Small Business Trends

Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire

It might be hard to read those little baskets on the desk, but they’re labeled “Frying Pan” and “Fire.”

I’d love to take more credit for this, but it’s based on an old co-worker’s desk. She had the traditional “In” and “Out” paper bins, but she also had one labeled “OMG!” where I’m assuming she kept items that needed to be dealt with more quickly.

I never asked her about it, but it always amused me when I’d walk by, so I decided to come up with my own take on it, and this cartoon is the result.

2012 the Year of the Entrepreneur

Could 2012 be the year of the entrepreneur? Some believe it is. Check out these important links for more tips on your entrepreneurial journey.

Is 2012 the year of the entrepreneur? Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council and co-founder of ...

Steps and Strategy: It’s About a Niche and Productivity

Small business owners often shoot from the hip, do what others will not do and sometimes attempt to accomplish monumental tasks in small amounts of time with limited resources.  I respect the ambition. We have things like the telephone, the car, the ipod because of this frontiersman like ambition. But ...

5 Easy Ways to Stay on Top of Your Accounting

Failing to keep good financial records is like driving a sports car at top speed with your eyes closed.  It may be ok for a little while, but eventually you will crash and burn.  Perhaps one of your new year’s resolutions is to keep better financial records for your business. ...

The FTC’s New Business Opportunity Rule: What It Means for You

“Make thousands stuffing envelopes!  Unique work at home business opportunity!”

It’s statements like these which often lead to bogus business opportunities that have spurred the U.S. Federal Trade Commission into taking action to protect people who think they’re buying a legitimate business. Called the ...

Small Business Success Still Relies On Communication

If you’re in small business, be prepared to communicate. It’s an important part of what small businesses do. The same thing goes for those who lead them. Here are some tips and tools to help you better master communication for your small business.

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Consumer Confidence: It’s a Bit Murky Out There

As small business owners in a recession, we eagerly await any news that consumer confidence is rebounding to normal levels. But looking at consumers as one undifferentiated mass is a big mistake. As the latest BIG Research Consumer Intentions & Actions survey uncovered, consumer optimism may be on ...

5 Habits Small Businesses Should Adopt in 2012

As the New Year begins, a lot of us are hoping to do better in our business than last year. And if last year did not meet our expectations, we are looking to improve things. Here are a few thoughts that have emerged as I battle to grow my business:

Why Online Reputation Matters to Small Business

You’re a small business owner. Most of your customers are the people who live within 25 miles of your storefront. Why does it even matter what the Internet has to say about your brand? That has no impact on your bottom line. Right?

No. Dangerously wrong.

Weber Shandwick ...