Government, Politics, and the Economy
U.S. Stocks Extend Global Rally on Retail Sales, APEC Pledge U.S. stocks added to a global rally, sending the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to a 13-month high, after retail sales increased more than forecast and Asian government leaders pledged to maintain economic stimulus spending. Bloomberg.comThe Economy6 Steps for Surviving the RecessionThe news today just is not very good. Every time we think we are on the upside of the downturn, we get thrown for another loop, hit with another tax, told it will be just a few more months before all this turns around. BusinessKnowHow.com...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 17 2009
small business brief, small business, economy, economy
Government, Politics, and the Economy
Can Main Street Catch Up with Wall Street? The Dow is up and many economists see an end to the recession. Try telling that to the rising ranks of those losing their jobs and houses. BusinessWeek.com Management and OperationsWhy Change is Necessary: Is Temporary Insanity Keeping You From Growing Your Small Business? Successful people, and businesses, recognize the need for change early. They embrace it. And they go looking for it. BusinessKnowHow.comManagement and Operations
By Cheryl Sowa · October 27 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, email
Government, Politics, and the Economy
U.S. Economy: Service Industries Grow for First Time in a Year
Thanks to the emerging recovery in housing and factories, service industries in the United States expanded in September for the first time in a year. Bloomberg.comManagement and OperationsAnchor Your Networking with Strong Relationships Your corporate associations are important to keep your business striving during these tough economic times. Entrepreneur.com Management and Operations
By Cheryl Sowa · October 06 2009
small business brief, small business, economy, internet
Tips from October 2, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss the technological advances with phones for business.
Smart Phones (Blackberry & iPhone) have email & Internet sent to their phone. Very helpful for small businesses on the go.
iPhones have apps for the small biz owner to track finances, purchases, & more on the go. http://bit.ly/4xOo2l
The Google phone even has a barcode scanner that allows you to compare your prices to that of your competition.
Keep the landline: it's the only guaranteed way to track where 911 calls originate in case of an emergency.
Daily Overview: Explore your needs when considering mobile phones. Find something to complement your business and goals.
By Cheryl Sowa · October 02 2009
small business tips, small business, google, technology
We've all seen the commercials. "I'm a Mac," "I'm a PC." The Apple sponsored commercials show the differences between the Mac and the PC in a humorous way, giving the Mac the edge. But, what don't the commercials show you? What do PC's have that's better? Are Mac's really the best choice all around, or is there a better option for small business owners? Let's explore.Back to the BasicsPerformance is one of the most important factors when deciding on which computer to buy for your small business. In general, the performance of any computer depends on the random access memory (RAM) which comes with your computer. The RAM is commonly referred to as the memory of your computer. More memory means a faster boot up and a more efficient experience. Based on information from various websites and my own personal experience with my PC and my college roommates' Mac, the two are very different. I have had one PC with Windows XP and one with Vista. Although Vista is the newer of th...
By Cheryl Sowa · October 02 2009
small business, technology, computer, vista
Tips from October 1, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how to leverage a bit of social media for your business.
Create a LinkedIn profile & page for your small business. Join entrepreneur/small business groups. Get your business networked.
Use Twitter and it's searchable database to find your target audience. Begin networking, talking, being social and offer out some special deals.
Facebook Fan Pages for business: tell your story, get members, upload pictures/videos. If your business has a blog, import your RSS feed using one of the Facebook applications for that purpose.
Can't afford commercials? Create viral videos for YouTube. Create a channel for your business, post to Facebook Fan pages and share on all the other social networks you're a part of.
Daily Overview: Find the areas of social media that are going to be able to do the most for your business. Network, get social and connect with both c...
By Cheryl Sowa · October 01 2009
small business tips, small business, social media, linkedin
Tips from September 30, 2009 The Small Business tips today will quickly cover websites for your small business.
Keep it simple! The more clutter, the more distracting. Keep important information at the center/center of your page and ads to a minimum.
Make sure your website is functional on different browsers: Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc. so all can see it.
Take advantage of technology! Use pictures, videos and other links to customize your website to fit your personality and business.
Avoid flashy colors and banners as they are distracting from the important information. Make sure it is professional, yet quirky.
Daily Overview: Use the world wide web for consumers to get an inside view of your business!
By Cheryl Sowa · September 30 2009
small business tips, small business, technology, website
Tips from September 29, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be about accounting software for your business.
Quickbooks is a fast, easy, popular payroll & accounting support. Versions for both Windows & Mac formats.
Quicken is more for small business intertwined with personal finances. It separates them & regulates each.
Use the program which you feel more comfortable with. Talk to other biz owners. See what they use & why.
Look for updates for your accounting software. Make sure you have the most recent edition for efficiency.
Daily Overview: Accounting software is meant to help & not leave you confused. Research, test, & evaluate.
By Cheryl Sowa · September 29 2009
small business tips, tips, technology, quickbooks
