Government, Politics and the Economy
Survey: Poor Sales Lead to Business Closings
According to a recent NFIB survey, poor sales are the number-one problem afflicting America's small businesses. Moreover, few small business owners expect consumers to start spending again any time soon. CNNMoney.com
Fed to Keep Rates Steady and Slow Bond Purchases
The Federal Reserve is holding interest rates steady and intends to "slow the pace" of its emergency bond-buying program. USAToday.com
Management and Operations
Just Survive or Come Out On Top? Your Choice
Here are the hows and whys that will teach you why the right workforce management means the difference between surviving the recession and reaping big rewards in the recovery. ManageSmarter.com
Can We S.A.V.E. Customer Service?
Sure, it's tempting to think that customer service in America is irrevocably broken, but here is one plan that may breathe new life into it. NYTimes.com
Legal Issues
4 Defenses Against Employee Disloyalty
Many states recognize that employees owe a certain level of duty to their employers, but the North Carolina Supreme Court has specifically rejected any independent liability for breaching such duty. So, how do you defend your business against taitors? BusinessManagementDaily.com
Things to Know If Immigration Knocks at Your Door
AlphaStaff's Aleicia Latimer has some advice for all small business people on avoiding immigration audits—not to mention lawsuits—and what to do if immigration officers do pay a visit. BusinessWeek.com
Taxes and Financial Issues
Small Business and Big Stimulus Money
Hard hit by the recession, small businesses are eager to win the government as a new customer and now, five months after the recovery bill's passage, opportunities abound. WSJ.com
Technology Issues
Microsoft Backs Out of Free Small Business Domain Promise
Microsoft Corp. will no longer offer free domain renewals to small business as part of Office Live. Instead, they plan on charging what they call a “competitive” price. FoxBusiness.com
Health, Benefits and Labor Issues
Obama: Healthcare Debate Must Avoid `Scare Tactics'
President Obama, running into angry protests and slumping public approval over his health reform plan, urged Americans to ignore opposition “scare tactics”. Bloomberg.com
Branding, Sales and Marketing
E-Marketing Strategies: Time to Think in the Long-Term
With the recession, many businesses have put their long-term brand-building plans on hold, but now may be the time to return to them. ClickZ.com
Use Small Sales to Get Rolling
People often see risk in dealing with a new, small business, particularly when there is a lot of money involved. One way to overcome that is to take small steps to get customers to trust you and the quality of your products and services. BusinessKnowHow.com
Email Marketing: Increase Your Holiday Email Frequency
Here are some tactics you can use to improve your holiday email strategy and increase your mailing frequency, all without losing subscribers. ClickZ.com
