Tips from February 22, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss businesses in the technology industry to start NOW! Smartphone Apps: iPhone, Blackberry, Droid, and Google Phones, these smartphones are taking the world by storm. Capitalize on the trend by designing and creating your own app. iPhones alone have over a billion downloads, and thousands of apps.  Software as a Service (SaaS): With small businesses looking to save money, start your own SaaS business today. SaaS deploys software applications across your business so you don't need separate licenses for each computer. Education Technology: With the stimulus bill, many schools are receiving new state of the art education tools. One of the most popular are "smart boards" which are interactive white boards. Create new interactive programs, or handle distribution of various education technologies. Website Design: Every business needs a website to establish their web... [Read Full Article]

Everyone has seen the start-up of a small business in movies or television. It all seems like a piece of cake, right? You take a great idea, find an abandoned location, declare that you're starting a business, and in a few weeks, your business is filled with products, people, and money. In reality, that is never going to happen (unless you're Uncle Jesse from Full House starting up the Smash Club).Starting a business takes time, and lots of it. When you have a great idea, there's no time to lose. Start acting to launch your business is immediately. Most businesses average a 9-12 month planning and organizing process before opening its doors. Use the timeline below as a guide to track your progress on your start up business.NOTE: This is a guideline. Every business is different. Use this as a basic template to see our recommendations on what to do for a start-up. Some businesses many not need all these steps. Some may need to delve deeper into certain aspects. Ev... [Read Full Article]

Tips from February 10, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss the first things to do when starting a business. Business Plan: You need to plan out how you will operate your business, your financial forecast, strategic business goals, and more.  Hire an Accountant or Financial Adviser: There are many complicated financial issues that go into owning your own business, and these professionals will be able to help you out.  Open a Business Bank Account: Separate your personal and business finances with an organized filing system. Don't forget to keep track of your finances at all times. Join a Support Group: Joining a group, like a local business advice center, Chamber of Commerce, or trade organization will provide you with peer support from others who have been in your shoes before, as well as additional contacts for networking opportunities. [Read Full Article]

Tips from February 8, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss types of business to start that are economy-specific. Debt Collection: A very unpleasant job to say the least, but in a tight economy, bills go unpaid and there is always a need for debt collectors. Job Search Agency: Are you personable? Outgoing? Have a number of contacts in your industry? This could prove to be a great business to start Computer Security: If you're computer savvy, look into this industry. You would be protecting networks and systems against unauthorized use and abuse. Energy Auditors: A great job for the green-friendly people. Businesses and homes need help to save money by reducing energy costs. Daily Overview: Start a job that this economy NEEDS. Find your niche based on your experience and get started! [Read Full Article]

Opening your own business is not without risk, but there are businesses out there that have managed to weather whatever storms life, politics, economics, war, social change and, yes, the weather, could throw at them. These companies, many still owned and operated by the descendents of the people who started them, have some very valuable lessons to teach today’s entrepreneurs. Seven Lessons of Survival Family Business magazine keeps a list of the 100 Oldest Family-owned Businesses in the United States. They identified 7 rules that, if followed, will foster sustainability for a small, family-owned business. These rules are: Stay small. Don’t go public. Avoid big cities. Keep it in the family. Choose a business that won’t go out of style. Be creative. Persist. Stay Small, Stay Private... [Read Full Article]