Small Business Trends

Sure the economy is bad. Sales are down. Customers and clients are wary of spending, concerned as perhaps never before about return on every single investment, low on cash and out of credit. But not all the news is bad. A recent survey shows growth is still possible for small businesses with the right strategy and you can join the ranks of those starting their growth spurt right now by investing better, marketing smarter and getting creative. It’s the Small Business Trends roundup for March 30, 2010.

Growth

There’s a lot of opportunity out there. So what do about 21 percent of entrepreneurs already in growth mode despite the economy know that you don’t? American Express Open Small Business Monitor

What do Houdini and getting noticed online have in common? Trying to grow your online following without much success? You’re not alone. Copyblogger

The right tools will change your business today. Discover the latest in business expanding technology that will change your game and put you in the big leagues. AllBusiness

“He not busy being born is busy dying.” So the song goes but the same can be true of your business. Here’s why. Open Forum Innovation

Marketing

A great marketing plan is equal parts science and art. Here are some important thoughts about how to strike a balance and bring in the customers. Travel Online Marketers

The rumors of paper marketing’s death have been greatly exaggerated. What you should know about an old school but still effective marketing strategy. Small Business CEO

Is everything you know about marketing completely wrong? Watch the slideshow, read the post and learn a whole new way to connect with customers. Annie Infinite

Social Media

Accessing the Twitter data base? If you’re already on the world’s favorite microblogging platform, here are 100 business experts you should probably be following. AccreditedOnlineColleges.org

How to beat out your competitors With some social media intelligence. Better Closer

Going Global

Taking your small business global takes many things. Money is not one of them. Here are some ideas about how to get started. Small Business CEO

Strategy

Were you born under a good sign? How small businesses can harness good luck as part of their overall business approach. Web.com

Has old school become new school? Art Lewin thinks so, and in this episode of Small Business Rules, he’ll tell you how some of the oldest business techniques around have served him so well. Open Forum Innovation

R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to…your small business. Flying Pig Communications

Startups

Launching your new business today. If he had it to do all over again, how would successful entrepreneur Neil Patel get started? More Caffeine Please

How NOT to start a new business. Thinking of launching an entirely new product or service? Why not extend your existing brand instead. iBank