Small Business Trends

As economists and politicians keep worrying about the economy, small business owners keep doing what they have always done, leading and building their businesses in unique ways to meet the changing market and the needs of their clients and customers. But if small businesses are the key to recovery in today’s economy, why do circumstances seem so stacked against them? Today’s Small Business Trends roundup looks at policy decisions that more often hurt than help small businesses in their efforts to lead the economic recovery as well as some basic ideas that should help small entrepreneurs grow their businesses despite tough times.

Policy

Credit crunch still with us? Surveys say small businesses are still getting a fraction of the loans or credit they want. But is it actually less than what they need? For some thoughts from the glass half empty crowd, check out the link above. WSJ

A proper diagnosis. In her introduction to a May report by the Congressional Oversight Panel, chairwoman Elizabeth Warren says small businesses are not faring well when it comes to receiving needed financing for survival and growth. But she admits that Washington “can cure the patient only if it has diagnosed the right disease.” (You can read the full report at the above link.) COP Report

And the light begins to dawn. A more in-depth look at the credit problems experienced by small businesses suggests that far from simply an unwillingness on the part of banks to loan is the possibility that small business either don’t want or can’t qualify for the credit. Bloomberg BusinessWeek

But can they leave well enough alone? While the probable success of a massive new federal lending package is still in dispute (especially since increasing government spending won’t help customer spending) legislative tinkering with another part of the banking industry is sure to make things worse before they can get better. The Entrepreneurial Mind

Marketing

Business blogging for beginners. You’ve heard that blogging is an important tool for marketing your business, but what do you blog about and how do you get started? This quick and simple guide will give you a good start toward making your blog informative and entertaining with added tricks that will help it get found on search engines. NikkiPilkington.com

Using online press kits for your small business. What is an online press kit and how can it help you market your business and unique story to the media? In this interview with Drew Gerber of PublicityResults.com, we look at what a good online press kit should include and why. Publicity Results Talk Radio

You’ve got mail! One of the oldest forms of online marketing can still be one of the most effective. If it’s properly used that is. So what exactly are the key components to a great e-mail marketing campaign…and which are likely to land you in someone’s delete tab? CIK Marketing

Operations

How reducing the number of services you offer can boost your business. We know. We know. The more services you offer the more customers and potential business, right? Well, it ain’t necessarily so, says Susan Oakes. Here are her reasons why. M4B Marketing

Getting used to change. Probably more important than any other quality your small business possesses is its ability to implement change. In a world where information is transmitted rapidly and globally, how a company adapts will define its survival, no matter what the economic landscape. America’s Best Business Practices

Events

Grow your business through partnerships. A free Webinar June 30 will help small businesses learn to seek out and forge partnerships with other brands for mutual growth and benefit. The event is open to both members and non-members of NFIB, so sign up today! National Federation of Independent Business