May 19, 2012 12:00PM

Apply For An Award, Competition or Contest Today

Apply for a contest or award today — there are good business reasons to do so. First, you get recognition and publicity for your business — and that’s just good marketing. On top of that, it’s good for employees. You give your team something to excite them and to rally around. Finally, awards are good strategy: being nominated and winning can set your business apart from competitors.

But remember, YOU must make it happen, by applying for awards. Don’t beRead More

From Small Business Trends

Apply For An Award, Competition or Contest Today

May 19, 2012 07:00AM

Our Black Year: Supporting Conscious Consumerism And Small Business

I find it funny when people from all walks of life speak on how a business is run, but few thoroughly examine a business? relationship with a community.� A family?s experiment shows the importance of that relationship more than any words could express.

Our Black Year, One Family?s Quest to Buy Black in America?s Racially Divided Economy, written by Maggie Anderson with Ted Gregory, is thoughtful journalism on being a conscious consumer — in this case, supporting businesses in traditionalRead More

From Small Business Trends

Our Black Year: Supporting Conscious Consumerism And Small Business

May 18, 2012 03:10PM

How to Pump Up the Volume on Your Online Marketing ? Twitter Chat

Save the date!� In honor of Small Business Week, we?re holding a Twitter chat on May 23 at 3:00 pm Eastern time, on the topic of online marketing. � I am thrilled to partner again with Stephanie Chandler on this event.

We?re going to cover some of your favorite topics ? from email marketing, to local listings, to online reviews, to optimizing your website, to social media, and more.

A big shout out goes to our sponsor, Yahoo! Small Business,Read More

From Small Business Trends

How to Pump Up the Volume on Your Online Marketing – Twitter Chat

May 18, 2012 12:30PM

JPMorgan Chase-d After Risky Foreign Investments

The manner in which J. P. Morgan Chase lost more than $2 billion is particularly appalling. It’s even more insulting when one takes into account that risky foreign bets were made in lieu of investing in American companies.

For months, JPMorgan Chase has been one of the most difficult banks for small businesses seeking capital. My company, Biz2Credit, recently conducted an analysis of small business loan rejections. More often than not, JPMorgan Chase ranked #1 or #2Read More

From Small Business Trends

JPMorgan Chase-d After Risky Foreign Investments

May 18, 2012 09:30AM

Ben Watson of Hootsuite: Managing Twitter Chatter

Tweet, Tweet. Who’s there? Millions of people. The power of social media is helping small businesses make great strides getting the word out about their business, products and services. But one area where it’s specifically making it’s mark is in better customer relations and service. The amount of information flowing in and out can be overwhelming. But there are organizational tools to help and today, Ben Watson, Vice President of Customer Marketing for Hootsuite, joins Brent Leary to share aRead More

From Small Business Trends

Ben Watson of Hootsuite: Managing Twitter Chatter

May 18, 2012 06:30AM

Lights, Camera, Action!

Summer’s here and I’m excited about movies!

In addition to the regular action blockbusters and goofy comedies, there’s a whole slew of sci-fi and superhero films I can’t wait to settle into with my popcorn and a box of Whoppers.

Still, as much as I’m looking forward to these films, I’m already tiring of some of the accompanying merchandising and co-branding.

Soda? OK. Toys? Sure. Lunch meat? Really?!

So one day while musing on the old “lights, camera?” phrase,Read More

From Small Business Trends

Lights, Camera, Action!

May 18, 2012 03:30AM

Laptops: How Thin Can You Get?

With people going gaga over tablets in 2011 into 2012, what has happened with the laptop? For one thing, it’s getting thinner and thinner. With Apple leading the way, look for new laptops to really shed the pounds in coming months. We’ve got some tech reviews and some other cool gadgets you may want to check out with your business’s next laptop purchase.

Apple Leads Thin Revolution

MacBook Pro will be thinner than ever. Get ready for the new 15-inchRead More

From Small Business Trends

Laptops: How Thin Can You Get?

May 17, 2012 07:18PM

Is Your Brand Helping Or Hurting Your Small Business? Chat Recap

Didn?t get a chance to participate in the FedEx Office Twitter chat on May 15? No worries ? we have a recap of the highlights below.

The topic was branding:� Is your brand helping or hurting your small business?� Let?s take a look at some of the responses and comments on this topic.� The Twitter handle of the person who said them, follows:

1.������ What exactly is a ?brand?? Is it a name, a logo ? or more?� – @FedExOfficeRead More

From Small Business Trends

Is Your Brand Helping Or Hurting Your Small Business? Chat Recap

May 17, 2012 12:30PM

Small Business Owners And The Estimated Tax Payment

For new small business owners, meeting your tax obligations is a big adjustment ? particularly when you?ve been used to having an employer take out income tax withholdings with each paycheck. When you have your own business though, tax time isn?t just once a year; rather you have to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.

If you?re not sure if you need to pay estimated taxes for your business, read on to learn moreRead More

From Small Business Trends

Small Business Owners And The Estimated Tax Payment

May 17, 2012 09:30AM

The ?Belong Subscribe And Engage? Marketing Plan

A sound and holistic�marketing plan�has always �combined these areas:

• Advertising: any paid form of communication through �mass communication
• Sales promotion: any short term incentive to encourage trial purchase
• Events and Experiences: sponsored events or activities
• Public Relations and Publicity: non paid ways to promote image and reputation
• Direct Marketing: �one-to-one �communication such as mail, telephone, e-mail and Internet selling
• Personal Selling: face-to-face interaction with one or more prospective customers

Read More

From Small Business Trends

The “Belong Subscribe And Engage” Marketing Plan