Small Business Trends

The battle lines are drawn. While Washington says it understands the importance of small businesses and their role in creating jobs and aiding an economic recovery, critics say political leaders have created an atmosphere toxic to entrepreneurs and the businesses they create. Of course, here at Small Business Trends, we try to be optimistic, especially when encouraging small business. So this roundup also includes some hints that should help you grow your small business despite the rocky landscape. Good luck!

Policy

Obama administration hostile to small business? One of the President’s staunchest allies in the business world went on the offensive recently, accusing the administration and current congressional leadership of establishing conditions that will make creation of new businesses and thus new jobs either difficult or impossible. The Washington Post

Uh oh! For any who may have doubted. Tax increases for middle class Americans are probably coming. Our two cents? When Washington talks about helping small business and spurring economic recovery, leaders might want to consider ditching the hugely expensive small business loan stimulus still in the planning stages and the hugely expensive healthcare law already on the books and try lowering taxes to stimulate consumer spending instead. Now, that WOULD be groundbreaking! Yahoo! Finance

Americans are loosing faith. A survey suggests that in addition to doubts about the ability to deal with a huge oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, many now believe the President and his administration also have no clear plan on job growth and the economy. Here at Small Business Trends, we’ve advocated efforts to stop government spending which is contributing to a ballooning federal deficit. This spending, if not halted, will inevitably result in higher taxes, less consumer spending and thus fewer small businesses to create those jobs. Political Hotsheet

Infamous anniversary. Though seen by some as a victory for “economic development”, the infamous Kelo vs. City of New London stripped away private property rights critical to small business allowing the public taking of property to give to private developers in the hopes of spurring job creation and increased tax revenue. But, of course, the Supreme Court, in its ruling, attacks the very source of job creation: small business. Institute for Justice

Marketing

The real key to online marketing. In fact, SEO through using appropriate keywords and phrases is only the beginning of creating content that communicates your message and eventually boosts your brand and translates into sales. So, what exactly is needed beyond just creating content that is easy for search engines to index and for visitors to find? As it happens, keeping an audience can be a greater challenge than attracting them in the first place. Lewis Howes

Seeking inspiration for that business blog? OK. You’ve created a blog for your business. Now what do you do with it? And where are you supposed to find content day in and day out that will intrigue and entertain your readers, keeping them coming back for more? Look no further. Ben Spark has come up with some truly unique ideas guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing. But the last (and maybe greatest) ideas can be supplied by YOU. BloggingTips

Sales

What are you really offering? When marketing and selling to other companies in a business to business relationship, what can you show them about the value your product or service will bring? If you aren’t selling with a “net cash flow” approach, you could be missing an opportunity. Todd Youngblood’s “SPE” Blog

Why you should never go for the quick buck. David Siteman Garland talks about connecting with your passion, a Smurf revival and lessons learned from his grandfather in this quirky but inspiring post. If you plan to create your business from any other motivation than passion, David would advise against it. Today’s entrepreneur needs too much commitment and too much energy to waste on anything but a pursuit you love. There’s some more great stuff here, plus a funny photo of David covered in blue makeup. Don’t miss it! The Rise To The Top

Startup

Don’t let naming your next venture stress you out. Sure, picking the name of your next business is important since it will necessarily be a part of your brand and represent you, your company and your products and services over the long run. But this well thought out series of tips should help you in what can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your entrepreneurial adventure as well. Inc.com

Taking the guesswork out of startup. So you’re launching a business, and you’d like to know up front how successful it’s likely to be. Well, you don’t need to start out blind when approaching a new launch, whether online or in bricks and mortar. Here are some tips you might consider for gauging both customer demand and the amount of competition you’ll face in the market. MyWifeQuitHerJob.com