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

Which comes first? The business name or the domain name? It depends on the business, of course, but if a strong Web presence is what you're after, it's important to focus first on the domain name. That's because these days, it seems all the good ones are already taken.

But don't fret—instead read today's Fresh Inc. post on Inc.com, which will take you to 10 tips on how to buy a domain name like a pro, written by the founder of PhoneTag.com. (Hey, PhoneTag.com, that has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?)

Posted by Lena Anthony on March 2, 2009 03:33 PM

If you have a Web site, you have (or should have) a page where visitors can find how to contact your company directly. And if this contact information is hard to find, you risk not only losing a sale but damaging your credibility as well. Check out this recent Tools and Tips column on NFIB.com for hints on making your contact information more accessible on your Web site, including:

• Make your Contact Us page simple to locate. Position the link near the top of your home page, but make sure it doesn't interfere with your design.


• List your telephone number and street address to inspire trust. Some customers may prefer to speak to you over the phone instead of via e-mail, and you'll appear more credible if you include a street address, or at least your city and state.


• Provide e-mail addresses of people who can answer customer questions. One e-mail address that is routed to several departments can create a lot of extra work for employees who have to read each message and reroute them to the appropriate person. Streamline the process by listing e-mail addresses for employees who can answer the most commonly asked questions, and consider creating a Frequently Asked Questions page on your site as well.

Posted by Megan Morris on February 20, 2009 05:05 PM

A recent article on Kiplinger.com reports the number of adult Internet users who have a profile on an online social network site has more than quadrupled since 2005--from 8 percent then to 35 percent now.

But as author Amanda Lenhart of the Pew Internet Project points out, using social networks online is still a phenomenon of the young: 75 percent of adults 18-24 use these networks, compared to just 7 percent of adults 65 and older.

The findings also show some other interesting statistics:

• Personal use of social networks is more common than professional use.


• The median age of a Facebook user is 26.


• Nine in 10 say they use social networks to keep in touch with friends.


• MySpace is still the preferred social networking site with 50 percent of adult users having a profile there.

Read the full report from PewInternet.org.

Posted by Megan Morris on January 30, 2009 11:06 AM

Just because gas prices dropped doesn't mean it's no longer important to green your business. Looking for the latest technology to reduce your carbon footprint? This Tools and Tips article has all the information you need. Here are a few tips from the article:

• Look for Energy Star-approved office equipment that will reduce the amount of electricity you need to run your business.


• Make your building greener and minimize your electricity bill by retrofitting your lighting to energy-reducing T-8 fluorescent fixtures, or install low-flow toilets to cut back on water use.


• Take advantage of the tax credits offered through Dec. 31, 2010, buy purchasing a hybrid vehicle for your business.

For more ways to go green, check out the article.

Posted by Megan Pacella on December 16, 2008 06:10 PM

Though e-mail is perhaps the No. 1 mode of business communication, not all senders understand the importance behind using proper etiquette. Each e-mail you send is a reflection on you and your business, as are the messages sent by employees or co-workers. Today's Tools and Tips column features etiquette reminders to help you make sure you always represent yourself positively and professionally via e-mail, including:

• Answer all e-mails promptly (so you don't appear to be ignoring the sender).


• Include all of your contact information in the signature field of each e-mail you send.


• Never write in all capital letters (IT LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE YELLING AT SOMEONE).


• Don't forward chain letters (or your seven years bad luck might include losing customers).

Posted by Megan Morris on December 8, 2008 04:21 PM

According to a report released Friday by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses obtain many more patents per employee than larger firms.

Moreover, small businesses outperform larger businesses on several different measurements, suggesting that small firm patents are more likely to be technologically important.

“Small firms are the innovative driver of the American economy,” said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy. He added, “This report adds more weight to the evidence we already have that encouraging small firms is the best way to increase innovation, productivity, and jobs.”

Download and read the full report from the SBA Office of Advocacy.

Posted by Megan Morris on November 14, 2008 08:58 AM

I'm going to go out on a very sturdy limb here and assume that if you're a reader of this blog, then your business probably has a Web site.

If I'm wrong, shame on you and go read this article on NFIB.com about why you need a Web site. If I'm right, go to smSmallBiz.com instead to read about how to keep your Web site secure. The article offers nine tips to help keep hackers at bay.

Posted by Lena Anthony on October 29, 2008 04:39 PM

While small business owners recognize the importance of using resources diligently all the time, cutting costs has become even more critical during this economic downturn. There are various changes you can make in your daily work routine to be more cost-efficient, but Small Biz Technology offers some ideas on how you can use technology (some of which you might already have) to help save money:

• Use video-conferencing software instead of flying to meetings


• Scan and send large documents instead of using a courier service


• Use laptops instead of desktops and separate monitors to decrease energy costs


• If your business is outgrowing its current location but you don't want to take on the costs of moving right now, encourage employees to work from home if possible. Added bonus: Employees save on fuel costs, too.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on October 27, 2008 02:22 PM

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

Just a few minutes ago I got an e-mail from my Nigerian banker alerting me that his e-mail has changed. That's thoughtful and great to know, but for one thing: I don't have a Nigerian banker. So I moved the message to the special folder I have for all of my e-mails from Nigeria.

A lot of small companies still haven't figured out how to rein in the spam. It's a problem that comes in waves, and frankly, it's probably just a lot easier to push delete a few (or more) times a day than it is to dedicate the resources to stop the problem for good.

But the problem with that is this: There are more tech problems lurking around the corner for small businesses, says this Wall Street Journal article. As more workers use personal smart phones to check in at the office, hackers and spammers will access those smart phones using spyware. In most cases, the article says, it will just be a nuisance and a means for hackers to send out even more spam (just what we all need). But savvy hackers with an interest in your particular business could be after more—such as company secrets or a client list.

But don't run and hide just yet. The article also explains that protecting your business from prying eyes via your employees' personal smart phones isn't as hard as, say, blocking e-mails from my Nigerian banker. Just make sure your employees' phones include security software that "encrypts email traffic, or monitors phones for suspicious activity," the Wall Street Journal advises.

Posted by Lena Anthony on August 27, 2008 07:54 AM

If your business doesn't have an in-house IT department, chances are you are responsible for everyday maintenance yourself. If you notice your computer is sluggish and slower than normal, MarketWatch offers three easy tips for keeping your computer in good working condition.

Looking for more tips on technology? Check out the cover story of the current issue of MyBusiness where our editors talk to small business owners who are embracing social networking, using mobile technology and running paperless offices.

Posted by Shannon McRae on August 4, 2008 06:59 AM

If you haven't caught on yet that the Internet is a great tool for small business owners, check out this WSJ.com article about yet another way the Internet is putting small business owners on the same playing field as large enterprises—social networking.

That's right, Facebook, MySpace, Second Life, Twitter and all the other crazy social networking sites you've heard of can help you grow your business. How, you ask? By quickly and easily connecting you to other small business owners (or customers, or vendors) who can help you answer your tricky business dilemmas—and you don't have to leave the office to do it.

Want more tips on harnessing the power of technology for your business? Check back next week, when the August/September issue of MyBusiness will be live.

Posted by Lena Anthony on July 23, 2008 02:14 PM

I'm not a germaphobe, but I do try to clean my keyboard, mouse and computer monitor at least once every couple of weeks. My main motivation is to keep the keyboard looking white and new, but it turns out I'm also helping to reduce my chances of getting sick. This Tools and Tips article details the importance of keeping a clean keyboard (and why eating lunch at your desk isn't such a great idea), and offers advice on how to do it in a way that won't damage the equipment. Head over to NFIB.com for the article—I'm going to grab the Lysol.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on June 19, 2008 01:10 PM

Between record-high gas prices and airline industry woes, many small businesses are cutting business travel plans. But what happens when you can't cancel your trip--and you can't afford it either? According to this video on BusinessWeek.com, an increasing number of businesses are turning to virtual conferencing technology to simulate face to face meetings without stepping foot outside the office.

"There's all sorts of online collaboration tools; there's all sorts of ways to have online virtual meetings...and you can literally simulate the feeling of being in the same room," says Business Week's Michelle Conlin, who wrote this article about declining business travel.

While meeting with clients from the comfort of your own cubicle can save the company's bottom line, it also creates a healthy work-life balance to keep employees happy and reduces a business' carbon footprint. Who knows? Maybe you'll never send your employees on a business trip again.

Posted by Megan Pacella on June 3, 2008 01:10 PM

Have you ever wasted an entire afternoon on the phone (or, most likely, on hold) with a customer service representative? If you're like me, one day wasted on customer service will make you swear to never buy a certain product from a particular business ever again.

Paul English, co-founder of Kayak.com, a travel Web site that lets users search efficiently for deals on flights and hotels all over the country, apparently feels the same way about customer service. To give his customers a shorter and sweeter experience on his site, English implemented a do-it-yourself online database that routes customer feedback directly to employees.

"We fix customer problems in real-time," English says in a recent CNN.com article. "Paying an engineer to do that for 20 minutes is cheaper than outsourcing the problem."

Read on to learn more about keeping your customers happy with a DIY customer service program.

Posted by Megan Pacella on May 22, 2008 03:55 PM

We all know the good that social media (blogging, social networking sites, wikis, Twitter) has brought small businesses. But have you thought about the bad? Steve Ranjbin, owner of The Rooz Cafe in Oakland, Calif., has and he calls it Yelp.

In this New York Times article, Ranjbin complains that sites like Yelp.com, which allow users to share their experiences at local businesses, are not as business friendly as he—and any business owner—would probably like.

An excerpt from the article explains why:

"Mr. Ranjbin, who said that amateur reviews can hurt his business, said some had misquoted him or called his employees names, but that Yelp had refused to take these comments down. Yelp rarely removes reviews, even when advertisers complain, preferring to let the crowd have its say."

So how do you protect your business against the naysayers out there?

Easy—don't give them anything to complain about. Treat every customer who walks through your door like they're a reviewer from the New York Times. And pass that message along to employees, too.

Posted by Lena Anthony on May 21, 2008 09:30 AM

I have a coworker who doesn't leave for the day until her inbox is empty. Me, on the other hand? I once was unable to access my inbox from a Web-based program because it was simply too large. And by too large, I mean it had 12,000+ e-mails in it.

Today—after spending a few hours purging and filing away those thousands of e-mails that are no longer relevant but I just couldn't bear to delete—my inbox has 654 messages, which by some people's standards is still probably too much, but it works for me.

I'm sure after reading this week's Steve Strauss column in USA Today, I'll be motivated to clear it out even more. He's got some great tips on taming "the beast."

Posted by Lena Anthony on April 23, 2008 08:16 AM

Flight delays are the bane of any business traveler's existence. It's bad enough to be stuck when you're on vacation with family or friends. But when you've been in an all-day meeting and you're just trying to make it home in time for your child's t-ball game, sitting in the airport with other tired travelers is the last thing you want to do. As summer approaches, flight delays only seem to get worse. But now there's a new site that can help you avoid delays. Delaycast uses tools to predict the best days, times and airlines to choose for a trip, based on your airport preference. Right now the site includes the top 60 U.S. airports and 11 airlines.

Posted by Shannon McRae on April 21, 2008 08:17 AM

Do you have a MySpace, Facebook or LinkedIn page for your business? More importantly, should you? That's the question explored by Deborah Brown in a recent Small Business Trends blog post. As more businesses look for ways to build their brand by interacting with customers online, Brown examines the pros and cons of four common social networking sites for businesses: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Squidoo. A few highlights:

•Facebook: Creating a Facebook "fan" page for your business can create a buzz, provided you know how to use it. This means offering relevant information, special updates and useful applications as well as a place where fans can connect with others like them.
•Twitter: This is quickly becoming a source that reporters and industry insiders are turning to for the most up-to-date news of the day.
•LinkedIn: This is a great way to connect with colleagues, and the underused "recommendation" section can shed a positive light on your company and the work you do.
•Squidoo: Turns the spotlight on your company through posting of links, books, recommendations and more.

Whatever social networking site you prefer, the benefits of using one can be boiled down to this, says Jon Rognerud, a technology expert mentioned in the article. It's really just like having a conversation with your neighbor across the backyard fence—only with a technological twist, he explains.

Posted by Emily McMackin on April 18, 2008 10:44 AM

If you prefer not to handle your small business' IT needs in-house but aren't sure what steps to take when hiring an outside company, this article from The Wall Street Journal offers some great advice, including:

• Have an exit strategy. Think through what will happen in the event things don't work out.


• Meet the account team. Meet the account employees in person and find out about their skills, expertise in your industry and comfort with the technical environment they'll be working in.


• Find out how your data will be protected. Learn whether a vendor may expose customer data or your firm's intellectual property to another vendor, such as one outside the U.S. that may not have the level of security that you would want.
  Posted by Megan Goodchild on April 17, 2008 03:42 PM

If you don't have a blog for your small business yet, what are you waiting for? In today's Tools and Tips article on NFIB.com, author Steve Strauss battles the notion that blogs are just a fad, and outlines the many ways they can benefit your business. A blog lets you showcase your business in a personal way, Strauss says, creating a bond with customers. Other benefits a blog brings to the table include:

• A sense of community. By sharing your expertise in a blog, you connect with a lot more people.


• A boost in search engine optimization. Blogs incorporate the hallmarks of good SEO: keywords and links. As more people respond to your blog, more keywords show up.


• Valuable feedback. By seeing what customers say about your posts, your blog offers valuable feedback.

Head over to NFIB.com to learn more, including how to make the most of your blog.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on April 3, 2008 04:49 PM

My LinkedIn profile is a prime example of how not to put together a LinkedIn profile: no photo, just two words describing what I do and another two for where I work. But, amazingly, it has worked. In fact, I actually found a pretty good freelancer via a "connection." To think what it could be if I actually used it to its maximum potential!

For tips on how to do this with LinkedIn and other business networking sites, check out this WSJ.com article.

Posted by Lena Anthony on March 5, 2008 03:30 PM

When I need to buy something, nine times out of ten, I'll see if I can purchase it online before I get in my car and drive to a store. With the launch of a new site next month, I could soon shop for my health-care services the same way.

Carol (which also calls itself The Care Marketplace) allows users to browse medical services and providers and then pick the best option. Participating providers create condition-specific care packages of related health-care services, such as common immunizations, neck and back pain diagnosis and treatment, pregnancy classes, a year’s worth of diabetes care or in-home check-ups. The site verifies insurance coverage and provides cost estimates. (It's also available to uninsured individuals.) Users can even book appointments online.

Carol gives new meaning to consumer-driven health care. Right now the service is only available in the Minneapolis area, but could expand if it catches on.

Source: Springwise

Posted by Shannon McRae on February 11, 2008 08:50 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

I interviewed the most interesting NFIB member a few weeks ago. The story I was working on was about the rising cost of health care, but during the interview, I spent lots of time learning about this woman's business, the oldest commercial river touring company in the Grand Canyon. Doesn't that sound like a fun business? I immediately envisioned rafting trips and star gazing and being one with nature. Turns out Joy Staveley and her husband, Gaylord, get to do all that--but they also face the same headaches every other business owner faces--affording health insurance, retaining key employees and dealing with government regulations. If you ever daydream of a business you think might be more adventurous than yours, check out this Q&A with the owner of an Alaska tour operation on the WSJ's small-business blog. It gives some great insight on the ups and downs of seasonal businesses.

Posted by Shannon McRae on November 26, 2007 11:34 AM

When it comes to conserving energy in the office, your efforts to go green are saving more than the rainforest—they’re saving precious dollars on your energy bills. Unfortunately, the technology you use to efficiently manage your small business is often the main source of energy consumption in your workplace. With utility expenses increasing in every state, it’s important to get a handle on your energy bills now, before rising costs eat up your technology budget.

If you’re looking for ways to start saving energy now, check out the “Saving Energy to Save Money” article in Businessweek.com’s CEO Technology Guide for tips to help your lower your utility bills without compromising the technology you need to run a thriving business.

Posted by Megan Pacella on October 30, 2007 10:08 AM

Doesn't it feel good to be appreciated? For years global companies have touted their strategies to lure small-business customers like you. Last week when IBM announced stronger-than-expected third quarter earnings, the company said its sales to small business are making a big difference, according to USA Today's Small Business blog. "I think that took some people by surprise, since IBM is not really known as a small-business vendor," said analyst Charles King, a researcher at Pund-IT. "But they could really get a toe into this market."

Posted by Shannon McRae on October 22, 2007 08:17 AM

I love starting the week with an organized e-mail in-box. Mondays are just easier when you know that you've answered, filed, forwarded or deleted everything you should. As good as it is to start the week on top of your e-mail, how great would it be to end the week with no messages at all? This USA Today story explains how some businesses are doing just that by declaring e-mail-free Fridays. In an effort to bring back more direct communication, employees are encouraged to pick up the phone or have in-person meetings instead of hitting send.

Though it's an invaluable form of communication at the office, e-mail can quickly overwhelm busy professionals. Every day 39.7 billion person-to-person messages are sent worldwide.

"I couldn't believe people who had never talked to each other but worked in the same office," says Scott Dockter, CEO of PBD Worldwide Fulfillment Services in Alpharetta, Ga., which adopted e-mail-free Fridays about a year-and-a-half ago. Since then, the number of messages his 400 employees send has dropped by 75 percent.

Posted by Shannon McRae on October 8, 2007 07:53 AM

When I opened up my e-mail today, the message at the top of the list was a frantic one from a friend who's computer had frozen up and wouldn't reboot. After talking him down from the ledge, we went through a few troubleshooting steps, and luckily his computer is up and running again--for now.

As a small-business owner you probably depend on your computer throughout the day, and the last thing you want to see is the Blue Screen of Death instead of your normal desktop. If you don't have a dedicated IT person on staff (or a tech-savvy family member you can bug), read this Tools & Tips article for ways to prevent problems and what to do if your computer does crash. Some easy ways to prevent trouble include:

• Use an anti-virus program, firewall program, anti-spyware program and anti-spam program, and keep them current


• Get the kids their own PC for instant messaging, surfing the Web and playing games, and keep the one you use for business or personal finance to yourself


• Turn your machine off at night to free up system resources, eliminate potential conflicts and conserve energy

Posted by Megan Goodchild on September 27, 2007 02:32 PM

Is it time to train employees, but you don't have the time or the expertise to do it yourself? No worries. The growing number of online training services and software makes it easy for small-business owners to provide employees with flexible training time—and to save money at the same time. From virtual classes to videos, these online training tools are becoming more available and cost-effective, according to a recent article on Wall Street Journal online.

The story offers several successful examples—from a small Midwestern seed company that uses online videos to train thousands of its independent crop-seed dealers to a cemetery-mapping business owner who took free, online software classes to take his paper-based business virtual. In small businesses particularly, e-learning has become the second most popular approach to training for small businesses, the article states.

Posted by Emily McMackin on September 21, 2007 09:22 AM

This morning I took a second look at an e-mail that was in my junk mail. Even though my e-mail program was screaming, "Hey, this is junk! Don't bother with it!" I may have sneaked a peak to make sure it wasn't legitimate. It was (supposedly) from my bank, but when I opened it, the body of the e-mail was in all cursive and against a pretty blue background—a surefire sign that this e-mail most definitely was not from my bank.

Today's Tools and Tips column on NFIB.com warns you about another type of e-mail scam that's being seen more and more. It's a scam that's disguised not just as a friendly promotional note from your bank, but a message that is sure to get a small-business owner's attention immediately: an e-mail from the IRS. And not just the IRS, but the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. Gulp.

Posted by Lena Anthony on September 20, 2007 03:09 PM

These days, it seems everyone everywhere has a blog. Businesses use them for different reasons: to get customer feedback, to answer commonly asked questions, to describe their company, to boost their search-engine rankings, ect. So, with all the hype about blogs, do you need one? This week's small-business report from the Wall Street Journal explores this question, drawing on the experience of small-business owners who have experimented with blogs and have seen their profits soar.

While a blog can help you establish your credibility and expertise, "it's a fallacy to think you blog, and you sell," says Debbie Weil, a Washington, D.C.-based author and corporate blogging consultant who is quoted in the article. If you do have a blog, the article suggests several ways to make it more profitable, including:
•Update the content on a daily or weekly basis
•Add a creative or humorous twist to posts
•Provide a social networking forum for customers
•Link to other Web sites or blogs or have them link to you
•Use your blog to showcase your work

Want to know more about how to use a blog to boost business? Check out this article in our April/May Small-Business Technology Manual.

Posted by Emily McMackin on August 24, 2007 08:03 AM

I hate airports. Maybe it's the long security lines, the bad food or the (sometimes) frustrating customer service. I often find myself waiting at baggage claim and wondering if it would have been easier to drive.

But maybe there's hope. This article from Fast Company promises new technology will soon change the airline industry. These new systems will allow airlines to remember my preferences, bring in bigger aircraft when capacity surges, and even notify me if an earlier flight has an empty seat. Now if every airport would offer a lounge like this one in Amsterdam (for when when you take the tikes along), the actual trip would almost be as enjoyable as the destination.

Posted by Shannon McRae on August 13, 2007 07:42 AM

Along with having an appealing and functional design, good content is extremely important in getting visitors to return to your business' Web site. This Tools & Tips article on NFIB.com offers some hints on how to make sure the people viewing your Web site get what they are looking for quickly, including:

• Use meaningful headlines, subheads, and menus and other links instead of fancy graphics or animations.


• Keep text brief, and break up long passages into multiple pages.


• Resist the temptation to swipe content you see elsewhere and repurpose it for your site, whether it's text, photos, illustrations, music or video.


• Periodically reevaluate the quality of your content. Make sure the information is still current, accurate and complete. Test links, both internal and external, to ensure they're still working.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on July 27, 2007 08:33 AM

I got a fancy new PDA a few weeks ago (unfortunately not an iPhone). And the more I learn how to use it, the more I realize that these things really do change your life. According to a new study by Intuit, technology (like my PDA) will transform small businesses during the next decade. In the second of three installments of the study authored by the Institute for the Future, researchers predict three emerging technology trends will completely transform the way businesses run:

On My Time, On My Terms: Everyone thinks small-business owners have all the freedom in the world--well they're wrong. You're constantly connected to your office, but future technology devices will free you somewhat, changing the way you manage your business and reach your customers.

Global, Local, Virtual: Networking takes on a whole new meaning as you'll expand your reach, strengthening hometown connections and widening your network to a national and global level.

From Push to Pull: No longer will getting your message out to customers be the objective. Instead you'll look for ways to provide information to clients when they request it.

Posted by Shannon McRae on July 9, 2007 06:14 AM

I don't know about you, but over the past few months, my invitations to connect on the online networking site LinkedIn have increased substantially. Since I can't attribute it to some spike in my overall popularity, it seems like more and more people are using the site these days. I wrote a story for MyBusiness about online networking several years ago when networks like LinkedIn were just launching. I joined a few then so I could get a better understanding of the experience, but I have to admit--after I finished writing the story, I didn't monitor my accounts that much. Since I've started receiving more invitations lately, I (like Harvey King) have wondered: Is it really worth my time to connect to business associates, friends and people I went to school with who I haven't spoken to in years?

This story gave me 20 ways to use LinkedIn productively. While not all of the reasons apply to small-business owners, several might make you answer that invitation to connect a little faster next time. After all, what small-business owner doesn't want to boost business, check references for hires, get advice or improve their Google results? If you opened a account months or years ago, it might pay to dig around in your desk for the username and password and explore who else has joined since you did. If you've never opened an account, try using it for a few weeks to see how it works.

Posted by Shannon McRae on June 18, 2007 11:00 AM

Technology. You can't live with it; you can't live without it. There's no doubt that it makes life (and business) easier, but making it a seamless part of your day-to-day operations takes some effort, intention—and trust. Often small-business owners are slow to take advantage of technology not because they don't know what's avaliable, but because they are skeptical of it, according to a survey conducted by Warrillow & Co., an advisory services company that works with small-business marketers. Owners may be hesitant to invest in new technology if they believe that implementing it will cost them more time and money than they could save, the report says.

The survey illustrates the "inertia gap" between owners' awareness of online business applications and their adoption of them. A few of the highlights:

•64 percent of small-business owners are aware that they can buy search terms, but only 9 percent actually do so.
•92 percent know that they can access business e-mail remotely, but only 43 percent do.
•59 percent are aware of the ability to use software as a service, but only 17 percent do.
•84 percent know that they can use online applications for customer service, but only 49 percent do.

Learn more about the reasons behind small-business owner's reluctance toward technology in B-to-B magazine. If you can relate, check out our low-stress guide to making technology can work for your business in our April/May Manual.

Posted by Emily McMackin on June 8, 2007 08:31 AM

My name is Shannon, and I'm addicted to e-mail. I admit it. I check it before I go to bed at night and before I get my first cup of coffee in the morning. Within my circle of family, friends and coworkers, my e-mail habits aren't that extreme. But according to a Pew Internet and American Life Survey, I'm in the minority. The recent survey on Americans' use of information and communication tools (ICT) found that 49 percent of Americans report that they rarely or never use computers, cell phones or other ICT tools. On the opposite end of the spectrum, 8 percent of Americans consider themselves "deep users" of participatory Web and mobile applications, and 23 percent rate themselves heavy, pragmatic adopters, using the technology to keep up with work and social networks.

For small-business owners, it's smart to consider in which category of users most of your customers fall. Exploring text-based advertising might be pointless if the majority of your customers say they rarely use cell phones. Before creating your next marketing campaign, find out how much technology touches the lives of your customers.

Posted by Shannon McRae on May 21, 2007 10:38 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

So this horse walks into a bar...

Ok, telling lame jokes probably isn't the way to go, but according to Debbie Weil at BlogWrite for CEOs, injecting a bit of humor in your posts is good for your company's blog. Lightening up the tone of your writing "predisposes the reader to feel positive about the blogger," Weil says. "And that's a great way to start the conversation and strengthen the connection with your audience."

If your business doesn't have a blog yet, check out "Blogging for Business," an article in the latest issue of MyBusiness that offers several helpful tips on how starting one could help boost your business.

Posted by Megan Goodchild on April 19, 2007 02:12 PM

How has the Internet revolutionized your business? Significantly, according to small-business owners surveyed in the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index. Results from the survey reveal that two- thirds of all small-business owners use the Internet several times a week for business purposes, ranging from obtaining information and advice on their business and industry to doing online banking and payroll management.

Of those surveyed, 35 percent said that losing access to the Internet would have a major impact on their business. In fact, 18 percent said it would put them out of business. Almost half of those surveyed reported having their own Web site to advertise, market and communicate with clients and customers.

Want to learn more about how to make technology work for your business? Check out our low-stress guide to small-business technology in our April/May Manual. We cover everything from boosting your business by blogging and finding a good URL to using technology to look and function like your larger competitors and integrating high-tech tools into your workspace.

Posted by Emily McMackin on April 13, 2007 10:10 AM

According to a study on e-mail usage by IDC, nearly 97 billion e-mails will be sent each day worldwide this year, and more than half of those will be spam messages. This is the first year that spam e-mail volumes are expected to exceed person-to-person e-mail volumes sent worldwide, IDC says.

The reason? The study says those pesky image-based spam messages (I know I got about 14 this morning) are really good at getting past spam filters, as are sender-identity spoofers.

The solution? "Deploy multiple layers of commercial antispam software, appliances, and services that are regularly updated to increase effectiveness over time."

Get tips on reducing spam's effect on your inboxes in the "Internet" section of NFIB.com's Business Toolbox.

Posted by Lena Anthony on April 11, 2007 12:54 PM

This WSJ article charged me with doing a quick exercise: take a look at my e-mail outbox and determine how many of those e-mails didn't need to be sent. Well, I have a large inbox and an e ven larger outbox (i.e., I don't delete messages—ever), so I never came up with a concrete number, but it didn't take long for me to get the writer's point.

"E-mail enables lazy communication. By giving us a way to exchange messages that aren't important enough to require a phone call or a face-to-face meeting, it breeds unimportant communications," which is "horrible for our professional lives, allowing and even encouraging our inner bureaucrat to come out and play," the article says.

Inner bureaucrat? I didn't know I had one, but that doesn't sound good at all—especially in a small business. The article goes on to offer a few tips. They may seem a little strange ("You get to send an internal e-mail to four people. That's it. Any more than that, each recipient costs you a quarter."), but they make a lot of sense—and can help you start taming your e-mail inbox today.

Posted by Lena Anthony on April 9, 2007 02:37 PM