Wednesday January 7, 2009
By Jeffrey A. Tannenbaum
For businesses, a slowdown may be an optimal time to put underused employees to work on that “To Do” list.
When managers take a clinical approach when breaking the bad news, they can seem downright heartless.
If you plan on extending credit to customers, these days it’s especially important to check them out first.
Sick businesses often need fresh talent to recover. But attracting star players during bankruptcy can be difficult.
As shoppers flock to their computers, entrepreneurs with e-businesses can make a hefty sum.
As strapped consumers dig out of the ever daunting holiday hole, it’s good to be prepared for what to do if a bad check stumbles into your register.
These two entrepreneurs have learned the cost savings and competitive advantages of going green.
Resist the temptation to make these bad business decisions during the downturn.
Want to follow in the successful online shoe retailer’s footsteps? Now you can.
Even in a down economy, people are still buying -- you just have to find them.
Before you let your inner Scrooge take over, see what experts have to say about keeping costs down and spirits high.
Here are four ways to market effectively in a downturn and maximize customer feedback.
No matter if you’re axing holiday bonuses or employees, here’s how to deliver bad news.
Feeling overwhelmed? Learn how to break down your goals into digestible, daily steps.
Is your social networking strategy actually costing you customers? Use these strategies to get it right.
The ability to halt foreclosure proceedings on a small business depends on the severity of the financial situation and how the owner has tried remedying the problem.
Target, Apple and Jack in the Box reinvented their brands through damage control, brand differentiation and broadening appeal.
How to keep a business afloat after filing for bankruptcy protection.
If you have green a product or service, here’s a look at some industries on the prowl.
Limit the collateral damage of a bankruptcy filing — or even avoid it altogether.
Learn how to take the first step into foreign markets by developing an export compliance plan and determining which markets to enter.
Inexpensive person-to-person marketing is more important than ever. Be sure you're communicating the right message.
One key to surviving a downturn is to know your customers. Here’s how to create an effective and informative customer survey.
Look beyond your standard groups and cocktail receptions for business connections that really work.
Employee gifts? The holiday party? How bosses can save on these perks without appearing stingy.
How to create a virtual presence for practically nothing.
Finding a business partner with complementary skills can be the best thing you do for your business -- and yourself.
Here are a five businesses that use unconventional methods to boost their bottom line.
Dan Schawbel, a leading expert in social networking and a Gen-Y branding expert, explains what business owners need to know about social networking.
How debt-laden business owners can reduce debt during tough times.
Run a more eco-friendly company with these 5 easy and cost-effective tips.
Learn why even in this economy you can't afford not to implement green practices in your business.
In a recession, it's important to know what adjustments to make to your business plan. Here are three fundamentals to remember.
Need help getting organized? Learn the many roles a virtual staff can fill to help grow your business.
Technology allows us to be more creative and visual than ever. But using it to make things simpler is the real trick.
Use these 9 tips to craft a pitch that will have retailers filling out purchase orders.
Launching a business in a down economy isn't easy, but it has it's perks.
Use these tips to attract more franchisees and help them cut costs.
We answer biz owners' questions about FDIC protections, government assistance and more.
Don't assume your next invention will be produced overseas. Several factors make the U.S. a prime place for production.
Commodities prices are dropping. However, some business owners are still attempting to mitigate the damage and protect themselves from future fluctuations.
Laid off and want to strike out on your own? Here's how to improve your odds of success.
Product price sensitivity and financial creativity can help you thrive in any economy.
Learn 3 ways to save when dealing with foreign goods.
Tired of dealing with late payments from customers? Here's how to make sure you get paid.
As U.S. companies continue shedding jobs, business owners may be able to pick up more qualified (and cheaper) labor. Just be sure to avoid these hiring mistakes.
Some entrepreneurs are heading back to school in search of additional skills, training and business connections.
Ignore the power of online customer evaluations at your own peril. Get advice from Yelp's CEO and a business owner who's using the online customer reviews to grow her business.
Trade shows can be extremely effective outlets to showcase your products and services to large numbers of customers and potential clients.
It's not easy being an entrepreneur during a downturn. We've got tips on how to stay afloat.
Venture capital firms say a key factor in building a long-term business is to nurture young venture professionals. But that's easier said than done.
In today’s rocky economy, not even tried and tested restaurant concepts are safe. Here’s how to prepare if your franchiser files for Chapter 11.
Skyrocketing shipping costs are squeezing many small businesses. Here are ways to save.
Good company monikers suggest rather than describe; great ones have the flexibility to survive unforeseen changes or expansion.
Pitfalls abound when entrepreneurs decide to become partners.
Entrepreneurial ventures fail. It's a sad fact. How your business fails will determine whether you get another shot at success.
The key to a successful business is a steady customer base. Here are ten ways in which you can build crucial customer loyalty.
It's more than showing up and shaking hands; it's about being proactive.
How Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch's life lessons can help you connect with employees and become a better entrepreneur.
By gauging where the rapidly changing airline industry is headed, business travelers can map out their flight plans and find the best deals.
Rising shipping costs and a weak U.S. dollar have many small businesses staying close to home.
A 100% employee owned company is nothing without education. Here’s how one company turned employees into owners.
Sick of paying $300 for toner cartridges? Here's how to trim your office supplies bill.
Aspire to achieve 10 key leadership qualities and watch your business success skyrocket.
These 9 tips will help you manage your budget, steer straight and control your destiny.
How to take your business on the road — without hitting any major speed bumps.
Learn about the pricing paradox that's driving away sales from most startups.
Need to cut some business expenses? Look no further than those costly phone lines.
From virtual offices to shared space, there are options to take your home office to a more professional level.
Social networks can be valuable business tools, just watch out for these pitfalls.
Entrepreneurs can take a cue from the Obama campaign to determine four necessary talents required of the innovation process, and how to delegate those talents.
Here are 10 of the most common payroll mistakes to be aware of.
Businesses that try to cash in on big-name events like the Olympics risk lawsuits.
Launching a new line is time consuming and expensive. And it could cannibalize existing product sales.
How to deal with a worker whose personal problems are hurting on-the-job performance.
Use these tips as a guide to help you make the most of your time when creating a business plan.
The world's top professional speakers aren't nearly as good as you are.
A new bill currently being considered in the House brings changes that no longer look out for the little guy.
I'm interested in renting shared office space for my business. How can I find it, and how do these arrangements usually work?
Use these steps to achieve a smooth transition during employee turnover.
Make sure you and your business are ready for anything.
Are you getting fried on the price of raw materials? Here are ways to save.
Do you consistently fall into a 3 p.m. brilliance slump? Tune into your natural cycles and keep your productivity at an all-time high.
With a little common sense and a lot of hard work, your business can survive in any economy.
Frustrated business owners are turning to coaches for advice.
Find out what kind of a thinker — and business owner — you are by asking these strategic questions.
Game-changing ideas may abound at your workplace - in the minds of your employees.
If you think your workers are motivated without consequences, think again. Being a good leader means providing checks and balances.
New disclosure rules for franchisers should help would-be franchisees make more-informed investment decisions
Mistakes during the firing process can come back to haunt you by way of legal action if you are not careful.
How one company flourished after telling employees they could pursue their own interests in their downtime—on the clock.
In the brick-and-mortar marketplace, location matters. How to pick the best spot for your business.
Most people know what brainstorming means, but few are ever taught how to do it effectively.
For business owners feeling the pinch, here's how to save on soaring gas prices.
How to rebuild a business relationship with disgruntled clients.
Create a mobile office and watch the bumps on the road to a working vacation disappear.
It takes a year-round effort to maximize profits in your peak season. Here are 4 principles to get you there.
After IndyMac's collapse, business owners have much to consider when choosing a bank.
If the utility bill makes you see red, try wiping out these big electricity wasters.
Before you can write the competitive analysis, you need to identify your direct and indirect competitors.
Small companies may be able to encourage healthy living without spending a lot of money and time putting together a plan.
In a cash crunch, offer workers part-time hours and furloughs before pink slips.
One high-cost-fighting practice gaining popularity: the ancient custom of bartering
Protecting your brand with a trademark is important—and easier than one might think.
Entrepreneurs launch web-based businesses that run on autopilot — and make a profit.
Incorporating your business can be complicated, but following this checklist can help ensure you don't get overwhelmed or miss any critical steps.
If the cost of your work space is devouring your cash, here are ways to save.
Avoid these pitfalls and build a team of talented employees.
The agency intends to improve trade facilitation, but enforcement could increase costs.
Businesses that can't afford full-time staff can hire freelancers or independent contractors.
Starting a business is tough, so it pays to get a little help from your friends.
Couples often fight over money. Spouses who run a business together are no exception.
Weighing the pros and cons of setting up a social venture as a for-profit or nonprofit.
Want to change the world? Social entrepreneurship might be for you. Here's a primer.
Five tips for restoring order both at work and at home.
You probably aren't getting enough sleep. That could be detrimental to your health and your business.
A growing number of Web sites allow prospective mentors and proteges to easily find each other.
Growing (or grown) children can provide opportunity for renewed focus on your business.
It's execution of good ideas — not the ideas themselves — that makes for successful businesses.
Many entrepreneurs want to do good while doing well financially. Here’s how to get started.
These tips on better concentration and work efficiency can bring mompreneurs much closer to the 4-hour work week.
Before hiring a private auditor to assess your company's usage, check with your utility company, which may do it for free.
Does your great invention need a patent? Here's our guide.
Like many marriages, business partnerships often end in bitter divorce. Friends or relatives starting a business should be prepared.
Indiana Jones' adventures have much in common with what makes entrepreneurs successful.
More small businesses look to exporting as dollar remains weak.
Time-pressed entrepreneurs benefit from continuing ed.
Here's how to chase your entrepreneurial dream, even during a recession.
Which new franchise opportunities will be around 10 years from now, and which are somebody's make-a-quick-buck scheme?
From inventor to overnight millionaire? Not exactly. Here's the long-term solution to developing a product effectively.
I need to hire my first full-time employee. Do I need to incorporate?
Increase your odds of success by avoiding these potential pitfalls.
For many entrepreneurs, the question of whether to buy property or to lease office space can be a confusing issue.
No matter what business you’re in, going green is one of the best ways to grow revenues and save money.
No matter how many sales you make, your business will struggle if you don't watch your margins.
Here's how owners can get their small businesses certified as organic.
Eco-friendly businesses need green-collar workers. Here's how to recruit them.
Feeling tired and uninspired? These tips can help revamp your health and your business.
Create an inspiring and functional office when space is limited.
Setting clear boundaries and carving out time for your work is the key to being a well-balanced home based entrepreneur.
When moving your office, advance planning, clear communication, and a willingness to live with a little chaos go a long way.
These 10 eco-friendly solutions can help get your business in order.
Small businesses can attract and retain talent by offering alternative schedules.
Having business insurance does more than just give you peace of mind; it's an integral part of an overall management strategy.
These recent page-turners aim to help women and their businesses reach their full potential.
There's no perfect way to balance business and family life, but there is a way to feel proud about your accomplishments every day.
How older bosses can build a working relationship with the text-message generation.
Avoid costly mistakes by learning about what a franchise entails before plunking down your nest egg.
For business owners, it's tough to focus on work when an elderly relative needs care.
A growing body of research suggests that some entrepreneurs spend way too long polishing giant business plans when they should be out selling their product.
Finding a business to purchase should be the final step in a process that begins with self-evaluation and a sound financial assessment.
Some entrepreneurs say getting an MBA is a waste. Should you ditch the diploma?
What's the secret to a great business plan? Create a vision, don't ignore your customers, and be prepared to take risks.
Here's help understanding the official rules and regulations that cover overtime pay.
Business literacy is often an important issue for employee-owned companies.
Feeling afraid and overwhelmed? Let these successful women who overcame significant obstacles inspire you.
It is critical that you find potential problems in your business model before you get started. A small business expert shares pointers on what to look for.
How to mend a struggling relationship and get your business back on track.
Find out what you'll be paying for in 2008 and how you can minimize the effect on your bottom line.
Frivolous litigation is a fear that strikes the heart of every business owner. Here's what you can do about it.
Letting go of micromanager ways can improve your life — and grow your company.
These recent releases will catch you up on what you need to know about the global marketplace.
When a company picks up and moves, how much say should employees have in choosing its new location?
Something as simple as a :-) can be complicated, especially when you're talking about business e-mails.
Among the laws that affect small businesses across the country, none is more important than the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Learn how to take your textile invention from idea to reality.
A lot entrepreneurs plan to sell their business for a bundle and live off the proceeds. But many may be in for a surprise when they're ready to bail.
Work-related stress gives many entrepreneurs the munchies. Here are five healthy eating tips for the new year.
Figure out what makes your franchise different — and sell that to franchise buyers.
Consultants, business coaches and even seminars can nip problems in the bud.
Make returning gifts painless for your online customers with these tips.
Running a business from home isn't always as liberating as it sounds. Here are some tips from business coaches on how to pull it off successfully.
Business owners can beat out rivals by taking a fresh approach. Here's how.
Encouraging employees to take ownership of their work will result in better customer service and a stronger company.
Small online retailers are chatting up customers to get them to stick around on a site longer and buy something.
Entrepreneurs can take steps to limit costs when the inevitable dispute arises.
Human resource departments and legal counsel can help companies create and implement a contracting process.
Find out how creative entrepreneurs turned unusual spaces into the perfect location for their business.
No holiday break for small-business owners? Here's how to take one, without losing clients.
Discovering a new business idea is exhilarating. But great ideas are only valuable if you can protect them.
Don't get frustrated — get productive. These simple tips can boost your bottom line and prevent overload.
Wine shops and bars from across the country recommend their favorite holiday wines for less than $20 and $100.
A new study by three University of Chicago business-school professors ranks the traits that define excellent CEO performance.
How to find a female mentor when you don't live in a major city.
Can a business owner contribute to both a SEP IRA and a Roth IRA?
The Subway sandwich chain is testing ways to minimize its impact on the environment.
Can you do well as a business while also doing good?
Here's how one small company uses training and a personal touch to improve employee retention.
Here are 10 sure-fire signs that it's time to move or expand your office.
Why golf is still one of the best ways for entrepreneurs to establish business relationships.
For many entrepreneurs, the business is their baby. What happens when they have a newborn?
These 10 ideas could turn your next mundane business trip into an experience you'll never forget.
Looking to beef up staff during the holidays? Here's how to secure top-notch talent.
Forums, a kind of professional group therapy, are practiced by other business groups, but they've flourished among the entrepreneurial set.
For some entrepreneurs, running just one business isn't enough. Here's how they do it.
For big-company resources at reasonable prices, call an HR consultant.
Serial entrepreneurs share the lessons they've learned from their mistakes.
Here's a look at three companies that took the time to plan for executive transitions.
Time-pressed entrepreneurs often tack vacation onto business travel.
When you're in business with partners, make sure your agreement covers how much control each person has.
Disasters like the California fires can wipe out a business. Here's how to lower your risk.
Over the years, four members of the Leppo family have run an Ohio farm-equipment business. Here are lessons they've learned about succession planning.
For some social entrepreneurs, 'doing good' means helping others become entrepreneurs, too.
Many entrepreneurs wind up packing on the pounds as they sacrifice good eating habits for long hours at work.
At what point does a small-business owner seek outside help — and is it worth it?
Entrepreneurs who don't carve out personal time risk burning out rather than building up.
Many entrepreneurs are sleep deprived -- and it's likely hurting their business.
For entrepreneurs starting up a new company, finding funding is all in the delivery.
Boomer parents and Gen Y children often clash over how the family business is run.
I'm losing money on a struggling franchise, but have a five-year lease I can't break. Any advice?
Hiring consultants can help your company grow. Here are signs your business needs outside help.
Many frazzled entrepreneurs swap fitness for long hours at work. Here's how to carve out time.
When it comes to retirement, business owners have their work cut out for them.
Can one attorney handle all your needs? Here's what our expert has to say.
In times of crisis, a contingency plan can guide your business through the worst.
Couples running a business need to take extra steps to not bring work home with them.
Entrepreneurs working from home find themselves with a tough balancing act.
Looking to grow your business? These eight organizations would like to help.
Getting counsel from a seasoned pro can give an entrepreneur a leg up on the competition.
From shady employees to web worms, here's how business owners can protect themselves.
Hiring the wrong person can hurt your business. Here's how to do your diligence.
For young people hankering to start a business, we have some advice.
I started a business with a 50/50 partner, but it's not working out. How can I renegotiate?
The profits can be thrilling -- but the work can be exhausting. Here's what you need to know.
Many small-business owners need to get creative to pencil in time for a vacation.
We've got tools to help small-business owners stop micromanaging.
Networking is key to building any business. We'll tell you how to do it right.
Many boomers misjudge the effort needed to run a small business after retirement.
Business partner, that is. We've got tips on how to meet your entrepreneurial soul mate.
Don't quit your day job. Here's how to juggle work and a start-up.
Small businesses have the flexibility to create great incentive programs for employees.
Defective products made overseas can wreak havoc on small firms in the U.S.
These 7 cues will tip you off to whether someone is being less than honest with you.
Make a fortune while working from home? If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Franchise brokers can help you find qualified franchisees. But is hiring a broker the right choice for your franchise?