SmallBusinessNewz

More Holiday Tips for Your Business

Yeah, we're just going to keep pumping out the holiday-themed content. And why not? The time is here, and small businesses need to be prepared. Yahoo has been kind enough to offer up some tips for online businesses looking to cash in on "Cyber Monday", otherwise known as the Monday after Thanksgiving, otherwise known as a week from Monday.

NRF Measures Influences On Shoppers

If you're still trying to figure out an advertising approach for the holidays, a new study from the National Retail Federation may be of a little help.  Its main finding: word of mouth is the primary motivator when it comes to the purchase of electronics and clothing.

Yahoo On Entrepreneurship and the Economy

You may or may not recall back in March when I reported on Yahoo Small Business teaming up with Carolyn Kepcher from The Apprentice to offer grants to women entrepreneurs. The grant program was called "Seeds for Success: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs," and would give three women grants including cash, mentorship, and technical services valued over $25,000.

Gordon Brown Talking To Banks About Small Biz Loans

Gordon Brown seems to be doing his best to serve small businesses.  Yesterday, we reported on his support for Global Entrepreneurship Week.  Today, there's word that the UK's prime minister has spoken out in favor of getting small businesses more bank loans.All sorts of small business organizations have struggled to make progress on this issue.  The Federation of Small Businesses and Forum of Private Business, in particular, have been issuing press releases left and right.

Value Emphasis a Key to Marketing Heading into 2009

Fitch Ratings is calling for the weakest holiday season in the past twenty years for retailers. This is not surprising given the current state of the economy. The firm notes that retail sales have turned negative in the "back to school" period for the first time since 2001, and are expected to remain negative for the balance of 2008.

Global Entrepreneurship Week Continues

It's Wednesday, November 19th, which means we're halfway through Global Entrepreneurship Week.  Perhaps you haven't heard about it by now - it's not exactly headline news - but this "celebration of enterprising behaviour" is being noted in some big ways.

Holiday Greeting Cards A Good Way To Advertise

People really value greeting cards.  To prove this, you can look at them lined up on mantels, or just consider how card companies sells folded pieces of paper for $5 apiece.  So as the holidays approach, think about whether you should send greeting cards to some of your customers.

Offer What Others Don't

There is a small town (that shall remain nameless) that is near where I grew up. It's small, but it has a school system, and plenty of residential areas. In other words, there are enough people there to suggest the need for a grocery store. Yet that is exactly what is lacking from the town.

Black Friday Boom Forecast

The average Black Friday corresponds to around-the-store lines before the sun rises.  Now, of course, we seem to be in a recession, but that may make November 28th an even more profitable time for every business that has something to sell.

SBA Makes Change To Improve Loan Situation

Interest rates have been known to go up, down, and all around in recent months, making for both confusing and potentially unprofitable situations.  A new Small Business Administration move doesn't exactly simplify the matter, but should help small businesses get the best deal.