Tips from August 31, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss Executing a Promotional Event: Choosing the Type of Event Identify the goal, message, idea or vision behind the event you are planning. You want your guests to leave knowing the purpose / benefit of the event they just attended. Choose a theme that directly relates to the purpose of the event in order to brand it effectively. This will keep it consistent and memorable! Establish what you want to take place during the event. Are you going to present a speaker, a 'how-to' session, sale, or prize give-away. These all bring in guests so it is important they are identified. Determine the people you want to target to come to the event. Investors, current customers, prospective customers, or business partners.  Daily Overview: Identify the goal of the event, an appropriate theme, what will take place at the event, and who will be there. [Read Full Article]

Tips from August 6, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss people management: motivating employees. Communicate your vision of the company. Explain the mission & goals. Remind employees to enhance importance of the company. Involve employees in special projects they're normally not assigned to. Allow them to be creative & show you value their opinions. Allow flexibility in some situations, such as a new baby, death, or illness. It will give employees encouragement to trust you. Reward your employees. Any size reward acknowledges you're thankful for their work & accomplishments. It's the thought that counts. Daily Overview: Boosting morale doesn't have to put a hole in your wallet. Show respect & your employees will work. [Read Full Article]

  Government, Politics and the Economy Recession Watch: Leading Indicators Rise The index of US leading economic indicators rose in June for a third consecutive month, reinforcing other signs that the economy may be emerging from the worst recession in five decades. Bloomberg.com Management and Operations Stay With Your Vision or Maybe Lose Your Business The fall of Dial-a-Matress shows how overexpansion, bringing in executives who don't understand the corporate culture and straying from your vision can all work to kill a company. WSJ.com [Read Full Article]