Government and Economy
Obama: Financial Sector Will Shrink
According to President Obama, the financial sector will make up a smaller part of the US economy as new regulations put an end to what he calls "massive risk-taking." Yahoo.com/Reuters
SBA Redefines Small Business to Expand Help
The Small Business Administration has temporarily expanded its definition of 'small' to make more loans available to auto dealers, but potential borrowers still face many obstacles before they see the money. CNNMoney.com
Obama to End Tax-Haven Strategies That Save Companies Billions
The President proposed raising about $190 billion over the next decade by outlawing three offshore tax-avoidance techniques used by US companies. He also wants to make it riskier for Americans to stash money in tax-haven banks. Bloomberg.com
Management and Financial Issues
Video: Small Business Survival in the Recession
In this video, see how the owners of a New York butcher shop, bicycle manufacturer and movie tourism service deal with the hard realities of keeping business alive during the down economy. NYTimes.com
Good Leadership Needed During Bad Times
Even the biggest ships can hit an iceberg. It is in that moment of crisis that good leadership can make the difference between survival and a watery grave. The same holds true for your business. BizJournals.com
Technology Issues
Where Is Your Data?
Bruce Schneier, chief security technology officer of BT and an author whose books include Applied Cryptography and Beyond Fear takes a look at how Google and Facebook say they handle your personal data. He also and calls for the Federal Trade Commission to crack down on deceptive data practices. WSJ.com
Benefits and Labor Issues
Buying Out the Company
While employee and management buyouts of struggling firms rarely succeed, those that do are less likely to go out of business, generate more jobs and create three times more retirement benefits, on average, than non-employee-ownership companies. Workforce.com
Training for Success: CDW Sales Managers
Computer Discount Warehouse—CDW—a leading technology solutions provider, had experienced tremendous growth over the last few years, which resulted in important sales management processes becoming disparate across the organization. Learn how they fixed it. ManageSmarter.com
Helping Your Laid-off Employees
When you lay off workers, can you afford generous severance packages or access to professional outplacement services? Most small business owners cannot. However, there are some things you can do to help their departing workers. BusinessWeek.com
Sales and Marketing
Viral Video Isn't Everything
There are great videos out there that go viral and yet do not deliver. Here are five steps to make sure your online video is more effective. ClickZ.com
The Laws of Advertising
Whether you’ve just started a small business or you are doing millions in sales, you must be aware of and comply with advertising laws. BusinessKnowHow.com
Email Marketing: Managing Frequency
Hockey is kind of a numbers game: The more shots you make on goal, the greater your chances of scoring. The same does not hold true for email marketing. Here, timing can be everything. ClickZ.com
