Government, Politics and the Economy
Pitching in for Main Street: A Short-Term Fix or Long-Term Prosperity?
The economic downturn has prompted many consumers and neighborhood groups to actively support small businesses in their local communities, as residents pitch in to try to avoid boarded-up shops on Main Street. Still, it remains unclear whether buy-local campaigns provide just a short-term boost or a lasting impact on revenues. WSJ.com
Dumbest Moments in Business 2009
The first six months of 2009 has, so far, been filled with business and economic decisions that have left us all scratching our heads. From this embarass...
By Charles M Cooper · June 30 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Climate Bill Helps Utilities, Factories and Farms More Than Oil Companies
While the global warming bill passed by the US House sets up a cap-and-trade market for greenhouse gases, it also cushions the cost for power producers, manufacturers and farmers and limits aid to oil companies. Bloomberg.com
Obama: Hints at Amnesty for Illegal Aliens
President Obama shied away from any hot-button words in remarks last week on immigration reform, but he did hint at some kind of “amnesty” or “legal path” for illegal immigrants already in the US. BizJournals.com
Manage...
By Charles M Cooper · June 29 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Recession May be Stimulating Increase in Non-Employer Businesses
According to the latest Census figures, 2007 saw a million new non-employer businesses in 2007, for a total of 21.7 million, that together had sales of nearly $1 trillion, about 7% of the 2007 US GDP. BusinessWeek.com
Senate Plan to Overhaul Healthcare may Advance on $1 Trillion Pricetag
According to Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus, the cost of the healthcare reform options before his panel can be cut to $1 trillion, which could remove a major barrier to the bill’s passage. Bloomberg.com...
By Charles M Cooper · June 26 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Build America Bonds Signal Lower Appeal of Municipal Debt
Barack Obama may be the worst thing that ever happened to tax-exempt bonds, but states and municipalities are loving his Build America Bonds, at least so far. Bloomberg.com
Experts: Economy is Going to Improve
Sure, the US economy may have contracted sharply in the first quarter, but according to some economists, there are sunnier skies are on the horizon. FoxNews.com
Management and Operations
By Charles M Cooper · June 25 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Sentate Mystery: Who Killed Small Business Credit-Card Protection?
When the amendment offered by Senator Mary Landrieu (D – LA) to get new consumer credit-card protections extended to small businesses was killed last month, the perpetrators left no fingerprints. In fact, no one knows precisely what happened, or why. NYTimes.com
The Small Business Owners' Wish List for Obama
Small business owners don't ask for much, but an end to the credit crunch, less talk of tax increases, and healthcare reform without coverage mandates do top t...
By Charles M Cooper · June 24 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Obama: No Second Stimulus Effort Needed, Yet
President Obama expects the US unemployment rate to exceed 10% this year, though he says that a second stimulus package isn’t needed...yet. Bloomberg.com
Management and Operations
Success as an Introverted Leader
Introverts can feel ignored, overlooked, and misunderstood in today's extroverted business climate, but it doesn't have to dead-end your career. Here's advice on how...
By Charles M Cooper · June 23 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Entrepreneurs on Obama
According to a new survey, entrepreneurs are willing to give the President time to fix the economy, but many have serious questions about the wisdom of his policies. BusinessWeek.com
Ownership, Management and Operations
12 Steps to Upgrade Your Business
To grow, for your business needs needs to evolve, you need to be able to see where things can be improved and address those areas. Here are a dozen things you can do today to make that happen. SmallBizTrends.com
By Charles M Cooper · June 22 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Republicans: Obama's Financial Oversight Plan Would Continue Bailouts
Leading Republicans on a House panel considering the Obama administration’s overhaul of financial regulations said the president’s plan would continue taxpayer-funded bailouts. Bloomberg.com
Ownership, Management and Operations
Make Sure Your New Hires are “Onboard”
Once they've finished their HR paperwork, it's time to really bring your new hires “onboard.” They will be more engaged, more productive, and they will want to stay and be committe...
By Charles M Cooper · June 19 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
