Looking for a way to make your business a little greener? You don't have to spend tons of money to be environmentally friendly. It's the little things that add up. PC World suggests trying the following:

•Move from direct mail to e-mail. Keeping in touch with customers and clients is vital to your business, but you don't have to kill a forest to do it. These days, e-mail is more practical and cost-effective. The trick is how to launch a successful campaign without getting labeled as a spammer, but plenty of Web-based applications designed for small businesses make it easy to build and update opt-in mailing lists and use them to target the right people.

•Try an Internet fax service. Cut the amount of paper you waste with every fax you send and receive, as well as the toner, cartridge and energy costs, with an online service that allows you to fax through your e-mail account or a secure online server. You can choose which pages (if any) require printing and forward the document to anyone else in the office who needs to see it.

•Make your meetings virtual. Yes, it's important to meet with your employees and clients face to face, but unless everyone is in the same building, traveling to and from meetings can eat up lots of time and gas. With a small investment in camera equipment for your laptop, you can conduct a meeting from anywhere, and even share presentations, white board ideas and desktop applications.

Posted by Emily McMackin on June 26, 2009 04:22 PM

If you're looking for new business, a government contract might be the sweetest deal you could land. These contracts are lucrative and can offer a stable source of income in a down economy. The government is required to award 23 percent of its contracts to small businesses—so why shouldn't you get a piece of that pie?

The hardest part is getting your foot in the door. That's where the nonprofit organization, Business Matchmaking, comes in. The organization holds events to educate small business owners and connect them to potential customers via speed-dating style. Small business owners attend events where they circulate around assigned tables, meeting with procurement officers for 20 minutes each in hopes of finding the right "match." "The idea is that we can put the business owner in front of someone interested in his product or service," former SBA administrator Hector Barreto told CNN. "At the end of the day, no one can guarantee a contract, but the buyers can inform the business how to try for it."

Does it work? Based on data from surveys filled out by past attendees, organizers estimate that $7 billion to $8 billion in contracts have been procured in the past three years from connections made at the networking events. To learn more about how to find and land government contracts, check out this MyBusiness article.

Posted by Emily McMackin on June 19, 2009 11:18 AM

All day I've been working on getting copy ready for the August/September issue of MyBusiness, which, among other things, will include short blurbs about each of the 10 finalists of the 2009 Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence Award. It's an award that recognizes the innovative use of technology to create memorable experiences for the customer. More than 3,000 business owners applied, but like with most competitions, there can only be one winner (who will be announced in the fall). The upcoming issue will also feature the winners of the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards, an annual scholarship contest that honors enterprising high-school seniors.

Maybe it's all the talk of these awards around the office, but I took just one look at this New York Times article to realize what a great resource it was for this blog's readers.

Just like there are tips for job seekers on how to make their resumes stand out from the rest, this article offers tips on how to win a business competition. While the article is geared toward business plan competitions, the tips apply no matter what kind of business competition you're entering.

Posted by Lena Anthony on June 15, 2009 03:43 PM

Maybe you let Earth Day slip by this year without so much as a thought, but if you're thinking of going green in your business it's never too late to start. Too often, small business owners operate on the misconception that going green would cost them too much time and money. Not so, says small business columnist Steve Strauss, who points out that going green can be good for the environment and your bottom line. In a Huffington Post article, he outlines some simple ways you can make your business greener while also saving money. Here are a few areas to focus on:

Paper: Reduce paper use with a printer that will print on the front and back of a single sheet. Buy recycling bins, mark them and use them.

Energy: Install timers and motion sensors so the office lights and computers go off when not in use. Buy compact fluorescent (CF) bulbs for the office; they cost a little more, but last up to 15 times longer.

Supplies: Look for the Department of Energy's Energy Star certification when buying products. It means they are highly energy efficient, and they shouldn't cost much more than usual. Reuse packaging, packing peanuts and old file folders (by turning them inside out).

Posted by Emily McMackin on April 30, 2009 04:28 PM

With social media pretty much a necessity in the business world now, it's important for small business owners to understand how they can be part of the conversation without crossing the line into wasting time.

This article from The Commercial Appeal cautions that some small businesses jump on the social-media bandwagon mistakenly believing that "connecting online will cause sales dollars to roll in." In reality, they might not be spending their online time efficiently, and can be putting otherwise effective marketing strategies on the backburner to suffer.

The article advises that while small businesses should indeed set up social media profiles (they "may be a craze, but [aren't] a fad"), setting some ground rules is a good idea: "Get a Facebook page and use it, but don't live there. Acquire a Twitter [account] and do some following, but don't get sucked into the time drain."

For more tips on how to use social media app Twitter to benefit your small business, check out this article in the current issue of MyBusiness.

Posted by Megan Morris on April 20, 2009 03:47 PM

Finding your soul mate is nearly impossible. Why? Because there's no such thing as soul mates, or at least that's what my best friends tells me. But when it comes to matchmaking for business, well, that's another story. Just like Match.com sets up singles looking for love, these new business Web sites help entrepreneurs connect to the resources they need most.

Need a funding boost? Check out Prosper.com, which connects business owners to potential lenders. Looking for a hip location for your new coffee shop? ZoomProspector.com will hook you up with a location you'll love. And if you're searching for the perfect business associate, PartnerUp.com will help you find your dream partner.

Just don't blame the sites for any deals gone wrong. (Sometimes breakups are just inevitable.)

Posted by Megan Pacella on March 3, 2009 02:13 PM

Have you thought about "going green" in your business? Even if you haven't, chances are your customers have. As the climate continues to change, more and more people are looking for ways to conserve energy and resources for future generations—and they expect the businesses they patronize to do the same. So how do you get started? It doesn't take a lot of time and money; just some planning and thinking ahead. Check out this article in the Billings Small Business Examiner for tips on how to reduce waste, recycle, reuse and, most importantly, get employees involved in your efforts.

Posted by Emily McMackin on February 19, 2009 04:46 PM

Longtime MyBusiness readers might remember a section of the magazine where we asked a small business owner one question: What Web site helps you run your business? You never knew what they were going to come back with. Sometimes it'd be Google (Really, people?) and sometimes it'd be this great resource I had never heard before (That's how I learned what Nolo.com was).

The only problem with the section was that you'd have to wait two months to find out about more Web sites. This feature on Entrepreneur.com covers a lot more ground in one fell swoop.

Check out the list of "65 Indispensable Web Sites for Business Owners" and find your favorites. You've got a lot of clicking to do.

Posted by Lena Anthony on February 4, 2009 11:23 AM

What's your business worth? It's a good idea to know the value whether you're nearing retirement (and preparing to sell) or if you're trying to borrow money from the bank. Now a new Web site from credit card issuer Advanta Corp lets business owners see what similar businesses are worth and get customized estimates of their own value, according to this entry on the Wall Street Journal's Independent Street Blog.

The site offers free estimates for 10 million U.S. businesses based on info from Google Maps as well as a major business credit bureau. You can also provide more detailed information--like annual revenue, inventory, rent, number of employees, etc.--and received a customized valuation. A good tool to know about for anyone selling—or buying—a small business.

Posted by Shannon McRae on September 8, 2008 02:29 PM

I am a Flickr addict. I can't help it. Ever since I discovered the photo-sharing site, I just can't stop uploading. But Flickr isn't "just for sharing kitten photos with grandma" (My grandma doesn't own a computer, but it's her loss. My cats are cute)—business owners using the service can increase your Web traffic and reach out to potential customers. If you've never used Flickr before, review the three steps in today's Tools and Tips article on NFIB.com:

• Determine how you'll use it. Think about the ways your business uses (or could use) images, and then determine what you want to get out of the site.


• Organize your photos. Assign each photo to one or more sets, and add tags that properly describe it to help others find it in searches.


• Join the community. Connect with current customers who have Flickr accounts, link your business account to your employees' accounts and network with others in your field.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on August 29, 2008 02:34 PM

Kids aren't the only ones headed back to school this fall. Small business owners are learning valuable lessons themselves by enrolling in classes at local universities and community colleges according to this Reuters article. You don't have to give up a semester's worth of time to learn something new for your business. Many classes cost as little as $25 and last only a few hours.

Dave Horsley was confident that he would be successful at his business, Horsley Hot Rods in Boise, Idaho, when he opened it in 2007. But he quickly realized how little he knew about marketing. After a four-hour class, "Six Steps to Massive Growth in Your Business" at nearby Boise State University, Horsley is ready to conquer even more.

To find classes near you, contact your local Small Business Development Center, the Small Business Administration or SCORE (counselors to America's small business).

Posted by Shannon McRae on August 11, 2008 09:13 AM

With hurricane season upon us, thousands of small business owners are being reminded of the importance of implementing a disaster plan for their enterprise--especially those recently hit by Category 1 Hurricane Dolly in southeastern Texas. Whether your business is threatened by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires or another disaster, taking precautions against unforseen tragedies now could save your business in the future.

But sometimes, even having a disaster preparedness plan in place isn't enough to keep your original business plan intact. For example, after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Peter Menge and Aaron Wilson, owners of cooking school and catering business The Savvy Gourmet, had to rethink their business. Instead of opening the school, Menge and Wilson responded to the need for restaurants in New Orleans and put their dreams of teaching on hold. Check out this article to learn more about how they saved their business by starting a new one.

For more about enduring disasters of all kinds, read this "Crisis Averted" article from the June/July issue of MyBusiness.

Posted by Megan Pacella on August 5, 2008 12:47 PM

As an editor, I get a lot of books in the mail to review. Unfortunately, we don't get to use them very often in MyBusiness. Book reviews generally aren't our thing, and when we need an expert to quote, we usually just go to the best experts we know: small business owners with experience running their own operations.

I give the books a quick glance before filing them away on the shelf for future use, and I think this New York Times column sums up the impression I get from the business book genre as a whole:

"Books aimed at the small business and entrepreneur audience far too often fall into two categories," writes Paul Brown. "There is the 'how I made $27 trillion in business, and you can too,' genre or the ones that say you only need to take care of customers (or cash flow or sales or something else) and you will be the envy of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates."

Brown doesn't leave us with just that wisdom. He goes on to mention four business books that are worth your time (if for no other reason than they don't fall into one of the two aforementioned categories.

Take a look at one or all of his picks (at least one of which is sitting on my desk as I type). Who knows, you might take away a tip or two to help you run your business better.

Posted by Lena Anthony on June 4, 2008 02:50 PM

I'm sure you've seen the commercial on TV that features the crazy-dressed man standing in front of Washington, D.C., monuments screaming about how easy it is to get FREE! government grants for everything from your electricity bill to your dog's flea collar. I always wonder who buys his book, and I'm always skeptical when I see articles promising small business owners that it's really easy to get the government to help you pay for some portion of your business.

But when I read this Wall Street Journal article about available government grants to pay for employee training and development, I was a bit more convinced. The WSJ is a credible news source--not a crazy screaming man. And the second sentence of the article proves why they're credible: They admit that it takes a lot of time. But if you have the time and the determination, it turns out there is money available to help you train your staff--if you know where to look.

Posted by Shannon McRae on April 7, 2008 08:48 AM

The cover story of the latest issue of MyBusiness, which hit mailboxes this week, couldn't have come at a better time. "Surviving the Slump: How to come out on top when it feels like you've hit bottom" relates the stories of three small-business owners who faced challenges they never saw coming—and survived.

So whether the current economic downturn is affecting your business in a way you never could have imagined or your biggest client just walked out the door, take it from these business owners: There is a way out what seems like a rut.

Also in this issue of MyBusiness, check out our annual Manual on taxes, which includes helpful tips to help you lower your 2007 taxes.

Posted by Lena Anthony on February 1, 2008 06:59 PM

Never ones to shy away from new media technologies, some of us around the halls of MyBusiness have been experimenting with Twitter, a Web-based service that allows users to publish text-only messages (called "tweets") of up to 140 characters. But Twitter's not simply glorified text messaging. In fact, this article explores 17 ways small-business owners can use the service to boost their business, including finding new hires, directing (Web) traffic, getting feedback, setting up meetings and networking.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on January 17, 2008 03:30 PM

Many small-business owners find income tax season the most chaotic and aggravating time of the year. With a year’s worth of receipts and bank statements to organize, getting prepared to pay off the government can be an overwhelming task. Although the dreaded tax deadline is months away, making a few simple tax moves now can pay off in April.

Paying income taxes is such a convoluted process, that oftentimes small-business owners end up paying the government too much--and for small enterprises running on a tight budget, every dollar counts. To avoid overpaying and trim your tax bill, check out these five tax tips from Businessweek.com.

Posted by Megan Pacella on January 8, 2008 12:01 PM

How do you stack up against your small-business competitors and colleagues? Are your operating procedures the same or different? How do your business strategies compare? What about your employee training regimen?

This new Web site developed by the NFIB Research Foundation allows you to make these—and more than 1,000 other—business comparisons. Search by keyword or scroll through categories to quickly and easily find small-business facts.

Find out more about the Web site and how it can help you run your business in this article appearing in the current issue of MyBusiness.

Posted by Lena Anthony on December 11, 2007 03:31 PM

With wildfires raging in California and the damage from Hurricane Humberto still plaguing Texas and Louisiana residents, there’s no time like the present to prepare your business for disaster. According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, “A quarter of all businesses never reopen after a disaster strikes, and those that do struggle to stay afloat.” As we’ve seen in the past few years, disaster can strike anywhere and at any time—and your small business is no exception to potential damage.

According to this article on Smart Money’s small business Web site, putting a contingency plan in place is your best bet for staying afloat after an emergency hits your area. As the old saying goes, “it’s better safe than sorry,” and although taking the necessary precautions to guard your enterprise could prove costly, the risk of losing money could be worth it in the end. Check out the article to learn more about protecting your small business.

Posted by Megan Pacella on October 25, 2007 03:21 PM

When I'm busy, working out is usually the first activity squeezed off my to-do list. I know that exercise relieves stress, and that it makes sense to make time for a jog when I've got a lot going on. But it rarely happens. I haven't purchased a treadmill for my office yet like the business owner we featured in this story. But the Wall Street Journal offers some other creative tips from busy entrepreneurs who have found ways to balance work and fitness, including:

• Exercise meetings--Go for a bike ride or a jog with fitness-minded vendors or employees. (We ran a story last year about how to hold walking meetings.)


• Financial incentives--If you invest in a personal trainer or expensive gym membership, you're more likely to not skip your workout.


• Set a schedule--Treat exercise like an important business meeting. Put it on your calendar and don't skip it.


• Make it convenient. Join a gym near the office and go during off-hours. Take advantage of the flexibility business ownership gives you.

Posted by Shannon McRae on October 15, 2007 06:44 AM

One of my favorite sites is Snopes.com, you know the one that debunks urban legends. Since I'm easily spooked, it sets my mind as ease about all those e-mail forwards warning me to avoid strangers asking for help in the parking lot at Target. A few clicks on Snopes.com, and whew, I realize they’re “False.” Maybe that's why I was excited when my editor came up with the idea for the cover story of the current issue of MyBusiness.

In "Debunking Small-Business Myths" we do our own bit of Snopes.com and set the record straight about the urban legends that run rampant in the small-business world--like that most small businesses fail, that you have to have money to make money or that small businesses aren't interested in exporting. Thanks to the NFIB Research Foundation for helping us disprove these myths and more.

Posted by Shannon McRae on October 1, 2007 12:05 PM

My dad owns a home-repair business, and for the most part, capital is always flowing—but only when customers pay up. Although he has the talent to build a house from the ground up, when it comes to collecting outstanding revenue, my father, like many small-business owners, has no idea how to go about getting paid.

Most small companies don’t have the girth to stay afloat when outstanding bills start adding up, and sometimes that means small-business owners have to be the bad guy. Whether that means turning away businesses with bad reputations, calling a collection agency or pushing your sales team to collect their clients’ debt, you have to do what it takes for your company to survive. Check out Simona Covel’s Wall Street Journal article for tips on hauling in customer debt.

Posted by Megan Pacella on September 25, 2007 11:12 AM

In fact, you might not have to spend anything at all if your business is located near Yale University. According to this USA Today article, second-year MBA students at the Yale School of Management will offer free consultation for five local businesses or non-profits.

According to the program’s director, many MBA students already have business experience so the situation should be a win-win as students become better accustomed to the difficulties that arise in small businesses, and companies receive aid at no cost.

But what if you don't live near Yale? Then contact your local college and university and see if their students want similar hands-on experience.

Posted by Lena Anthony on August 7, 2007 10:09 AM

We have several grammar gods on the MyBusiness staff--which is a good thing since our business is words. On any given afternoon, we're likely waging deep discussions on the correct use of past participle phrases. We all have our pet peeves when it comes to proper use of the English language. Misuse of quotations is high on my list. I cringe when I see billboards that promise "We Have The Best Deals in Town." Do you really need the quotes? (or the capitalization, but that's another pet peeve...)

If you feel like whipping out your red pen every time you read a newspaper, you'll feel a kinship with this writer who is shocked when smart people use bad grammar. You might wonder why good grammar matters, but it really does contribute to others' perception of you (and your small business). So next time you're torn between using "lie" or "lay" or "that" or "which," check out the list of common grammar usage questions on this Web site.

Posted by Shannon McRae on July 30, 2007 08:16 AM

If you're tired of newspapers and magazines overlooking you as a source for an article, you probably need a media kit for your business. If media kits are new to you, today's Tools & Tips article on NFIB.com has five great hints for creating one that will help successfully promote your business, such as:

• Write clearly. As with anything, burying the point of the press release or using jargon that isn't widely known will do nothing more than confuse your reader and lose their interest quickly.


• Keep it relevant. A publication focusing on technology might be interested in your new software for time management; the local newspaper may not care as much. What the local newspaper will care about, however, is an open house demonstration of the new software at your business.


• Be helpful. Members of the press are busy people, too, so whatever you can do to fit your business in a story for them, the less work they'll have to do tracking down more sources.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on July 19, 2007 12:50 PM

Got a couple of business trips coming up? If so, you've likely already experienced the frustration that comes with trying to schedule a flight in the summer when travel is at its peak. A Fodor's Travel Wire article provides frequent fliers with eight essential Web sites to help make travel planning at any time of the year as turbulent free as possible. Is it cheaper to book your flight ahead of time or wait for last-minute sales? What's the best time of day and airport to fly out of to avoid airport congestion and flight delays? How do you reserve the best seat on the plane? Which hotels at your destination offer the most reliable Internet access? These Web sites answer all these questions and more.

Posted by Emily McMackin on July 18, 2007 10:45 AM

Do you ever find yourself feeling anxious about how a pending disaster could ruin your business? In a post-9/11 society, business owners are more aware than ever that tragedy can strike at any moment. With statistics indicating that many businesses don’t survive disaster, it is imperative that owners be prepared for the worst.

Luckily, there is relief in sight. The Department of Homeland Security and various business groups have collaborated to launch Ready Business—a motivational program that keeps business owners prepared to handle disaster. The program allows small-business owners to communicate ideas about how to protect companies from any natural, medical or terrorist-invoked disaster through websites, phone calls and a mentoring program. “Business leaders owe it to their organizations, their employees and their communities to be prepared,” says Erin Streeter, active director of Ready Business, “It’s important to be informed about the different kinds of emergencies that could occur in your area.”

Read this article to learn more about keeping your employees and your business safe from any unexpected tragedy.

Posted by Megan Pacella on May 8, 2007 01:48 PM

Shhhh. Listen. What do you hear in your office? If you're a smaller company, business might be humming along quietly. But is that the image you want to project to customers on the phone? If you'd rather sound like Grand Central Station, just pop in the "Thriving Office" CD. Filled with noises heard at the typical bustling office, the CD helps home-based business who are trying to sound (pardon the pun) more professional.

Even if you're not trying to drown out the sounds of dogs or kids, try using the CD to boost productivity. There's no scientific proof that it will grow your bottom line, but working in an office that sounds busy might make your employees pick up the pace.

Via TP Wire Service

Posted by Shannon McRae on May 7, 2007 11:04 AM

The Small Business Administration recently relaunched its Web site. I have to say--it needed an update. The old site was jumbled and hard to navigate. At least the new one looks more organized. There you can find tools, tips and resources to manage and expand your business as well as links to all the programs offered by SBA. Still can't find what you're looking for? Check out USA.gov, the one-stop site for all things government. Formerly FirstGov.gov, this site got a face-lift too.

Posted by Shannon McRae on April 25, 2007 12:47 PM

Small business is all the rage these days, especially on college campuses. Ten years ago, business programs at most universities were preparing students to work for large corporations, but all that has changed, says this article in the Startup Journal. Many institutions are revamping their business programs to appeal to the desires of a new entrepreneurial-minded generation. So what sparked the shift in business education?

“We’ve got a generation coming up that has a very different outlook on life than the one before it,” Belmont University’s Jeffrey Cornwall told the Startup Journal. “They’re more interested in balancing their work with their family life, and that makes entrepreneurship attractive to them.”

Want to help future entrepreneurs with their studies? Consider sponsoring a scholarship or a student for NFIB’s Young Entrepreneur Awards, given annually each spring to set future small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship. Find out about other ways NFIB is encouraging young entrepreneurs—and ways you can help—at NFIB.com/YEF.

Posted by Megan Pacella on March 29, 2007 01:18 PM

Tax season can be stressful for anyone, but nobody knows the demands of compiling records and poring over the books like a small-business owner. Without a dedicated finance or bookkeeping department, most small-business owners end up having to do the tax prep-work themselves—a task that a recent AP article on MSNBC.com says often is set aside until tax day is approaching.

Instead of thinking of taxes as a once-a-year event, the article says, small-business owners should integrate tax work into their regular operating routine to ease the pain of last-minute preparation. If getting your books organized—and keeping them that way—seems too daunting, the article recommends delegating the task. And though hiring the job out can sound expensive, it could save you lots of time—and money—in the long run.

For more helpful tax-time hints, visit the 2006 Tax Resources section of NFIB.com.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on March 8, 2007 09:21 AM

Thanks to the Internet, never before has so much information been available to so many people. Problem is, that information doesn't do much good if you don't know how to find it. You probably visit Google several times a week (if not several times a day). As a busy small-business owner, wouldn't it be nice to find exactly what you're looking for faster? The Small Business Hub has posted 12 tips for searching Google like an expert.

Posted by Shannon McRae on March 7, 2007 10:24 AM

Just in time for tax-filing season, the IRS has released its dirty dozen list of the most blatant scams affecting American taxpayers. Most of the false information comes from scam artists who peddle the schemes by phone, but the IRS also warns taxpayers to be weary of tax preparers who promise inflated returns.

Topping this year's list is abuse of the telephone excise tax, a one-time refund of previously paid long-distance telephone taxes. Early returns show that some filers are requesting refunds on their entire phone bills rather than the 3 percent tax. Find more information on how to determine your telephone excise tax refund on NFIB.com.

Posted by Shannon McRae on February 28, 2007 09:13 AM

Do you ever wonder if your employees have "fun" at work? For old-school business owners and managers, having "fun" must mean that employees are goofing off and wasting company time. But that's not true, according to human resources experts. An article in a recent issue of Fast Company points to research at California State University Long Beach that showed that people who have fun at work are more creative, more productive, work better with others and call in sick less often. Check out these 10 (often crazy) tips for bringing fun to your office.

Sometimes it's easier to be light-hearted when the weather is nice. If cold weather and sunless days have you feeling cheerless, this article from the latest issue of MyBusiness magazine might help. Try implementing these creative ways to brighten spirits and beat the winter blues. Who knows, it may be fun.

Posted by Shannon McRae on February 20, 2007 03:02 PM

I'm pretty good at spending money, especially when I travel. I'll get a wad cash from the ATM before hitting the road, and by the time I'm ready to make the return trip back home, I've usually blown right through it. If you travel frequently for business or pleasure, you can't afford to let this happen to you.

If you're like me, and your wallet is as empty as your gas tank at the end of a trip, you might want to check out a recent Foder's Travel Wire article about eight ways to waste money on the road. Some of the money-wasters are obvious, such as eating in pricey restaurants, ignoring budget contraints and traveling during a high tourist season. Others are more inconspicuous—not knowing your destination, not reading the fine print on your credit card, avoiding hotel Web sites, not considering alternatives to hotels and renting cars instead of using trains and buses. Keep a few of these in mind the next time you're on the road, and maybe you'll end up with a few leftover dollars at the end of a trip.

Posted by Emily McMackin on February 16, 2007 09:18 AM

It's easy to get overwhelmed when shopping for business gadgets. When everything's marked as a must-have productivity booster, how are you supposed to know what to buy? Look no further--today's Tools & Tips on NFIB.com has a list of the five pieces of technology every small business should have, including an external hard drive, USB flash drive and mobile computing device.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on February 5, 2007 01:14 PM

I was surprised to read the statistic that one-third of online shoppers between the ages of 18 and 34 plan to buy gifts for themselves this Christmas. Only 14 percent said they enjoyed buying for their parents, while 25 percent planned to spend on gifts for their pets.

I'll admit--I'm a member of Generation Y (though, for the record, I love shopping for my parents. My mom is the easiest person on my list.). But this article made me wonder about the future of business. What are companies doing to prepare this self-focused generation for future leadership roles?

This article in Harvard Business School's Working Knowledge newsletter helps answer that question. According to advice from Harvard Business School Professor W. Earl Sasser, talented young people thirst for challenging assignments and just want to be listend to. Smart business owners looking for possible exit-strategy scenarios, or just looking to scale back over the next few years, ought to check out these helpful tips on how to teach leadership to a younger--and much different--generation.

Posted by Shannon McRae on December 20, 2006 12:41 PM

None of us can see into the future (and that's not a bad thing when you think about it). But if you're working hard, yet feel like you're not getting anywhere with your business, good news. Forget about predicting the future. New research from Six Disciplines Corporation finds that success might can be boiled down to just five attributes.

Small Business Trends Blog editor Anita Campbell recently revealed the traits most often shared by successful businesses with 10 to 100 employees. The first four are no surprise: a strong leadership team, the ability to attract and retain quality employees, a disciplined approach to business and strategic use of technology. But like Campbell, you might be surprised by the fifth: the wise use of trusted outside providers.

If you're trying to do it all yourself, relax--and seek help. The smartest businesspeople know that no one knows everything. Find advisors you trust and tap into their knowledge. Your future will look brighter.

Posted by Shannon McRae on December 13, 2006 02:39 PM

Of all the things to accomplish on your to-do list before the end of the year (which, scary enough, is only about three weeks away!) don't forget to see if there are any financial moves you should make before Jan. 1 to help save on your 2006 returns. This article from the latest issue of MyBusiness outlines key steps small-business owners should take for maximum savings.

Posted by Shannon McRae on December 6, 2006 11:17 AM

If your business requires you to travel frequently, it's probably inevitable that you've found yourself working out of your vehicle. While not an ideal office, there are ways that you can outfit your car or truck to encourage productivity--and safety. Today's Tools & Tips on NFIB.com offers several ideas on how to achieve this, including:

• Make sure your vehicle is mobile-office friendly. Do you have enough storage space? Will you have to take a seat out to make room for all your files and equipment? Do you usually have passengers or workers with you who would prohibit this? Depending on how much equipment you require, you may have to reconfigure seats in your car or van to make this work.


• Have the right equipment. The basic components of a mobile office are simple: You'll need a laptop computer, cell phone and a printer, all of which you probably already have. Most likely, you will also need wireless connection.
  
• Get organized. Having a mobile office means that all this stuff needs to be anchored down somehow, so it doesn't fly around the vehicle in case of a short stop or an accident. You also need to be very organized in such a small space.


• Make sure your vehicle is secure. With all this added equipment in your vehicle, all you need is to have a thief break in and take your vehicle, and you're done.


• Don't work and drive at the same time! In this age of multitasking while driving (and the sometimes tragic consequences of talking on a cell-phone and trying to change lanes), it should go without saying that if you have a mobile office, you don't work while the vehicle is moving.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on October 27, 2006 09:09 AM

Processing payroll is a tedious job--every dollar must be accounted for and deducted correctly. If you're not a CPA, it's easy to make mistakes. That's why the small-business owners in this recent MyBusiness story decided to outsource the dreaded task. Even if your bottomline is tight, hiring help (or at least purchasing software) to process internal payroll might be worth the expense. If you're tired of crunching numbers, check out these tips on AllBusiness.com about how to shop for the best solution.

Posted by Shannon McRae on October 9, 2006 11:42 AM

Finally, something from the federal government that is useful for small-business owners. Business.gov, dubbed as "the official business link to the U.S. government," relaunches today, providing one-stop shopping for business owners looking for information on how to comply with government regulations.

Managed by the Small Business Administration, Business.gov compiles information from 21 federal agencies in an effort to improve the way the federal government serves citizens and businesses.

First launched in 2004, Business.gov originally focused on resources for starting, growing and managing a business. But focus groups revealed that what business owners really wanted was help dealing with the all the paperwork and rules about running a business. The easy-to-navigate site is divided into topics and industries.

Posted by Shannon McRae on October 2, 2006 10:09 AM

You put out fires every day. But let’s hope you never have to contend with a real fire in your small business. Disaster happens. But if you're prepared, you can recover.

A recent post on the Small Business Trends blog details what happened when the author was interviewing a small business for a podcast when, all of the sudden, the business owner had to evacuate his building to escape a fire.

Avoid the heat in your small business by checking out our latest MyBusiness Manual. It's all about preparing your small business for an emergency. Though you can't prevent disasters, you can plan for them.

Posted by Shannon McRae on September 25, 2006 06:15 PM

With the cost of health care rising, it's important to understand the different options available to small businesses. One such option is a health savings account, designed to maximize your savings on health insurance while providing you with a valuable tax break. HSAs have two parts: an eligible, high-deductible health-insurance plan and a tax-advantaged savings account. Funds placed into your HSA can be invested to earn tax-free income, and the balance will roll over from year to year until retirement age. Read more about the benefits of an HSA in today's Tools & Tips on NFIB.com.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on September 20, 2006 10:49 AM

At MyBusiness, we strongly believe the best experts on running a small business are the men and women who do it every day. Real small-business owners know exactly what it takes to be successful.

That being said, we still think this Nevada Appeal article on 10 common small-business mistakes is helpful. Writer William Creekbaum has been an investment management consultant for 15 years. During that time, he's witnessed business owners fall victim to common traps, such as not giving up on an idea that isn't working and trying to do everything yourself. Glance over his list and see if any of the common mistakes sound familiar--and quickly change your ways if they do!

Posted by Shannon McRae on September 18, 2006 01:26 PM

It's been nearly five years since terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, striking the heart of one of the country's biggest commercial districts and disrupting close to 18,000 small New York City firms. Though 9-11 forever changed how small-business owners viewed disasters, that doesn't mean that they're more prepared for catastrophic events today, according to an article on SmartMoney.com.

Five years ago, fewer businesses had access to wireless devices, electronic data storage and secure remote access. Now, many more can afford technologies that make it possible to stay connected from any location. Disaster recovery services, once reserved for corporations, have also become much more available to small businesses in the post 9-11 world.

But small businesses are still lacking when it comes to business-continuity plans, the article states. Many owners don't educate staff on what to do in a crisis or arrange for backup suppliers in case of an emergency. The obstacle that keeps small-business owners from preparing like they should is the same as it's always been: time. Many owners are simply too busy running their businesses to think about it.

It doesn't have to take another 9-11 to tear down a business that you've spent years building, the article points out. All it takes is a fire, flood or any other crisis that interrupts your operations. Test your readiness to handle a disaster by taking this 10-question self-assessment quiz developed by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, a Tampa, Fla., nonprofit group supported by the insurance industry. The IBHS site also offers a free disaster-planning toolkit for small businesses.

Posted by Emily McMackin on September 8, 2006 09:38 AM

If you have customers, don't miss the guest columnist's post on the Small Business Trends blog. Author Mary Hunt offers 5 Do's and 5 Don'ts when selling to women small-business owners. Most of the advice is common sense but it's always good to be reminded of basic selling tips.

Hunt urges sellers to protect their "cyber karma" since women use word-of-mouth referrals far more than men. "Email and blogs have upped that communication ante. Make sure they leave your office, phone call or website happy--or at least not ticked," she writes.

She also offers a good piece of advice when selling to any customer (male or female): Don't overlook the power of "thank you."

Posted by Shannon McRae on September 6, 2006 08:07 AM

I'm not someone who quotes movies a lot. But there is one line from "The Shawshank Redemption" that has always stuck with me: "Get busy living or get busy dying"--or something like that.

A recent post by Small Business CEO blogger Steve Rucinski reminds me a lot of that line. As Rucinski points out: Those in business have two alternatives--get better or get worse. "While the thought of status quo might seem comforting," he writes, "status quo is really decay in sheep’s clothing."

A lot of small-business owners (and their employees) are resistant to change. The familiar is safer, easier. But it's not always innovative. "We are on the threshold of an entirely new way of thinking about change. Soon, there will be a generation that will resist the lack of change. Are we ready to manage people who think that way?"

Posted by Shannon McRae on August 23, 2006 09:51 AM

With unemployment at a low level, you're probably noticing how hard it is to find skilled and qualified workers. For a small business, hiring a new employee is a huge step. Not only does the person need to fit the job description, she also has to fit into your office. But how do you determine whether a candidate is a good choice? Everyone is on his best behavior during interview.

Small Business Trends blogger Anita Campbell recommends the best questions to ask to dig deeper into the person in your interview chair. If you're bored with the typical "tell me about yourself..." responses, try some of her tips.

Posted by Shannon McRae on August 9, 2006 01:47 PM

Is the other 25 percent really telling the truth? That's the first thing I thought when I saw this new Gallup poll that found 75 percent of American workers say they'd be happier if they made more money--exactly $33,000 more, according to the study. So what about the other 25 percent? Are there really employees out there who would say they wouldn't be just the slightest bit pleased with more money?

One of the study's more comforting finds for small-business owners: Though they might want more money, 63 percent of employees don't think they'd be happier in a different job. A more positive way to look at that stat? Employees are pretty satisfied. NFIB.com's Business Toolbox has an entire section on how to motivate and inspire employees. Check out the articles for ideas on how to maintain a happy (and productive) staff. And if the survey offers any insight into your workers, might as well browse the Business Toolbox category on employee compensation too.

Posted by Shannon McRae on August 7, 2006 11:02 AM

As a small-business owner, you've probably faced countless situations when you had to share some not-so-good news. No one looks forward to being the bearer of bad news, whether you're letting an employee go, telling your staff about a big account you've lost, or explaining a mistake you've made to a client.

Though you can't change the bad news, you can improve the way you deliver it. Check out these six ways to be good at giving bad news to learn dos and don'ts, such as never correct someone in front of others and always provide a strategy to help the person move on.

Posted by Shannon McRae on July 31, 2006 10:44 AM

Dream of the day you ride off into retirement? Even though an NFIB Research Foundation poll found that 46 percent of small-business owners say they never intend to fully retire, chances are, you've thought about what you'll do "someday." If you're planning your exit strategy, check out a new series on eVenturing, a resource from the Kauffman Foundation. "Ready to Sell Your Company?" is a collection of tools and articles that help business owners navigate the challenging road to retirement.

Posted by Shannon McRae on July 13, 2006 10:10 AM

Every Monday morning, members of the MyBusiness staff gather with the rest of our publishing company to discuss the week ahead. We each give a brief report on where our projects stand. It's a good way to discern which jobs are hot and what's coming down the pipeline (as well as which new movie is worth seeing).

While once a week works for us, Marty Linsky of the Cambridge Leadership Associates thinks daily meetings are effective at some companies. This article in a recent Harvard Business School Working Knowledge newsletter lays out Linksy's formula for The Morning Meeting. Why daily? "When communication is stifled and turf protection the order of the day, an organization's senior leadership team is less than the sum of its parts and cannot grapple with strategic and operational challenges most effectively," Linsky says.

Check out the article for tips on conducting effective check-in sessions, including how to overcome the "we're too busy to meet" argument.

Posted by Shannon McRae on July 10, 2006 07:20 AM

Recycling has become more popular over the last several years; a good thing, as in 2001 each American was estimated to produce 4.4 pounds of garbage per day, according to Keep America Beautiful. But recycling is much more than just cleaning up garbage. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recycling conserves natural resources that help sustain the environment, reduces the need for landfills, saves energy and prevents pollution. This means that everything your business can recycle impacts some part of the earth's health--and, inevitably, yours.

Today's Tools & Tips column on NFIB.com explains how to start a recycling program in your small business. Once you've decided if you'll use a pickup or dropoff recycling program, figure out what your office can recycle. The most commonly recycled items include newspapers, boxes, paper, plastic and glass.

Once you know what you'll recycle and how it will get to a recycling center, let your employees know the details. Ways to encourage participation include:

• Make it easy. Place bins or containers in locations near trash cans where employees normally would throw away recyclables. Be sure to label the bins so that the materials are put in separate receptacles.


• Remind them. Place signs around your office (not just near the receptacles) reminding employees to recycle. Use e-mails or newsletters to remind everyone what your office is recycling, where the bins are located, and how much they are helping the environment.


• Track your progress. Place signs around your office (not just near the receptacles) reminding employees to recycle. Use e-mails or newsletters to remind everyone what your office is recycling, where the bins are located, and how much they are helping the environment.
Posted by Megan Goodchild on June 14, 2006 09:53 AM

The National Federation of Independent Business' Young Entrepreneur Foundation, in partnership with Visa USA, has announced a new online curriculum to teach budding entrepreneurs the basics of how to start a business. According to a new Visa USA/NFIB survey, many teachers and guidance counselors say that while the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, students don't know where to start.

Results of the study show that while 90 percent of teachers and guidance counselors say their high-school students have expressed an interest in becoming their own bosses, 75 percent think kids don't know where to turn for assistance. Also, 74 percent of respondents whose schools do not offer this instruction think that it should be provided.

Teachers can download the free curriculum from both Visa's "Practical Money Skills for Life" financial education program and the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation's "Entrepreneur-in-the-Classroom" programs.

To learn more about the program, read the full story here.

Posted by Jamie Roberts on May 31, 2006 01:53 PM

Are you suffering from inbox overload? Both a necessity and headache at once, e-mail has infiltrated today's office. Online communication with employees, clients and vendors is one way to work faster. But when your inbox bogs you down, e-mail wastes more time than it saves. A story in today's StartUp Journal (from the Wall Street Journal's Center for Entrepreneurs) highlights new software tools designed to help small businesses manage their e-mail and online communications.

Posted by Shannon McRae on May 22, 2006 02:17 PM

A record $2 billion in disaster loan applications have been approved by the Small Business Administration for the hurricane-devastated Gulf Coast region. Another $685 million in conventional business loans have been delivered to small businesses in affected areas.

"Putting money into the hands of businesses in the Gulf Coast communities remains our top priority," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "These businesses are the economic foundation of the region's renewal and spirit, and we are going to stay on the job until it’s done."

For more information on the SBA’s disaster assistance programs, click here.

Posted by Jamie Roberts on May 17, 2006 02:23 PM

On NFIB.com today, Vicki Gerson discusses the thought process small-business owners should engage in when deciding whether to outsource their delivery service. "When retailers select the right company, it can enhance their reputation and possibly increase business," Gerson writes. "If they select the wrong one, it can lead to unhappy customers and brand their business with a reputation of poor customer service."

Questions to ask before choosing a delivery service include:

What services do I want to outsource? Some delivery companies provide driver teams, on-site management or trucks only. Many of these services have one distribution center when merchandise from many retailers is sent. Other delivery services manage the inventory, do the scheduling and provide the customer service.

What kind of technology and trucks does the company use? Find out the condition of the delivery service's trucks? Does the company provide online tracking, customer service surveys or inventory management?

What is the company's expertise? Find out how long the company has been in business. If possible, obtain references for the company.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on May 15, 2006 02:41 PM

Roundtable discussions are becoming increasingly popular at conventions, forums, summits or meetings. Unlike traditional lectures or seminars, roundtables are informal––and literally take place around a table. They do have someone in charge, but unlike seminar leaders, their primary role is to guide and encourage discussion.

If you've never been to a roundtable discussion before, you should prepare before going. NFIB.com today offers the ABCs of roundtables to help you understand a little better what you'll be getting yourself into. For example:

• Aims. Before you walk into the roundtable session, set a few aims for yourself--information you want to obtain or solutions to problems.


• Breaks. Because roundtable discussions are brief--often 45 minutes to an hour--they may not contain breaks. But if you do get a break, use the time to meet new people and make contacts.


• Cases. Be ready to discuss at least one real-life case study that demonstrates creativity or innovation on your part. And bring along one real-life problem that perplexes you.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on May 12, 2006 09:25 AM

The New York Times' (registration required) Tuesday edition reports a potential uncomfortable option for travelers: Airlines are looking at new standing-room-only seat designs to maximize profits. Mobissimo has the details on its travel blog.

Incidentally, the competition between travel search engines Mobissimo.com, SideStep.com and Kayak.com is heating up, resulting in even better bargains for business and leisure travelers. Before you book your next trip, check out the travel short in the February/March issue of MyBusiness and in the Web Extras section.

Posted by Jamie Roberts on April 26, 2006 12:28 PM

As summer approaches, high-school and college students will be taking a break from the books. Why not put them to work in your small business? Whether you're planning to hire your next door neighbor's child or your own, there are rules that limit the number of hours and the type of job teenagers can work. The Department of Labor created YouthRules!, a Web site full of resources, tips and frequently asked questions to keep employers straight. The rules aren't too complicated, but penalties for breaking them are substantial. The time students spend in your small business might inspire them to start businesses themselves one day. Help teenagers you know get a jump on business ownership by introducing them to the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation scholarship awards program, created to help fuel the future of America's free enterprise system.

Posted by Shannon McRae on April 24, 2006 07:08 AM

Timing is extremely important in starting a new business venture. Some people have ideas but are still gathering resources, others know the markets just aren't ready for them. But what do you do in the waiting period before you launch your company?

Rob from BusinessPundit.com offers 11 things he either did or wish he had done before starting his first business:

1. Become an "intrapreneur": Learn entrepreneurial skills from working at a corporation


2. Save money


3. Network (but wisely)


4. Learn the industry


5. Learn about entrepreneurship


6. Read the books Starting Something and You Have to Be a Little Crazy


7. Test the waters


8. Learn to sell


9. Study financial statements


10. Line up your resources


11. Write a letter to the future

Posted by Megan Goodchild on April 20, 2006 09:56 AM

Though an easy start-up is probably the dream of most entrepreneurs, having to struggle to get things going actually can help you in the long run. On NFIB.com today, Jeffrey Moses discusses two reasons why immediate profitability and lack of hardship at a business' inception can spell trouble down the road:

1. Owners and employees may become complacent, thinking that it will always be as easy to make sales and maintain profitability.


2. A new company becomes strong by squeezing costs to a minimum, making the most of employees, securing the best terms from suppliers, negotiating tough terms for leases and loans, etc.

"If things are too easy right from the start," Moses writes, "a company can become downright flabby."

Posted by Megan Goodchild on April 19, 2006 08:43 AM

One-hundred years ago tomorrow, the Great San Francisco Earthquake struck, touching off fires that burned for three days and destroyed more than 500 blocks of the city. Damage was estimated at $8.2 billion by today’s standards.

Small-business owners in this century certainly have witnessed their share of disasters in recent years. Yet a recent study by MasterCard found that the majority of small-business owners don’t believe a natural disaster will affect their business in the next 12 months. You know the old Boy Scout adage: Be prepared. Take a few minutes to check out the Small Business Administration’s disaster preparedness site to make sure you're covered.

Posted by Shannon McRae on April 17, 2006 07:21 AM

After almost 17 years in the same building, my mom and dad (who own a small business in Alabama) have decided to move to a new office complex that's under contruction in the town where I grew up. It's been so long since they've negotiated a new lease that I'm sure they'll be extra careful and cautious. In the April/May issue of MyBusiness, the NFIB Legal Foundation's Beth Gaudio lays out key points for small-business owners to consider before signing a lease on commercial space. If you're considering new digs for your office any time in the near future, it's a must-read.

Posted by Shannon McRae on April 10, 2006 02:15 PM