Government, Politics and the Economy
Treasury to Buy SBA Loans
The Treasury Department is finalizing its plans for a $15 billion initiative to stimulate SBA lending by using federal bailout money to buy up SBA loans. WashingtonPost.com
Global Warming Bill Will Hit Homeowners and Small Business the Hardest
A Heritage Foundation analysis of the Waxman-Markey global warming bill predicts the bill will result in sky-high costs averaging $393 billion annually and destroying over a million jobs from 2012 to 2035. Heritage.org
Management and Operations
Innovation: Your Light Out of the Recession
With the recession is in full swing, companies everywhere are feeling the pain with shrinking budgets, layoffs, and a smothering malaise that's settled over everything. Is there an end to this tunnel? Yes there is, but you'll have to find it yourself and light your own way. BusinessKnowHow.com
Productivity: 3 Steps to Increased Effectiveness
We all know that productivity is important, but where do you begin? Here are a trio of concrete ideas to help you get started along the road to greater personal and professional effectiveness. ManageSmarter.com
What to do When Business is Down
In this recession, there are still things you can do to help your business. If your revenues are flat, focus your marketing on how customers can save money and if you still have cash on hand or credit, consider making some capital improvements. BusinessWeek.com
Legal Issues
Manage Employee Pregnancy and Maternity Leave the Right Way
When an employee is pregnant, you musk know what to do—and what you can’t do (or say) under the law. Most employers come under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the FMLA, and if there is a pregnancy complication, the ADA may apply as well. BusinessManagementDaily.com
Taxes and Financial Issues
Webcast: Utah Stimulus Grants
Utah State University and the Governor's Office of Economic Development are sponsoring a webcast from 9am to 10am on Thursday, July 30, to help those interested to learn more about federal stimulus grants available in the state. DeseretNews.com
Worst Case Scenario: Your Customer Won't Pay
Most of your customers probably pay you on time or close to it, but eventually you will run into a customer who is very slow to pay—or stiffs you entirely. Here is what you need to know about what you can do—and what you cannot. BusinessKnowHow.com
5 Funding Alternatives to CIT
CIT may survive, it may not. Either way, small business owners would be smart to explore any available credit alternatives. Here are five you should know about. WSJ.com
Technology Issues
Google Voice Coming Soon
Google is gearing up to release Google Voice, it's free VoIP service. If you haven’t yet requested an invitation to use it, read this and why you should. SmallBizTrends.com
Health, Benefits and Labor Issues
COBRA to Expand Under House Health Reform Bill
The obligation of employers to extend COBRA to former employees and dependents would be greatly expanded under an amendment slipped into the massive healthcare reform legislation approved by a House panel. Workforce.com
Terminations: The Art of the Layoff
Layoffs can be—usually are—traumatic for both the employees affected and the business owners that have to make the decision and convey the bad news. Here's how you can make the best of a bad situation. CNNMoney.com
Branding, Sales and Marketing
Social Media Marketing: The Essence of Grace
When it comes to social media marketing, there is a difference between black hat and white hat practices. The problem, when it comes to determining which side of the line you are on, is that it really has more to do with intent than actual practice. ClickZ.com
B2B Email Marketing: Increase Your E-Newsletter Circulation
You put a lot of work into your e-newsletter and now you want to build-up the audience. Try these tips. ClickZ.com
