Small Business Trends

As Credence Clearwater Revival once sang, “I see the bad moon arising. I see trouble on the way.” Though we’re always pretty optimistic about the power of small business and entrepreneurship here at Small Business Trends and still feel strongly that it will be small business leaders and not Washington politicians and bureaucrat who pull the nation out of the current economic doldrums, the fact is that some reports suggest serious missteps on the part of those Washington leaders may make this more of a challenge than it needs to be.

Economy

An anti-growth movement? Here’s Larry Kudlow’s take on a miserable combination of factors including dropping stock values and rising gold prices and what he calls an anti-growth movement in Washington that may cause calamity for the economy before it can recover. Though gold and stock prices may mean little to the small entrepreneur, the economic slowdown that could hit or even take out important clients and customers is a different matter. National Review Online

What do we need in an economic downturn? Yep, a tax hike! Or perhaps several across the board tax increases as Bush era tax cuts sunset and many state tax rates set to begin increasing come Jan. 1, 2011. The result? A double dip recession and maybe more unemployment. Bad news for small businesses hoping to expand markets in what should be an expanding economy. WSJ

And who’s going to pay for this HUGE deficit? Whether you’re a small business owner or just an average citizen, take a good long look in the mirror for your answer. Small business leaders and entrepreneurs can lead a global economic recovery with their determination, creativity and initiative, but first we must all raise our voices to urge an end to irresponsible spending that threatens to hurt economic recovery. Please share this information with as many small business owners as you can in hopes that we can make a difference. National Review Online

Policy

Learn more about how government policy affects small business bottom lines. If small businesses are the engine of the economy, what kind of policies are aimed at crippling and even destroying them? Have a look at the Webinar from Amanda Austin, NFIB Director of Federal Public Policy and Brad Close, NFIB Vice President of Public Policy for more on the true impact of a variety of regulations on businesses like yours. National Federation of Independent Businesses

A June 2010 survey shows small business positives. But policy makers seem bent on a course that leads in the wrong direction. As indicated in stories above, see the summary and pros and cons of the economic recovery and a Washington policy that may block all chances with an emphasis on policies based on “credit and special favors for unionized firms.” See the full report in PDF form above. National Federation of Independent Businesses

On the positive side…hopefully. See the link for more information on a mentor-protégé program that is supposed to assist small businesses seeking government contracting opportunities. Check for eligibility requirements and learn more about how to find a mentor. If you offer a product or service you believe might be right for this market, read on too learn more. Business.gov

Tips

How to market your small business with social media. Lessons you can take from your local grocery store or farmer’s market to strengthen the marketing of your expertise, products or services to your social media community. Here’s a low cost, high impact way to get your presence out there on the social Web and start building your brand. BizSugar Blog

How to take action. Having ideas is great. It’s one of the best parts about owning or running a small business. There’s no one to say no, and you can try anything to see what works. But, says Susan Oakes, what’s most important is that you do take action on something. Here’s more on how. M4B Marketing

Startups

Want a startup tip? How about 37 of them? They come from the software company 37 Signals, of course. (Hey, great branding tie-in, huh?) Dharmesh Shah has the full list from a startup dinner he attended at SxSW 2010, a regular entrepreneurial event. Enjoy and be inspired! OnStratups.com

Jump start your entrepreneurial brain! Not so much on how to start a particular idea, but here is an outstanding and yet simple approach for managing entrepreneurial projects. Time spent remains a major issue and letting your venture take up all your time is a real possibility. Here are some ideas that help you conserve resources and approach things with the right attitude. Youngentrepreneur