SmallBusinessNewz

Employers Expect To Increase Hiring In Fourth Quarter

U.S. employers anticipate a slight gain in employment levels for the fourth quarter of 2010, according to a new survey from Manpower.Compared to one year ago, employers in all four U.S. geographic regions surveyed anticipate hiring increases. Employers in the Northeast and South have the most upbeat hiring intentions, with a Net Employment Outlook of +6%. Employers in the West are the most reserved, with an Outlook of +1%.

Small Biz Credit Card Rates On The Rise

The recession has caused many industries to become quite competitive, and it might be natural to assume that the credit card industry would follow that trend.  Unfortunately, a study has determined that interest rates on small business credit cards have risen an intimidating amount this year.BillShrink, a sort of finance-related search engine, said in a statement, "In the run up before the CARD Act, one-third of issuers raised consumer card rates upwards of 20-30%, with an average overall rate increase of 16%."

Hertz Offers Discounts To Small Business Owners

Hertz and ExpertFlyer.com have partnered to offer small businesses savings on travel services including Hertz rental cars, ExpertFlyer.com memberships and discounts from other corporate program participants.

comScore Finds Small Firms Losing Online Market Share

Before diving in, we should note that the second quarter of this year is well over, and last week, the Dow was way up.  That said, a new report from Hitwise covering the second quarter of this year indicates that things went pretty wrong for small businesses.

Part 1: Signs That Your Marketing Strategy Isn't Working

Are your marketing efforts performing effectively? If not, then your business could be in danger. It is extremely important to make sure your marketing strategy is updated and current in order to see that it performs to its full potential.

BBB Says Small Businesses Should Consider Mobile Marketing

Mobile marketing is an increasingly effective way for small business owners to tap into a younger customer base according to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB says small business owners should check out the marketing potential in geo-location apps like Foursquare, Facebook Places and Yelp. As technology improves, cell phones continue to perform any number of functions beyond making calls. Many programs on mobile phones rely on geo-location and can tell you where you are and what’s nearby—including businesses.

FPB Plans Web Design/SEO/Networking Breakfast Events

UK-based small business owners who are interested in search engine optimization and Web design - or just the opportunity to perform a little person-to-person networking - may owe a "thank you" to the Forum of Private Business.  The FPB has organized a series of get-togethers that'll take place all over the region.

Small Business Hiring Up Slightly In August

Small business employment grew slightly in August, but at a declining rate compared to solid gains made in January through April, according to a new report by Intuit. While job growth slowed, hours worked and compensation per employees remained steady. The monthly report found that small business employment grew by 0.1 percent in August, equating to a 1.2 percent annual growth rate.

Majority Of Small Biz Owners Ready For Second Dip

The Dow is up 2.31 percent at the moment, and the Nasdaq is up an even more impressive 2.63 percent, perhaps making this bit of news irrelevant.  But we're still pleased to report that three-quarters of small business owners believe they're ready for a return to recessionary conditions.

Consumer Confidence Up In August

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index which fell in July improved moderately in August.The Index now stands at 53.5 (1985=100), up from 51.0 in July. The Present Situation Index decreased to 24.9 from 26.4. The Expectations Index increased to 72.5 from 67.5 last month."Consumer confidence posted a modest gain in August, the result of an improvement in consumers' short-term outlook,” said Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.