| February 1, 2013 | News for women business owners |
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- Report finds a spike in women-owned businesses
Over the past 10 years, the total number of women-owned businesses has risen 29%, according to a report. The increase in women-owned firms with revenues exceeding $10 million has jumped a much higher 57% in that time. The availability of role models, mentors and networks is behind the increase in higher-revenue women-owned firms, says Julie Weeks, CEO of Womenable and research adviser for American Express OPEN. "I think there's just more for a woman who wants to grow to that level to find in the way of support these days," she said. MSNBC
(2/1)     
| Business Trends | | |
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- Legislation targets gender-based pay gap
Research has found that a pay gap still exists between men and women, and some lawmakers are hoping to change that with a bill called the Paycheck Fairness Act. The legislation would increase the compensation that women can seek in discrimination lawsuits, allowing punitive damages in addition to back pay. Among other changes, the bill also would prohibit employer retaliation when employees share salary information with their coworkers. AdvisorOne
(1/30)
- Does salary transparency pay off?
Data analytics company SumAll allows employees to look up colleagues' salaries and bonuses, a strategy that CEO Dane Atkinson believes improves efficiency. Other startups have found such salary transparency doesn't always pay off, as it restricts their ability to offer more compensation to top talent. The Wall Street Journal
(1/29)
- Is Twitter effective for small-business marketing?
Many small-business owners are struggling to connect with customers through Twitter the way they have connected using other forms of social media. Some say the medium is tough because it lacks the photo-display options of Facebook, and others find it difficult to engage in meaningful ways. Twitter officials say they are planning to reach out to small-business owners to help them use the service effectively. The company is still in the testing phase of a plan to allow small companies to buy ads targeting specific Twitter users. The Wall Street Journal
(1/31)
| Small Business Spotlight | | |
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- Fashion guru leverages blog to launch design business
Starting a fashion blog in 2010 turned out be a shrewd business move for Shauna Miller. She used her blog, Penny Chic, to help readers learn how to put together fashionable outfits by shopping at stores such as Walmart and Forever 21. The blog led to a gig as a freelance consultant, and Miller eventually started her own clothing line, which will appear in Walmart's online store. "It's surreal to have my own line, but I'm just sitting here at my computer, making it happen the only way I know how," Miller said. Business Insider
(1/30)
| Social Media Buzz | | |
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- Maintaining your good reputation online
It's natural to want to defend your business when upset customers post negative comments on social media. But knowing when to respond and when to walk away is key, writes Christopher Null. Sometimes responding will simply encourage stubborn commenters to continue posting. Consider a more positive approach and bury the negative comment with new posts of your own, he writes. PCWorld
(1/25), CBS MoneyWatch
(1/31)
| NAWBO (R) News | | |
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Join us at America's Small Business Summit
America's Small Business Summit 2013 is April 29 to May 1. Join small businesses and executives from NAWBO and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who will come from across the country to network, learn from business experts and advocate for pro-business policies. NAWBO is co-sponsoring this event and will hold its annual Public Policy Day in conjunction with it.
| Technology | | |
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- How to keep your computer running smoothly
It's critical that you download the latest updates for your software to help protect your computer from malware, writes Marco Chiappetta. Also, you should use a tool such as CCleaner to reclaim your computer memory from useless applications. This strategy is especially important for older or underpowered systems, he writes. PCWorld
(1/31)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Making word-of-mouth marketing work for you
First-time customers are more likely to tell their friends about your business than longtime customers, writes Andy Sernovitz, a word-of-mouth marketing teacher. With this in mind, go out of your way to impress newcomers. He also advises finding out who is referring customers to you and thanking them. "Saying thank you to your talkers isn't just the right thing to do, it's also a fantastic way to generate more referrals," he writes. Duct Tape Marketing
(1/31)
- Keep going when times get tough
The stress of building a startup can be intense, and entrepreneurs sometimes struggle to keep pushing forward, writes Anna Vital. In tough times, don't compare yourself to others, she writes, and keep in mind that few businesses are overnight successes -- despite what their public relations efforts might convey. Women 2.0 blog
(1/31)
| Lifestyle | | |
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- Strategies for de-stressing your life
Spending time with other people can help lower stress and make you more productive, experts say. "Social connection will actually change your perceptions of the world around you," said Heidi Hanna, author and fellow at the American Institute of Stress. Making time for breakfast, getting outdoors and taking short breaks during your daily routine can also help reduce stress. Entrepreneur online
(1/29)
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Fake success. Everyone does. You should as well. Don't lie, but act as if you already succeeded. It makes a difference."
--Entrepreneur Anna Vital, writing at Women 2.0
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| About NAWBO® |
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