Friday May 9, 2008

smSmallBiz.com - SmartMoney's Small Business Site


Web Start-Ups Seek New Ways to Click

As concerns mount that the slowing economy may hurt the online-ad market, Silicon Valley Web start-ups are developing new approaches.

Tech Firm Drums Up Sales Growth Through A Web Marketplace

This outfit kept its techs working during a revamp by turning to an IT-services matchmaker.

The Essentials of Guerrilla Marketing

Implement these building blocks to create a successful campaign.

Gucci-Stalking: New Sites Make Shopping a Game

A number of members-only Web sites have launched selling luxury goods at discounts of as much as 70%.

As Candidates Quit, Trinkets Pile Up

The businesses responsible for campaign paraphernalia are devising creative ways to unload their excess inventory.

Modern Marketing: Using Tech in Creative Ways

From widgets to mashups, businesses use imagination and tech savvy to win customers.


April 24, 2008

Web Market Lets Companies Buy, Sell Ideas

Small businesses looking to find a hot idea — or trying to sell a hot idea to a big company — are about to get some help.

April 23, 2008

Make Your Ads Workhorses

Tough economic times demand productive ads. Learn the 4 most critical elements for ads that get results.

April 15, 2008

Getting on Top Bloggers' Radar

Small businesses looking to pitch their products or services to influential blogs have some help these days.

April 9, 2008

Expand Your Ad Empire

Amplify your interactive ad arsenal with the latest technology trends.

April 4, 2008

Getting Workers to Share Know-How With Their Peers

Knowledge-management technologies are helping small companies make the most of limited training budgets.

April 3, 2008

8 Tips for Increasing Your Average Sale

Getting a few more dollars out of each customer can put startups on a fast track to success.

March 26, 2008

How Can I Sell My Client List?

We answer a reader's question about how to sell your client base to another professional.

March 26, 2008

The Wisdom (or Not) of Non-Compete Contracts

Here are some things to consider before hiring your first salesperson.

March 17, 2008

Starting Up: How to Market on Social-Networking Sites

Does your business have a profile on MySpace or Facebook? How to win customers via social media.

March 13, 2008

Think Outside the Box With E-Brochures

These hot new marketing tools show a lot of potential.

March 5, 2008

Differentiating Your Business

7 tips for creating a unique selling proposition that helps cut through the competitive clutter to drive sales.

March 3, 2008

Marketing Your Home Based Biz

Even if it's the only thing you do to promote your home based business, e-mail marketing will get you repeat business and referrals without breaking the bank.

March 3, 2008

Starting Up: Entrepreneurial Buzzwords

Are you a solopreneur, greenpreneur or copreneur? Here's a lesson in the new entrepreneurial lexicon.

March 18, 2008

Getting Customers to Buy More

Want to increase profits? Try this smart upselling technique and watch sales soar.

February 27, 2008

What are the Pros and Cons of LinkedIn?

The value of professional networking sites depends on how much time you're willing to spend on making connections.

February 22, 2008

Taking a Green Initiative

These 3 entrepreneurs are taking advantage of green marketing tactics the right way.

February 19, 2008

Learn to Market More Creatively

Knowledge of your industry can bring originality to your business.

February 13, 2008

Starting Up: The Business of Love

Online dating, private matchmaking… love is everywhere. How to break into a hot industry.

February 14, 2008

Improve Client Relationships Through Social Media

Would your business benefit from a page on Facebook or MySpace?

February 14, 2008

The Future of Customer Service

Mobile technology is changing the way consumers search for answers.

January 30, 2008

Colors That Bring Out Your Brand

Make sure the colors you choose are sending the right message to your customers.

January 29, 2008

Pitching a Product Over the Phone

Kelly Spors explains how to convince a company to pay you for a product idea.

January 17, 2008

Misleading Marketing Copy

You may be tempted to use them, but avoid these phrases in your advertising and marketing materials.

January 9, 2008

E-mail Marketing Resolutions

Implement these 5 goals for a great new year of e-mail marketing.

January 7, 2008

Starting Up: Four Tips on Effective Networking

For entrepreneurs, networking is essential. Here are four ways to get your name out there.

December 21, 2007

Paying for PR — But Only When It Works

How small companies on a budget spread the word about their business in the media.

December 7, 2007

This Holiday, Say It With an E-Card

Here are 10 creative holiday e-mail card ideas.

December 3, 2007

Web Promotion: Lights! Camera! Sales!

How to use video to expand your business in a YouTube world.

November 30, 2007

Talk Is Cheap

Advertising can be a big problem for a small business. One alternative is just to get the right people talking.

November 27, 2007

Facebook, a Marketer's Friend

Small firms are using the social-networking site Facebook as a marketing tool to cultivate relationships with clients and consumers.

November 26, 2007

Starting Up: Giveaway Slip-Ups

A business can win customers by offering free products. Just don't give the store away.

December 3, 2007

10 Common Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

A good marketing plan can help launch a new business or grow an existing one. But make sure to avoid these mistakes.

November 20, 2007

Starting Up: Freebies Can Spur Sales

New business owners can attract attention by giving away products.

November 16, 2007

Web Sites Cast a Net Over Striking Writers

With no restraints under Guild rules, upstarts lure talent.

November 9, 2007

Getting the Most From Tradeshows

Don't show up empty-handed. Make sure you're fully prepared to maximize your time at this annual event.

November 8, 2007

Consulting and Licensing Agreements

We have a start-up and know people interested in using our model to open their own company. We don't want a partnership, so what kind of agreement do we need?

November 7, 2007

When Success Isn't Enough

Here's what retailer Shabby Chic did to take its business to the next level.

November 6, 2007

Starting Up: The Art of the Gimmick

For entrepreneurs looking to make a big splash in a new market, an over-the-top sales promotion can help.

November 1, 2007

A Niche to Grow

Expand your business by targeting qualified niche markets.

October 30, 2007

The Fastest Way to Find New Customers

Tap into your customer base by piggybacking on established businesses with similar target markets.

October 29, 2007

Top 5 Business Card Blunders

Avoid these mistakes that could ruin your branding efforts.

October 24, 2007

Bidding for Large Contracts

Learn how your startup can bid for contracts against established businesses.

October 24, 2007

How Small Businesses Can Land Big Contracts

Want to boost business and your profile? Here are some tips on landing a major deal.

October 23, 2007

Starting Up: Drop Shipping Can Relieve Inventory Headaches

Want to start an e-commerce site without inventory worries?

October 23, 2007

Green Fashion: Beyond T-Shirts

Eco-designers branch out but still face scarcity of outlets and logistics woes.

October 23, 2007

Holiday Sales Checklist

Start doing these 10 things now to prepare for the year's biggest shopping season.

October 18, 2007

The Luxury of Flexible Ownership

Partial ownership has moved beyond yachts and ski chalets. Find out how businesses are capitalizing on this trend sweeping the middle class.

October 16, 2007

Halo: The Power of 3

Think the biggest video game launch in history doesn't apply to you? Here's why you're wrong.

October 24, 2007

Web Sites Find Security Seals a Boon for Business

Merchant verification programs can boost consumer confidence -- and your business.

October 10, 2007

Marketing an Online Business

I have an online retail business that sells ethnic, handmade jewelry. How can I market my products most effectively?

October 1, 2007

Small Business, Big Clients

Don't fear taking on giant corporations as clients and business partners. Everyone benefits when Goliath hires David.

October 8, 2007

Toy Stories: Show-and-Tell Blog Hooks Customers

A former science teacher credits a blog for his educational toy's company success.

September 17, 2007

An Eye-Catching Way to Drive Home Your Message

When it comes to pitching products, there's nothing like an eye-catching set of wheels.

September 6, 2007

Got a Great Business? Spread the Word

With all the demands of running a business, it's not uncommon for business owners to ignore a potentially lucrative tool: public relations.

September 25, 2007

An Event to Remember

Whether it's a flying competition or an art show, these companies prove that businesses of any size can host a memorable event.

September 10, 2007

For Your Review

Want more eyes on your products? Go online and share your expertise.

September 4, 2007

Discounts Abound for Small-Business Owners

Get discounts on everything from computers to janitorial supplies.

August 27, 2007

Readers and Owners Talk About Branding

Mark Hellendrung, president of Narragansett Brewing Co., and George Wright, director of marketing at K-TEC Inc.'s Blendtec, moderate a forum on branding.

September 4, 2007

Going Global: Businesses Earn More by Exporting

Small businesses often shy away from tapping foreign markets. Big mistake.

September 4, 2007

Four Ways to Protect Your Business Ideas

We offer a guide on trademarks, copyrights, patents and more.

September 4, 2007

Creating the Right Image Sets the Tone for Success

The perfect name, logo or tag line can make a big impact on a business' success. Here's how to proceed.

September 4, 2007

Develop a Weird Idea Into a Marketable Success

Got a great -- but offbeat -- product? Here's advice on how to market the truly odd idea.

August 27, 2007

Building on a Name

Uncle Wally's muffins may not be as famous as Famous Amos cookies, but the same person was behind starting both brands: Wally Amos.

September 4, 2007

Hispanic Entrepreneurs Succeed in Fertile Latino Market

Hispanic-owned businesses are succeeding in the fertile Latino market.

September 4, 2007

A Few Moments in the Limelight Can Boost a Small Business

Getting the famous to use your products is a good way to boost sales.