By pretty much any measure, lending to American small businesses is weak. Most recently, small business borrowing dropped 5% from May to June, according to the research firm PayNet, which tracks such lending. And while May’s …
Small Business
The Qualities of Outperforming Companies
Companies are changing dramatically – and so are the skills and focus needed for success.
Don’t Stifle Innovative Thinking
Entrepreneurs are by nature always thinking of innovation and the next great idea, but you may unwittingly have ways of thinking and processes that are holding you back.
Riunite On Ice, Version 2.0
Wine importer Banfi found critical mass with Riunite in the 1970s. Now it’s looking to win over the younger set with a new lineup of chilled sweet wines.
Launching a Startup on a Shoestring
If you’re trying to get a startup company off the ground, chances are you don’t have a lot of money to do it with – and the money you do have would be better spent on R&D and marketing.
What Can You Learn from Your Small Business Data?
The term “big data” is all the rage these days, but what does it mean for small businesses?
How to Get Affordable Legal Help for Your Startup
If you’re launching a startup, chances are you don’t have a whole lot of money to spend on legal help. So how can you get the legal help you need without spending a fortune?
Skills Shortage Could Mean Opportunity for Small Businesses
Despite persistently high unemployment, there’s a shortage of skills for some critical positions, and that could mean opportunity for a small business that has the ability to train and mentor employees.
Knowing Your Net Promoter Score Can Help Your Business
Few things are more important in business than customer opinions, as they help entrepreneurs shape strategies for product development, sales, marketing and customer service. One of the best gauges of customer opinion is the Net Promoter Score (NPS), which is based on a simple question: How likely are you to recommend <COMPANY> to a …
7 Myths About the Economy, Jobs, Taxes and Small Business
America’s Got Talent is the No. 1 show. Spider-Man is the No. 1 movie. “Call Me Maybe” is the top song in the country. Who’s the most popular guy in Washington, D.C.?
Why, me! The small-business guy. Everyone’s buzzing about …
Get Personal with Marketing and Net More Sales
Think you know your customers? Turns out, knowing the four distinct personality trait categories that people fall into can give you the edge when it comes to making more sales and increasing revenue.
How Groupon Saved a Zoo – And Ruined a Waffle Restaurant
Judging by the experiences of some small business owners, Groupon has tremendous make-or-break power. A daily deal from Groupon can turn a business around, in ways that are good or, possibly, deadly.