Small Business Trends

Having an entrepreneurial outlook means looking at the world a bit differently. Everyday policy, trends even philanthropy take on a whole new meaning. But clearly an entrepreneurial outlook also reveals a different set of priorities as well. Here is a sneak peak at some of the most important of those priorities today. Have something to add? Leave a comment below.

Policy

Healthcare reform derailed? A change in U.S. healthcare that has concerned many small business advocate groups may be undone if a federal judge’s ruling that a major part of the legislation is unconstitutional. A federal judge says “Neither the Supreme Court nor any federal circuit court of appeals has extended Commerce Clause power to compel an individual to involuntarily enter the stream of commerce by purchasing a commodity in the private market.” LATimes.com

U.S. tax breaks on the way. A bill that will prevent tax increases beginning at the end of this year by extending tax cuts left over from U.S. President George W. Bush’s administration has passed the U.S. Senate. The move is considered important for small business as well by not only lowering taxes on those businesses but by giving potential customers more spending power. Yahoo! News

Trends

Can’t find a job? Why not make your own? A growing number of young people faced with a daunting job market and apparent lack of career prospects are doing the next best thing. Creating jobs by creating companies may be the new trend when coming out of college in an economy where much of the new employment may be generated on the entrepreneurial level. NYTimes.com

It may be time to start a business but not to buy or sell one. As might be expected, the rough economy has taken its toll on the numbers of businesses changing hands. That’s partly because sellers are waiting for improvement in their valuation or performance or both in an effort to get a sweeter deal at some point in the future. Of course, this is no time to get bummed out about this sort of thing. Start a business now or strengthen your existing business and you’ll be ready when the market comes around. You’re The Boss

Management

Keep evaluating and rewarding good performance.Hard economic times are NOT an excuse to stop looking for ways to reward your best employees. Nor is it a good reason to stop doing the evaluations upon which you make the decision of who you reward. Your employees can be your greatest asset. Fail to invest in them and you may see economic troubles descend upon you as well. LATimes.com

Self-development

How entrepreneurs can stay motivated.Nigerian blogger Samuel Ayodele has some inspiring suggestions for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. How do you get motivated and stay motivated to make your dreams come true. How do you get motivated and stay motivated to change the world. Mega Biz Flakes

Social Entrepreneurship

What social entrepreneurship holds for us all.Once thought of as a purely an altruistic venture outside the realm of true business, social entrepreneurship may be growing up and coming into its own. For a look at past, present and future, one post will bring you up to speed. From Ambition to Action

Startup

Can your business plan withstand the null hypothesis?Instead of spending all your time trying to prove that your great business idea will work, Dr. Jeff Cornwall would like to suggest you spend a little while trying to prove that it won’t. You may just discover some weaknesses in your plan that could end up costing money down the road. Or you could discover you really have no business at all. The Entrepreneurial Mind

Financial

The difference between ownership and employment. Do you know the difference between ownership and employment in your business? You should. How much would it cost to hire someone to do what you do? Is that the amount you’re making? Are you taking home something extra as the owner? Answer these questions and become a better entrepreneur. CFO Wise

Tech Review

A new way to collaborate has a very funny name.Dan Kenitz reviews DimDim, a software creating “easy, open and affordable web conferencing and webinars.” Check out Dan’s thoughts and an overview of the system’s general features. Online collaboration has become an important part of small business and entrepreneurship and securing the proper tools is critical for success. clickfire