 | |
- Survey: Small-business optimism has declined since election
Optimism among small-business owners has decreased since the election, as entrepreneurs worry about taxes, the impact of health care changes and other issues, according to a survey. "I need predictability and [to know] what will be expected of us in the next two years," said Ed Trevis of Corvalent Corp., who is concerned by the uncertainty surrounding the potential for tax hikes. The Wall Street Journal
(11/28)      
- How to deal with rude customers during the holidays
There's a good chance you'll have to deal with a rude customer during the holiday season, so it's important to view this unpleasant experience as a learning opportunity, writes Gladys Edmunds. "As much as possible, practice 'letting it go,' refusing to engage or be pulled down by bad behavior," she writes. If possible, take a short break to recover after a customer launches a verbal attack your way. USA Today
(11/28)
- Write news releases that boost your SEO
You can make your news releases more effective for search engine optimization by sticking to a standard structure that includes a headline, introduction, body text and boilerplate, Aaron Aders of Slingshot SEO writes. Include multimedia attachments if possible, but avoid peppering your release with an overwhelming number of links, he recommends. "Using too many links can make a press release appear 'spammy,'" he writes. Inc. online/SEO Heroes blog (free registration)
(11/28)
- Phrases that flow easily from the mouths of great leaders
The business world is full of examples of leaders who have failed because of their self-interested nature so it's a good idea to focus on being humble, Steve Tobak writes. Leaders should learn to say they're sorry, admit they don't have all the answers and be willing to take responsibility for mistakes. "Leaders who make excuses are poor excuses for leaders," he writes. CBS MoneyWatch
(11/27)
 | | |
- What to do when the IRS comes calling
Small-business owners hit with an IRS audit should keep in mind four simple steps, CPA Kemberley Washington writes. First, if the IRS claims the business losses are for a hobby instead of a legitimate business, dispute that with evidence of your firm's marketing plan, past profits or other strategy. Second, use an audit as a chance to claim deductions you might have missed, such as mileage. Other tips: Use nontraditional means to substantiate deductions, and consider getting professional assistance. Fox Business
(11/28)
- Don't fixate on price when selecting an insurance policy
Insurance policies differ in substantive ways so you should consider more than just price when selecting a coverage option. "[O]ne insurance policy is not going to cover the exact same risks to [the] same extent as a policy from another carrier even if they call the policy the same exact name," he writes. Small Business Trends
(11/29)
- Brevity is the soul of effective e-mail
If no one ever seems to read or respond to your e-mails, it might be because you are making your messages too long, writes Craig Jarrow. You might end up rambling in your e-mails if you lack necessary knowledge or fail to edit your messages, he writes. "If your emails are brief and to the point, your recipients will be more likely to get the point." Lifehacker
(11/29)
- Is Windows 8 a success?
There have been some legitimate criticisms leveled at Windows 8, but part of the problem is that people aren't yet used to the interface, writes Dave Johnson. The jury is still out on whether Windows 8 will ultimately be a step forward, he writes. "Right now, the platform's utility is hurt by the lack of good apps, and without those it's hard to know if Windows 8 will succeed as a new computer paradigm for the next 10 or 20 years." CBS MoneyWatch
(11/27)
- Small Business Saturday brings in $5.5 billion
U.S. consumers spent about $5.5 billion shopping at small retailers the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which American Express dubbed Small Business Saturday in 2010 to highlight local merchants. "The good news is that consumers are aware of shopping small and they are doing it in a lot of different ways," said spokeswoman Patricia Norins. CNBC
(11/28)
 | [L]isten to your gut, not your ego."
|
|
|
SmartBrief delivers need-to-know news in over 100 targeted email newsletters to over 3 million readers.
All our industry briefings are FREE and open to everyone—sign up today!
|
|
|
.gif) |
Independent We Stand is a movement of small business owners dedicated to educating their
communities about the importance and strong economic benefits of supporting locally owned
businesses. To learn more and to register your business in our "shop local" search engine,
please visit us on the web at
IndependentWeStand.org | |
| |
|
| |
| |
Recent SmartBrief on Main Street Issues:
- Thursday, November 29, 2012
- Wednesday, November 28, 2012
- Tuesday, November 27, 2012
- Monday, November 26, 2012
- Wednesday, November 21, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Brooke Howell
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2012 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|
