Government, Politics and the Economy
Stimulus Plan: Where are the Jobs?
That is the $787 billion question: Where is all that government stimulus money, and why hasn't it stemmed the rising tide of US unemployment? BusinessWeek.com
Second Stimulus: Democrats Split
Democrats in Congress are divided over whether to push for more deficit spending to end the recession and stem job losses, complicating the possibility of a second stimulus bill. Bloomberg.com
Management and Operations
Can a Suggestion Box Help Your Bottom Line?
Small business owners seeking more sources of profitable revenue have an often overlooked, old-fashioned option: The suggestion box. NYTimes.com
Toxic Partners
Partnerships can be a blessing or a curse. For every success story, there are thousands of failures, partnerships that end up stagnant, dissolving, dysfunctional or in court. Here are ten of the worst types of partners for any business. FoxBusiness.com
Legal Issues
In Your Business, Is it Hugs or Handshakes?
Like people, some workplaces welcome huggers while others prefer a smart handshake. Is hugging always—or ever—appropriate? What kind of liability could it open up for your company? BusinessManagementDaily.com
Taxes and Financial Issues
Raising Money by the Numbers
Raising money for a startup company or small business is never easy, and in the credit-crunch era, it's especially challenging. Here are a few tips from a writer going through the process. TheBigMoney.com
Entrepreneurs 1 – IRS 0
The IRS fought to limit tax deductions that can be used by investors in LLCs and LLPs to offset other income, and they lost. Chaulk-up a win for entrepreneurs everywhere! WSJ.com
Technology Issues
Cloud Computing: A Deal or is it For the Birds?
For small companies, not having to pay for software up front can be tempting; but with use, hosted software costs can add up fast. CNNMoney.com
Chrome OS: Google vs. Microsoft
Google’s latest announcement regarding the release of its new Chrome operating system is good news for all computer users, bringing fresh competition to the OS market that promises lower prices, higher reliability and smarter design. ZDNet.com
Health, Benefits and Labor Issues
Replace Co-Pays With Co-insurance to Reduce Medical Costs
Moving to a co-insurance scheme forces employees to be better medical consumers by making them think about their healthcare costs but it does not require major benefit changes: If costs go up, cost-shifting stays the same. Workforce.com
Branding, Sales and Marketing
Social Networks: Where Does Your Brand Stand?
Whether you are the owner or the CMO, you need to know how social networks function and where your brand's dialogue falls within them. ManageSmarter.com
B2B Email Marketing: Ten Exercises for Rock Hard Email
In today's tough economy, sending weak, flabby and undisciplined email just won't cut it. Here are ten exercises to build powerful email messages. ClickZ.com
Are You Your Customer's Best Option?
That is the question. Regardless of the economy, the best way to build business and strengthen relationships is to become the best option for your customers. You have to be consistent and responsive to do that, and here are some tips to help. BusinessWeek.com
Display Advertising: Learn From Consumer Behavior
A behavioral marketing case study for display advertising shows that by learning to use behavioral marketing tools and data, you can make your display ads more effective. ClickZ.com
