Small Business Trends

How social is your business? No, we aren’t talking only about the new array of social media tools available to you. In the Small Business Trends roundup for this last day of the week April 23, 2010, we look at how you listen, really listen, to the customers around you, and how you take action on what you’ve heard.

Social Marketing Tools

Think “social selling” is a silly term? Well too bad, says Bill Rice. Here are some reasons why social selling can make a huge difference to your business. Better Closer

Is social media important to your business? Then best not to be a social media jerk. Here are four tips to keep you on your best behavior. Marketing Pilgrim

Seth Godin talks social media for small business. The message is stop marketing and create a tribe. smallbiztechnology.com

Social media may be a great small business tool. But it cannot replace good old fashioned customer service. Be sure you understand the limits and impacts of social media tools. Outspoken Media

Self-Development

Is success a choice? If so, Starr Hall has five tips that can help you make it. Open Forum Innovation

Toughing it out in tough times. One entrepreneur talks about how his company has met the challenges of a difficult economy and a rapidly changing industry without complaint. KDF Blog

Are you truly understanding or just listening? No matter what your business or who your potential customer, you must know the fundamental difference and how to add value to any conversation. The Pipeline

Tech

Small business tech roundup. Editor and technology evangelist Ramon Ray pulls out all the stops with this comprehensive list of tech useful for your small business. smallbiztechnology.com

How secure is your small business Website? It’s time to realize that the answer to this question can mean a lot more to your business than just a connection error and a call to your tech guy. Tweak Your Biz

Policy

Obama administration may be considering VAT tax. Small business experts have argued this will not likely be good for entrepreneurs or consumers. Washington Post

Ooops! An examination of the healthcare overhaul by independent experts suggests considerable costs. Is this a prelude to a tax increase? Yahoo! News

Small business must lead the way. A survey shows just 32 percent of Americans believe policy makers know how to fix or improve the economy. (That leaves small businesses, the greatest engine in the U.S. economy.) Rasmussen Report

Contests

Win a sales team makeover. A contest for B2B companies will award performance tools and consulting services valued at $100,000. Small Business Trends

The deadline is fast approaching. Entries for the Eighth Annual American Business Awards are just two weeks away. Here are more important details for those planning to participate. Small Business Trends

Branding

When branding does more harm than good. More important than the image you present to customers is the message your service sends them. No branding can overcome a poor customer experience. The Yonatan Maisel Blog