Tips from February 3, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss common social media mistakes. Incomplete Profile: People won't know who you are or be able to find things in common to make a connection or network. Fake Friending/Following: One way relationships on social media is an awful way to network. Create a two way relationship with REAL people that you want to get to know.  Selling by Spamming: Bombarding your business pushes customers away. No relationship? No clients. Connect first, promote later. Lack of Measurement: You need to measure so your business doesn't put time & energy in campaigns that are failing. Daily Overview: Creating one way relationships is the biggest mistake businesses in social media make. Avoid this by an active profile, creating two way relationships, and gauging what works. [Read Full Article]

Management and OperationsIdentify New Consumer NormsThe recession has changed how customers shop, possibly forever. Entrepreneur.com Management and Operations Resolving Employee Complaints Before They Hit the Internet The question is what to do about employee complaints about the workplace. It's more than a matter of damage control. Trying to repair the harm to internal morale, recruitment efforts, and corporate reputations after the fact is not as effective as preventing the damage in the first place. ManageSmarter.com Management and Operations [Read Full Article]

Tips from October 27, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss different styles of networking. Family will give you more personal and honest recommendations than others. Ask them to recommend and talk you up whenever they can. Your friends may be the first to say "hey I know someone who does that.." Share with them what you do, offer discounts through them. B2B: Networking is reciprocal. Each biz needs the connection and each will work to build a professional relationship. Have a social media presence that's honest, transparent and active. Communicate and share yourself openly. Daily Overview: You need to network with different people in different ways. Be sure to tailor your approach to your audience at the time. [Read Full Article]

The summer rush is over, the holiday season is approaching, and businesses are stuck in an awkward time frame. Sales start to slump, and businesses experience a slowdown. Small businesses then have a choice: they can view the slump negatively or positively. Viewing the slump negatively will only add unnecessary stress and frustration. Instead, view the slump as a chance to update and improve your business and services. Here's how.RelaxDon't panic. A slowdown is a scary time for businesses, especially for entrepreneurs. Instead of instilling fear in yourself, take a deep breath and relax. While you are enjoying your downtime, don't let your business escape your thoughts. Keep it in the back of your mind, and draw from your relaxation for new and innovative ideas.Plan & Get Ahead of the GameDown time is the perfect opportunity to start planning ahead for the future. Start by reviewing what you have done so far, including all financ... [Read Full Article]