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The Strength of the Family Business

Government and Economy

Labor Secretary Nominee Hearing Postponed Over Taxes

A Senate committee today abruptly canceled a session to consider Rep. Hilda Solis' nomination for Labor Secretary after news that her husband only just paid about $6,400 to settle tax liens against his business, some of which had been outstanding for 16 years.

Treasury Bilked in Bailout Bank Stock Buys

A government watchdog group reported that under the $700 billion bailout program, the federal government overpaid for stocks and other assets from financial institutions to the tune of $78 billion.

A Kinder, Gentler Buy American Plan

Congressional leaders are crafting a milder version of the Buy American provision that would apply only as long as no trade rules are violated.

Management and Financial Issues

The Family Business: A Tough Survivor in Hard Times

As the recession deepens and pushes many small businesses over the brink, some firms, those owned and operated by families, might be in a great position to survive and maybe even prosper.

Deadbeat Customers Hurt Small Businesses Even More at Tax Time

Tax laws limit the ability of many small businesses to deduct the money that customers never paid, meaning that owners need to try something else to capture the funds while making sure they don't get burned again.

Hiring by The Horoscope

There is trouble in Austria over an insurance company that tried to recruit salespeople and management born under certain constellations. They claim that statistically, Capricorn, Taurus, Aquarius, Aries and Leo are the signs that produce the best workers.

Technology Issues

Comparison Guide: Hosted CRM Systems
Hosted customer relationship management (CRM) solutions make up a large portion of the growing CRM market. This guide looks at 15 major players to help you compare the features and costs of each.

Selecting the Right Employee Compensation Software for Your Business
Discover 10 critical things to look for when considering a compensation administration tool for your company.

Benefits and Labor Issues

Small Businesses Jobs: There is Nothing Else to Cut

Small businesses are usually the last to cut jobs and the first to create them, a fact which makes January's job-loss numbers—430,000 according to ADP—a disturbing omen for the rest of 2009.

Small Businesses Face Big Insurance Worries

The economic downturn and rising premiums have increased the pressure on small business owners to cut costs, leaving many with few options other than trimming employee health coverage, raising deductibles or requiring employees to pay for a larger share of the premium.

Sales and Marketing

Human Behavior Drives Marketing Decisions
To make the right decisions, you need to put yourself in your customer's seat before you send out another e-mail, update your website, or engage in social media marketing.

The Postal Service is Just Not Feeling the Love
With the USPS proposal to cut snail-mail delivery service to five days a week, it is time to move your marketing to digital channels.

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