ABC Online

Duct Tape Marketing Interview

President Jim Tracy in a podcast on ABC membership benefits and how America's Best Companies can help small business owners succeed.

ABC's Small Business Tips

Whether your issue is customer service, the Internet, sales and marketing, or practically any other small business problem, ABC can help with the tips and tricks you need, advice that will make a real difference.

Government and Economy

Small Business Cries Foul on Tax Hikes

Small business owners and their Washington advocates are coming out against President Obama’s plan to raise income tax rates for America’s wealthiest in 2011, calling it is an ill-timed attack on small businesses that will stymie job growth. Politico.com

Card Check Far From Decided

Both sides argue it’s a matter of fairness. According to Labor, the secret-ballot system invites employer intimidation. For the employers, an open card check system means more union pressure on their employees. Both sides are gearing up for a fight. Bloomberg.com

Management and Financial Issues

Killing Creativity

Have you fostered an environment where employees are free to express new ideas? Do your people feel appreciated for the work they do? These might be harder questions to answer than you think. Find out what you might be doing that endangers the creative process in your workplace. BusinessKnowHow.com

Find Your Financing—5 Suggestions

With banks hanging on to their funds and keeping credit tight businesses, finding money for you business can be a challenge. However, with some persistence and creativity, it is still possible to find the financing you need. Entrepreneur.com

Make Sure You Get Paid

You’ve put in the time, produced the work and delivered to the client. You came in on time and now it’s time to reap the rewards. Too bad the money never arrives. Here are some suggestions to help keep that from happening. MenWithPens.ca

Technology Issues

Tech Sector Gets Stimulated

Technology companies all over are positioning themselves to profit from recently passed economic stimulus packages. CNNMoney.com

Benefits and Labor Issues

Inexpensive Wellness Programs
In today's harsh economic climate, more employers are seeking alternatives to costly wellness programs for their employees. Workforce.com

How Card Check Could Affect Benefits
If the Employee Free Choice Act passes, which is likely, the best strategy employers can follow would be to offer fair and equitable benefits. Workforce.com

Sales and Marketing

Facebook's Corporate Face
Many companies are using social media websites like Facebook to build awareness, provide enhanced customer service, and engage both employees and customers. Here are some quick tips to get you started. ClickZ.com

Cut Marketing Costs Without Losing Business

Business owners can be focused on reducing costs that they are blind to what it's going to do to the business. Here are five ways to reduce marketing costs without endangering your business growth. BusinessKnowHow.com

CRM Success: What Every Small and Mid-sized Business Needs to Know
When creating a seamless value chain, it is essential to focus on the customer. However, information, data, and processes are key when planning the complex merger of processes, technologies, and culture. Additionally, a successful value chain recognizes that partners, vendors, suppliers, and employees play a vital role to ensure that customer values are both recognized and realized. TechnologyEvaluation.com