 deduction, a name taken from a provision of the Internal Revenue Code. The other is called bonus depreciation. Congress approved the breaks as an economic stimulus move — they were intended to make it easier for small businesses to expand and hire workers. Although the economy is still slow, the breaks are being scaled back. complete article

10/24/2011 08:00 AM

Interesting Small Business Statistics

October is Womens Small Business Month.  There are more than 27 million small businesses in the United States, and over 7.7 million of these businesses are owned by women. This is a 20.1% increase from 2002. Women -owned businesses, where women own 51% percent or more of the stock or equity, generated $1.2 trillion in receipts.    Women-owned businesses will account for one-third of the new jobs created by 2018.   According to the 2007 Survey of Business Owners, almost 800,000 small businesses are owned by Latinas,  more than 900,000 small businesses are owned by Black/African-American women, over 500,000 small businesses are owned by Asian-American/Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women, and close to 15,000 small businesses are owned by American-Indian-Alaskan Native females. complete article

10/19/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Accessibility

Researchers have just come up with a way to turn an iPad into a Braille keyboard--but until this kind of technology is on the market, it is up to business owners to make sure that their websites meet the needs of clients with special needs. According to accessibility guidelines from the U.S. government, 8 percent of Americans have a disability that affects how they can access and use websites. Among the conditions in this group, four percent are vision-related, two percent are movement-related, one percent hearing-related, and less than one percent related to learning disabilities. This means that accessibility may have more of an effect on Web sales than you may have previously thought. But what can you do to improve website accessibility for these customers? An accessible website will also be friendly to seniors--and small businesses will need increasingly to cater to them. By 2018, almost 24 percent of the population will be over 55. complete article

10/18/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Marketing and Social Media

Social media are currently the two words on everyone business owners lips,this new phenomenon is a modern and effective method of communication which brings together businesses, organisations, people, news and hobbies. The latest ground breaking news can be spread across the world in seconds and businesses can go from zero to hero within a matter of weeks. If utilised to its full potential, social media can be the most effective marketing tool for small businesses with minimal effort and expenditure. Small Business and Social Media Marketing

10/17/2011 08:00 AM

Occupy Wall Street Effects

Occupy Boston has been in the news a lot lately, but one recent story has some Boston residents riled up and crying hypocrisy. Due to the groups presence in Dewey Square, the Greenway Mobile Food Fest, a free event featuring Bostons food trucks, local bands, and a food drive for the citys homeless, has been cancelled. Comments on the articles about the cancellation already circulating make it clear that people are angry at Occupy Boston. After all, this is not just any event -- it’s one that represents almost exactly what the Occupy movement supports: small business owners and victims of the 1%. complete article

10/08/2011 08:00 AM

Software Development and Marketing Mistakes

The following are some of the more common mistakes made by ISVs and software developers... 1. Lack Of A Plan Many software developers start out simply by writing an application to make their own lives easier, and often do not really have a plan to turn that idea into a business. But they later decide to do just that, and like any other business, a plan is necessary in order for a software company to succeed. Create a development road-map, a marketing plan, and a business plan, all of which lay out goals, feature priorities, and a time frame for accomplishing specific parts of the plan. Software Development and Marketing Mistakes

10/06/2011 08:00 AM

Fedex Helping Small Businesses

FedEx Office, an operating company of FedEx Corp. , today announced it will host a three-part Tweet Chat series featuring industry leaders addressing small business trends and issues. The series will be held over three weeks and each Tweet Chat will feature a different small business expert who will discuss important topics for entrepreneurs--including Recession Proof Your Small Business, Make Your Advertising Pay Off and Branding on a Shoestring Budget. The virtual Boost Your Small Business Tweet Chat series will take place on three consecutive Thursdays in October, and the moderator will be Brian Wharton, a former 15-year small business owner and current marketing manager for FedEx Office. To attend these sessions on Twitter, participants should follow the #fedexsmallbiz hashtag at the following times.

10/05/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Security

The employees who help you run your small business may also be helping to destroy it. Though they usually do not mean to do any harm, employees are increasingly responsible for network security breaches, according to an article in Mondays Wall Street Journal. This is because hackers have gotten adept at breaking into company networks by exploiting well-intentioned employees. complete article

10/04/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Lending a Dud

A Treasury Department program aimed at helping small businesses get their hands on cash ended this week -- with a thud. The Small Business Lending Fund, set up last year with $30 billion to help banks jumpstart lending, disbursed a mere $4 billion, Treasury said. And it left many rejected bankers frustrated. The news comes as small business owners complain that they cannot grow or hire because they lack access to credit. The sector has been in the spotlight as the country grapples with a sky high unemployment rate. Reasons behind the disappointing results are myriad. complete article

10/03/2011 08:00 AM

Economy and Growth

The U.S. economy is now the same size that it was before the 2007 recession, and yet we have 7 million fewer jobs. The latest data from the Department of Labor suggests that zero job growth is here to stay well into 2012. As conversations across the nation shift from how to create economic growth to how to create more jobs, many are asking: what should be done? To answer this question, we have to consider in which sectors America can achieve competitive advantage relative to emerging powerhouses such as China and India. complete article

10/01/2011 08:00 AM

Profiting from the Holidays

Take a look at these innovative companies finding ways to profit from Halloween! Halloween iPad Cases Halloween Return Address Mailing Labels Halloween Party Invitations Halloween Sneakers Pick and Print Halloween Greeting Cards Halloween iPhone Cases More Halloween Greeting Cards Halloween Web Design Elements - Photos, Logos and Templates Halloween Logo Designs Halloween PowerPoint Templates and Layouts

09/27/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Owners Sacrifice in the Face of a Failing Economy

Small and medium-sized businesses played a key role in helping Canada move forward from the 2008-2009 recession, with many owners making personal sacrifices to help their businesses survive, according to a new report from The Canadian Federation of Independent Business. The report found that 62 per cent of business owners worked longer hours; 43 per cent cut their own salaries including one owner who had not taken a salary since July, 2009); 40 per cent took on more debt; and 37 per cent cancelled personal holidays to weather the economic storm. Just 20 per cent made no changes in their own behaviour at all. complete article

09/26/2011 08:00 AM

Facebook Marketing Tool

Sheryl Sandberg is new COO of Facebook, the same position she held at Google. Now, she is working to encourage businesses to treat each of the 750 million users as potential customers and advertise with the website. Among the benefits of a Facebook marketing campaign is that companies can target their advertising materials, narrowing demographics down to just one zip code or gender, if they wish, the news source explains. complete article

09/21/2011 08:00 AM

Tips to Get Things Accomplished

All of us start the day with every intention of completing a variety of tasks, but unfortunately many of us become distracted as the day moves on. Or even worse, we are tasked with crisis management, and at the end of the day we find that we have made little progress in whittling down the days planned tasks. As well intentioned as you may be, it seems to become a routine, and one that far too many of us fall into. Tips to Get Things Accomplished

09/20/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Pessimism

When the country recovered from recessions in the past, small businesses were usually the first companies to start hiring. But smaller companies are so pessimistic now that they are not taking on their historical leadership position. The National Federation of Independent Business, which issues a monthly report on small business optimism, says confidence in the future of the economy crashed in August. The group's optimism index -- which it wryly called the Small Business Pessimism index -- was down for the sixth straight month. Complete Article

09/19/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Pay For Regulations

Small businesses pay the heaviest price to comply with these rules. According to the Small Business Administration, mom-and-pop businesses pay 60 percent more to meet federal standards than larger corporations. In fact, the cost exceeds $10,500 per year, per employee. It's no surprise, then, that small businesses are extremely reluctant to hire new workers — even if they can — because of the cloud of uncertainty that billows out of Washington these days. complete article

09/15/2011 08:00 AM

IBM Lending Money to Small Businesses

IBM Corp. will provide $1 billion in financing over the next 18 months to credit-worthy small and medium businesses to help them acquire the companys new suite of advanced technologies. Announcing the financing initiative Thursday, officials at IBM headquarters in Armonk said it is aimed at helping those businesses spur innovation and drive economic growth by making credit more easily accessible and eliminating many of the cost barriers to business growth. They pointed to U.S. Small Business Administration reports that more than 50 percent of small businesses fail within their first five years due to lack of capital. complete article

09/14/2011 08:00 AM

Need Business Cards?

Need inexpensive professional looking business cards? Checkout the Business Card Designs.

09/13/2011 08:00 AM

Follow Small Business Software on Twitter

Follow @SmallBizSoft Tweets on Twitter.

09/13/2011 08:00 AM

Cyber Risks to Small Businesses

A band of thieves rents an office in the same building as a California law firm. They then use that address with a different suite number to have $70,000 worth of computers and office furniture delivered using the law firms line of credit. They load the furniture into a truck and disappear. In Pennsylvania, thieves place malware on a school districts computer system and use information gained to siphon about $700,000 from its bank accounts in 74 transactions over a two-day period. complete article

09/12/2011 08:00 AM

How Small Businesses are Coping in Declining Economy

A vast majority of the nations small business owners expressed concern about the possibility of a double-dip recession, according to the latest Citibank survey, though many also said they are successfully coping with uncertain economic conditions. According to the survey, nine out of 10 small business owners said they are concerned the nation could slip back into a recession. But 79% of small business owners said they are prepared if the economy were to experience another downturn. complete article

09/08/2011 08:00 AM

Number of Small Businesses in Decline

More than 1 million self-employed Americans are no longer in business almost four years after the last recession began, as the economy constrains entrepreneurial activity and small-business job creation. The 18-month contraction that started in December 2007 initially resulted in more would-be business owners, as the number of people who work for themselves grew to 16.3 million in July 2008 from 15.7 million at the end of 2007, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since then, the total has fallen about 10 percent to 14.7 million in July, the data show. complete article

09/07/2011 08:00 AM

Social Media and Small Businesses

A pair of florists, a nutritional therapist and an aspiring coffee shop owner sat among a dozen others in a small Portland classroom on a recent evening, trying to understand a big issue. Social media. The two words are quickly becoming a necessity when it comes to running a business. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and a host of other social media outlets promise low-cost, targeted routes to customers. More and more companies are joining one or more social networks to learn how they work -- and how they pay. But many wonder, if likes and tweets do not lead to sales, is it all worth it? Small businesses often don't have the staff or budget to find out, leaving owners to navigate the networks themselves. complete article

09/06/2011 08:00 AM

Entrepreneurs Need to Keep Stress at Bay

There are many rewards in running your own business. But you must be aware of the tradeoffs and sacrifices that come with being in charge. Over time, the stress may take its toll on your physical and emotional health, affecting your business as well as your relations with employees, family and friends. Fortunately, there are good ways to keep business burnout at bay. First, identify responsibilities or activities that are causing the stress. What regularly causes your anxiety? Perhaps you dread mundane tasks like bookkeeping and filing reports, or having to make sales calls. You may have customers who are difficult to work with or do not pay invoices on time. And, because you are responsible for everything your business does, you may obsess about things beyond your control. complete article

09/05/2011 08:00 AM

Going Mobile With Your Small Business

Cellphones have been around for a long time and many small businesses have them. They are good for phone calls and basic text messaging. Smartphones - more powerful cellphones - were introduced to the business world more recently, and their popularity has grown exponentially ever since. Smartphones, such as BlackBerry, are used today for much more than phone calls and text messaging - small and large businesses alike rely upon them every day for everything from email and browsing the Web, organizing calendars and scheduling appointments, to editing documents and tracking orders and customer activity. They are essentially pocket-sized computers that have, arguably, led to a new generation of mobile workers, new ways of doing business and the emergence of a new type of office - the mobile office. complete article

09/02/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Hit Harder By Disaster

For East Coast business owners shaken by last weeks earthquake and bracing for Hurricane Irene's onslaught, the stats are gloomy. Twenty-five percent of small businesses hit with a disaster like a flood or an earthquake never re-open. complete article

09/01/2011 08:00 AM

Class for New Small Business Owners

A new session of Entrepreneur School will launch early next month at Southwest Florida Enterprise Center, the city of Fort Myers' small-business incubator. Entrepreneur School runs one evening a week, for six consecutive weeks. It boasts more than 200 past participants. This program could be right for you if: - You are thinking about starting a business; - You are starting a business but are confused about everything you have to do; or - You own a business, but are dissatisfied with the results. complete article

08/31/2011 08:00 AM

Towns Adapting and Dropping Regulations for Small Businesses

The poor economy is prompting many cities to bend their rules to help struggling businesses. Their actions could pay off for residents as well. In Lighthouse Point, neon-lit Open signs now are tolerated in storefront windows. Downtown Boca Raton is welcoming sandwich-board business signs on sidewalks. Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Margate and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea now can sell alcohol at Sunday morning brunch. And in Boynton Beach, the commission in September will consider easing requirements for sidewalk cafes downtown. complete article

08/30/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Scams

Scams that target small businesses come in a number of forms, and can leave your business vulnerable and exposed to a variety of threats. Scammers will often go to great lengths to convince businesses that their offer or request is legitimate. Many scams succeed because they look like the real thing or try to take advantage of a busy office environment. The best defence to protecting your business is by being aware of the most common scams targeting businesses, and knowing what to do if you are targeted by a scam. complete article

08/29/2011 08:00 AM

Disaster Survival Tips for Small Businesses

The devastation may seem overwhelming, but business must go on as quickly as possible. Here are some tips to consider to help your business bounce back and get up and running as quickly as possible in the wake of a disaster. 1. Have a Plan. Consider what the impact will be if power and communications are down for a day…or a week. Communicate now--proactively--with suppliers, partners, customers, or other affected parties to explain the situation, and to inform them that business may be interrupted, and you may be unable to communicate reliably, but that business will resume as quickly as possible. Disaster Survival Tips or Small Businesses

08/26/2011 08:00 AM

Business Continuity Plan

In the event of an accident or disaster, small business employees are well positioned to keep operations running smoothly while a business owner is away. Developing a business continuity plan and sharing it with employees can prepare them to properly navigate most emergency situations while the business owner is out of the office. Business Continuity Plan

08/25/2011 08:00 AM

Definition of Small May Change

A new definition of what constitutes a small business being considered by the Treasury Department is raising concerns among some closely held companies that it’s a step toward requiring them to pay corporate taxes. The proposed definition, included in an Aug. 9 Treasury report, places the upper limit for a small business at $10 million in annual gross income or deductions. Currently, there is no size limit on what constitutes a small business for purposes of tax policy discussions. complete article

08/24/2011 08:00 AM

Tech Tips for Small Businesses

Attracting new customers can be a challenge for any company, and small businesses have to work exceptionally hard to reach this goal. By using Facebook the right way, Galloway business owners can spread the word about their companies. The first thing you’ll want to do is set up a Facebook account for professional use. You probably won’t want to mix your personal and professional Facebook friends, and the easiest way to keep them separate is with a second account dedicated to professional use. Once you have created the account, take the time to fill out all of the information fields. complete article

08/24/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Industries You Should Not Touch With A 10-Foot Pole

This economic recession has brought a plethora of business failures and it’s safe to assume that once the economy gets roaring, many of these failed businesses will come back and be very successful. However, some businesses will never recover to what it once was. History has shown this to be true.The telegraph industry was decimated by the Great Depression, ultimately getting replaced by new technology (telephone) coming out of that Depression. complete article

08/22/2011 08:00 AM

Does Every Small Business Need a Website?

Yes, you need a website. No matter the size or type of your business, if you’re trying to compete in todays tech-savvy world then you need a website in order to market yourself, gain traction in your industry and simply be found by customers. Today when someone is looking for a dry cleaner, antiques dealer, or hair salon they are going to Google. Lets face it, most people don’t even open that big yellow book that shows up on their doorstep each year. Do not have a website? Only listed in the directory sites? You are losing customers. You can start with web templates. complete article

08/06/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Must Adapt or Suffer the Consequences

Small businesses tend to be more agile than large corporations, but in order to take advantage of that strength, they must be willing to adapt with changing times in order to prosper and survive. This is especially true when faced with a difficult economic climate. Small Businesses Must Adapt or Suffer the Consequences

08/04/2011 08:00 AM

Facebook for Business

The latest cat-and-mouse battle between Facebook and Google is being fought in the business world – specifically, the world of business as it appears on each company's social network. And Facebooks newest salvo, a guide to Facebook for Business, is a direct thumb of the nose against its scrambling competitor. The company unveiled Facebook for Business earlier this week, but don't be alarmed by the title – it is not a new feature or page setup on the site for businesses. Rather, Facebook for Business is a small portal that Facebook created to show companies how they can maximize their social presence on the site. Facebook for Business

08/03/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Hesitant to Hire

Privately-held businesses are aggregately performing better now than at any point since the recession -- sales are growing across the board, and profit margins are increasing, too. With such objective evidence of success, privately-held businesses should be celebrating. Instead, they are cautious. The National Federation of Independent Business reports the Small Business Optimism Index, a measure combining ten factors including plans to invest, planned hiring and expected economic expansion. Small business represents 64 percent of net new jobs for the past 15 years, but -- in spite of their profits and growth -- small businesses haven't been hiring lately, according to the still-elevated unemployment rate. There is too much uncertainty for employers to take on the long-term financial risk of new employees. complete article

08/02/2011 08:00 AM

Groupon Not Appealing

A business Insider survey of 16 small business owners in San Francisco who have done business with Groupon found that more than half of of the owners would not want to do another Groupon deal. Even with just over half of the business owners not wanting to participate in another Groupon daily deal, more than 60 percent of the surveyed businesses called the deal a success. The majority of respondents offered between 70 and 80 percent off, according to charts on the website. Just under 60 percent of the surveys respondents recevied between a 25 and 50 percent revenue split with the Chicago-based Groupon. complete article

08/01/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Damned

The clock is ticking to raise the national debt limit. Lawmakers have just two days left to come to an agreement before the government defaults on its loans. But one local business owner says it might not matter either way. We are basically damned if we do and damned if we do not says Daniel Nelson. Daniel Nelson, owner of small business Chocolat by Daniel in Rockford says, even if lawmakers raise the debt limit before Tuesdays deadline, our nation won't necessarily be in a better state. If we do raise the debt limit, we continue down the path we are currently on; spending, spending, spending, getting deeper in the hole, says Nelson. But if we default on our bills small businesses like Nelsons could be stuck paying higher interest rates. complete article

07/21/2011 08:00 AM

FDA Saying They Will Become for Small Business Friendly

The head of the Food and Drug Administration is pledging to work more closely with small medical technology companies, who have criticized the agency for unnecessarily slowing down approvals of new drugs and devices. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg is telling business leaders in Cleveland that the agency will invite medical entrepreneurs into the agency to train scientists on how to work with small businesses.

07/20/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Not Adding Employees

Two sobering business surveys, a weak June jobs report and interviews with local business owners show a continued reluctance to add new employees anytime soon.

07/19/2011 08:00 AM

Ten Apps for Small Business

Even a decade ago, most small businesses were shackled to locally installed software for their business needs. Much of the SMB was pressed to use Office for line-of-business rather than purchasing dedicated Line-of-Business solutions from vendors like Peachtree or ERP programs from Lotus and IBM. Such software was first off, expensive especially when purchasing licenses and often required knowledgeable IT staff to deploy and maintain. Programs in the Office suite were substitutes for more robust solutions: Excel for financials and bookkeeping, Publisher for desktop publishing, Front Page for creating websites and so on. With the emergence of cloud computing, however, SMBs now have vast numbers of solutions to choose from. Multi-tenancy cloud platforms from the likes of Amazon and Salesforce.com can scale to support millions of users. A small business simply can sign up for any of the wealth of cloud-based services available, and can never outgrow the service no matter how the business grows. complete article

07/18/2011 08:00 AM

Chinas Small Businesses Struggle

Chinas economy is caught in a difficult dilemma between trying to maintain growth and controlling inflation. Tougher lending policies are favoring large national and state-owned companies, while privately owned small and medium-sized enterprises are struggling or are closing down due to lack of financing. At the same time, food prices continue to soar, and the Consumer Price Index in June surged to a three-year high. complete article

07/14/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Management

Managing a small business can be a thankless job, but if the business is at least yours there are some rewards. For years, large companies had the spotlight with better news coverage and higher salaries. Today, the coverage is all too often negative and the salaries are being cut or frozen. If you run a small business today, you are the superstar. You operate a company that could help the flagging economy and change the world. Here are some resources just for you. Small Business Management

07/07/2011 08:00 AM

Late Payments a Big Problem for Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses has reported that almost three quarters of small businesses have been paid late in the last 12 months. This is a major issue for many SMEs, as they do not have the same financial buffers available to larger enterprises. This often causes a vicious circle for many, as 38% in turn are unable to pay their employers. 43 percent of those questioned are awaiting payment, while over half have been forced to write off invoices worth between £1 and £9,999. In the construction sector, 6% of businesses have had to write off payments of £35,000 or more. While the government has succeeded in their pledge to pay invoices to small firms within ten days, the survey also showed that public sector clients had paid nearly a fifth of survey respondents late. complete article

07/06/2011 08:00 AM

Veteran Small Business Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding military veterans that it offers a loan program designed to help them start or expand their small businesses. The Patriot Express program offers SBA-guaranteed loans to small companies owned by veterans, reservists and their spouses. The loans can also be used for other business purposes including equipment purchases, inventory and capital, SBA officials said. Patriot Express loans are available in amounts up to $500,000. Since the program began in 2007, it has provided more than $633 million in SBA-guaranteed loans to 7,650 veterans. The loans are offered through SBAs network of participating lenders nationwide, agency officials said.

07/05/2011 08:00 AM

When To Pursue Defamation?

When Do You Sue for Defamation? The initial knee-jerk reaction of any business owner to a review posted on a national website that has negative content about their business is bound to be not so positive. But, initiating a lawsuit over the review is entirely different – and it may be side-stepping important steps to help resolve your customer’s problems in a less public and aggressive way. One thing is for certain: if your customer is simply expressing an opinion, or if what they are saying is simply true, a defamation lawsuit will fail. Opinions and truthful statements are protected. complete article

07/01/2011 08:00 AM

Competitive Intelligence

Some companies compete by getting into the minds of their competitors. Competitive Intelligence is the process of collecting information about competitors in a competitive environment. These tips and tricks will help marketers better understand competitive intelligence, and how to effectively compete in their marketplace. Competitive Intelligence

06/30/2011 08:00 AM

Take Advantage of Technology

With the surge in iPhones and iPads businesses are making the most of the new technology. Check out these new iPad and iPhone SpeckCases.

06/29/2011 08:00 AM

More Small Businesses Exporting

The Export-Import Bank says it is on pace to back 5,000 new small-businesses exporters by 2015, part of an administration-led effort to encourage smaller firms to pursue global markets amid weak demand at home.

06/28/2011 08:00 AM

Businesses Need Freedom

The U.S. government needs to get out of the way of business to allow for job creation, Rep. Renee Ellmers said in her partys weekly address Saturday. The freshman Republican representative is a former nurse and married to a surgeon. She said their small medical practice in Dunn, N.C., is an example of how government regulations are affecting businesses. complete article

06/27/2011 08:00 AM

Signs, Signs, Signs

You can market your small business in a lot of sexy new ways, but hold on. Do not overlook one of the most tried-and true ways to let people know about your business. I am talking about signs. The concept is hardly ground breaking, but that is why they are easily forgotten. Signs are cheap and easy, but best of all they work. Signs, Signs, Signs

06/23/2011 08:00 AM

Free Advertising for Small Businesses

You heard correct. Free advertising. If you are starting a new home-based business, advertising online is essential to your success. Advertising however, can be extremely costly. Posting ads on Free Classified sites can be a good way to start getting your name out there, learning how to position your business, and to test your ad copy. With online ads like Facebook or Google Ads, you can quickly rack up huge costs because the wrong people are clicking on your ads. When they click, you pay. If you post free classified ads, you don’t pay anything, unless you want to be showcased on a main page or at the top of your category’s listings. CLASSIFIED SITES There are several free classified sites that you can use for home business advertising. Craigslist, eBay Classifieds and Kijiji are the biggest ones I know in North America. Some others are Backpages, BOCOnline and iNetGiant, to name just a few. If you search for ‘free advertising’ or ‘free classifieds’ in your country or city you may find something different. complete article

06/22/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business is Passion

Deluxe Corp. unveiled Thursday results of a small business survey of more than 500 social-media-savvy entrepreneurs, revealing most started their businesses as a result of personal passion. The growth engine for small businesses used PartnerUp, the first online social network for small business owners and entrepreneurs, to survey a growing demographic of social media savvy self-starters. complete article

06/21/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Pessimism

In its monthly report, entitled Small Business Economic Trends, the National Federation of Independent Businesses found that small business optimism declined for the third straight month during the month of May. The reason for that continued pessimism seems related to reports of low sales. Indeed, when asked what single problem most concerned the surveyed small business owners, poor sales was the most frequent reply. complete article

06/20/2011 08:00 AM

Are You Prepared for Retirement?

Nearly two-thirds of small business owners fear outliving their retirement money and one-third plan to work into their 70s, according to a new study. The retirement views of the nations small business owners are radically shifting, said a news release about the study conducted by the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute. The Institute, part of Guardian Life Insurance Co., polled 1,433 small business owners who operate companies with two to 99 employees. complete article

06/18/2011 08:00 AM

Need Business Cards?

This is a great new site with business cards templates. Choose the business type and you will see an assortment of cards that can be customized to suit your business needs. See the Business Card Store for details.

06/17/2011 08:00 AM

SBA Export Business Planner

Want to increase your slice of the U.S. $1.7 trillion export pie of goods and services? The Small Business Administration has launched its Export Business Planner to help you. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the export is not just the province of corporate giants. Nearly three-quarters 70 percent of all U.S. exporters have fewer than 20 employees, the SBA said. This new, free online tool will help small businesses gauge their readiness to export and help them develop an export business plan. The Planner is downloadable PDF file that features an extensive compilation of worksheets, export research and information, including quick links to websites, video profiles, training podcasts, trade statistics, contact information to counseling resources such as SCORE and small business development centers , a list of current SBA lenders and much more. complete article

06/16/2011 08:00 AM

Facebook Ads for Small Businesses

The data reveals that Facebook ad offerings are making inroads with local merchants, which could put pressure on companies like Google and Groupon for share of local marketing budgets. Thanks to huge consumer adoption, ease-of-use, and low barrier to entry, Facebook continues to be the most popular way for merchants to market their business: 66 percent use the social network for marketing. Facebook Ads is benefitting from the social network’s high level of adoption with a 94 percent awareness rate among local merchants. Facebook Ads

06/15/2011 08:00 AM

More on Small Business Social Media

For under a thousand dollars a small business owner can create their own multimedia empire and reach their target audience. This means that they do not have to hire a public relations firm to get them booked on CNBC or profiled in a glossy magazine. They can create their own broadcasts with the help of consumer grade cameras, a few wireless microphones and a felt backdrop all for a fifth of the price that a firm might charge them for one month of consulting. The next step in the process is to flood the social media universe with your content and use it as a de-facto broadcast network for any programming you come up with. Small Business Social Media

06/14/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Technology

Small businesses get started for all kinds of reasons—a great idea, recognition of an underserved niche, loss of a job, boredom, desire for additional income, and plain old foolhardiness. But to succeed, businesses need to get their tech right, from the very beginning. But where to begin? How do you get a web site and a .com address for your business? Are online email services likes Gmail the best option for communicating with customers? Do you need to invest in servers and computers for you and any potential employees? Do you need a wireless network? These can be daunting tech questions for starting a business, but they don't have to be. The answers all depend on the type of business you are running and your business goals. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through some of the most important early steps and give you pointers for getting started on the rest. Small Business Technology

06/13/2011 08:00 AM

No Vacation for Small Businesses

A large majority 79 percent of small business owners do not feel guilty for taking a vacation, reports the AmEx survey of 500 small business owners. But other reasons not to get away loom large:   -  Busy work schedules 37 percent and affordability 29 percent affect some owners hesitancy to take a vacation this summer.   -  Entrepreneurs are less plugged in than they were in 2008, but 68 percent still check in every day while on vacation, and 18 percent say they check in several times a day.   -  Rising gasoline costs will affect half of small business owners vacation plans, keeping them closer to home or staying home altogether.   - The uncertain economy is affecting 57 percent of small business owners vacation plans. Still, 46 percent of small business owners surveyed say they will take a summer vacation this year.

06/12/2011 11:00 AM

Small Businesses Get Social

More than 600 million people are on Facebook, including at least 150 million Americans, or one in two adults. Twitter recently topped 300 million accounts. Small-business owners are trying to capitalize on social media to promote their businesses and broadcast messages. Kerpen offers the following five tips for small-business owners venturing into social-media networking. complete article

06/09/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Embrace the Cloud

Entrepreneurs and small businesses have led the way in cloud storage adoption and still comprise the largest faction of cloud users, but this is quickly changing. Larger companies are following suit, investing more in cloud technology to meet their business infrastructure needs in today’s global, distributed business environment. Businesses have always had the need to store, share and back up data. Traditionally, this was done with on-site physical file servers, tape backups, file transfer protocol - FTP and virtual private network - VPN systems. While these methods offer high speed and performance, they are expensive and increasingly impractical and cumbersome in todays collaborative business world. complete article

06/08/2011 08:00 AM

Blogs are Standard for Small Businesses

Building a blog is no longer an option for most businesses. If you doubt it, just look at some of the figures below. In the first link we see an oft repeated idea that blogging is dead. It might be better to say that blogging is not cutting edge anymore. It is becoming mainstream. And, particularly when it comes to small business, it is becoming clear they are now standard equipment. Blogs are Standard for Businesses

06/07/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Influencers

The Small Business Influencer initiative honors contributors who have made a significant impact on the North American small business market. Nominate a Small Business Influencer.

06/06/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Save Time and Money

Computer programs designed for smartphones and tablets save small businesses more than a billion hours and $17.6 billion a year, according to a new report from the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council. The study, Saving Time and Money with Mobile Apps: a Small Business Apportunity, looks at the growth of cell phone and other mobile technologies and why small businesses are using mobile applications to solve key business challenges. Nearly half of small businesses use smartphones compared to a fifth  of the general consumer market. Owners and their employees are using mobile apps to squeeze more productivity from their work week, reducing overhead costs, increasing revenues and sales-related activities, improving competitiveness and even allowing firms to add jobs. complete article

06/01/2010 08:00 AM

Benefits of Shopping Online

Why buy online? Why not buy online? Have you ever considered the pros and cons to shopping at a retail store vs shopping online? Lets take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing online... Advantages Of Shopping Online... 1. Saves Time If you already know what you are looking for, shopping online can save you a significant amount of time. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can place your order and move on to other things. Benefits of Shopping Online

05/31/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Marketing

Total marketing spending by U.S. small businesses will expand in 2012, as an increased number of firms invests in advertising and promotional activities. According to New York-based Access Markets InternationalPartners, Inc., overall spending is expected to grow 4% rebounding from 2010 recessionary lows. These findings from AMIs 2010 - 2011 U.S. Small Business Marketing Activity and Spending Study reveal that apart from social media marketing, which is estimated to grow a considerable 35%, most marketing categories are still slowly rebounding from the economic downturn. complete article

05/30/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Tax Headache

Taxes always give small-business owners a big headache. Today, we hear there is more pain coming their way. In Charge colleague Laura Saunders writes in an article that the Internal Revenue Service, which is moving aggressively to collect more taxes from small businesses, is now seeking small companies software files. The IRS is telling some businesses already under audit that they must turn over records kept in popular software progams, such as Intuit Inc.s QuickBooks or Sage Groups Peachtree, according to the article. Small-business groups are pushing back, saying the IRS should realize that they are not big firms with elaborate accounting systems or lots of tax professionals on staff Ȓ and that they ca n not easily turn over very specific files. Instead, to comply with the IRS requests, many small businesses must turn over complete electronic records Ȓ and there is no telling what the IRS might do with that, they complain. complete article

05/20/2011 08:00 AM

What Is a Good Way to Build Small Business Knowledge?

Few people begin building a small business with full knowledge of the skills required for success.Even those with extensive business experience or education still need to bring themselves up to date on the effective use of new technology, employee management, business development and financing. Fortunately, the range of small-business-oriented learning opportunities and training programs has never been broader for experienced and novice entrepreneurs. Seeking help is simply smart. No business owner can be adept at every aspect of operating successfully. Plus, conditions change rapidly, so keeping yourself informed is vital to long-term success. complete article

05/19/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Development Center

Starting or running a small business is not an easy task. Many times, as consumers we do not see the trials and tribulations that small business owners go through. We miss the sacrifices they make to their families in order to provide a living for themselves and their employees. This week is dedicated to them and their commitment to making their communities and companies better. During the last couple of years, the business world has seen great turmoil. Small Business Development Center

05/18/2011 08:00 AM

Office Depot Helping Businesses in Disaster Area

The Office Depot Foundation, the nonprofit charitable giving arm of the office supplies giant Office Depot, announced Friday that it is offering a number of programs and services to help the families and small businesses affected by the recent tornadoes in the Southeast. The Foundation has teamed up with the National Disaster Help Desk for Business  to provide information and facilitate aid to businesses located in the tornado disaster areas. Businesses needing assistance with relief and recovery efforts can call the Help Desk toll-free 24 hours a day, as well as email and reach out on Twitter. Office Depot Helping Businesses in Disaster Area

05/17/2011 08:00 AM

Taking Stock of Your Small Business

The midpoint of the year is a great time to take stock of your companys progress, though, and make plans for what you want to accomplish by the end of 2011. Taking summer classes at a local business school or college can help keep you on track with those goals -- or inspire you to set some new ones. Taking Stock of Your Small Business

05/16/2011 08:00 AM

Retirement Plans for Small Businesses

If you have no employees other than your spouse or a partner, you can establish an owner-only 401k, also known as an individual 401k. This plan offers many of the same advantages of a traditional 401k: a range of investment options, tax-deductible contributions and the opportunity for tax-deferred earnings growth. You may even be able to choose a Roth option for your 401k, which allows you to make after-tax contributions that have the opportunity to grow tax free. complete article

05/15/2011 08:00 AM

SEC Small Business Committee

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is forming a small-business committee to review fundraising rules for small private firms that critics say hinder access to capital and are stunting economic growth. complete article

05/06/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Week - May 16-20th

This year, National Small Business Week, May 16 through 20, will again shine the spotlight on entrepreneurs and independent business owners.

05/05/2011 08:00 AM

Best Banks for Small Businesses

Wells Fargo, HSBC and U.S. Bank are the worst credit card companies for small business, according to a recent study by Card Hub. The study rated each of the top 10 credit card issuers in the U.S. in terms of both its transparency and the extent to which it has voluntarily extended the new credit card laws protections to its business credit cards. Bank of America, the study says, was the only major issuer to apply all of the major protections implemented by the law—the Credit CARD Act of 2009—and is therefore the best credit card company for small business owners. complete article

05/04/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Lagging In Technology

Telestra says small business is dragging its feet on take-up of new technology, with thousands of firms still not using computers or mobile phones. More than one in ten businesses with less than 20 employees operate without even a desktop PC, according to a study commissioned by Telstra. Telstra says the survey of 500 business decision makers found nearly one-quarter did not use a standard mobile phone, while 45 per cent did not have smart phones. Around half of the businesses surveyed did not have a website or use online transactions in their business, Telstra said. complete article

05/03/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Market Survey

he Small Business Authority with a portfolio of over 100,000 business accounts, announced recently the findings of its SB Authority Market Sentiment Survey, a monthly window into the concerns of independent business owners. Based on a poll of approximately 1,200 respondents, one of the key findings from Aprils survey was small business owners apparent lack of e-Commerce initiatives. complete article

05/02/2011 08:00 AM

Things to Know Before You Start A Business

Mention starting a small business and conventional wisdom will tell you that you should write a business plan first. Generally every small business needs a plan, but there are a few steps that should be taken before you invest any time writing one. A small amount of time spent considering what it will be like to start and own a business can help you avoid major mistakes and pay big dividends later. Know your personal goals. Decide what you want out of life and then build a business that supports those plans. Take time to think about the entrepreneurial lifestyle and how it fits in with your personal and family lifestyle. One definition of an entrepreneur is someone who is willing to assume the responsibility, risk and rewards of starting and operating a business. Does that describe you and does it fit with the kind of life you want to live? complete article

04/26/2011 08:00 AM

Business Opportunities in the South

Ten of the nations top 20 markets for small business are in the South, according to the report. The rankings were derived from a formula that considered such factors as local concentrations of small business, population growth and employment gains or losses. complete article

04/25/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Fret Over Food-Safety Rules

When Congress revamped food-safety laws last year, small farmers and food producers won a victory when they were excluded from many of the new rules. Now, as the Food and Drug Administration implements the new Food Safety Modernization Act, the small businesses are hoping they are not snagged by the new rules anyway. The legislation, which updates 100-year-old food-safety regulations, does not apply to meat, eggs or dairy products, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. complete article

04/19/2011 08:00 AM

Wi-Fi and Small Businesess

Small-business owners on the go appreciate access to the free Wi-Fi networks popping up almost everywhere. They are not alone: According to a recent poll conducted by Wakefield Research and the Wi-Fi Alliance, 32 percent of respondents said they have tried to get on a Wi-Fi network that was not their own. The Better Business Bureau, along with the Federal Trade Commission urges all people - business owners and their customers - to take precautions before using a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wi-Fi Security Tips

04/18/2011 08:00 AM

Teaching Children About Small Businesses

One very good way is to participate in Lemonade Day on Sunday, May 1. This is a free communitywide program dedicated to teaching children how to start, own and operate small businesses through the time-honored act of building and running a lemonade stand. Lemonade Day pairs an adult with a child and provides free materials and support, thanks to local sponsors who recognize the significant benefits of teaching youth business skills early. Imperial Sugar, as a longtime company in Texas, and BBVA Compass continue to be the leaders in supporting Lemonade Day. Lemonade Stands

04/12/2011 08:00 AM

Employing Family Members

For an increasing number of entrepreneurs, employing a family member has been a boost to business, new research shows. According to a recent survey of 1,000 small-business owners conducted by specialty insurance firm Hiscox, 21 percent employ a family member. Of those who do, 94 percent said the family hire benefits their business. When asked about the reasons for employing family members, 57 percent said it had to do with trust, followed by 45 percent who cited reliability as an advantage. An additional 44 percent also said they were confident that their family members would work hard.

04/11/2011 08:00 AM

Shutdown Averted Small Businesses Unconcerned

Many small business owners support a government shutdown and believe that it will have little effect on them, according to a new study. The study from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management reports that 48 percent of small private business owners and those who lend to small businesses said they supported a government shutdown. Thirty-nine percent said they opposed a shutdown. The survey also showed 62.4% of supporters said they would support a shutdown even if it lasted a month or more.

04/07/2011 08:00 AM

Question and Answer Websites

Question and answer websites have popped up all over the Internet. These interactive sites are designed to connect individuals, and help them get answers to questions. We have compiled a list of some of the more popular Question & Answers websites... Question and Answer Websites

04/06/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Primer

The new guide, called the ADA Update: A Primer for Small Business, describes how the ADA applies to employees and customers in situations many small businesses encounter every day. It includes recent changes and clarifications that went into effect on March 15th of this year.

04/05/2011 08:00 AM

Mobility Key to Small Business Success

The workplace is changing. Gone are the days when people in your organization needed only a computer and a desk to do their jobs. Now, they may need that computer, but they do not always need that desk. Instead, they need smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that help them perform the days tasks wherever they are. This is particularly the case for small businesses, according to a study from wireless carrier AT&T. The Small Business Technology Poll, which surveyed 2,000 respondents, reveals how small business are making use of smartphone apps. While some organizations are readily embracing cloud-based and software-as-a-service mobile solutions, an equal number admit to having no idea what such solutions are all about.

04/04/2011 08:00 AM

Number of Women Owned Businesses Increasing

recent report from American Express OPEN, called the State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, is showing that small business startup news has never been better for women. According to the study, the number of women-owned businesses has increased from 5.4 million in 1997 to 8.1 million in 2011. Furthermore, revenue generated by these firms is expected to grow to approximately $1.2 billion this year.

04/01/2011 08:00 AM

Five Signs You Need a Marketing Makeover

Your business is rolling along and you think your brand strategy is working. But is it? Are your marketing messages and materials driving the results you need? If not, it might be time for a marketing makeover. Five Signs You Need a Marketing Makeover

04/01/2011 08:00 AM

Great PowerPoint Presentation Tips

When speaking at a conference or a seminar, it is important that your presentation convey professionalism. A PowerPoint presentation can be used to visually represent your material. The presentation should be polished and consistent throughout. The visual presentation should supplement your speech, not distract or detract from your oral presentation. Rarely should PowerPoint be used without an accompanying explanation of the slides. Here are a few tips for making your PowerPoint presentation better and more professional... Great PowerPoint Presentation Tips

03/30/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses At Risk For Cyber Attacks

Small-business owners may think they will not be targeted by cyber criminals the way a big company or military contractor might, so it is natural to become lax about cyber security. That is the mindset a local program wants to change by raising awareness and educating entrepreneurs that they are also vulnerable to cyber attacks. complete article

03/28/2011 08:00 AM

Tips for Internet Connectivity While Traveling

Assuming you can get a connection, here are some time-saving tips I have come up with, along with others that fellow Gadlingers suggested to keep me from pulling my hair out at the local Internet cafe. complete article

03/23/2011 08:00 AM

Twitequitte

Philosophies regarding social media networks, such as Twitter, can vary greatly. But similar to email, an unspoken etiquette has emerged for these social websites as well. The etiquette for these social sites does not consist of hard and fast rules, but is simply a list of guidelines for posting. The following is a set of Twitter etiquette guidelines, but can also be applied to other social networks... Twitequitte

03/22/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Thrive on Social Media

Nearly three-quarters 72 percent of small companies indicated they use mobile apps in their day-to-day business operations, according to the AT&T Small Business Technology Poll. Furthermore, 38 percent of these respondents said that either they could not survive or it would be a major challenge to survive without these apps. complete article

03/21/2011 08:00 AM

How To Increase Sales For Your Small Business By Potty Training Your Child

My wife and I put it off for as long as we could. Our friends teased us about it. We had visions of the both of us crouched over on our hands and knees scrubbing the floors all day. Potty training was the one aspect of parenthood that my wife and I absolutely dreaded. Unfortunately, we had to bite the bullet sooner than we wanted to because our preschool forced us to take action. In order for our daughter to advance to the next class level, she had to be potty trained or be held back with the younger kids. And to make things worse, we recently had brand new carpets installed. Yet in many ways, what instigated my wife and I to start our business and to potty train our daughter were very similar. Some external event forced us to take action and we came out of the experience more confident and more knowledgeable as a result. How To Increase Sales For Your Small Business By Potty Training Your Child

03/18/2011 08:00 AM

SBA May Increase the Size of a Small Business

The proposal, published Wednesday in The Federal Register and available for public comment, looks to expand the revenue-based size definition of small businesses in 36 industries. The changes would allow some 9,450 additional companies close to exceeding the size threshold for their respective industry keep small-business status and access to federal assistance programs and contracts, according to the SBA. complete article

03/16/2011 08:00 AM

Credit and Debit Card Fees on Small Businesses

There is a firestorm in Washington right now over an issue that's complex but has major implications for the 471,000 small businesses in Tennessee, particularly those that accept credit and debit cards for payment. The issue also matters to anyone who is employed by a small business, has a loved one who is, or who ever patronizes small merchants. That is a lot of us. Last year, when Congress passed financial reforms, it attempted to fix a quirk in the behind-the-scenes marketplace of processing debit-card transactions. The quirk has rendered big banks free from competitive forces that otherwise would discourage or prevent them from gouging small merchants with astonishing fees each time a debit card is swiped. Over the past decade, these fees have risen faster than health-care costs and today bear no resemblance to what it costs big banks to process those transactions. The Federal Reserve estimates that actual cost to be around 4 cents, but debit swipe fees charged to small merchants average 44 cents. complete article

03/15/2011 08:00 AM

1099 Repeal

The House of Representatives passed the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 by a 314-112 vote. The bill would repeal the expanded Form 1099 information reporting requirements mandated by last years health care legislation. It would also repeal the new 1099 reporting requirements imposed on taxpayers who receive rental income. 1099 Repeal

03/14/2011 08:00 AM

Top 10 Affordable Small Business Marketing Ideas

You are a small business, so you does not have a hundred grand in cash sitting around to market your small business. Trouble is, without letting the consuming public know about your products and services, you may as  well shut your doors and go fishing. The fish will know you are there because you will make sure they see your flashy lures and smell your tempting bait. We could learn a thing or two from those fish. If you want customers, you need to get their attention and then give them what they want. It does not have to cost a fortune either. complete article

03/10/2011 08:00 AM

How Social Media Can Help You Market Your Business

Less than 1% of small business owners in the UK connect with clients using social media so that means that a whopping 99% are missing out on an opportunity for online marketing of their small business. Traditionally the small business was trusted by consumers and social media is the modern way of building and keeping that trust going. The majority of people that buy from small businesses buy from the person behind the small business so as the business owner it is up to you to build and maintain a relationship with existing and potential clients. When you are considering your offline marketing strategy you should also be considering your online marketing strategy, the internet is here to stay so you might as well learn to use it to your advantage. Social Media and Marketing

03/08/2011 08:00 AM

5 Mistakes Your Website is Making

Mistakes on your website result in lost sales and lost customers. Your website is making at least four out of five of these mistakes right now. 1.Not understanding the problem. Everyone who comes to your website has a problem that needs fixing. Showing them that you understand their problem convinces them to stay longer. complete article

03/07/2011 08:00 AM

Need a Logo Design?

Check out the logo designs for a new look for your business.

03/03/2011 08:00 AM

Pros and Cons for Web Templates

Small retail businesses who are making the move to an online presence may feel overwhelmed by the process of creating a website. Web templates can often help make the process less painful for a small business. To assist webmasters in the template vs custom design decision, we have outlined the pros and cons to each... Pros and Cons to Using Web Templates

03/02/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Tax Tips

Tax season is upon us, which means it is time to start pulling out records and paying the government. While no one enjoys this process, it is possible to make it a little bit friendlier on your pocketbook. With these five tips and a little work, you can master the art of small business tax deductions. complete article

03/01/2011 08:00 AM

Pirated Software a Risk for Small Businesses

Small and medium-sized companies may be overlooking potential business risks from using unlicensed software, which may add up to as much as $40,000 in damages a year, the latest study done for Microsoft by the International Data Corporation, or IDC, suggests. Small and medium-sized businesses are accustomed to linking the use of pirated software with exclusively legal responsibility, which, though relatively rare, can be quite harsh in Russia (fines and possible imprisonment), but they often overlook the financial losses they may incur from using such software. complete article

02/28/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Legal Tips

Though the legal side of your business may not necessarily involve making money or expanding your client or customer base, mistakes can certainly cost you money thus threatening even a profitable business if the errors are particularly costly. Here is the latest from around the Web of legal tips you may want to consider to protect your small business today and in the future. Small Business Legal Tips

02/23/2011 08:00 AM

Fine Points of S Corporations

Since 1997, S corporations have been the most popular form of corporate tax return filed with the IRS. Over 3 million U.S. companies that are defined as small businesses elect S corporation status on IRS Form 2553 instead of filing their income tax returns as standard C corporations. There are many benefits to S corporation tax treatment. Like standard C corporations, S corporations shield owners personal assets from unpaid debts, provided they are not personally guaranteed and other business liabilities. With the exception of taxes on certain capital gains and passive income, an S corporation  is exempt from federal income tax. This means that most S corporation profits and losses are  passed through to the individual shareholders, just like a sole proprietorship. S Corporations

02/22/2011 08:00 AM

New Social Media Rules

Social media is coming into its own as a tool for networking and marketing in small business and larger brands a like. Beginning with blogs and moving into the rapidly expanding worlds of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more there is a lot to learn AND a lot to be gained, so log on and enjoy! First, avoid these social media mistakes.

02/21/2011 08:00 AM

The Best and Worst States for Small-Business Taxes

High corporate income taxes or sales taxes can be a huge challenge for small businesses, depending on where they are located. So where does your state stack up? Location, location, location: It is not only important when it comes to where you live or where you set up shop -- it affects the taxes you pay on business profits, the sales taxes your customers pay and the property taxes you pay on your facilities directly as a property owner or indirectly through rent. So how does your location compare with other states?

02/16/2011 08:00 AM

How to Submit Podcast to iTunes

Here are some helpful tips regarding how to get your podcasts listed in the iTunes Music Store... iTunes Compatibility In order to have your podcast included in the iTunes Music Store, you must first add the iTunes extension to your RSS feed. How to Submit Podcast to iTunes

02/15/2011 08:00 AM

Turn Your Hobby Into a Business

Each year thousands of Americans take the leap to starting a business to leverage their expertise and passion for a particular interest or hobby. Here are some tips for turning your hobby into a business from FindLaw.com: Get free help. Trial and error is an essential part of the entrepreneurial experience. Tapping the experience of seasoned business professionals can help you avoid mistakes, and provide you perspective in times of stress. Write a business plan. A business plan gives you and others a clear idea of your goals, the processes you will implement to achieve those goals and how you will measure your success. complete article

02/14/2011 08:00 AM

Protecting You and Your Assets

One of the main reasons any entrepreneur chooses to incorporate his or her business is to protect or shield the founders and corporate officers’ personal assets including cars, homes, savings accounts, vacation homes, etc. from potential unpaid business debts, liability issues and other costly business dealings. This protection, as it is typically called is a corporate veil, and is designed to safeguard the things you have already worked so hard to earn as your business grows and flourishes. What you need to make sure you understand is that the corporate veil remains in effective only if the corporation remains in good standing by meeting all of its corporate duties as described in your incorporation documents and state requirements. complete article

02/11/2011 08:00 AM

Free Press Release Submissions

Huge list of 72 Free Press Release Submission Sites.

02/10/2011 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Should Export

If you want to find customers, I have got a number for you to remember: 95. That is the percentage of all the world's customers who live outside the United States. Yes, the largest market is outside our borders, and you need to look beyond the border as well to get a piece of this huge market. Fortunately, small business owners can get help to take the financial risk out of exporting. complete article

02/09/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Branding

What is your brand? Branding in small business can be the key to success. When marketing globally or locally, branding sets you apart. But there is much more to establishing a brand for yourself or your business than might at first meet the eye. In a world of infinite choices, it is one of the most important ways you can distinguish your business or yourself as an entrepreneur. Let the following roundup be your guide to the art and science branding for your small business. Small Business Branding

02/08/2011 08:00 AM

Survey Evaluates Small Business Hiring

The Wells Fargo-Gallup Small Business Index survey also found a split in whether those small businesses were hiring as many employees as they needed and a variety of reasons influencing why businesses decided not to hire workers. Conducted in November, the poll showed that 48 percent of small businesses that hired brought on the number of employees they needed, with another 9 percent hiring more than was immediately necessary. On the flip side, 42 percent of the hiring businesses took on fewer workers than desired. Those businesses cited worries about cash flow and a lack of qualified candidates as among the reasons they decided to not hire as much.

02/07/2011 08:00 AM

IRS Publishes More Info for Small Businesses on Healthcare

The Internal Revenue Service has released final guidance for small employers eligible to claim the new small business health care tax credit for the 2010 tax year.  Included in the release is a one-page form and instructions small employers will use to claim the credit for the 2010 tax year. New Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums, and newly revised Form 990-T are now available on IRS.gov. The IRS also posted on its website the instructions to Form 8941 and Notice 2010-82 , both of which are designed to help small employers correctly figure and claim the credit.

02/04/2011 08:00 AM

Professional PowerPoint Layouts

Need to do a professional PowerPoint Presentation? Check out these professional PowerPoint Backgrounds and Layouts.

02/03/2011 08:00 AM

25 Predictions for Small Businesses This Spring

Here, 25 small business owners share their spring predictions with BusinessNewsDaily.

02/02/2011 08:00 AM

Resolve to Grow Your Business

10 Tips For Growing Your Business 1. Manage Accounts Receivable Be courteous, but firm with customers. Most small businesses do not have the cash flow that allows the luxury of providing lines of credit to their customers. Track accounts receivables closely, and follow-up on past due accounts. Resolve to Grow Your Business

02/01/2011 08:00 AM

Have You Considered Exporting?

Top U.S. trade officials plan to spread out across the country this year to recruit small-business owners in the administrations effort to double exports by 2015. A year after President Barack Obama announced the export initiative to help tackle stubbornly high unemployment, the administration is trying to reach out to the group of business owners that account for nearly two-thirds of job creation but less than a third of total goods sold abroad. Government to Urge Exporting

01/31/2011 08:00 AM

4 Biggest Mistakes Small Businesses Make With Social Media

Hate to disappoint, but Facebook, Twitter, blogs and other social media tools are not magical. They are communication tools and communication is hard work. Connecting with your customers on a deep and emotional level can pay off big time for all businesses, but it can also backfire. 4 Biggest Mistakes Small Businesses Make With Social Media

01/26/2011 08:00 AM

Forum Etiquette

The Internet has become a highly interactive medium. In order to participate in discussion forums and newsgroups, it is important to be familiar with standard and accepted Internet forum etiquette. Here are some tips to help make your forum participation more productive and beneficial... 1. Terms-Of-Service Read the forum rules and terms-of-service before you begin posting. This way, you can avoid having your introduction to the forum being an accidental breaking of a rule or other misconduct. Forum Etiquette

01/25/2011 08:00 AM

Tax Problems

Some of the biggest problems small business owners have during income tax filing season are the result of mistakes and oversights they made during the previous year. Sloppy record-keeping, even when accounting software is used, is a big reason why owners struggle at tax time. Another problem is that owners often short-change themselves by not being sure they are taking all the deductions they are entitled to. That can also be the result of haphazard records, but it also may come from not knowing some tax law basics. Tax Problems

01/24/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Loans Drive the Economy

This multitude of causes for the decline complicates efforts of policymakers to return small business credit to prerecession levels. While many small business owners and elected officials are looking for easy answers, boosting bank lending to small businesses will take more than simply intructing bankers to make more loans. And it will require more than the recent effort to boost the Small Business Administrations loan guarantee program, because SBA-guaranteed loans are a tiny sliver of all bank loans to small businesses—about 44,000 of the 1.6 million small business loans made in 2009. The implications are stark: Unless policymakers implement effective solutions to the problem, the small business sector will receive far less bank credit than it used to, hampering the economy for years to come. Small Business Loans Drive the Economy

01/20/2011 08:00 AM

Common Mistakes with Presentations

A PowerPoint presentation can be an extremely valuable marketing tool for businesses in this day and age. Here are a few common mistakes that you should try to avoid when creating your presentations... 1. Excessive Animation Excessive animation can really distract from a presentation. Keep animation to a minimum. Transitions between slides may be appropriate, but a constantly-moving animated image on a slide can make the text on the slide difficult to read, and can distract the viewer from the message. Common Mistakes with Microsoft PowerPoint

01/19/2011 08:00 AM

Business Advice From Richard Branson

1. Enjoy what you are doing. Because starting a business is a huge amount of hard work and requires a great deal of time, you better enjoy what you're doing. When I started Virgin from a basement flat in West London, I did not set out to build a business empire. I set out to create something I enjoyed that would pay the bills. There was no great plan or strategy. The name itself was thought up on the hoof. One night some friends and I were chatting over a few drinks and decided to call our group Virgin, as we were all new to business. The name stuck and had a certain ring to it. Business Advice From Branson

01/18/2011 08:00 AM

Small Business Webinars

The U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery Solutions are offering free Webinars during 2011 aimed at helping small businesses. The Webinars will focus on potential vulnerabilities to natural and manmade disasters to small businesses. small business webinars

01/17/2011 08:00 AM

Grant Money for Small Businesses

Small business grants are closer than you think. In fact, the small business grant you need to start or expand your business may be available right in your own home state. While there are still no direct small business grants available from the federal government, many state development agencies offer direct small business grants and other types of financial assistance designed to encourage and assist entrepreneurs in starting or expand a small business. The following is a list of links to economic development agency Web sites of each state. Whenever possible, a link to the specific financing resources is listed as well. Small Business Grants

01/13/2011 08:00 AM

What is Hot What is Not in Technology for 2011

What is Hot 1. Virtual Cloud 2. Mobile Apps 3. Virtual Technology 4. Connectivity 5. Scalability What is Not 1. Privacy 2. Social Noise 3. Transparency 4. Regulation 5. Land Lines Read more about What is Hot and What is Not in Technology for 2011

01/12/2011 08:00 AM

More Business Sales This Year

BizBuySell.com — one of the most popular online sources of small-business for-sale listings — has released its Fourth Quarter 2010 Insight Report, showing a return to realism by sellers at the end of 2010, and some promising indicators for improvement in the overall marketplace in the coming year. The fourth quarter tends to be a busy time for business brokers in general, as buyers and sellers want a transaction completed by the end of a calendar year — although here is my recent take on the market. According to the report, there was moderate, but steady improvement during the fourth quarter, which saw an increase in total transactions of 11 percent compared to the same period in 2009, some of which may be attributed to uncertainty surrounding the expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts. The total number of closed transactions for 2010 was up 3 percent, largely as a result of a strong fourth quarter. Small-business valuations, however, continued their downward trend, with average revenue multiples down 2.1 percent and the average cash-flow multiples down .6 percent. complete article

01/11/2011 08:00 AM

Veteran Business Certification

To further advocate for Veterans, VA announced that companies identifying themselves as small businesses or Veteran-owned businesses to gain priority for some Department of Veterans Affairs contracts must now provide documentation verifying their status within 90 days of receiving notice from the agency. complete article

01/10/2011 08:00 AM

Are Small Businesses Hiring?

The jobs drought in the U.S. saw some rain in December. And small business owners across the country have varying reactions to the precipitation. The U.S. unemployment rate fell to from 9.8 % to 9.4 % in December with the economy adding 103,000 jobs, the Labor Department reported Friday. That was the biggest one-month drop since April of 1998, and the last time it was this low was in May of 2009. Of the 103,000 jobs added in December, 47,000 were in the leisure and hospitality sector, and 36,000 were in the healthcare industry. Things may be looking up, but what are business owners themselves actually saying about hiring? complete article

01/05/2011 08:00 AM

11 Social Media Resolutions

This list is meant to be a list of goals to accompany your social media plan – not serve as a standalone social media blueprint. Remember that there is no end-all-be-all social strategy for all companies, so make sure that you are not making your brand the square peg forcing itself into a round social hole. So, onto the social media resolutions for 2011! 11 Social Media Resolutions

01/03/2011 08:00 AM

A Look at 2010 in Business

The year of 2010 was considered a rough year for the United States. There was a variety of economic issues, a tragic oil spill, and two tumultuous wars. The world's troubles were no less; they also included evident with failing economies, political struggles and natural disasters. The environment faced both natural and man-made disasters in 2010. An earthquake in Haiti rocked the country to its roots early in the year. European travel and United Kingdom travel was suspended, disrupting travelers schedules for the better part of a week. When a volcano in Iceland erupted, making it too dangerous for commercial flights to fly. The Gulf of Mexico was tainted by an oil spill of massive proportions. Destroying  a way of life and ecosystem throughout the Gulf. The oil gushed unchecked into the serene waters, for more than 100 days. 2010 Reflections, 2011 Predictions

12/31/2010 08:00 AM

New Years Tech Resolutions for Small Businesses

Theres no telling what the future will bring, but one thing is sure: In the world of technology, nothing stays the same for very long. The year 2010 wasn't terribly turbulent for tech, but 2011 is shaping up to be more of a thrill than you might expect. From Androids scorched-earth march across the industry to malware threats that we have yet to wrap our arms around, it seems as if everything is about to change. With that in mind, here are nine resolutions for the small business operator to think about for 2011. 9 Resolutions for Small Businesses

12/30/2010 08:00 AM

Innovative Small Business Funding

Funding extended through 2018 for the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Program Small businesses in the science and innovation field got good news recently when the U.S. Senate reauthorized two National Science Foundation programs, aimed at helping entrepreneurs gain access to capital. In one of the final moves of the year, the Senate passed a bill which will extend funding for the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Program, both of which were established in order to help small businesses get better access to federal dollars and development funds. Thanks to the passage, the program will be funded through 2018, after relying on short-term funding to solve the issue. Innovative Small Business Funding

12/29/2010 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Heros or Victims?

Over the last two years, it has been widely reported that small businesses create more jobs than big businesses and thus are critical to the recovery. It has also been widely reported that small businesses are getting squeezed — by the credit freeze, by skyrocketing costs like health and unemployment insurance, and by cheap imports, to name a few examples. So, if you own a small business, is the deck stacked against you? Can you overcome all of the obstacles? Is it harder than it used to be to start a business? Is it going to continue to get harder? Are the banks going to loosen up? Is the recovery ever going to reach small businesses the way it has big businesses? Which is it: Are small businesses going to be saviors or victims? Small Business Future

12/22/2010 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Mixed on Economic Future

Despite hiring figures that point to positive gains for entrepreneurs, this group still has mixed emotions about the direction of the economy in 2011, according to a survey from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The data indicate that more than 50 percent of entrepreneurs rated the economy as bad, with another 20 percent rating it as "very bad." Another 20 percent rated the economy as fair. These figures suggest the level of caution with which small businesses will conduct hiring in the new year.

12/21/2010 08:00 AM

Yahoo Cutting Staff, Trimming Products

Fresh from cutting its workforce, Yahoo! is looking at getting rid of products that do not fit the struggling Internet pioneers efforts to re-invent itself. complete article

12/20/2010 08:00 AM

Online Shopping Numbers

Right now, U.S. shoppers have already spent $21.95 billion shopping online during the first 40 days of the November - December holiday season, according to data from comScore. That figure represents a 12% increase from the amount spent during the same time period in 2009. Online Shopping Numbers

12/08/2010 08:00 AM

Paypal Alternatives

Paypal is one of the biggest and most widely adopted forms of online payment on the web today. With the weight of Ebay behind it, PayPal has truly went from strength to strength, and is a well recognised web brand. That said, it has not avoided negative press, with reports of accounts being frozen, and Paypal slow to respond to support queries, many people have been forced to review and compare other options. Paypal Alternatives

12/07/2010 08:00 AM

Amazon Invests in Groupon

Amazon.com Inc. said Thursday that it invested $175 million in social coupon service LivingSocial — the latest sign that the online retailer is delving into promising new methods of e-commerce. Similar to popular online coupon site Groupon, LivingSocial lets users sign up for daily discounts that are generally for 50 to 70 percent off at local businesses like pizzerias and hair salons. If you refer three friends who end up buying the same deal, you get the deal for free. complete article

12/06/2010 08:00 AM

Top 100 Websites

Did you ever want to know which domains have the most backlinks? Worldwide or country by country? Now you can. The online SEO tool suite SEOprofiler.com publishes a free daily updated list of the domains with the most unique backlinks. Check out the top 100 Websites

12/01/2010 01:41 PM

Small Business Websites Get On The Map With Google Places

Only the first seven results in Google Places are shown on a specific search and, since the service is free, there is ample opportunity to not only get listed, but to break into the top seven. more on Google Places

11/30/2010 08:00 AM

Taking Stock of Small Business Saturday

The very first Small Business Saturday, courtesy of the branding folks at American Express, is over. So did it do as it intended and lure more shoppers into the privately-run boutiques, the mom-and-pop stores, the independent non-big box retailers? Judging from a review of local stories from various publications around the country, the answer is resounding meh. complete article

11/29/2010 08:00 AM

Twitter is Not for Sale

Twitter co-founder Biz Stone said today that even if the company was offered $4 billion or $5 billion, it is still not ready to be sold.

11/25/2010 08:00 AM

Enticing Purchasers - Closing the Sale

Compelling customers to take the final step from browsing to purchasing is not always an easy transition. Marketers and entrepreneurs who have studied purchasing habits have found that the following enticements can help encourage potential customers to take the final step to purchase... Enticing Purchasers - Closing the Sale

11/24/2010 08:00 AM

Small Business Facts

Small business is the lifeline of our local economies. Small businesses have generated 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs annually over the last decade; and represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms (according to the SBA). In fact, for every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through local taxes, payroll and other expenditures. Small Business Facts

11/23/2010 08:00 AM

Small Business Struggles

When the economy struggles, small businesses are often hit the hardest. Only about half of small businesses survive for at least five years. Small Business Struggles

11/22/2010 08:00 AM

Branding Your Small Business

Branding your small business is crucial, especially in the current economy. But with so many means of communication these days and social networks on the rise, it’s hard to figure out the most effective strategy. Branding Your Small Business

11/17/2010 08:00 AM

How to Network Effectively

Making connections and maintaining relationships with the people who support you throughout your career can be the key to success for most individuals. By effectively building a network of colleagues, business associates and more, you are ensuring that whenever you need a new client, a new job, or to develop your skills further, you can call upon your network to help you. Networking is perhaps more crucial than ever, as an established relationship can make you stand out against the competition. How to Network Effectively

11/16/2010 08:00 AM

Tools for Employee Reviews

Evaluating an employee's performance is not easy, but it can be a valuable process for both of you. Providing feedback to your employees is important because it is an opportunity for you to give and receive constructive criticism. There is not a one-size-fits-all model for reviews. The different types of employee reviews include top-down, peer, 360-degree, and self-assessment.  You have to determine which type or combination of types works best for your business. The timing of your reviews will also affect which kind of review you choose. The type of review you do for a new hire after their first 90 days will not necessarily be the same as the annual review of an employee. Tools for Employee Reviews

11/15/2010 08:00 AM

Be Passionate is Bad Advice

As you ask yourself each question, do not let your passion blind you into being a foolish idealist—otherwise you will be headed to the bank that gives you food stamps, not cash. Be a pessimist and your business will be better as a result. complete article

11/10/2010 07:00 AM

Off Page Web Optimization

Webmasters have far less control over the off-page optimization factors than they do the on-page optimization factors. Off-page optimization does, however, influence how a website ranks in search results, so it should not be ignored. Use the following off-page optimization techniques to improve your website search engine ranking: 1. Keywords In Incoming Links The anchor text used to link to the web page should contain important keywords or keyword phrases. The linking text is viewed as contextual by search engines. complete article

11/09/2010 07:00 AM

10 Things Every Small-Business Website Needs

The Web is full of horrendous sites, and we're not just talking about bad design. There are many other elements besides how your website looks that go into making it customer-friendly -- not to mention something that inspires them to actually do business with you. From thorough contact information to customer testimonials, here are the essentials that every small business website should have for it to effectively help you do business. complete article

11/08/2010 07:00 AM

Data Loss is a Growing Concern of Small Businesses

While viruses and trojans continue to be of concern for small businesses, data loss, through malware and data leaks, is a growing worry for small firms, a survey by Trend Micro found. According to the survey, 63% of small businesses were most concerned by viruses, 60% by trojans, 59% by data-stealing malware, followed, at 56%, by data leaks. Data leaks were defined as the intentional or unintentional disclosure of sensitive information outside the corporate network. Phishing scams and spam were of less concern to small businesses. complete article

10/28/2010 08:00 AM

Uncertainty Strangles Small Businesses

Businesses require two critical ingredients in order to expand and succeed: a clear understanding of what their costs are going to be, and access to capital. The current political and regulatory environment leaves them void of both. When companies, it does not matter if it is a mom-and-pop operation or multi-national corporation, face uncertainty, they all do the same thing: nothing. Or, at least as little as possible when it comes to spending money. It is the reason trillions of dollars are currently sitting in corporate bank accounts; and unless its a bank, that is not what a company should do with its excess cash. Companies are supposed to invest it in the business in order to develop new or better products or services, increase its earnings and hire more employees. Uncertainty Strangles Small Businesses

10/27/2010 08:00 AM

Social Media and Small Businesses

Never doubt the power of social media. In Todays Living, Twitter and Facebook, the new face of business and advertising. A growing number of small business owners are finding word of mouth advertising on the web is allowing them to go global. It does not get more local than this: a 30-minute photo shop in Irvine, California same storefront since 1990. But this is an international enterprise now. complete article

10/21/2010 08:00 AM

SBA Awards Grants to 20 Universities and Organizations To Support Small Business Innovation

Supporting programs for innovative, technology-driven small businesses under SBAs Federal and State Technology (FAST) partnership program, the U.S. Small Business Administration has granted $100,000 awards to 20 state and local economic development agencies, business development centers, and colleges and universities. Candidates were submitted by the governors of all 50 U.S. states and territories. The FAST Program is designed to stimulate economic development among small, high technology businesses through federally-funded innovation and research and development programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). The project and budget periods are for 12 months, starting Sept. 30, 2010.

10/20/2010 08:00 AM

Innovation for Small Businesses

Innovation is what keeps small business thriving and prospering. That was part of the message this week from Rick Briand, an account manager with the Business Development Bank of Canada, who spoke at a kick-off event for Small Business Week. Briand told the Chamber of Commerce luncheon that innovation does not necessarily mean having a Eureka moment and relying on new technology. Innovation the Key to Business Success

10/19/2010 08:00 AM

Small Businesses A Good Investment?

In the world of high-yield securities, small business  loans are safer than junk bonds, and are expected to get even less risky over the next two years, according to PayNet, which provides risk-management tools to the commercial lending industry. complete article

10/14/2010 08:00 AM

Social Media Is Key To Small Business Marketing

One of the most cost-effective ways for small business owners to increase sales is by getting plugged in to the world of social media. Social networks such as Facebook or Twitter allow a company of any size to add a whole new weapon to its marketing arsenal. Tech-savvy marketing experts like Tomica Bonner say that, thanks to the rapid growth in the pace of technology, businesses can learn more about what their customers want and see how to increase profits. complete article

10/13/2010 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Say Recession is NOT Over

The National Bureau of Economic Research declared that the recession ended in 2009. The NBER may feel confident about its predictions, but the small business trends website paints a much different picture. The Obama white house has claimed that small businesses are the key to economic recovery. Recession Not Over

10/11/2010 08:00 AM

Negotiations

Negotiation really is an art, and can be a challenge to master for even the most astute business professional. And like any art form, it must be refined and crafted. Getting a good deal can result in a feeling of euphoria. So, how does one negotiate a good deal? It can be difficult, especially if the other party appears to be holding all the cards. Follow these tips to help negotiate a great deal... Negotiations

10/08/2010 08:00 AM

Social Media Plan

How can you get more attention with your blog posts while showing the proper respect for the blog owner and his/her audience? How do you create an unforgettable social media experience with tools like Facebook that will really make a difference for your business bottom line? What strategies should you use, what design and tool resources can you employee to ensure your brand rises above the rest and what goals do you - should you have when approaching social media in the first place. We’ve got some answers drawn from across the Web that should build on knowledge and encourage discussion. Social media best practices for your small business are here. Social Media Plan

10/07/2010 08:00 AM

Plan for Small Businesses

The Democratic-controlled Congress on Thursday sent President Barack Obama a long-delayed bill to help struggling small businesses with easier credit and other incentives to expand and hire new workers. The $40 billion-plus bill is the last vestige of the heralded jobs agenda that Obama and Democrats promoted early this year. They ended up delivering only a fraction of what they promised after Senate Republicans blocked most of the agenda with filibusters. The Senate passed the measure last week. The 237-187 House vote Thursday that sent the bill to the president split along party lines as Democrats praised the measure for creating a $30 billion federal fund to help smaller banks issue loans to small businesses and for cutting taxes by $12 billion over the coming decade. complete article

10/06/2010 08:00 AM

Nearly Half of Small-Business Owners May Never Retire

Nearly half, 47%, of small-business owners now plan to never retire until forced to do so for health reasons -- up from about 4 in 10 in 2005 and 2007 -- according to a recent Wells Fargo-Gallup Small Business Index poll. Another 41% plan to cut back on work but stay involved with their business when they retire. Those planning to stop working in their business altogether fell to 1 in 10 during 2010 from nearly twice that level in 2005 complete article

10/05/2010 08:00 AM

What Is a Small Business?

A small business is many things. To define them purely by numbers is to miss their rich diversity and abundance. You can recognize a small business when you see it. A self-employed plumber or builder, that independent store run by a hard-working couple, or those kids cooking up a new internet service from their garage or bedrooms. Some small businesses will never grow into anything else, because their owners do not want them to. A self-employed architect or carpenter may well have chosen that path for the independence it offers and they don't aspire to establishing a commercial empire. The small business is a haven for the specialist who loves what they do and want to remain hands-on, without the pressure of moving into management. A small business can represent innovation. Many entrepreneurs start with a small business, as they convert their exciting ideas for a new product or service into a saleable commodity. A true entrepreneur doesn't want to stay small, just as they don't want to stay in the same business for too long. For them the excitement is the in start-up phase, turning a concept into a reality and then moving on. Many small businesses are an escape route from corporate life. Droves of professionals yearn to be self-employed, free of the office cubicle, with its burdens of management expectation, bureaucracy and internal politics. Of course, working for yourself requires adherence to a new set of rules and ways of working, but it has the benefit of feeling much freer. What is a Small Business

10/04/2010 08:00 AM

Minimum Wage Increase Causes Small Business Problems

Imagine if your monthly heating bill jumped to $130 from $100. How would you pay for this? What would you need to do — or not do — to find that extra $30 every month? That is essentially the challenge many of our provinces smallest businesses have faced during the past few years. Only it’s not their heating bill that is increased, it is the amount the province requires them to pay employees earning minimum wage. complete article

09/28/2010 08:00 AM

Small Business Support Will Boost Economy

Fixing the economy and addressing the state budget shortfall are on a lot of people's minds right now, including mine. As a small business owner, dealing with red ink is the kind of thing that will keep you up at night. To create jobs and cut the deficit, we need to jumpstart the economy and support small businesses that are poised to expand and lead the recovery. As a small business owner, and one who works with many other businesses to address their financing needs, I believe addressing the small business credit crunch and reinvesting money from expiring tax cuts to support local economies are two effective ways to move the economy forward.

09/27/2010 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Worry About Taxes

President Barack Obama wants to phase out the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, those individuals making more than $200,000 a year, or $250,000 a household. But some small-business owners are worried they could get trapped in that wealthiest Americans net because their business income doubles as personal income. Precisely how many small-business owners will get caught in that situation is hard to say. Most small businesses -- barber shops and restaurants and small manufacturers -- do not clear $250,000 a year in profits, and of those that do, many pay presidents and owners a salary for tax purposes. complete article

09/22/2010 08:00 AM

Get Ready for Halloween

Halloween PowerPoint Templates

09/21/2010 08:00 AM

New Business Website - Need Gift Idea

Check out a new website need gift idea for finding the perfect business or personal gift.

09/20/2010 08:00 AM

Technology Has Spawned Industries

The technical search giant, Google, alone is the inspiration and sole cause behind the creation of thousands of new businesses. There are now companies dedicated solely to Pay-Per-Click campaign management. Thousands of individuals and companies now make money through search engine optimization and outsourcing their services to improve website rankings, specifically to see that a website ranks well in Googles organic search results. There are now software applications that can determine what keywords to use in optimizing a website for search engine rankings, and other software programs that assess and evaluate website traffic and popularity. These products and businesses were all brought to fruition as a result of Googles Internet search domination and technical stature. Technology Has Spawned Industries

09/15/2010 08:00 AM

IRS Offers Small Business Guide to Tax Audits

When the tax man comes knocking at the door of a small business, the visitor can cause an owner to go dizzy with questions of what to do next, and how best to handle the overall tax audit process. And who better to answer those questions than the Internal Revenue Service, which now offers  small businesses a guide to tax audits. The video series entitled, Your Guide to an IRS Audit is a step-by-step guide to a small business audit.

09/14/2010 08:00 AM

Invitations for All Occasions

Customizable invitations for all occasions.

09/13/2010 08:00 AM

Problems with Content Management Systems

Trying to fix an organizations content problems by installing a content management system -CMS is like trying to save a marriage by booking a holiday. We know that a successful web project needs a content strategy—but when it comes to the CMS, we stop thinking strategically. Despite all the talk about user-centered design, we rarely consider the user experience of the editorial team—the people who implement the content strategy. We do not design a CMS, we install it. The problems with Content Management Systems

09/09/2010 08:00 AM

7 Mistakes that Can Cost You Money

Many webmasters work very hard on their websites, but they often overlook glaringly-obvious mistakes that may be costing them sales or potential customers. Here are what we consider the Top 7 such mistakes... 1. JavaScript Navigation Many website visitors now have JavaScript turned off or disabled in their web browsers, due to ever-increasing security concerns. If you are using JavaScript in your navigation menus, some potential customers may be unable to navigate your website. More often than not, this means that potential customers will click away and turn to a competitor. In addition to avoiding JavaScript navigation, you should also avoid using JavaScript in the ordering process. Ordering systems that require JavaScript to function may also result in your customers being unable to purchase, and going somewhere else instead! 7 Mistakes that Can Cost You Money

09/07/2010 08:00 AM

Green Marketing

For small-business owners, creating and implementing effective marketing strategies can be an uphill battle. The question always becomes: What kind of strategies should you employ to grow your business and are they going to work? So when a Miami Herald reader recently asked BizBytes whether green marketing strategies could help grow their small business, I turned to D. Steven White, professor of marketing at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and interim director of its Sustainability Studies Program. What is green marketing anyway? According to American Marketing Association, it is defined as the marketing and promotion of products and services that are environmentally safe. reen marketing for small businesses is really about introducing green products and adopting sustainable practices to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Green Marketing

09/06/2010 12:58 PM

Potential Help for Small Business

More than a dozen programs aimed at spurring hiring among small businesses have been introduced or proposed. They include: -- Under the Recovery Act, the government raised the maximum guarantee for Small Business Administration loans and temporarily suspended fees charged to business owners. Money in that program ran out in the spring and the Obama administration is pressing Congress to approve an extension. -- As part of the new HIRE Act, business owners get a tax cut on their share of payroll taxes for hiring unemployed people. They get another cut if they keep the employees for a year. -- The administration is proposing to eliminate all capital gains taxes on small-business investments as well as to extend provisions allowing them to deduct the cost of capital expenditures and write off certain investments.

08/30/2010 08:00 AM

Enticing Purchasers - Closing the Sale

Compelling customers to take the final step from browsing to purchasing is not always an easy transition. Marketers and entrepreneurs who have studied purchasing habits have found that the following enticements can help encourage potential customers to take the final step to purchase... Enticing Purchasers - Closing the Sale

08/24/2010 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Less Important in High Tech

Small businesses are much less important in technology-intensive industries than in the rest of the economy. They account for a slender portion of high tech sales. A recent report by the National Science Foundation indicates that, in 2008, businesses with between 5 and 499 employees accounted for 11 percent of sales of companies that conduct research and development.

08/19/2010 08:00 AM

How to Subscribe to An RSS Feed

There are generally two different kinds of tools that allow visitors to subscribe to RSS feeds. These tools are known as aggregators, or RSS news readers. As the content of an RSS feed changes, the RSS reader or aggregator will update itself automatically and display the new RSS feed items. How to Subscribe to an RSS Feed

08/18/2010 08:00 AM

Isle of Wight Tax Incentives

Owners of new mom-and-pop retail shops and other small businesses could get a boost if Isle of Wight County begins offering incentives to woo small businesses. Isle of Wight County last month overhauled its incentive plans for larger, more lucrative mixed-used developments and may begin offering incentives to grow its small businesses community, said Lisa Perry, the countys economic development director. complete article

08/16/2010 08:00 AM

Repeal of Tax Law Will Hurt Small Businesses

Almost 70 percent of those earning $200,000 — where the income tax first kicks in — are small business owners. They pay roughly 70 percent of small business wages and generate 67 percent of the profits. complete article

08/10/2010 08:00 AM

Ask.com to Get Social

I wonder if it will be a mirror of Yahoo Answers: Internet search engine Ask.com is planning to go beyond algorithms and ask real human beings to help answer questions. Ask, which is seeking to expand its less than four percent share of the Web search market in the United States, launched an invitation-only beta, or test, version of the new service on Tuesday.

08/05/2010 08:00 AM

10 Steps to Getting the Click

There are a number of steps a webmaster can take to encourage visitors to click on a link or graphic located on their website. The following steps will help get the click... 10 Steps to Getting the Click

07/27/2010 08:00 AM

Present Content Different Ways

Webmasters and marketers spend an inordinate amount of time building quality content that relates to their products or services. Yet the vast majority of these marketers fail to fully capitalize on the content they were so careful to create. Webmasters can easily reformat their web content and present it to their customers in a variety of different ways. And different formats can be promoted through different channels. The different formats will often appeal to new and different audiences. For example: a video explanation may resonate with a younger technical customer, while an eBook in PDF format may appeal an older customer. Present Content Different Ways

07/15/2010 08:00 AM

Building an Image with a Logo

Website design can be elusive to even creative individuals. Sadly some webmasters do not realize their incompetence and they post websites that have grainy graphics and turgid colors. If you are one of these webmasters and have seen the error of your ways, consider this. Your website is a sales tool. A professional layout and design can significantly increase sales and conversion rates, gaining you customers. Businesses can greatly benefit from a professional and unforgettable logo that sets them apart from their competition. Logos are not just fancy graphics that adorn websites or letterhead, logos are a representation of a businesses' philosophy. Logos are a critical component of brand development. Building an Image with a Logo Find ready made logo designs for businesses.

07/14/2010 08:00 AM

Content Curation in Business

Many of the B2B companies that publish corporate blogs have long realized the value of publishing useful content in the form of white papers, case studies, webinars, newsletters and other types of educational content. Business buyers typically seek additional information and resources for information on business products and services. In the growing content marketing field, some companies choose a pure creation strategy  and find it to be a challenge. Content Creation in Business

07/12/2010 08:00 AM

Emotion of Color in Web Design

Color psychology is a phrase used to describe the effect that color has on human behavior. The psychology of color is certainly not a new concept. In fact, it has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Colors tend to carry non-verbal and subliminal messages, and the color spectrum evokes different emotions and physiological responses in people. The reactions people have to specific colors may be influenced by many factors, including their culture, location, gender, or even their age. The emotions that are evoked by various colors are not always gender-specific. The same colors may generate one emotion in men, while producing a completely different emotion in women. Colors may also have different psychological impacts in different cultures. In eastern cultures, white might represent death; whereas in western cultures, white can represent life, marriage, or rebirth. Colors may also have a different impact on people in different age groups. Emotion of Color in Web Design

07/08/2010 08:00 AM

Cell Phone Etiquette - Part 2

Cellular telephones, or cellphones, are an important part of modern society. When Miss Manners wrote about good manners and etiquette, mobile phones did not exist nearly to the extent they do in our society today. In an effort to assist cellphone users, we have written up some guidelines to help people use their mobile phones appropriately while navigating in polite society. Cell Phone Etiquette - Part 2

07/07/2010 08:00 AM

Ten Best Small Business Stories

Ten Best Small Business Stories of the Week

07/06/2010 08:00 AM

Top Traits of Small Business Owners

Top of the list for successful entrepreneurs is the ability to collaborate. Those who can delegate, build strong relationships with their management teams, employees, and others are more likely to click with customers. The other five traits frequently found in flourishing small business owners: • Being self fulfilled. Good small business owners put a high price on the fulfilment their companies provide them, relish being their own boss, and enjoy being in control of their personal income. They value doing something for a living that I love to do, being able to decide how much money I make, and being able to have the satisfaction of creating something of value. • Future-focused. Small business owners who thrive are good at both short- and long-term planning. They are as likely to have a well thought-out plan for the day-to-day running of the business as a road map for how to run the business for years. • Curious. Good entrepreneurs are always reading and asking questions. They want to learn everything from why a particular business failed to how to find, motivate, and keep good employees. Top Traits for Small Business Owners

07/05/2010 08:00 AM

Create Buzz for Your Small Business

The success of a small business does not solely depend upon the business' products and services. Moreover, small business owners must understand the value of promotion and advertising. For instance, people are constantly looking for products and services that meet their ideals but if businesses don't put much effort into getting the word out, most likely potential customers won't know that such products and services are catered by the said business. Hence, small business needs to work on marketing the business. They should understand that effective products and services do not necessarily translate into sales. Consequently, business owners are now starting to put a great deal of work into such aspects of business management. Complete Article

07/05/2010 08:00 AM

Interesting Thoughts on AdWords and Organic Ranking

There are those who believe that paying for Google AdWords ads will result in their previously invisible website shooting up the regular rankings. Sadly that simply is not the case. AdWords ads are completely separate from the organic listings. However there is a very real possibility that ads may impact the CTR of organic listings, or, for that matter, vice-versa. AdWords and Ranking

07/05/2010 08:00 AM

Domain Name Suggestions

Innovative, memorable, and compelling domain names are becoming more and more difficult to come up with. The following tools can help webmasters find great domain names for their online businesses.... Domain Name Suggestions

07/02/2010 08:00 AM

10 Most Hated Companies

Hating BP is a cottage industry nowadays. A Google search on the term I hate BP pulls up more than 13 million hits. But it would be wrong to allow BPs folly to completely overshadow all the other corporate miscreants out there whose behavior is also worthy of your contempt. Big business has done a great job of making people angry so far in 2010. There are companies that, at various times, soaked up billions of taxpayer dollars, jacked up fees just to show they could and provided customers with unbelievably bad service. Meanwhile their execs made off with millions. Great job, guys. So here is our assessment of the 10 most hateable companies that are not named BP.

07/01/2010 08:00 AM

Ways to Save

As a frugal blogger, I recommend lots of tips that will save you small amounts of money. I think these tips are worthwhile, especially if they save you money on expenses that are reoccurring. However, before you invest too much time in frugal tips to save a little money, you should make sure that you have cut your big expenses first. Concentrating on the big items first may seem obvious, but many people are oblivious to their big expenses or feel that there is no way to reduce them. You do not want to be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Ways to Save

06/30/2010 08:00 AM

Google Caffeine

Google announced the completion of its new web indexing system, called Caffeine, in a blog post Tuesday. According to Google, Caffeine will provide at least 50 percent fresher results for web searches than its last index. Google started testing Caffeine in August 2009, and it was suggested that Caffeine would go live after the holidays. Googles old search index consisted of several layers, some of which were refreshed at a faster rate than others--the main layer updated every couple of weeks. Basically, this meant that content was not added to the Google search index until a layer was refreshed, so there was a significant delay between publishing content and having it show up on the search engine. Details About Google Caffeine

06/30/2010 08:00 AM

10 Things We Still Print that Could be Digital

When was the last time you wrote a check? 2004? Well, if you’re like most people, the bank keeps sending you little reminders, pestering you to order more. We live in an increasingly digitized world, and with every new invention comes fewer reasons to print things like checks. Yet we still have them, and many other things that could just as easily be digital, saving us not only paper, but time and money. 10 Things We Print that Could Be Digital

06/29/2010 08:00 AM

7 Tips to a Successful Landing at a Large Company

1. Drink the right water through the firehose Do not be like this little kid who did not see what was coming. Large companies are complex beasts and in the first few weeks the sheer amount of information you think you need to absorb and the often critical decisions you need to make can easily overwhelm you. A good manager should help you filter what is important and what is not and help you navigate the info-storm, but...you need get used to the fact that for some time to come a lot of things just aren't going to make sense to you that you really feel you should have a good grasp on. It is OK. Do not panic. Tips to Be Employed at  a Large Company

06/28/2010 08:00 AM

Reasons Why People Fear Starting a Business

Starting a new business can be a turbulent undertaking. For one thing, there are no guarantees of success. Businesses fail every single day, and plenty of entrepreneurs come away with nothing to show for months or years of hard-fought effort. The idea of sacrificing a steady salary for an uncertain, hoped-for payday also tends to provoke anxiety. 6 Reasons People Fear Starting a Business

06/16/2010 08:00 AM

Great Logo Designs for Small Businesses

Find a great business logo design for only $9.95. Logo Search has a variety of inexpensive logo designs to choose from that can be easily customized in a graphic editor.

06/14/2010 08:00 AM

Tips for Blog Posting

Coming up with ideas for new blog posts on a regular basis can be a challenge, even for the most prolific writers. Experience shows that readers tend to favor certain types of posts more than others. Here are some popular types of blog posts that you might want to use for those times when inspiration simply does not strike. Tips for Blog Posting

06/10/2010 08:00 AM

Software to Create RSS Feeds

Software to create RSS feeds and podcasts.

06/09/2010 08:00 AM

Small Business Challenges

As they try to reel in customers, USA TODAYs Small Business Challenge participants have employed a range of marketing tactics — from handing out coupons to establishing Facebook fan pages. Still, some are struggling to figure out the best way to promote their firms. complete article

06/08/2010 08:00 AM

Small Business Hurricane Preparation

June marks the beginning of hurricane season and Travelers has developed a list of the top five things that small business owners can do to make sure their businesses are properly protected should a storm hit. complete article

06/07/2010 08:00 AM

Top 1000 Websites on the Internet

Google has posted a list of the top 1000 websites. These are the sites to get backlinks from to boost your popularity.

06/02/2010 08:00 AM

Software Industry Conference - for Internet Marketers and Developers

The 20th Annual Software Industry Conference will be held on July 15 - 17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas at the Hyatt Regency DFW Hotel. The Software Industry Conference is a three day event that culminates with a Networking Gala Dinner that gives software developers and publishers an opportunity to form partnerships and alliances. The conference also includes dozens of informative, educational breakout sessions covering a wide variety of topics that are critical to the success of Independent Software Developers (ISVs). The conference includes more than forty educational seminars and presentations that are designed to help developers sell more software. Presentations by industry experts include topics such as profiting from Google Adwords, marketing more effectively, providing income-producing customer support, working with translation and localization services, sending press releases, developing Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, avoiding legal pitfalls, reducing chargebacks, and creating affiliate networks. The conference allows plenty of time to network with other software developers and software industry service providers. The conveniently-located daily breakfasts in the Hyatt Regency DFW Hotel make it easy for conference attendees to meet and socialize with fellow industry members. You can even attend the annual meetings and luncheons of two industry trade associations, ESC and ASP. The casual SIC conferences are known for their family-friendly atmosphere. Many software developers turn their trips to SIC into mini-vacations. For more information about SIC 2010, visit http://www.sic.org/

06/01/2010 08:00 AM

Three Best Ways to Expand Overseas

Expanding overseas in the current economy may seem like a pipedream for small-business owners. But many have taken the plunge despite the recession, allowing them to diversify their risk and client base in markets abroad. In fact, the U.S. Commercial Service, which helps U.S. companies expand into foreign markets, says that 23% of its clients exported for the first time, entered a new market, or increased their international market penetration in 2009. That is up 3% from 2008. 3 Ways to Expand Overseas

05/26/2010 08:00 AM

Small Business Credit

The credit card reform that Congress passed last year to protect consumers from practices like retroactive interest rate hikes did not cover small business credit cards. The law did direct the Federal Reserve Board to study the use of credit cards by small businesses and report back to Congress on whether further action is needed, giving the board 12 months to do so. The Fed missed that deadline over the weekend. complete article

05/25/2010 08:00 AM

Top Business Mistakes

Many small businesses make mistakes, and smart entrepreneurs will learn from the mistakes of others. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of some common mistakes that small business owners often make.... 1. Knowing It All Business owners who think they have learned it all will very often tend to fail. Even the most experienced entrepreneurs have to be willing to learn continually. There are always new technologies and markets emerging. It is very important to learn these new technologies and adapt to changing markets. Top Business Mistakes

05/17/2010 08:00 AM

Small Business Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning can take two forms. There is the traditional spring cleaning. Give the shop or office a once over. Get rid of the clutter, clean out the storage room, and get into the nooks and crannies. Most of us have some old files hanging around that can be moved or tossed. And what about some new paint, or blinds, or even some new furniture? You, your staff, and your customers will like and notice the difference. But do not stop there. Consider some spring e-cleaning. Clean out your computer in-box. Delete unused, old e-files. Back up your system or sign up for a monthly backup service if you do not have one. Update necessary software. Small Business Spring Cleaning

05/13/2010 08:00 AM

Supreme Court Nominee is a Wild Card for Businesses

The limited record of Obamas Supreme Court nominee makes it hard to divine her views, but there are reasons to believe she is not anti-business. The truth is, Kagan, has not given much indication as to how she would rule on business matters if the U.S. Senate confirms her as the next Supreme Court justice. She clerked for a liberal justice, the late Thurgood Marshall, and worked as an attorney in the Clinton administration. But Kagan has not served as a judge, which means she does not have a body of legal opinions to follow her around, for good or bad. She is not considered ideological or political, but rather a pragmatist when it comes to legal matters.

05/12/2010 08:00 AM

Arizona and Business Pain

70% of Americans support the recent legislation passed in Arizona yet businesses are said to be fearful of lost revenue. A city official says Phoenix could possibly lose hotel and convention center business worth about $90 million over the next five years because of fallout from Arizonas new immigration law.

05/10/2010 08:00 AM

Link Gold

Links are the threads that bind the web together. The Internet web is not so different from an actual spider web. Each page on the Internet is connected by an intricate system of links which connect websites to other websites. In order for a website to perform well in search engine rankings, it must have connections to other websites through links. These connections or links not only help search engines locate new content as it becomes available, but they also weave together networks of websites that are all related. The number and strength of connections that a website has will help determine the importance of that website. Link Gold

05/07/2010 08:00 AM

Webmaster Tools and Resources

Web Elements is a premier collection of resources for webmaster, search engine marketers and others interested in online marketing. Web Elements is designed to help both beginner webmasters and experienced search marketers. We have compiled lists of useful resources and submission sites. We have compiled a collection of resources from Search Engine Optimization, Press Release Submissions, DoFollow Lists, Webmaster Scripts, Webmaster Blogs, and Forums. Collection of Webmaster Resources

05/06/2010 08:00 AM

Facebook and Privacy Concerns

Among users of Facebook and other social networks, over half post personal information that could put them at risk, according to Consumer Reports. Facebook says its applauds Consumer Reports work on behalf of consumers, but the site is taking much heat lately for some of the changes it made to its network recently. complete article

05/03/2010 08:00 AM

Ins and Outs of Sitemaps

Sitemaps are simply maps for search engines to follow, and will ensure that all the important pages on your website are spidered and included in the various search engines. Ins and Outs of Internet Sitemaps

04/28/2010 08:00 AM

Buy, Sell and Value a Website

Determining the value of a website can be tricky, because a number of factors can play a role. Factors involved in determining the resale value of a website include... Buy, Sell, and Value a Website

04/26/2010 08:00 AM

Small Businesses with Positive Attitudes

Successful small businesses come in all sizes and specialties, but their leaders all share one essential attribute: positive, can-do attitudes that transcend everything they do. Believing in yourself and your ability to succeed does more than simply sustain you through the challenges of getting your business started. Complete Article

04/22/2010 08:00 AM

SBA Cracks Down on Small Businesses

The head of the Small Business Administration today said the agency has cracked down on companies posing as if they were owned by service-disabled veterans, a scheme uncovered by a recent investigation. The Government Accountability Office exposed fraud in several of SBAs small-business programs, including the program that sets aside contracts for small companies owned by service-disabled veterans. complete article

04/20/2010 08:00 AM

How to Attract Small Business Investors

Applying for venture capital is not quite as informal as the ABC TV show Shark Tank would have you believe. Before you have the opportunity to present your idea or invention to the sharks, paperwork filing, business-plan writing and demographic analysis must be conducted. Many of these firms receive up to 5,000 business plans per year, all competing against your business plan for funding consideration. Only 10% of these plans are seriously considered, and 1-2% are actually picked up and funded. And this process can often take years. complete article

04/19/2010 08:00 AM

Economic Survey Shows Small Business Owners Have Deep Uncertainty

Small business owners may be feeling the pinch of recession more than any other type, according to a recent report released by National Federation of Independent Business. The optimism has been among all time low at 86.8 compared to 88, last February. Taking into account that the confidence index has not raised past 90 for last eighteen months, experts suggest that small businesses are still facing credit crunch, decrease sales and dwindling profits even when the payroll or household survey have indicated, otherwise. complete article

04/14/2010 08:00 AM

Lists for Webmasters and Marketers

Here are some lists of lists that will be useful to webmasters: 72 Free Press Release Submission Sites Free Places to Submit RSS Feeds RSS Tools Podcasting Tools

04/13/2010 08:00 AM

Get Ready for Earth Day!

If you are interested in celebrating Earth Day or promoting an eco-friendly future consider some of these environmental items. Eco Friendly Products!

04/12/2010 08:00 AM

15 Important Web Design Tips

Here are 15 important website design tips that you might not be aware of or have overlooked. Consider taking advantage of them if you have not already done so.. 15 Important Web Design Tips

04/06/2010 08:00 AM

Google Frustrations

Google has recently shut down Google Merchant accounts of manufacturers. They say that manufacturers can be listed through their marketplaces now, but if a manufacturer or small business sells direct they may be shut out of Googles popular product database. This shift in philosphy gives a boost to resellers, and affiliates but could really hurt small Internet businesses. The email the send out, when queried is included below: As of September 3rd 2009, individual sellers on marketplaces no longer need to submit items to Google Product Search. Going forward, marketplaces will be responsible for submitting a feed of all their sellers' items, so we have retired your account in order to avoid duplicate entries on Product Search. Your marketplace will also be responsible for ensuring that your feeds are up-to-date and compliant with our policies. In most cases, marketplaces already submit feeds of their sellers items. If you have any further questions about your items or Google Product Search, please contact your marketplace. We look forward to continuing to display your products, and hope you enjoy the new streamlined submission process. Keep in mind these newly disabled Google Merchant feeds have been in place and in effect for months. Arghhh Google is so frustrating!

04/05/2010 08:00 AM

Inexpensive Business Logos

Looking for innovative business logos that are incredibly inexpensive.  If you are looking to develop a brand or business identity consider starting at Logo Search.

04/02/2010 08:00 AM

Yahoo Publisher Network Being Shut Down

Yahoo plans to close a beta advertising service through which small online publishers, such as individual bloggers, signed up to carry ads sold and distributed by the company in exchange for a commission. The service, called Yahoo Publisher Network Beta, provides pay-per-click text ads that are contextually relevant to the Web pages of participating publishers in which they appear

03/29/2010 08:00 AM

Protecting Your Reputation Online

Google is sometimes thought to be the bane of the Internet, and it certainly can be a thorn in the side of search engine marketers. Many fail to look beyond the search of today, toward what the implications of indexing and storing information will have on future generations. Protecting Your Reputation Online

03/24/2010 08:00 AM

Questions About Podcasting

Podcasting is an up-and-coming and increasingly popular medium for communication. The following are common questions about podcasting, perfect for those just getting started in podcasting as a communication channel... What Format Should I Record To? While other formats are supported, MP3 is by far the most common format used for audio podcasts. Unless there is a specific and compelling reason to use a different format, you should stick with MP3 files for audio podcasts. Questions About Podcasting

03/17/2010 08:00 AM

In Search of a Business Identity?

If money is tight and you want to build a brand or business identity consider finding a logo at Logo Search. Logos are only $9.95 , they are royalty free and can be modified to suit your needs.

03/15/2010 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Overlooked

State tax grab efforts more and more are pitting governments against big Internet retailers. Who gets forgotten, though, are the little guys and gals making a go at the American dream by running small retail businesses from their garages or Internet businesses from spare bedrooms. complete article

03/08/2010 08:00 AM

Interesting View of Twitter

Even the most prolific users say Twitter has become more useful as a way to tap in to the discussions of the day than to broadcast their own thoughts. And once you get pulled in, you might just find you have something to say after all. complete article

03/04/2010 08:00 AM

Startup Business Boot Camp

Turn your ideas into action and fast track your success at the Startup Business Boot Camp, a concentrated, intensive hands-on event where you start with an idea on Friday evening and by Sunday afternoon you can literally be in business ready to generate your first lead or customer. Startup Business Boot Camp

03/02/2010 08:00 AM

Innovative Ways for Designers to Use Technology

Stumbled across a couple of niche sites, that have supplemented their websites and revenue by using Zazzle? You create products using artwork or photos, and Zazzle handles printing, shipping and payment processing. The artist recieves a percentage or any sales generated. Seems this works quite well for niche sites. Check these out: Horse Stall - Horse Themed Gifts Dog Pound - Dog Themed Gifts Golf Clubhouse - Golf Gifts

03/01/2010 08:00 AM

Google - People Finder

While this technology is great for emergencies it does raise personal security concerns: Google on Saturday quickly activated an online person finder tool to allow relatives and friends to find loved ones following the huge earthquake in Chile. The Person Finder: Chile Earthquake from the California-based Internet giant is located at Chilepersonfinder.appspot.com and offers users the choice of using it in English and Spanish. It asks users What is your situation? and gives them the choice between I am looking for someone and I have information about someone. Users can then search records by name or input information about someone.

02/23/2010 08:00 AM

Software Industry Conference Registration Open

The Software Industry Conference is a three day event, July 15-17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas with educational sessions and networking events.

02/22/2010 08:00 AM

Diversify or Die

Do you know a business owner who is lamenting the current state of the economy? Are they talking about how their business is on life support and they don’t know what to do? Are you one of them? Diversify Your Small Business or Die

02/17/2010 08:00 AM

How to Twitter

Twitter, the latest social networking craze, is a micro-blogging platform where participants post tweets which are short comments limited to 140 characters or less. Getting setup on Twitter is not terribly difficult. There is a slight learning curve in regard to Twitters culture and tweeting practices, so it is a good idea to monitor the posts for a few days before you jump in and begin tweeting, just to get a feel for the community. Many Twitter participants monitor the posts (tweets) of other people they find interesting, which is called following. Twitter is interactive, and allows others on Twitter to reply to tweets and engage in a conversation with the original poster or others who add comments to the original posts/tweets. How to Twitter

02/15/2010 08:00 AM

Small Business and the Recovery

Could small businesses become the Achilles heel of the U.S. recovery? Companies with fewer than 500 employees helped lead the economy out of the last four recessions as entrepreneurs, sensing opportunity, opened new businesses. And smaller suppliers provided the tools and equipment needed for larger companies to boost production. But this time, almost six months after the U.S. economy began growing again, small businesses continue to cut capital spending and dismiss workers. complete article

02/10/2010 08:00 AM

Why You Should Recycle Cell Phones?

Cellular phones and other mobile devices often contain toxic materials that can pollute the environment. The chemicals contained in the cell phones and electronics are harmful to the health of both humans and animals. Cell phones and their accessories contain a large number of hazardous substances known as Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals (PBTs). Some of the chemicals contained in the PBTs have been known to cause damage to nervous systems, reproductive systems, and developmental systems, as well as causing cancer. Why You Should Recycle Cell Phones?

02/08/2010 08:00 AM

Top 10 Web Design Sins

Many webmasters repeat the mistakes made by their predecessors. Take a look at these Top 10 most common web design sins. Have you fallen victim to any of these? Top 10 Web Design Sins

02/03/2010 08:00 AM

Steps to Make Your Business Green

A business that makes the decision to be environmentally-conscious will often promote goodwill among potential customers, while making the world a better place for future generations. Many businesses hesitate to adopt green practices because they fear it will hurt their bottom line and negatively impact profits. But many eco-conscious businesses discover that they can actually save money and bring in new customers who specifically patronize companies that actively make an effort to be environmentally friendly. Many customers may even be willing to pay a bit more for a product or service from a company that is green. Steps to Make Your Business Green

02/02/2010 08:00 AM

MicroLoans for Small Businesses

More small businesses in Northern New York can receive low-interest loans once the U.S. Small Business Administration once again funds a regional microloan program. The program, through the Adirondack Economic Development Corp., will receive a $750,000 loan from SBA. In turn, the corporation makes loans to small businesses in amounts ranging from $500 to $35,000. Most loans total about $13,000.

01/27/2010 08:00 AM

Mandatory IRAs Not a Plus for Small Businesses

U.S. President Barack Obamas effort to increase retirement savings by requiring all businesses to offer automatic IRA accounts may face opposition from small companies, says a Washington-based trade group. Obama said the plan, part of a tax package aimed at middle- income Americans proposed today, would let employees automatically enroll in direct-deposit retirement accounts and expand matching tax credits. The administration has not released a cost estimate. complete article

01/25/2010 08:00 AM

Pros and Cons of RSS Feeds

Weigh the pros and cons of implementing an RSS feed as a communication channel, and determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks in your own situation. Pros and Cons of RSS

01/19/2010 08:00 AM

Most Influential Online Marketers of 2009

Online marketing has evolved tremendously over the last decade. Within a single decade the interest and need for understanding this space has grown to insurmountable lengths. And there are the select few carrying forward...   Most Influential Online Marketers of 2009

01/18/2010 08:00 AM

How to Choose a Domain - Part 2

Here are some other things to pay attention to when selecting domain names... 1. Domain Extensions Many webmasters wrestle not only with choosing the best domain name, but also with the decision of what domain extensions to select for their website. The following is a general guide to what the most popular domain extensions represent... .com - commercial (by far, the most popular domain extension) .net - network host (often used by hosting companies) .edu - educational institution .org - organization .info - informational sites If your primary focus is in a local market, you may find value in a local domain as well. How to Choose a Domain - Part 2

01/13/2010 08:00 AM

How to Choose a Domain - Part 1

How To Choose A Domain Name - Part 1 So, you have an idea or a product.... now you need a domain name for a website. How do you choose a great domain name? Here are a few ideas... Brainstorm Create a list of words or phrases that relate to the product, service, information, or brand that will be promoted on the website. Experiment Experiment with variations of the words in the above list. Change the order of words in phrases to create unique combinations for possible domain names. Check Availability Check the availability of the potential domains, using Network Solutions or a similar domain registrar. If the desired name is already taken, most domain registrars will provide a list of alternative similar domains that are available. How to Choose a Domain - Part 1

01/07/2010 08:00 AM

The Internet in 2020

As they imagine the Internet of 2020, computer scientists across the country are starting from scratch and re-thinking everything: from IP addresses to DNS to routing tables to Internet security in general. They are envisioning how the Internet might work without some of the most fundamental features of todays ISP and enterprise networks. Their goal is audacious: To create an Internet without so many security breaches, with better trust and built-in identity management. Internet in 2020

01/05/2010 08:00 AM

Small Business Omens for 2010

In Illinois, small businesses number more than 1 million, touching every sector from manufacturing and professional services to retail and health care. According to 2006 Census data, they include 258,000 companies that employ more than 4 million people and contribute $192 million in annual payroll to the economy, Markowitz said. They represent 98 percent of state employers and 49 percent of employment. Small Business Omens for 2010

01/04/2010 08:00 AM

2010 Predictions - What is Hot and What is Not

Top 10 Winners Predicted for 2010 1. Healthy Living 2. The Cloud 3. Savings 4. Simplicity in Design 5. Web Applications 6. Instant and Virtual 7. Portability 8. Energy 9. Green Shopping 10. Security Top 10 Losers Predicted for 2010 1. Capitalism 2. Health Care 3. Credit Card Companies 4. The Left 5. Acorn 6. Big Government 7. Privacy 8. Super Star Atheletes 9. Facebook 10. Reality... More on 2010 Predictions

01/01/2010 08:00 AM

2009 Reflections, 2010 Predictions

Another year has rolled by marked by miracles, political milestones and tragedies alike. 2009 was the year of financial uproar with bailouts and ponzi schemes dominating the news on a regular basis. Chrysler and GM stalwart car giants struggled to survive. Bernie Madoff's financial pyramid came tumbling down, taking average citizen's retirement plans with it, emptying the coffers of trusting non-profits and celebrities alike. The United States democratically dominated political landscape juggled health care reform, accusations of death boards, raucous town hall meetings and tea parties from coast to coast. The Swine Flu was quickly renamed H1N1 so that the pork industry would not suffer, and the politicized name change did little to calm pandemic worries. 2009 Reflections, 2010 Predictions

12/22/2009 08:00 AM

How Did We Do? Predictions for 2009

Have a look at last years list of predictions of what would be hot for 2009. How did we do? Top 10 Winners for 2009 1. Personal Responsibility 2. Financial Diversification 3. Mobile Malware 4. Weight Loss 5. Going Green 6. Social 7. Cloud Computing 8. Virtual Collaboration 9. Video 10. RSS Top 10 Losers for 2009 1. Global Economy 2. Republicans and Conservatives 3. Hollywood 4. China 5. Somali Pirates 6. Financial Services Industry 7. Corrupted Politicians 8. Security or Securities 9. Outsourcing 10. Gasoline What is Hot and What Is Not For 2009

12/16/2009 08:00 AM

Year End Presentations

Professional PowerPoint Templates for easy, professional presentations.

12/15/2009 08:00 AM

Stimulus for Small Business

Separate proposals introduced late last week would increase the maximum loan amounts for Small Business Administration-backed loans and extend fee eliminations and government loan guarantees. Republican Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine and Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, introduced one proposal that would extend some of the provisions of the stimulus package.

12/14/2009 08:00 AM

Blog Mistakes

Blogging has quickly become very common place, and while blogs may be plentiful, many bloggers still make a number of mistakes when it comes to managing their blogs.  Presented here are the most common blog mistakes, in hopes that you can avoid making them yourself... Blog Mistakes

12/09/2009 08:00 AM

Top 10 Worst Ideas for Making Money

I think I am about 5 for 500 when it comes to successful ideas vs flops. I just watched a documentary about my neighbor Warren Buffett and he talked about how you should brag about your failures and be humble about your successes. I think my new years resolution in 2007 is to be way more humble. Do not think I have some golden touch or something that everything works out great… its just the law of averages.. try enough stuff and something will stick. Anyway I came up in about 10 minutes my top 10 worst ideas to make money that totally were a waste of time and effort (and money in some cases).

12/02/2009 08:00 AM

Add Christmas Elements to Your Website

Add Christmas Elements to your website! The Christmas Web Design Elements CD ROM contains high quality web HTML web layouts, graphics, and high quality stock photographs all available for use royalty free. Purchase the CD and use the images for building your corporate identity or brand. Perfect web and graphic collection for Christmas celebrations or Christmas related businesses.

12/01/2009 08:00 AM

On Page Search Engine Optimization Tips

Search Engine Optimization has become a fine science. Tweaking, changing, and measuring is all part of the ongoing optimization process. SEO truly is a process that requires constant monitoring and attention. In order for a website to perform well, its managers and webmasters must adapt their SEO techniques as the search engine algorithms change. On Page Search Engine Optimization Tips

11/30/2009 08:00 AM

Cyber Monday Shopping Tips

This year, there are more online bargains than ever on Cyber Monday-- with nearly nine out of ten retailers offering special online promotions for Monday, November 30th, according to the National Retail Federation. The day marks the traditional kick off to the online holiday shopping season. And to give you an idea of sales figures, keep this in mind: last year, more than eight hundred million dollars worth of merchandise was sold on Cyber Monday alone. Tips for CyberMonday

11/23/2009 08:00 AM

Use Twitter for the Following...

Businesses can use Twitter as a marketing tool in a variety of ways. Many business owners struggle with social media as a marketing medium. At the heart of the most effective social media marketing campaigns is personal communication. Many businesses that try to manage social media may attempt to shout their message, rather than simply engaging with potential customers. Potential customers who are active in social networks will not be receptive to marketing in this fashion. The trick with social media like Twitter is to interact and engage, rather than shouting your message. Use Twitter for the following...

11/19/2009 08:00 AM

Video Optimization Tips - Part II

Optimizing your video for search engines will increase the exposure that the video receives, and optimization will also help spread the videos message. Follow these steps to enhance your videos and improve their rankings... Video Optimization Tips - Part II

11/16/2009 08:00 AM

Greeting Cards

Greeting cards can be a great way to recognize special people in our lives, they can also be used by businesses to personalize the customer relationship. Have a look at this new site, gives instant access to hundreds of Greeting Card designs that can be printed and personalized.

11/12/2009 08:00 AM

Google Caffeine Live

According to Matt Cutts of Google fame - Caffeine will go live at one data center so that we can continue to collect data and improve the technology, but I do not expect Caffeine to go live at additional data centers until after the holidays are over. Most searchers would not immediately notice any changes with Caffeine, but going slowly not only gives us time to collect feedback and improve, but will also minimize the stress on webmasters during the holidays.

11/10/2009 10:25 AM

Rich and Famous Auction

Millionaires down on their luck now have a place to sell their mega-yachts, super-cars and family jewels without having to resort to the pawn shop. An Internet auction site devoted to millionaires launches officially on Monday and is likely to profit from the worst recession in decades, which has extended its reach to the rich and famous in the United States, BillionaireXchange said. complete article

11/11/2009 08:00 AM

Google More Than a Search Engine

The architects of the most powerful search engine in the world have included some really handy algorithms in their service, which allow searchers to quickly locate particular and specific types of information...Google Is More Than Just a Search Engine

11/03/2009 08:00 AM

SEO Myths

A myth is a traditional story, idea, or explanation which is widely accepted, but actually untrue or unproven. Misconceptions can also be described as modern-day myths. When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), the myths and misconceptions are abundant. We will try to dispel some of the more common Search Engine Optimization myths here... SEO Myths

11/03/2009 08:00 AM

Happy 40th Birthday!

The first message was sent across Arpanet 40 years ago, on 29 October 1969.  Arpanet, the defence computer network that grew accidentally into the all-encompassing, era-defining, economy-changing, amusing-pictures-of-cats-facilitating behemoth that is today’s internet, seems as good a place to start as any. complete article on Internet History

10/27/2009 08:00 AM

RSS Video Tutorials

Learn the ins and outs of RSS feeds using RSS Video Tutorials.

10/26/2009 08:00 PM

Managing Your Reputation Online

A companys reputation is often critical to that company's success. The anonymity and vastness of the Internet makes managing a reputation much more difficult than it once was. Businesses must be proactive about protecting their brands and reputations. Managing Your Reputation Online

10/26/2009 08:00 AM

FCC Supports Open Internet

U.S. communications regulators voted unanimously to support an open Internet rule that would prevent telecom network operators from barring or blocking content based on the revenue it generated. The proposed rule now goes to the public for comment until January 14, after which the Federal Communications Commissions will review the feedback and possibly seek more comment. A final rule is not expected until the spring of next year.

10/21/2009 08:00 AM

Small Businesses Ignoring Google Apps

Google has recently made a big push into the business software market with its Google Apps service, but has yet to gain any significant market share in small companies. Google states that it has over 2 million small businesses using their business applications, but the reality is of those, only several hundred thousand of those are using the paid service, and many of those are sole-proprietors and individuals.

10/20/2009 08:00 AM

Cyber Criminals

Cyber criminals are finding new ways to steal information, including infecting legitimate Web sites with Trojans and creating rogue software packages that look legitimate but contain malware, cybersecurity experts warned. Recent months have seen a rise in sophisticated attacks, also including so-called spear phishing, an e-mail scam targeted at a small group of people, a group of cybersecurity professionals said Tuesday at a TechAmerica cybersecurity forum in Washington, D.C. Spear phishing is a form of the common phishing scam, but instead of a fake e-mail that looks like it comes from a bank or e-commerce site, it instead looks like it comes from someone you know, such as an executive at your company.

10/19/2009 07:10 AM

Web Health

In an effort to promote the general health of the Web, Google will send Webmasters snippets of malicious code in the hopes infected Web sites can be cleaned up faster. The new information will appear as part of Googles Webmaster Tools, a suite of tools that provide data about a Web site, such as site visits. Google already e-mails administrators if its automated scanners detect malicious content on a site. Those pages are then marked in Googles search results with a warning.

10/16/2009 08:00 AM

Nearly Half of Small Businesses Surveyed Have Profiles on Facebook and Twitter

Survey reveals a new class of small business owners, 45 percent of whom use social media to promote their businesses online. A new online survey of more than 2,000 US small business by Internet2Go, an Opus Research advisory service, and MerchantCircle, the largest social network for small businesses has uncovered a new, growing segment of small business owners who aggressively use social media to promote their businesses. The survey,conducted September 8-18, 2009, found tha t roughly 45 percent of respondents have a presence or profiles on Facebook and Twitter to promote their businesses.

10/14/2009 08:00 AM

Small Business Credit Still A Problem

The majority of small business financing comes from personal credit cards, home equity lines and business credit lines. As most small business owners know, all three of these have dried up, and there is very little sign that this is going to change any time soon. There are so many variables involved with this issue that it’s impossible to target the problem, specifically because it depends on what type of a business is owned and the region of the country a small business operates in to identify the severity of the problem on a local or regional basis, within the specific sector being served by the business. Major factors contributing to the credit crunch for small business include credit card limits being cut back in a big way, and if they are not cut back, the interest rates are jacked up to bring the costs of doing business much higher. We falling home prices the home equity lines of credit have been cut back or eliminated as well, effectively cutting off the main source of funding for American small businesses. Finally, small business credit lines have also been reduced or eliminated altogether, and that’s the case even with companies that have always paid their bills on time while showing consistently good numbers.

10/13/2009 08:00 AM

Increasing Productivity

Small business owners frequently juggle a variety of roles within their companies. Creating a balance and effectively managing available time is extremely important to most small businesses. In order to economize and make the most of the available time, you should implement a time management plan. Increasing Productivity

10/06/2009 08:00 AM

Optimize Video Podcasts

It does not matter what you call them: vodcasts, vidcasts, videocasting, or video podcasting... there are a few behind-the-scenes actions you can take to help attract more attention to your video productions. Just like websites, it does not matter how amazing the content is if interested people are unable to find it. Use the following suggestions to help increase the exposure your videos receive... Optimize Video Podcasts

09/29/2009 08:00 AM

Sample Business Letters

Collection of sample business letters.

09/23/2009 08:00 AM

Cell Phone Etiquette

Todays society is all about being connected 24/7. Cell phones now provide instant access to anyone and everyone, from corporate executives to housewives and children alike. While cellular connectivity is a comfort to some, it can be rude and disruptive to others. You may wish to be available at all times, but there are some times when it is simply not appropriate to use your cell phone. Also, cell phones should not be treated as status symbols, and should not be paraded out simply to impress others. Regardless of how new and impressive your cell phone may be, dragging it out in a public setting is seldom going to win you any fans. Follow these simple cell phone guidelines to strike a balance between accessibility and consideration for others... Cellular Phone Etiquette

09/22/2009 08:00 AM

Green Business Awareness

More and more companies are taking steps to be more environmentally friendly. Environmental activists are taking to the Internet in a new bid to help save the worlds rainforests with the help of major corporations including Starbucks Corp and Dell Inc. Campaigners plan to announce on Monday the formation of Team Earth, a social network that includes businesses, nongovernmental organizations, students and politicians with the hope of battling tropical deforestation. While still other companies are posting Green Company policies and how they take steps to protect the environment.

09/22/2009 08:00 AM

Where Did Our New Logo Come From?

Seems people love our new logo! The new small business software logo came from Logo Search, they have great reasonably priced logos for ony $ 9.95.

09/21/2009 08:00 AM

New Look and New Logo for Small Business Software

You may have noticed we updated our look and added a new logo to the Small Business Software website. The look was becoming a bit dated. Look for additional changes in the near future!

09/15/2009 08:00 AM

Brand Awareness

Brand awareness is the recognition of a specific brand name or logo, along with the traits associated with that brand. It is difficult to benefit from having a brand unless consumers are aware of the brand and the traits associated with it. Brand Awareness

09/14/2009 08:00 AM

How Much is Your Identity Worth?

Symantec has unveiled a new tool that gathers some basic information about you and the links between your financial information and the Internet, then calculates what the value of your identity would be on the black market. The value it comes up with is sobering at best. complete article

09/11/2009 08:00 AM

Never Forget September 11th

09/09/2009 08:00 AM

Increase RSS Feed Subscribers

Growing subscribers of your RSS feed will expand your reach. Put the appropriate effort into marketing your RSS feed, so you can increase adoption and spread the message contained in the RSS feed. Increase RSS Feed Subscribers Are you subscribing to the small business software blog feed? Subscribe to the Small Business Software Blog RSS Feed

09/08/2009 08:00 AM

Blog Regulation

A recent article in Search Engine News details how the Federal Trade Commission, also affectionately known as the FTC wants to mandate federal guidelines on any paid reviews posted on blogs. Once this goes through bloggers will have to follow the same standards as traditional advertisers. If you are a profiting through blogs or Twitter you are at risk.

09/02/2009 08:00 AM

Increase Conversion Rate

Your web marketing efforts will struggle endlessly if your website is not effective in converting visitors to your desired goals. Whether that goal is for your visitors to make a purchase, complete a lead form, sign-up for an email list, make a phone call, or conduct another measure of engagement, a compelling website is a key success factor to properly leverage the visitors your marketing campaigns are working so hard to obtain. Improve Conversion Rates

09/01/2009 08:00 AM

Green Business Tips

Businesses that are going green are becoming more and more commonplace. Regardless of your political beliefs or opinions regarding the global warming concept, few can argue that being environmentally aware will leave the world a better place. Whether a company is simply jumping on the green bandwagon, or are honestly sensitive about environmental issues is really irrelevant. Consumers like green businesses, and shaping your business to promote being eco-friendly makes sense from a public relations standpoint. Green Business Tips

08/25/2009 08:00 AM

Presentation Primer

Many individuals are called upon to give presentations, but many have no formal instruction on how to deliver the most effective presentations. So for the benefit of those who might need a bit of help, we have put together a primer for presenters... 1. Attire You should always dress professionally, even if the event is somewhat informal in nature, and always dress in a way that does not distract or detract from your presentation. 2. Test The Equipment If your presentation involves using any equipment, such as a microphone, computer, screen projector, laser pointer, etc, be sure to test any and all of the equipment prior to the beginning of your presentation. It is unprofessional, not to mention frustrating and distracting, to have to wrestle with equipment problems in front of a waiting audience. Try to identify and resolve any technical issues and problems before the presentation is scheduled to begin. Presentation Primer

08/24/2009 08:00 AM

Compare Old Google to Google Caffeine

This is a comparison site that shows the old Google results beside the Google Caffeine results. It is a nice comparison site.

08/19/2009 08:00 AM

Great Presentation Layouts

PowerPoint Templates for professional or personal use. Makes making a  PowerPoint presentation a snap!

08/18/2009 08:00 AM

The Power of Audio

Sound effects are often used to compliment and enhance artistic presentations, whether they be podcasts, videos, or other audio visual productions. Royalty-free sound effects are typically non-exclusive and can be used by anyone who purchases them. Professional sound effects can give a podcast or production a more professional sound. However, many new producers may not realize that sound effects have copyrights, and in many cases it is illegal to use a sound effect that you happen to find on the web without properly licensing it. Sound Effects the Power of Audio

08/13/2009 08:00 AM

Wakeup with Google Caffeine

Google is putting Caffeine in its search engine, and it could be a wake-up call for businesses to tune up their Web sites. The previously secret project, announced Monday on the companys Webmaster Central Blog, is intended to provide the next-generation architecture for Googles Web search, especially as Microsofts Bing, a reinvigorated Yahoo, and Wolfram Researchs Wolfram Alpha gear up. complete article

08/12/2009 08:00 AM

Hallmarks of a Good Podcast

There are many, many things that separate a good podcast from all the rest. Here are a few to consider... Recording Quality The quality of the recording is probably the most critical component of a podcast. A good podcast is easy to understand, and should be recorded at a volume level that makes it easy for listeners to hear all that is said. Hallmarks of a Good Podcast

08/10/2009 08:00 AM

PowerPoint Resource

Great collection of tips and resources for PowerPoint.

08/05/2009 08:00 AM

Paypals Reliability Frustration

PayPal suffered periodic breakdowns that crimped Internet sales for more than four hours Monday. The main outage occurred from 1:30 p.m. EDT through 2:30 p.m. when PayPal was unable to process any transactions worldwide, according to company spokesman Anuj Nayar. The online payment service continued to experience scattered problems until about 6:10 p.m EDT. A bad piece of hardware caused the trouble, according to PayPals blog.

08/04/2009 08:00 AM

Webmaster Resource

Great resource for webmasters - webmaster elements!

08/03/2009 08:00 AM

Small Business Healthcare Mandate

So just how many businesses would have to provide health insurance, or pay penalties? The answer depends on which bill we are talking about. The House and Senate versions have different exceptions. complete article

07/28/2009 08:00 AM

Twitter for Business

Twitter put together a Twitter guide for Businesses. Twitter is a communications platform that helps businesses and their customers do a number of useful things. As a business, you can use it to quickly share information with people interested in your company, gather real-time market intelligence and feedback, and build relationships with customers, partners and other people who care about your company.

07/28/2009 08:00 AM

Search Engine Optimization for PDFs

Google, Yahoo, and MSN can all spider and index text-based PDF files, and generally they rank quite well. PDF files can be used to seize top listings for important keywords and keyword phrases. Search Engine Optimization for PDFs

07/27/2009 08:00 AM

Domains Selling Prices

Top Selling Domains: 1. Fund.com, $9.99 million 2. Porn.com, $9.5 million 3. Diamonds.com, $7.5 million 4. Toys.com, $5.1 million 5. Vodka.com, $3 million 6. CreditCards.com, $2.75 million 7. Computers.com, $2.1 million 8. Seniors.com, $1.8 million 9. DataRecovery.com, $1.66 million 10. Cameras.com, $1.5 million 10. Tandberg.com, $1.5 million Source ABC

07/22/2009 08:00 AM

Great 3D Logos

I really like the look of these 3d business logos.

07/14/2009 08:00 AM

Repurposing Web Content in Different Formats

Repurposing content is not a terribly new concept. Webmasters that picked up on the trend have benefited from traffic surges for a while now. Repurposing content is all about presenting the same content in a variety of different ways, or using different mediums to present the same content. Webmasters can manipulate content in order to provide the same content in any number of different formats. Why would publishers want to do this? There are a number of benefits to repurposing content, not the least of which is that it allows customers to select the format they wish to access your information. Additionally, repurposing content often does not require a lot of extra time, expense, or additional effort. The content itself already exists -- the format is just different. Additionally, there are a number of software tools available that can assist users in easily repurposing the content. The following are different ways to repackage existing content or to present content in a different format...

07/13/2009 08:00 AM

Google Tech Company or Ad Company?

The amazing thing about Google is how a business that makes 97 percent of its revenue selling advertising has people convinced that it is a technology company. And then gets a free pass despite a series of failures outside its core competencies in search and online ad sales. Right now, Google seems to be flooding the market with products that are not quite finished. People do not care because the products work well enough and are free. But, suppose people had to pay for them? Then where would Google be? complete article

07/09/2009 08:00 AM

Twitter Mistakes

Jason VanOrden posted a great report about common Twitter Mistakes 80% of Twitter Users Fail to Provide a Homepage URL 76% of Twitter Users Fail to Enter their Bio in the Profile 69% of Twitter Users Have Not Specified a Location

07/08/2009 08:00 AM

Business Logos

Logos for business, establish an online identity. A logo is a design, graphical representation, image or symbol that represents a business or organization. Logos were initially used to distinguish and differentiate products, the logos assisted purchasers in finding the product they prefer or have come to trust (or not trust). When product selections were limited and items were marked with a logo which a consumer was familiar they would naturally assume a certain level of quality or value, even if they had not previously used that specific product from that vendor. Now many companies not only have a corporate logo, but they have a logo to represent each of their products or product lines. What Makes a Good Logo?

07/07/2009 08:00 AM

SwapAGift

Swapagift.com, the leading internet website for exchanging gift cards for cash, today announced that they now offer their service in over 600 agent locations nationwide. Partnering with consumer financial service centers around the country, consumers have the ability to receive cash on the spot for unwanted gift cards.

07/06/2009 08:29 AM

Repurposing Content

Repurposing content is not a terribly new concept. Webmasters that picked up on the trend have benefited from traffic surges for a while now. Repurposing content is all about presenting the same content in a variety of different ways, or using different mediums to present the same content. Webmasters can manipulate content in order to provide the same content in any number of different formats. Repurposing Content

07/02/2009 08:00 AM

JavaScript Crawling

According to SearchEngineNews javascript links are now being crawled and they are passing on PageRank and anchor text. Keep in mind you may still want to avoid using javascript for links because other search engines still do not crawl or follow javascript links.

07/01/2009 08:00 AM

Businesses Going Green

A business that makes the decision to be environmentally-conscious will often promote goodwill among potential customers, while making the world a better place for future generations. Many businesses hesitate to adopt green practices because they fear it will hurt their bottom line and negatively impact profits. But many eco-conscious businesses discover that they can actually save money and bring in new customers who specifically patronize companies that actively make an effort to be environmentally friendly. Many customers may even be willing to pay a bit more for a product or service from a company that is green. Businesses Going Green

06/29/2009 08:00 AM

Internet Issues Raised with Jackson Death

The internet suffered a number of slowdowns as people the world over rushed to verify accounts of the death of Michael Jackson. Search giant Google confirmed to the BBC that when the news first broke it feared it was under attack. Millions of people who searched for the stars name on Google News were greeted with an error page. It warned users your query looks similar to automated requests from a computer virus or spyware application. complete article

06/30/2009 08:00 AM

Twitter Tips

Here are my Twitter Tips: #1. Choose an avatar that incorporates your personality, use an eye catching image that will draw positive attention. #2. Understand the Twitter culture before you dive in. #3. Tweet on a regular basis. According to PC Mag these are the tips they provide for beginners: Shrink Your URLs RT = Retweet Direct Messaging Use the @ Sign Search For Your Friends Categorize Your Tweets for Added Exposure Share Pictures Tweet from Your Phone Pick a Good Desktop Client Download a Mobile Client

06/29/2009 08:00 AM

ABCs of RSS Feeds

ABCs of RSS Feeds - Implementing RSS (Really Simple Syndication) can be aided by an understanding of the terms relating to RSS. Learn the ABCs of RSS....

06/24/2009 08:00 AM

Establish a New Look

Find a Logo for your business. This website contains a variety of business logos for building brand.

06/23/2009 08:00 AM

Tips for Creating Powerful PowerPoint Presentations

Presentations are an integral and important part of any business. Whether designed for training purposes, introducing new products, or discussing corporate hierarchy, PowerPoint presentations serve a valuable purpose in both the business world and in the educational fields. In order to maximize a presentation's impact, it needs to be polished and well executed. The following tips can aid you in taking your PowerPoint presentation to the next level. Tips for Creating Powerful PowerPoint Presentations

06/22/2009 08:00 AM

Local Search Practices

It is often important for small businesses to perform well in local sarch results. Check out this tutorial on Local Search Ranking Factors.

06/22/2009 08:00 AM

Men Less Security Savvy than Women

When it comes to online security, men are less savvy than women, according to PC Tools. Research by the security firm revealed that 47 percent of men use the same passwords when signing up to online banking and shopping facilities, compared to just 26 percent of women.

06/18/2009 08:00 AM

Tripping Up Wikipedia

GrayWolf posted an interesting article about invalidating Wikipedia Results.

06/10/2009 08:00 AM

Time Management Tips

Managing your time and using it wisely is a journey, and not something that can be easily mastered overnight. Implementing a plan will help, but it is not going to be a sure cure. Time management requires a significant amount of self-discipline. Here are some tips to assist you with time management... Time Management Tips

06/08/2009 08:00 AM

Time Wasted?

Spending more time on social networks and blogs? You are not alone, with the latest figures showing the number of minutes spent on social networking sites in the United States has almost doubled over the past year. Nielsen Online, which measures web traffic, said the number of minutes on social networks in the United States rose 83 percent in April from the same month a year ago, but found users were quick to move on and sites could quickly fall from favor. Nielsen Online spokesman Jon Gibs said a major trend had been the continuing popularity of Facebook, which has more than 200 million active members and has become so mainstream it now hosts Pope Benedict and a list of world leaders. complete article

06/09/2009 08:00 AM

Website Review Webinar - 2

Due to the overwhelming popularity and success of the previous Website Review Webinar there will be another. Subjects covered include the initial impression created by a website, structure, navigation, communication, SEO setup and more. The Web Critique Webinar will take place: Tuesday June 23rd at 12:00 EST. Sign-up Now!

06/05/2009 08:00 AM

Starting a New Business?

Starting a new business? Choosing a Domain Name and How to Select a Company or Product Name

06/04/2009 08:00 AM

Professional PowerPoint Templates

Large collection of professional PowerPoint Templates for speakers, students and educators. Search for PowerPoint templates using keywords or navigate categories to find templates of interest.

06/03/2009 08:00 AM

Student Discount Available at Software Industry Conference

Student Discount for Software Industry Conference in Boston MA July 16-18th. Only $50.00 with student ID normally $249.00! Educational sessions for software developers and marketers.

06/02/2009 08:00 AM

What Are Sound Effects?

Learn the ins and outs of using a sound effect to polish your presentation or podcast. What Is A Sound Effect? A sound effect is a ready-made sound for podcasters or producers. Typically, podcasters need to only incorporate the sound into their production for instant success. This can be done with various editors running in a very short amount of time. Sound Effects make the creation of a podcast easier and professional. Sound effects are usually easy to edit and customize using any sound editor, occasionally more sophisticated sound require precise tuning. Examples of sound effects can be found at Digital Sound Effects   What Are Sound Effects?

05/28/2009 08:00 AM

Tips for Public Speaking and Presenting

Presentations can be a great way to attract new business, simply by making yourself more well-known. However, nerves can often get in the way of entrepreneurs who want to use speaking opportunities to develop their business. Follow these steps to overcome nerves and make a powerful presentation during your public speaking engagement... Tips for Public Speaking and Presenting

05/27/2009 08:00 AM

How Do I Promote My Podcast?

There are a variety of things you can do to promote your podcast and increase its popularity... How Do I Promote Podcasts?

05/26/2009 08:00 AM

Credit Cards and Small Businesses

Common small-business wisdom holds that you should separate your personal credit-card expenses from your company credit-card expenses. But will that truly be in your best interest -- no pun intended -- when President Barack Obama signs into law today the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act? complete article

05/25/2009 08:00 AM

Social Networking Future

Yahoo Inc is looking to buy companies that will allow it to become a bigger player in social networking and revamp its family of products, Chief Technology Officer Ari Balogh said on Wednesday. complete article

05/18/2009 08:00 AM

Free Business Advice

Many free, online resources can help answer your business questions. While some sites are skewed towards single-person startups, you can still find a community to help an established, larger business. The U.S. Small Business Administration is densely packed with information. You can learn basics about writing a business plan, establishing a trademark, and managing business operation. You will find ways to apply for government financial assistance, loans, and tips on applying for grants.

05/14/2009 08:00 AM

Software Peoples Choice Awards

The SIAF People's Choice Awards were created so software users would have the opportunity to vote for their favorite software programs. The voting for these awards is hosted each year by some of the largest sites on the Internet. In past years, this has included popular sites like CNET, Simtel, Tucows, PC World, and others. Software authors are also allowed to point to the People's Choice Award voting site and encourage their users to vote!

05/12/2009 08:00 AM

Blog Promotion Tips

There are a wide variety of things you can do in regard to blog promotion. Here are just a few... Blog Promotion Tips

05/11/2009 08:00 AM

Audio File Optimization Tips

Optimize your audio files to increase their popularity, just as you would optimize a website. Audio search engines are becoming more advanced as audio files become more commonplace on the Internet. Here are some tips to optimize your audio offerings... Audio File Optimization Tips

05/06/2009 08:00 AM

Applications I Cannot Live Without

Applications I Can not Live Without! FeedForAll Used daily for updating RSS feeds. The Bat! Used hourly for managing email. FTP Voyager Used for FTPing up new web design layouts and images. Dreamweaver Used for Web Design. MS Office Used for correspondents and administrative tasks. PaintShop Pro Used for graphic editing and image enhancement. RecordForAll Used occasionally for recording audio files for podcasts. RSS Submit Used weekly to submit RSS feeds to RSS directories and search engines. FeedDemon Used to manage reading of RSS feeds on a regular basis. GroupMail Used for sending email newsletters. PDF995 Used regularly for converting documents to PDFs. TNT Screen Capture Used occasionally for capturing screen shots TopStyle Used occasionally for making changes to Cascading Style Sheets -CSS SureThing CD Labler Used occasionally for designing CD inserts and labels. FireFox Used hourly for navigating the web, also use plug-ins for search marketing research.

05/05/2009 08:00 AM

New Sound Effects Solutions

Large collection of royalty free sound effects that can be used by marketers, webmasters, broadcasters or podcasters.

04/29/2009 08:00 AM

Find Royalty Free Sound Effects

If you purchase a sound effect, be sure that you read the licensing agreement completely. Some agreements may restrict resale of the sound effects or music compilations, and you want to be aware of that. Where to Find Royalty Free Sound Effects

04/27/2009 08:00 AM

7 Smart Security Practices For Small Businesses

1. Protect your personal information. It's valuable. 2. Know who you are dealing with. 3. Use security software that updates automatically. 4. Keep your operating system and Web browser up-to-date and learn about their security features. 5. Keep your passwords safe, secure and strong. 6. Back up important files. 7. Learn what to do in an e–mergency. 7 Smart Security Practices For Small Businesses

04/27/2009 08:00 AM

Only 23 Percent Uses the Web

Just 23 percent of the globes population currently uses the Internet, according to the United Nations International Telecommunications Union, with use much higher in developed nations. By contrast, just five percent of Africans surf the web, it said in a report issued last month.

04/24/2009 08:00 AM

Creative Podcasting for Businesses

Podcasting content comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Businesses are finding many different and creative ways of incorporating podcasts into their business strategies and marketing plans. Here are just some of the various types of content that businesses are turning into podcasts... Creative Podcasting for Businesses

04/23/2009 08:00 AM

Google Privacy Concerns

Google Privacy Concerns on personal data addressed in Software Marketing Blog. The post discusses personal profiles on Google.

04/21/2009 08:00 AM

Survey Data

Interesting survey results about webmasters and who is behind the websites. Survey Data

04/20/2009 08:00 AM

Google Is the World Super Power

Google CEO Eric Schmidt appeared at his alma mater, Princeton University, on Saturday to discuss the Internet and globalization, Google products that have recently made headlines, and how not to be evil. complete article

04/21/2009 08:00 AM

Review of Websites

The live website critique has for many years been a popular session at both the Software Industry Conference and the European Software Conference. Sharon Housley of NotePage, Inc. and Dave Collins of SharewarePromotions offer their many years of experience to dissect, criticise and sometimes rip apart a website's appearance and setup. Subjects covered include the initial impression created by a website, structure, navigation, communication, SEO setup and more. Sign Up to Participate in the Web Review Webinar on April 29 at 12:00 EST

04/16/2009 08:00 AM

The Face of Software Piracy

What does a software pirate look like? Anyone. And that's the new message of the Business Software Alliance, which asked five convicted software pirates to tell their stories. As part of the BSA new Faces campaign, the BSA asked five people who were convicted of software piracy to tell their stories via videos posted to YouTube. Four of them were found guilty of criminal software piracy, while the fifth, a grandmother from Georgia, was found guilty in a civil suit, said Jenny Blank, the BSA senior director of legal affairs, in an interview. We wanted to put a human face on the issue of software piracy, said Dale Curtis, vice president of communications for the BSA. complete article

04/14/2009 08:00 AM

Create RSS | Make RSS Feeds

RSS is a standard for syndicating content on the Internet. RSS feeds are used in a variety of ways to distribute all types of content via the Internet. The benefits for individuals subscribing to RSS feeds have resulted in a rapid growth and adoption rate. Software and tools have made RSS feed creation and management easy, even for non-technical individuals, which has also fueled the growth of RSS feeds. Create RSS | Make RSS Feeds

04/13/2009 08:00 AM

Check for Available user Names on Social Sites

NameChk checks the availability of user names on social networks.

04/10/2009 08:00 AM

Webmaster Elements

Web Elements is a premier collection of resources for webmaster, search engine marketers and others interested in online marketing. Includes lists of do follow blogs, do follow forums and do follow search.

04/06/2009 08:00 AM

Professional PowerPoint Templates

Large themed collection of professional PowerPoint templates great for professional presentations or educational presentations on any subject!

03/31/2009 08:00 AM

ABCs of Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is a perceived transition of the Web to web-based applications. Web 2.0 is the next generation of technology solutions where interactive content is the norm. There is no agreement on exactly what Web 2.0 means. Depending on who you are speaking with, you may receive different explanations. At its heart, Web 2.0 is about the maturity of the Web. While many refer to Web 2.0 as companies that employ powerful web technologies, the key components of Web 2.0 are said to include: the Web as a platform, collaboration, and syndication. ABCs of Web 2.0

03/30/2009 08:00 AM

What Can Be Published Using RSS Feeds

With all the vast amounts of information available on the web, it is becoming more and more difficult to sort through and find what you are looking for. RSS significantly lowers the signal-to-noise ratio. RSS has the unique ability to compile information and filter it, so you only see unique and relevant content. What Can be Published Using RSS Feeds?

03/30/2009 08:00 AM

Twitoria

How many friends are you really following? Twitoria finds your friends that have nott tweeted in a long time so you can give them the boot!

03/28/2009 08:00 AM

The Future of Traditional Newspapers Uncertain

The Christian Science Monitor prints its final edition on Friday, bringing a 100-year run as a daily newspaper to an end but beginning a new era as an online publication. The Boston-based Monitor announced plans in October to eliminate its daily print edition and become the first national US newspaper to adopt a Web-based strategy. Like other US dailies, the Monitor had been losing readership and print advertising revenue to online media for years and circulation was hovering around 50,000 by the time the decision was made to shut down the presses.

03/27/2009 08:00 AM

Corporate Twitter

Internet start-up Twitter is taking a much-anticipated first-step in its quest to parlay its popularity into revenue by offering certain customers an expanded range of services. The company is preparing to offer commercial accounts in which corporations and other types of businesses pay a fee to receive an enhanced version of Twitter, a free service that allows people to send short, 140-character text messages to their network of friends. We think there will be opportunities to provide services to commercial entities that help them get even more value out of Twitter. If these services are valuable to companies, we think they may want to pay for them, Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, said in an e-mail sent to Reuters.

03/26/2009 08:00 AM

Only a Few Days Left to Get Discounted Pricing for Software Industry Conference

Until April 1st early conference registration is only $229, after that conference registration is only $249!  The Software Industry Conference is scheduled July 16-18, 2009 and will be held in Boston, MA.

03/25/2009 08:00 AM

Survival of the Fittest

Capitalism is all about survival of the fittest!

03/24/2009 08:00 AM

Getting Around Executive Compensation

Capping executive compensation is unlikely to become a reality, but if it does Independent Contractors are going to pop up every where. Management will simply be sub-contracted out to privately held companies.

03/11/2009 08:00 AM

Tips To Choosing a Company Name

Great articles for naming your business: How to Select a Company or Product Name - The article has some good advice on how to research names, and what to becareful of. Here are some tips on Selecting a Domain Name

03/11/2009 08:00 AM

Webmaster Toolbox

Here is a collection of what we consider must have tools for webmasters. These tools will benefit any webmaster, both novices and experts alike. Arm yourself with these tools in order to achieve a more professional online presence. Webmaster Toolbox

03/04/2009 08:00 AM

Social Bookmarking Primer

Social media is the Internets version of viral messaging and marketing. Social media can be used to disseminate news or information, as well as to attract attention. There are a wide variety of social media channels and networks available. Social Bookmarking Primer

03/03/2009 08:00 AM

What Exactly is Podcasting?

The meaning of podcasting has since expanded, and now refers to RSS feeds that contain all types of media, including audio and video, in the items enclosure field. For the non-technical folks, podcasting is simply a means of syndicating and distributing rich-media files via the Internet. The content contained in a podcast can vary significantly, from a song, to a educational lecture, to a political debate, to just about anything else. One great thing about podcasting is the wide variety of content formats it can contain. And unlike radio or television broadcasts, the recipient can listen or view at their leisure, choosing for themselves when and where they wish to listen or view a podcast. What Exactly is Podcasting?

02/24/2009 08:00 AM

Reputation Management

Shareware Promotions posted on his Software Marketing blog about reputation management and provided a link to 180 resources to help with Reputation Management.

02/23/2009 08:00 AM

Reminder Abstract Deadline

If you wish to present at this years Software Industry Conference in Boston Massachusetts July 16-18, 2009 please keep in mind that abstracts are due February 28, 2009! Submissions are being accepted on a variety of both technical topics, software marketing and Internet marketing. Details for Software Industry Conference Abstracts.

02/19/2009 08:00 AM

Facebook Owns You

Facebook made a few weeks ago to its TOS, the online contract users agree to in order to join community sites such as Facebook. In a February 16 blog post headlined, Facebook: All Your Stuff is Ours, Even if You Quit. You are solely responsible for the User Content that you Post on or through the Facebook Service. You hereby grant Facebook an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, fully paid, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense) to (a) use, copy, publish, stream, store, retain, publicly perform or display, transmit, scan, reformat, modify, edit, frame, translate, excerpt, adapt, create derivative works and distribute (through multiple tiers), any User Content you (i) Post on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof subject only to your privacy settings or (ii) enable a user to Post, including by offering a Share Link on your website and (b) to use your name, likeness and image for any purpose, including commercial or advertising, each of (a) and (b) on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof. You represent and warrant that you have all rights and permissions to grant the foregoing licenses.

02/18/2009 08:00 AM

Money for Transparency

Usually, business plans are hatched in secrecy. Internet billionaire Mark Cuban is taking a different tack: offering entrepreneurs funding in return for transparency. In a blog post this week, Cuban asked startup and existing companies to post their business plans on his blog for anyone to see and comment on — in return for the possibility of an investment from him. Cuban said in an e-mail that he thinks the faltering economy will rebound more quickly if people feel confident about starting their own businesses, and that providing a route for people to get funding and share ideas might encourage people to take a chance and go for it. complete article

02/16/2009 08:00 AM

Registration is Open for the Software Industry Conference

If you work within the Software Industry now is the time to register for the Software Industry Conference July 16-18, 2009 in Boston Massachusetts. The conference attracts software developers, software marketers, SEO specialists and others involved in the software community. There are educational sessions and networking events for 3 solid days! Registration is very inexpensive, in fact this year they are offering a $ 50.00 student pass!  The early bird pricing expires soon so register now!

02/13/2009 08:00 AM

Valentines Day Web Graphic CD - Logos, Templates and Stock Photos

CD collection containing Valentine themed photos, logos, and web templates. The images can be used on websites and in promotional material. Have a Happy Valentines Day!

02/12/2009 08:00 AM

Valentine Logos

Large collection of Valentine logos to create holiday specials and promote discounts.

02/12/2009 08:00 AM

Valentines Web Templates

Collection of Valentine website templates that make changing your theme for Valentines Day a snap!

02/12/2009 08:00 AM

WikiLeaks a Flood of Information

Wikileaks.org, the online clearinghouse for leaked documents, has published a complete database of Congressional Research Service reports, which are private research documents written for members of Congress and their staffers. The 6,780 reports date back to 1990 and comprise all of the digitized reports accessible by congressional offices, said Wikileaks, which estimated their value at US$1 billion. They do not contain classified material, but they do cover politically sensitive topics such as social policy, defense and foreign affairs. complete article

02/10/2009 08:00 AM

Unusual Things that May Impact Search Engine Ranking

You may not realize the impact the following items have on your search engine ranking but they are worth considering when developing a plan for your website. While Google provides a whole host of great tools, their motivation may be more selfish than you believe. Google uses the information they gather in these tools to make determinations about websites. The information they gather may impact the ranking of your website in organic searches for important keyword phrases. Unusual Things that May Impact Search Engine Ranking

02/08/2009 03:04 PM

A Do Follow FAQ

This is a great summary of do follow blogs and forums. It explains what do follow and no follow are and why you should care.

02/05/2009 08:00 AM

Brand Building is a Journey

Brand building is indeed a journey. Branding is all about how your product or service is perceived by customers and potential customers. A brand marketer attempts to manipulate brand awareness by associating traits they would like consumers to associate with the brand. Building a brand has everything to do with capturing the hearts and minds of consumers. Building a brand is much more than just promoting an image. A brand incorporates and conveys the values and traits that a company wants associated with their product or service. It sounds like building a brand is a simple task, but the marketers must do more than just create a brand image. The magnitude of branding encompasses all aspects of a product. With this in mind, we've put together a guide for marketers on the journey of brand building... Brand Building is a Journey

02/05/2009 08:00 AM

What is the Buzz

This is another website that allows companies to monitor the online buzz about their products or services. WhosTalkin allows you to enter your brand or products and will then return results on the blogosphere, social networks and news sites. I just wish you could get the results via RSS feed it would make it far more useful.

02/03/2009 08:00 AM

PowerPoint Resources

Help with PowerPoint Presentations and resources to help PowerPoint users. A new PowerPoint Resource site.

02/03/2009 08:00 AM

Huge Podcasting List

If you have ventured into Podcasting as a marketing tool. Consider checking out these podcasting tools out! This is a huge collection of Podcasting Tools to make podcasts easier.

02/02/2009 08:00 AM

Monitor RSS Feeds for Employment

In addition to actually seeking a job, there are also other valid reasons to monitor the job market. Perhaps you are satisfied in your current position, but just want to keep an eye on new positions in a specific sector. Perhaps you are just curious to know what the wages are for similar positions. The job market can be monitored quite easily using RSS feeds. You can subscribe to RSS feeds in order to find specific company job openings, employment available within a specific region (i.e. by using a postal or zipcode), specific positions available, or to locate all jobs within a specific wage range. RSS Feeds for Employment

02/02/2009 08:00 AM

SEMRush

SEMRush is a new SEO tool. SEMRush.com was designed by the developers of SeoDigger and SeoQuake to satisfy your needs in advanced SEM and keywords research. SEMRush uses the 25 million most popular and expensive keywords to analyze Google search results and we do this regularly. SEMRush can show you keywords for any domain that ranks high enough to be in the top 20 search or Adwords results.

01/30/2009 08:00 AM

Problem Reviews

Shareware Promotions has an interesting blog post in their Software Marketing section, the post discusses reviews. All of us are most likely familiar with product reviews, as debatable as it is whether or not they are useful. However, most of us agree that we dislike reviews that rip our product to shreds, and like the ones which praise them. Read the full Software Marketing post.

01/29/2009 08:00 AM

Twitters Value?

The micro-blogging social media phenomenon called Twitter is raising cash via one or more venture capital firms that places the companys value at $250 million. I just do not get it, Twitter does not make ANY money.... how can it be worth $250 million.

01/27/2009 08:00 AM

Resource for Webmasters

Check out this resource for online marketers. Webmaster Elements contains everything from: SEO Blog List to Do Follow Forum Lists and Webmaster Scripts. Lots of great resources in a single niche directory.

01/26/2009 08:00 AM

Blog Reviews

2 Create a Website will review blogs. Simply send an email request in order to be considered.

01/20/2009 08:00 AM

Huge List of RSS Tools

Check out this categorized list of RSS tools. This is a great collection of RSS tools.