Small Business Trends

With the economy still in a volatile state and the future in doubt, the only certainty is uncertainty. The possibility remains for more troubles to come including tax increases and perhaps even a double dip recession. For small businesses, it could be an opportunity to do what they do best: innovate. Markets are changing. Market shares are shifting. And today on Small Business Trends, we look at where things are going and how small businesses must be poised to get ahead of the curve. We hope this roundup helps our readers hold on for the bumpy ride ahead:

Trends

How much do small businesses spend on R&D? More than big companies in terms of the percentage of their sales as it turns out. In this post, Scott Shane, professor of Entrepreneurial Studies at Case Western Reserve University shares some data showing how much of a percentage small businesses invest when compared to larger ones. The numbers should not be a surprise. Open Forum Innovation

What’s the ask? And how do you make it? Your time and expertise is worth something. And it’s being used by others who are making money from your suggestions. So, how do you ask to be compensated for what you bring to the table? It’s not about being mercenary and it’s not about victimizing your community. Here’s how to receive value in return for the value you contribute. Chris Brogan

Stop spending time on production value. It’s the quality of what you do, your reputation and the innate value you bring, that customers respond to. Don’t worry about glitz and glamour in your business. They’re too easy to reproduce. And no one equates them with professionalism anymore. Seth Godin

Policy

Small business owners backing the Tea Party? Jeff Cornwall, a blogger and professor of entrepreneurship at Belmont University, says the small business sector has begun to drift into the Tea Party camp on issues having less to do with politics than with the pocketbook. Cornwall writes that small business owners, both liberal and conservative, are discouraged by an atmosphere that seems to be increasingly opposed to their interests. Where do you stand as a small business owner? The Entrepreneurial Mind

Tech

The Web is also local. With this in mind, it’s important for small businesses to think about dominating local search results for their region as well. Particularly if you own the kind of business that depends on local customers. Here are 20 helpful tips to get you started. Joanne Ciolek

Protecting your business from cyber crime.  Along with the pros of doing business online are the negatives, including, unfortunately, being exposed to hackers, phishers and the rest. No online business is immune and targets aren’t limited to the big guys. In an interview, Robert Gorby, of software security company AVG, tells us what we’re up against and what to do about it. Business Pundit

Self-development

Is your small business dysfunctional? Troubles with the founder, owner or founding team of a business aren’t limited to the startup phase. Difficulties can also rear their ugly heads as your business grows, creating new challenges and the need for change to meet them. Here are 12 of the most common dysfunctions you’ll see among entrepreneurs. Recognize any you have experienced? JonathanFields.com

Are you a career renegade? To follow-up the above link, here’s David Siteman Garland’s interview with the one and only Jonathan Fields on a new way to look at small business and at life. You won’t want to miss this one or the ideas imparted. The Rise To The Top

Innovation

How clear is your vision for your business? Being able to adapt to a changing environment is part of what running a small business is all about. But it’s also a good idea to keep an eye on that future and to plan for some of the possibilities down the road. It’s about actively taking steps to evolve your business for the changes to come. How do you prepare for these changes? We’re glad you asked. Tweak Your Biz

The three R’s of small business innovation. Out for a run today, one business consultant is pretty sure he’s come up with some key steps for innovation in business today. It all starts with the creativity to launch a new idea. And continues with the ability to share that idea with others. Zane Safrit