Beating the Small Business Blues
from Forbes
Mom and pop shops didn't need the nasty headlines of the last two months to tell them things were bad out there. The National Small Business Association's annual survey of small-business owners published in August found that 67 percent of small-business owners are directly affected by the credit crunch--more than double the number expressing those fears a year ago. But, then, what's the alternative? Closing up shop? Going to work for someone else? Hardly, say three gutsy entrepreneurs Forbes spoke with. Here are some of their survival tips. More

Be the Red Leaf
from Duct Tape Marketing
The author returned from chilly morning run to be greeted by the site of one lone red leaf popping out of a sea of green ivy and decaying brown leaves - and couldn’t help but take notice. Stand out. Be noticed. Small businesses must be the red leaf. The market needs a way to differentiate all the green and brown leaves from one another so it uses price. Smart small business marketers, ones that can become the red leaf and place themselves squarely among the rest, stand out and compete on value. More

Cheap, Obvious, and Overlooked Marketing
from Entrepreneur
Marketing isn't just creating a brand and pursuing advertising campaigns; it's about delivering value. So while many entrepreneurs are scrambling to attract new business, some have discovered one of the easiest (and least expensive) tools to keep their sales engines humming: holding on to current patrons through superb customer service. More

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Six Simple Steps to Generate Business from LinkedIn
from Flyte
OK, that title seems a little redundant, right? I mean, LinkedIn is a business networking site. However, a lot of people sign up for LinkedIn but never use it beyond occasionally accepting someone’s invitation to join their network. This article is a quick overview of how to leverage LinkedIn to grow your business. More

What Seems To Be The Problem? Self Service Gets a Tune-Up
from Inc.
Customers may always be right, but they can also be lazy. Many will never read a manual or take the time to pore over a long frequently-asked-questions page on your web site. If they can't find something at first glance, they will shoot an e-mail to customer service or reach for the phone. Next thing you know, your e-commerce business--the one that was supposed to help you take more orders with less manpower--is receiving up to 10,000 customer service inquiries every month. More

Season of Success
from PMA Magazine
Caution: Discretionary spenders ahead! According to the National Retail Federation, poor housing markets, expensive fuel, and increasing food prices have tightened consumer spending. With the careful purchasing habits seen throughout the year expected to continue, retailers need to be prepared. More

Make Sleep Work for You
from CNN
Odds are you're not getting the eight hours of nightly shuteye experts agree you need. Here's why it matters - for you and your business. More