small business
Index shows small-business confidence rising
The National Federation of Independent Business Optimism Index recently reported that, for the fourth time since September, small-business optimism rose. The index, which surveys small-business owners monthly, stands at 93.8 for December, up 1.8 points from November, and 5.7 points since September 2011. Full article.
Made in USA gives some small businesses an edge
Some small U.S. clothing manufacturers are catching a tailwind as rising costs for labor and transportation make Asia more expensive. In addition, some small companies also say U.S. manufacturers help them maintain a better grip on the quality of the goods they order. Full article.
Small Business Boost
Between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, local businesses saw the customers and the cash come in the door. Cenla shops looking to compete with national retailers got the bonus of Small Business Saturday, a day to bring in the customers and the cash. Small Business Saturday, started by American Express and backed by the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, helped get the word out to promote shopping locally. Full article.
Three leadership skills that count
CEOs of successful companies faced massive technology disruptions, deep industry recessions, collapses in demand, etc. yet managed to lead their companies to great long-term financial performance. Key traits they shared include productive paranoia about bad events that could hit their company, empirical creativity, and fanatic discipline with consistency of action over time. Full article.
Small isn’t always beautiful
In what may be the most misunderstood fact about the job market, according to 2008 census data, 61 percent are small businesses with fewer than four workers; more than two-thirds of the American work force is employed by companies with more than 100 workers. When it comes to payrolls: 57 percent of total compensation is paid out by companies of 500 or more employees. Real job creation, though, doesn’t kick in until those small businesses survive and grow into larger operations. Full article.
Ways to help make a small business "Bankable"
Most small businesses turn to banks for credit to smooth out their cash flow. Securing lines of credit, however, remains a challenge for many companies. There are, however, some practices to follow that may help make your company "bankable." They include tightening up the company’s books, showcasing strategic thinking and getting financial assistance from a reputable accounting firm. Full article.
How small businesses can boost profits
Too many small business owners are focused on making payroll, not profits, and many don't know the difference between "busy" and "profitable." Small businesses that wait until the end of the year to look at financial reports can lose a lot of money being "busy." Being recognized now means being on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, having a blog, a website, and increasing your search engine optimization. Full article.
Companies have new tool for consumer opinion insight
More companies are starting to use a tool that can swiftly analyze large numbers of opinions on the Web, including blogs and social networking sites. It's called Mass Opinion Business Intelligence (MOBI), developed by a California-based company, and works by providing a real-time feed of relevant consumer sentiment, gathered from millions of sites. Full article.
The Hyperlocal Opportunity
These days, small businesses are sharpening their focus on hyperlocal advertising and marketing, an tool which allows them to engage with customers at the optimum time and place. Simply put, hyperlocal advertising focuses on a specific, local area. There are, however, several things businesses need to consider when choosing to use hyperlocal tools, such as is it a good fit for your business, and do you, the business owner, fully understand how hyperlocal works? Full article.
Harness the Competitive Spirit
All-too often, small business owners do not make proper use of contests and other competitive events to draw customers into their businesses. There are, however, several ways that competition can benefit both your customers and your business. Full article.
