Work.com Guide of the Day

E-Commerce Site Search: So What Exactly Is It?

John Schoeph — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0800

When I do live presentations I am often asked, "What exactly is e-commerce site search?" Even more importantly, merchants ask me "Why do I care?" The second question is the easiest to answer: because it helps boost sales.

Green Business as Good Business

Shai Aharony — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0800

We hear a lot about green marketing these days. Small businesses to major corporations are trying to appeal to the greater environmental consciousness of consumers. Why? There's money to be made. Research suggests that eco-minded consumers are willing to pay more money...

Planning a Successful Trade Show

Mike Weimar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0800

With careful planning and some innovative tactics you can ensure that your next trade show produces an outstanding return on your marketing investment. Trade shows and events are unique in the marketing mix since they bring customers, prospects, and company representatives together.

Making Money on CafePress

Kimberly Dawn Wells — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Designing and selling shirts or other branded merchandise used to involve extensive amounts of time, financing, and resources. An online service has now made it possible to get started for free, with little knowledge or skills required. CafePress is a print-on-demand service for clothing and gifts ...

Twitter for Business

Shara Karasic — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Breaking news often hits Twitter first. Use Twitter to hear insider commentary from the most brilliant venture capitalists, CEO's, technology leaders, SEO's, and social media consultants.

Skype: A Great Tool for Small Business

James McNamee — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

My company's headquarters are in California, but I work out of Boston. We use Skype to conduct quick staff meetings to go over responsibilities for the day. The best part of this for our small busines...it is free to do this.

Green Investing

Matt Moscardi — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Investing green with a piece of your retirement, business assets, or general investment portfolio not only sends an important message, but has a long term ability to profit as the world goes greener.

Starting A Gardening Business

Melissa Paxton — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

If you've been thinking about turning your gardening hobby into a gardening business, this guide can help you get started. By learning about the many local, regional and national resources available to commercial gardeners, you can increase both knowledge and profit, and build a strong client base in your local community.

Mobile Marketing for Small Business

Daniel Kehrer — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Add this to the changing face of how commerce happens: More and more, it's going mobile. Many small businesses are already using mobile marketing to spur sales, from pizza parlors to real estate agents.

Google Adwords

Danielle Leitch — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Top 10 things to consider in your Google AdWords campaigns

Practical Uses Of Social Media In Business

Danielle Leitch — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Everywhere you go online there is mention of social media. Even the presidential candidates and their delegates are using this marketing vehicle to their advantage, particularly to reach out to a different generation than in years past. So, what does this all mean for your business?

Do It Yourself Web Design: Getting Online for Less

Nathan Johnson — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Every day, the Web is growing more important - but gas is getting more expensive. Many business owners, faced with tightening budgets, can't afford to pay a design firm thousands of dollars to create and market their online presence. Fortunately for those who are willing to a little research and devote some time, you can get online - and even market your site - for very little.

How to Take Advantage of Intelligent Communications

Andy Green — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

You've maxed out the capacity of your aging phone system, and you're now looking to upgrade or replace. Perhaps you're interested in tapping into the new VoIP technology. In this article, we'll take a look at advanced phone features that can make a difference to your business.

Testing the Usability of your Website

Justin Palmer — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Ever had one of those aha moments with your website? You know, that instant when you suddenly realize you've been doing something wrong for a long time? What is your site's stumbling block?

Paid Search Advertising

Julia Hyde — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Ah, paid search. I've lost count of the amount of times potential clients have told me that their paid search campaigns don't work. My response is always the same: that's because you're doing it all wrong.

Green Business Travel

Hilary Kusel — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Tips and advice on how to greenify your business travel.

Inventory Issues When Buying Or Selling A Small Business - 7 Key Items

Peter Siegel, MBA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Have you ever counted 3,546 small plastic insects? I have.

Program Language Software for Non-Programmers

Elliot Feldman — Tue, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Do you wish that you could get under the hood to customize software to fit your professional needs?

How to Market an Adventure Travel Business Online

Enrico Forte — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Learn how to market an adventure travel business online.

Using iPhone as a Business Tool

ptaneja — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Until recently, iPhone's suitability for businesses was a raging debate. But by now the verdict is near unanimous -- it is too beautiful, user friendly and powerful a device to be merely the end consumers' baby.

Selecting Intranets, Extranets and Customer Portal Solutions

ptaneja — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Intranet, Extranet, and Customer Portal are fashionable techie jargon nowadays, and hailed as must haves for all varieties of businesses. Their benefits to any sort of business are obvious - increased productivity, enhanced communication and collaboration, satisfied vendors and partners, streamlined processes etc. Previously, such software were available only to mega businesses which could afford custom built solutions running into tens of thousands of dollars in cost. But since the advent of web based software-as-a-service applications, even the smallest of companies can afford such software for a monthly fee.

Overtime in a High-Tech World

Topher Liddle — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It's something we have all gotten used to, checking and responding to work emails during non-work hours. It helps cut down on the amount of work that needs to be done during the day, as well as increases the speed at which problems are addressed. This can be especially important for smaller companies who rely on each employee in order to run effectively. While Blackberries and other hand-held devices can be a great tool for organizations, they can also lead to significant legal problems if employers don't create guidelines around this kind of work. For exempt employees this is not a problem at all and is becoming more and more the norm. Once this trend begins to extend to non-exempt employees things begin to become a bit more tricky. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, even if employees are not supposed to be doing work after hour, the fact that their emails to and from supervisors are time stamped holds the employer liable for time worked.

Using Online Product and Service Reviews

Geoff Kohl — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

3 reasons why you should consider adding user reviews functionality to your site: 1) It aids credibility of a website; 2) It can help your potential customers decide what product or service they need; 3) Gives you the feedback on what your customers want; 4) Alerts you to problems with products or services; 5) Brings content and traffic to your site.

Hiring Interns

Topher Liddle — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

There are many ways hiring interns can add value to your organization. They can minimize the impact to your hiring budget. They may work on projects that need to be completed that free up your experienced employees to work on more complex assignments. Oftentimes interns will bring new ideas and energy into an organization.

Computer Repair For Home and Office

Jeremy Hambly — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Computer repair can be a daunting task. Inside that little box with flashing lights lies in many cases your livelihood. Family photos, music, games, homework and much more. In many cases when someone's computer goes down it is more worrisome than their car breaking down.

Running A Baseball Card Shop

Shawn Crandall — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Tips from Adam Martin - CEO of Dave and Adam's Card World

First Steps in Promoting your Online Store

Michael Gunin — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The technical side of maintaining an e-commerce web site is just a part of a successful online business. No less important is to let potential customers know about products and services you offer and achieve regular interest from targeted audience. This guide outlines the most important steps in promoting your online store.

Coping with High Gas Prices

Daniel Kehrer — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Helping ease the burden of high gas prices on employees has become a new way for small businesses to maintain morale and reduce turnover. Your top concerns are paying as little as possible for gas and taking full advantage of available discounts; minimizing the amount of driving you and your employees do on behalf of your business; making your shipping operations more fuel-efficient; maintaining your vehicles properly and switching to more fuel-efficient models when you trade in.

Web Hosting Services for Small Business

Mary Sit — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

To find the best Web hosting service for your business, you need to choose one that fits your site requirements and your budget. But don't forget to factor in the intangibles, such as reliability and customer service.

Real Estate Investing for Rentals - 20 Ways to Get the Highest Rental Price

Dan Daugherty — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Success in residential real estate investing is determined by a variety of factors. One of these factors is how well an investor can market the rental property. There are 20 basic things a real estate investor can do to get their home rented out out quickly for the highest rental price as possible.

Uncommon Startup Advice

David Mullings — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It is extremely easy to find great startup advice, especially lists of mistakes to avoid. These lists generally offer the same information that has been regurgitated for decades, with updates for the web era based on lessons from the dot-com bust.

Online Product Development

Simon Slade — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

You've had the breakthrough idea and have sorted out your business plan. If your business involves a new product or service, there will probably be a section in your business plan marked Product Development.

Buying Green Office Supplies

Frances Sharpe — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Conducting large-scale energy audits, purchasing energy-efficient equipment and building a green office facility from the ground up aren't the only ways a business can make a difference in our environment. Every business, no matter how small, can do its part on a daily basis by purchasing environmentally responsible office supplies.

Avoid Using the Word Free (and Other Lame Gimmicks) in Your B2B PPC Ads

Eve Lopez — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

When it comes to writing PPC ad copy, one mistake B2B advertisers often make is using the word "free." Free shipping, free trials, free demos, free quotes, free white papers, free downloads - guess what? It doesn't work.

Naming a New Business or Start Up - 8 Missteps to Avoid

Phillip Davis — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Company naming mistakes can be costly to correct. Avoid these 8 typical missteps and be on your way to a great company or brand name.

Workplace Safety for Industry

Matthew Kane — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Safe workers are productive workers. Keeping a workplace safe positively effects employees productivity and a business' bottom line.

3 Must Do's to Retain Your Precious Employees

Betsy Harper — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

I'd like to suggest that you "keep it simple" and do only three things with the goal of retaining your employees. If you do, you'll go a long way towards keeping those precious assets at your company.

Increasing Traffic to Your Squidoo Lenses

Kimberly Dawn Wells — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Who wouldn't love to have more readers, buyers, and sneezers on their lenses? (The viral marketing sneezers, not viral illness ones...) Online promotion is an art. The rules are always changing.

60+ Free Web Development Tools for Entrepreneurs

Shara Karasic, Work.com Community Manager — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

From ecommerce to social networking, there are many cool new tools that allow you to get your web presence jumpstarted for cheap.

Sample Business Plans

Daniel Kehrer — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Need to create a great business plan, fast? Hey, why reinvent the wheel! Unless your business plan is something never before conceived of, there's probably a free sample business plan for precisely what you need that you can adapt as your very own.

Building Web Presence for Small Businesses

Mirna Bard — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

While browsing through online forums, I noticed one question being asked over and over: I have a small business so why do I need web presence? In my opinion, there are 7 reasons why businesses of any size can benefit from being active online.

Increasing your Email Marketing Subscriber List

Stephanie Chandler — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

One of the most cost-effective ways to grow your business is through email marketing. Here is a round-up of methods you can use to increase your database and ultimately, your profits.

Successful Business Networking on Facebook

David Mullings — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It is no secret that people are using Facebook for business networking and I wanted to share my own success stories and exactly what I did so that others can follow similar strategies.

Optimize your Website for Local Search

Justin Palmer — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Local search presents unique challenges and opportunities. With the potential for your listing to show in 3 different areas on the results page, (organic listing, local listings, and paid listings), local search presents an exciting potential to dominate your space.

Interviewing Prospective Employees

Jennifer Mattern — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

When looking to hire new team members to help your business grow, the interview process is key to making the right decisions.

Programs for Women Business Owners

Frances Sharpe — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

If you think you're at a disadvantage as a female entrepreneur, think again. Dozens of organizations and programs have emerged in recent years to help women start and grow their own businesses.

Creating an Elevator Pitch for Your Startup

Frances Sharpe — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Entrepreneurs use the term elevator pitch to describe the short period of time - maybe 30 seconds or less, or about five floors riding on the elevator - to communicate a business idea.

Volunteer Opportunities for Your Business

Eve Lopez — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

There is nothing more valuable than your time. By giving some of that time by choosing a volunteer opportunity for your company, you'll be helping the community as well as fostering a team building environment.

Using a Search Engine Optimization Company vs. Hiring an In-House Expert: The True Dollar Cost

Scott Buresh — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It's a common question that companies who are considering hiring a search engine optimization company often face - is this something that we can do in-house?

How to Write Emails

Paul Gareth Evans — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

This guide gives a few easy pointers to help you and your staff improve email efficiency and skills - actions that can be put into place incredibly quickly...

Blogging for the Non Blogger

Kathleen Gage — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

If you are new to blogging, chances are you may be unsure of what the best and most effective approach to gaining maximum benefit from time and effort invested. A primary goal for blogging should be to gain visibility, credibility and market reach for your efforts. The following are some easy-to-apply strategies that will get you well on your way to becoming a competent blogger.

Facebook for Business Building

Mari Smith — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Social networking websites, especially Facebook, have significant implications for business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs. To keep your business current, you should at least be familiar with the latest conversational marketing techniques and viral technologies, including Facebook and its array of powerful features.

Business Factoring Companies

Greg Brown — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

In any small business, there comes a moment when thing are going great -- orders pour in, production is humming, everyone is working overtime to meet deadlines -- and cash gets tight.

Setting Goals that Increase the Value of Your Email Newsletter

Garrett French — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

This guide offers a quick overview of a measured approach to better aligning your email newsletter efforts with the goals of your organization.

Business-to-Business Online Competitive Intelligence for Search Marketers

Ben Hanna — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Your competitors are watching you. Are you watching them? Are you using what you learn to improve your search marketing results?

Promoting your Squidoo Lenses Through your Blog

Kimberly Dawn Wells — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

In the last few years, as blogs have grown from new to popular to mainstream, the number of ways websurfers can find and follow their favorite topics has skyrocketed. Not only can readers on the other side of the world learn about your new job, your sick cat, and the last book you read, they can learn about your Squidoo lenses.

7 Lessons on How to Be A Great Client

Rohit Bhargava — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

I've spent a lot of years working in marketing agencies and the one thing you learn with that kind of background is how to build relationships quickly. Of course, the thing that's a bit tougher to admit is that some relationships are much better than others.

How to Win a Business Award

Anita Campbell — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Want to put your business on the map and get free PR? Try applying for business awards.

Building a Business That Customers Can Trust

Helen Hoefele — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

How can your business build back trust with a consumer that has been jaded by unfair or deceptive business dealings of others?

Getting a Business Line of Credit

Daniel Kehrer — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

A business line of credit - ready cash anytime you need it - is a marvelous and flexible financial tool to help a small business grow and keep you in control.

Creativity and Innovation for Small Business

Donna Fenn — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

You have to be extraordinary agile to keep up with today's constantly changing competitive environment. The best way to ensure lasting success is to make sure that everyone in your company is encouraged and rewarded for thinking and behaving creatively.

Using YouTube to Promote Your Business

Brian Brown — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

When your company spends the money to produce a commercial, or a video that educates your potential customers, YouTube may be used to expand the audience for that video. Since the service is free and the videos are available indefinitely, this approach has the potential to add tens of thousands of viewers to the total audience of your production.

Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn

Greg Brown — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

A few years ago, some Silicon Valley netreprenuers were sitting around trying to figure out how to make social sites -- the growing phenomenon of Web sites for communities dominated by Facebook and MySpace -- work for business. Thus LinkedIn was born: a giant virtual business cocktail, going 24/7.

Creating a Facebook Fan Page for Your Business

Shara Karasic — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Facebook now allows you to create a fan page for yourself, your entity, or your business which allows you to: 1)Communicate with your customers and let them show support by becoming fans; 2) Get insights into what your customers want; 3) Allow your customers to spread your message throughout their social graph. Here's how to create your own Facebook fan page.

Understanding Guanxi to Maximize Your Business Potential in China

Kenneth Wong — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

In China, it is said that anything of consequence in business is done through "guanxi". Guanxi refers to the conduct of relationships, the art of "you scratch my back, I scratch yours" socio-business culture in China.

Managing a Fast-Growing Business

Donna Fenn — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Growth is a common mantra for CEOs, but fast growth can muck up your business just as easily as it can catapult it into the firmament of entrepreneurial stars. The trick is knowing how to manage growth.

Marketing Your Business With a Blog

Brian Brown — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

A blog for your company generates new customers, keeps your customers informed of new products and promotions, associates your brand with your specialized niche in the marketplace, and creates an opportunity for fantastic customer service.

Beijing 2008 for Foreign Enterprises

Kenneth Wong — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

For foreign enterprises, the opportunities presented by the Beijing Olympics are huge. Small businesses should implement a market-driven strategy to leverage on the glory of the games.

Doing Business in Latin America

Greg Brown — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Big companies consider Latin America a huge opportunity but, revenue-wise, usually a tiny slice of their revenue pie - less than 5%. But it's also typically the most profitable region for companies that do business there.

Writing a Strong Call to Action in Your Online Ads

Eve Lopez — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The most important thing to remember when thinking about calls to action is that online users want to be told what to do. They want to know exactly what you are offering on your website, and they want a direct command to do so.

Creating Invoices That Get Paid

Deborah Kurfiss — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

No matter how superior your product or service, you will not get ahead unless you spend time in vital administrative tasks such as accounting and invoicing.

Resources for Starting a Business

Daniel Kehrer — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Taking your first steps to start a business can be daunting, but take heart. Many excellent websites and organizations offer help to anyone starting a business.

Finding Venture Capital

Daniel Kehrer — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

If you're seeking venture capital (VC) to help launch or accelerate a business, first understand a little about who venture capitalists are - and are not.

Building an Online Community

Shara Karasic, Work.com Community Manager — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Craigslist.org started as a small San Francisco email list in the mid-1990's, created because Craig Newmark wanted to make it easy for his friends to know what was going on around town.

Updating Your Google Local Business Listing

Carrie Hill — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

If they can't find you online - they cannot buy your stuff! Google Local offers businesses a free, local listing to encourage the sharing of accurate and up-to-date information.

Finding Commercial Real Estate Listings

Jeff Ostrowski — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

You probably know that the Internet has made it easier to research homes for sale, but the tech revolution also has hit the more specialized world of commercial real estate listings.

Getting Your Product To Stand Out At A Tradeshow

Rohit Bhargava — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

I spent this week at what is probably the largest tradeshow in the world. The sheer size of CES means that information overload is inevitable, and the consistent challenge for any exhibitor at a show like this is rising above the clutter.

Starting a Children's Party Entertainment Business

Laurie Lathem — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Do you enjoy children? Do children like you? Can you tell stories, be a clown, play sports or a musical instrument? If so, then you may be able to start a small business doing kids' entertainment.

Picking a Location for Your Business

Matt Alderton — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Business legend has it that if you build it, they will come. Building it, however, requires time and capital - and there's no guarantee that anyone will ever come. That's why smart business owners seeking a new or startup location study up on a subject they probably haven't touched since seventh grade: geography.

Using FedEx More Effectively

Frances Sharpe — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

FedEx's claim to fame may be its overnight delivery services, but the worldwide shipper offers many more solutions for small businesses.

Doing Business in Second Life

Deborah Kurfiss — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

How to make real money in a virtual world...

Small Business VoIP Phone Systems

John Zietzke — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

How to find and select the best local dealer to install and manage a new small business VoIP phone system.

Managing Customer Relationships

Donna Fenn — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Your best source of additional revenue is the customers who are already doing business with you. Learn how to better serve them and you'll spare yourself the trouble and expense of constantly trolling for new prospects.

Making the Most of Networking Events - How to Work a Room

Scott Allen — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

You've chosen the right event, prepared by researching the group and expected attendees, and pre-contacted some of the attendees. You have your business cards and your self-introduction ready, and now you're off to the event. How do you make the most of that face-to-face time in a room full of dozens or perhaps hundreds of people?

Setting up a Merchant Account

Daniel Kehrer — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It's a fact: Small businesses that accept credit cards sell more. Often much more. To do that, you must set up a merchant account to accept credit card payments.

Twitter for Business

Shara Karasic — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Breaking news often hits Twitter first. Use Twitter to hear insider commentary from the most brilliant venture capitalists, CEO's, technology leaders, SEO's, and social media consultants.

Building a Socially Conscious Company

Frances Sharpe — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Many small business owners fear that a socially conscious business can't be successful. Not so. In fact, values-driven businesses that place an emphasis on improving the quality of life of their customers, their employees, their communities and the environment, often improve their bottom lines.

Finding Venture Capital

Daniel Kehrer — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

If you're seeking venture capital (VC) to help launch or accelerate a business, first understand a little about who venture capitalists are - and are not.

Business Tax Deductions

John Riddle — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Small business owners generally loathe tax time. But if you take all of the business deductions allowable, you can usually lower your tax bill significantly.

Wireless Email Service

Daniel Kehrer — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The ability to communicate by email no matter where your day takes you is one thing that can set a small business above the competition. If you have to be on the road...

Opening a Restaurant

Amy Gesenhues — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The restaurant business is not for the weak at heart. You must have passion and dedication - and a solid business plan.

Overcoming your Fears of Launching a Business

Carmina Perez — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Have you ever had a dream, hobby or just plain crazy idea you wanted to turn into a business? Well you're not alone - some 10 million American adults are involved in the process of starting nearly six million potential new businesses

Managing Email Overload

Paul Vachier — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

With email having taken over as the most common form of business communication in today's world, how can small business owners deal with an inbox that's run out of control?

Low-Cost Franchises

Matt Alderton — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Money is an important concern in starting any business. Franchises are no different. They require cash for real estate, personnel, marketing and merchandise - just like every business does.

Expanding Distribution Channels

Frances Sharpe — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Every small business wants to sell more. Rather than simply thinking of ways to get more customers into your store, start thinking of ways to get your products or services out to more consumers.

Tracking Your B2B Pay-Per-Click Online Advertising Campaign

Stephanie Munoz — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

In the B2B world, tracking your pay per click online marketing campaigns can be complicated for many reasons. First, the sales process often starts with a request for information

Doing Business in China

Irwin Speizer — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The Chinese economy is on a roll and business opportunities in China - both buying and selling - are more plentiful than ever. You can turn this economic wonder to your own advantage by seizing the opportunity

Promoting a Local Business Online

Daniel Kehrer — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Every day, customers turn more and more to the Web for what they need. And in many cases, what they need is available from a local business; maybe YOUR business. When customers search online for a local solution or supplier

Barcode Software

Frances Sharpe — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Using a barcode system can increase productivity, speed sales and improve accuracy. However, implementing a barcode system takes effort and requires specialized software.

Breaking Into the Film and Television Industries

Laurie Lathem — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

So you wanna be in show business. Maybe you've been working in a field that isn't exciting enough or doesn't use enough of your creativity. Or you're just starting out and know that a regular desk job isn't for you.

Creativity and Innovation for Small Business

Donna Fenn — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Computer Training for Your Staff

Brian Brown — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

As a former training manager and instructor of a computer learning center, I've seen the results of computer software training first-hand. Most students immediately become more productive employees.

Leading Creative Workshops

Laurie Lathem — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Teaching creative workshops can be an extremely rewarding way to supplement your income. You work for yourself, the overhead can be low to nonexistent, and teaching others keeps your own skills sharp.

Gmail for Work

Brian Brown — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Gmail is a powerful email program from Google. The tools included with Gmail make it a serious alternative to other email options available in the office, and unlike the office, you can check your email on your Gmail account with any computer...

Using LinkedIn to Sell More, Faster

Scott Allen — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

One of the most common questions I get asked is, "How can LinkedIn help me sell more?" LinkedIn isn't just for job seekers and recruiters...

Creating a Great Business Plan

Frances Sharpe — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

A business plan is like a roadmap that shows where your business is going and how it's going to get there. This detailed look at where your business is heading can do much more for your business than simply provide you with a route to follow. You can use it to convey your vision to potential investors ...

Setting up a Merchant Account

Daniel Kehrer — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It's a fact: Small businesses that accept credit cards sell more. Often much more. To do that, you must set up a merchant account to accept credit card payments. You may need an internet merchant account as well. Here's a three-pronged strategy to help you find the best merchant account provider: ...

Learning Search Engine Optimization

aaron wall — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

While many people consider SEO to be complicated I believe that SEO is nothing but an extension of traditional marketing. Search engine optimization consists of 9 main steps1. market research2. keyword research3. on page optimization 4. site structure5. link building6. brand buildin ...

60+ Free Web Development Tools & Resources for Entrepreneurs

Shara Karasic, Work.com Community Manager — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

From ecommerce to social networking, there are many cool new tools that allow you to get your web presence jumpstarted for cheap. Here is a list of the best free resources for web 2.0 design, development, and ecommerce: ...

Online Business Networking

Scott Allen — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Networking, in the form of direct personal contact and referrals, typically accounts for as much as 70% of an entrepreneur's new business. It's also the #1 way small businesses find employees, suppliers and strategic partners. While this used to be relegated to networking breakfasts, Chamber of Commerce luncheons, ...

Small Business Blogs

Shara Karasic, Work.com Community Manager — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It seems like every day there are new blogs from business owners, people who serve small business and those who monitor small business trends. Blogs are often written by people who have "been-there and done-that", and it's good to know what's being talked about in the small business blogosphere. But how do ...

Making Money on CafePress

Kimberly Dawn Wells — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Marketing Your Business With a Blog

Brian Brown — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Opening a Restaurant

Amy Gesenhues — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The restaurant business is not for the weak at heart. You must have passion and dedication -- and a solid business plan. By keeping your operations organized you'll save time and money, and hopefully keep your doors open for years to come. If you're thinking about opening a restaurant, take these steps: ...

Managing Customer Relationships

Donna Fenn — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Incorporating a Business

Frances Sharpe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Incorporating your business provides multiple benefits, including protecting your personal assets, providing a variety of tax-related savings, reducing the chances of an IRS audit, and increasing your company's credibility with customers. Corporations are classified as one of the following: ...

Doing Business in Ghana

Akwasi Adjei — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Recently, Ghana signed the U.S. government's Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, which is designed to promote sustainable economic growth. The MCC Board selects eligible countries based on their demonstrated commitment to "ruling justly, investing in people, and encouraging economic freedom." Ghana will receive ...

Starting a Pool Hall

Brian Rollo — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Owning a billiards hall can be a fun and rewarding endeavor, but you will face many unique challenges in order to be successful. There are three key decisions that must be made: 1) What is your target clientele? Is it the hardcore pool players, families, or college students? Nearly every decision you make will need to be ...

Getting a Book Agent

Laurie Lathem — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Your book is finally finished. You've just come back from the printers hauling several new copies (in manuscript form of course) and they look just fantastic sitting in the box on the floor. Now what? You've heard the stories about how difficult the publishing world can be, and they are all true. To make matters ...

Promoting a Local Business Online

Daniel Kehrer — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Business Logo Design

Daniel Kehrer — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Getting sleek company logos that precisely fit the image small businesses want to portray has never been faster, easier or less expensive. Many entrepreneurs once spent weeks or months and thousands of dollars in a frustrating quest for a business logo design. The new way is the Web way. Internet-based log ...

IRS Forms and Publications for Small Business

Daniel Kehrer — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Words etched in stone on the IRS building in Washington, DC say, "Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society." But Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., the Supreme Court justice who said that, could never have imagined the mind-numbing complexity of today's tax code ...

B2B Pay Per Click Best Practices for Online Lead Generation

Lindsey Walsh SearchEnginePPC.com — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

B2B companies often have a lot invested in their websites, but still aren't effectively using them in the pay-per-click marketplace. The Forrester's Marketing Effectiveness Survey, from Q2 of 2006, reported that only 59% of B2B companies surveyed are using search engine marketing. And while B-to-C marketers use ...

Finding Venture Capital

Daniel Kehrer — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

If you're seeking venture capital (VC) to help launch or accelerate a business, first understand a little about who venture capitalists are -- and are not. There are many widespread misconceptions. Venture capital is money put up by professional venture capital firms that invest alongside management in young, ...