Government, Politics and the Economy
Small Business Still Struggling Under Obama's Programs
President Obama may have kept some of his promises to small business owners, but the credit crunch continues and it still has far too many small companies trapped in a death spiral. CNNMoney.com
Romer: Stimulus Working
In a recent speech, Council of Economic Advisers Chair Christina Romer defended the Obama stimulus package and left the door open to a possible second stimulus. FoxBusiness.com
Management and Operations
True Leadership: Execute Plans Without Fail
Plan all you want, but if you don't execute those plans, you've accomplished nothing because that is what separates the dreamers from the winners. ManageSmarter.com
Increase Your Influence
The key to effective leadership is understanding the behavior of the people you lead. If you attribute the wrong causes to it, then any attempts you make to change that behavior is doomed to failure. BusinessWeek.com
Legal Issues
Intellectual Property: A Small-Business Guide
Establishing and protecting your intellectual property rights is essential. Here is what you need to know. NYTimes.com
Taxes and Financial Issues
Coffee Shops Pulling the Plug on Customer Laptops
To combat the rising cost of energy, small coffee houses in New York are beginning to lock-up electrical outlets and impose other restrictions on laptop use, hoping the savings will help them stay afloat. WSJ.com
Technology Issues
Instant Google Store for Your Small Business
Google has released a gadget sure to warm the hearts of small business owners. The Google Checkout store gadget essentially allows you to use Google Checkout and Google Docs to quickly and easily create your own online store. SmallBizTrends.com
Health, Benefits and Labor Issues
Diversity: Dealing with Racial Tensions Head-On
The new owners of Gilreath Manufacturing Inc. in Howell, Michigan, knew they would face racial issues with their employees and the community. Here is how they handled it. Workforce.com
Small Business Pivotal in Healthcare Debate
President Obama and congressional leaders have promised relief to small firms struggling to cover their workers, but how will they manage it? LATimes.com
Branding, Sales and Marketing
Email Marketing: Building Your E-mail List
If you market through email, you have to ensure that your customers have both a reason and an opportunity to sign up for your email list. ClickZ.com
Study: Most Consumers Will Pay More for a Positive Experience
According to a new study released by the Strativity Group, even in the midst of a recession, consumers will pay more for better customer service. Over 70% of respondents would be willing to spend an additional 10% or more if a company exceeded their expectations. ManageSmarter.com
