Small Business Trends

Is your small business a cyber business? Well, in so many ways the use of online technology can help your small business compete, survive and flourish like never before. In this small business roundup for April 26, 2010, the Small Business Trends team looks at some of the most important trends for online business and then widens our focus to the most important trends in small business all around.

Cyber Biz Basics

The International business blog. A look at how blogs can be used as an integral part of your global business strategy including a case study of one such business and what it means to you. Tweak Your Biz

Avoid duplicate content on your eCommerce Website. Duplicate content can destroy your Search Engine Optimization efforts and get your Website penalized by Google. Web.com

How to hire the right SEO and whether you should even want to. Why the best SEOs may not want the job and those that do may not be worth the money. SEO Book

Do you need more e-mail subscribers? Here are five important tips to grow your the subscription list. Rhino SEO

Startup

10 teen startups profiled. From sub shops to open source platforms to full-blown social networks, teen entrepreneurs have been responsible for some startling achievements over the years. Open Forum Innovation

What’s your startup’s culture? Dharmesh Shah looks at 23 insights from one famous startup’s detailed company culture outline. On Startups

What is the best country in which to start your business A report gives a run down of the best nations for entrepreneurship using a variety of criteria. Forbes.com

And speaking of great startup places. What’s the best place here in the U.S. to start a business? And what are the top ten startup cities? BusinessWeek

Operations

How to get your business paid. A horror story and some suggestions about how a small business can keep the cash flow coming and maintain good relationships with clients. Right Ideas/Bright Ideas

IRS targeting contractors, small businesses. Experts say small businesses draw attention because they are easier and quicker to audit. BusinessWeek

Still having trouble funding your big idea? Entrepreneurs are finding success with alternative lenders. WSJ

Why going green should be more than just a trend. “Just stop and think, a well run business uses a green philosophy.” America’s Best Business Practices

Policy

Is Washington engaged in a “tax attack” on entrepreneurship? One critic says it could threaten economic development. Read the full overview of the taxes you may face as early as next year. National Review Online

Could a proposed financial reform bill threaten community banks? And by extension small businesses? More information on why financial reform may not be all it’s cracked up to be. Big Government

Why a federal small business task force will probably fall short. The Obama administration’s plan to aid small businesses in their bids for government contracts may be seriously flawed. The Huffington Post