America's Best Business Practices

Top Ten Tips for Tough Times

Mike Clough — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:15:36 +0000

Tough times usually spell trouble for small businesses, including those in relatively stable industries or geographic locations. Here are Ten Top Tips for Tough Times to help small businesses survive our current economic climate.

Employee vs. Independent Contractor

Mike Clough — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:19:00 +0000

Where’s the line? When an employer hires workers an important question is whether the compensation they receive is subject to employment taxes. The answer depends on whether the worker is an employee or an independent contractor. This determination of the worker’s status depends on certain facts . . . facts which define the type and terms [...]

Network Your Social Networks for Better Traffic and Visibility

Mike Clough — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:02:57 +0000

Although Facebook is generally more oriented to communications between people who already know each other, with .4 billion users, it can be an effective tool for marketing. One way to maximize online visibility is by making connections between Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. In other words, network your networks.

Managing By Rules of Thumb

Mike Clough — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:19:07 +0000

Most small business owners and entrepreneurs find themselves overwhelmed with duties ranging from janitor to Chief Executive Officer. With so many duties to perform, small business owners do not have the time to study reams of financial reports in order to effectively manage their business. What I have learned through the years is that I [...]

Social Media – Listening, Connecting & Publishing

Mike Clough — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:30:22 +0000

Chris Brogan stresses that to make the best use of social media, businesses and individuals must be helpful to those with whom they interact. That means they must listen, connect, and then publish. We will address each of these key topics individually.

The Economy and Small Business – 4Q09

Mike Clough — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:29:06 +0000

The Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Advocacy, just reported that the U.S. economy rebounded in the fourth quarter, with real GDP growing by an annualized 5.7 percent. Meanwhile, unemployment remained high, and small business owners and the public were cautiously optimistic. Here are the trends that they are reporting: The U.S. economy rebounded in the fourth [...]

Social Media – Building Influence, Reputation & Profits

Mike Clough — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:35:49 +0000

Recently Chris Brogan, co-author of Trust Agents, speaker, trainer and all around social media guru, visited Minneapolis and held a seminar he titled “Reputations.” Eric Mitchellette, business coach and consultant, attended and wrote an article for this blog that I could share with you.

Differentiate Your Company with Superior Customer Service

Mike Clough — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:39:59 +0000

In order to win in today’s fiercely competitive economy it is absolutely critical to create a customer service program that transcends standards and puts the personal element back into customer relations. If small businesses spend the time and the money to create a customer service program that knocks their customer’s socks off it will prove to be worth every penny.

Using the Right Social Media Tools

Mike Clough — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:13:08 +0000

A common mistake that many people make is using the wrong kind of social media for their particular marketing objectives. Then when they receive lackluster results they conclude that social media does not work. In a successful social media campaign, it is imperative that you match the right tool for the right job. Here is a list of the right social media tools for the right marketing job.

Tips for Small Business 2009 Income Tax

Mike Clough — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:15:08 +0000

This is the time of year when most small business owners focus on preparing their income tax. Some of the rules have changed since filing last and there are certain things you might want to consider before approaching your tax preparer. To bring small business owners and entrepreneurs the very best information on tax preparation possible, [...]