Government and PoliticsWhat Obama Said About Small BusinessA short but prominent section of President Obama’s State of the Union focused on helping small businesses to create jobs. Here’s a look at what he said and what it means. BusinessWeek.comGovernment and PoliticsGlobal Workforce Report on Emerging Markets: The Backshoring MythDespite media hype about the recession driving jobs back to the U.S., the business case for outsourcing to the emerging markets remains overwhelming. Workforce.comGovernment and Politics [Read Full Article]

Government, Politics, and the Economy Is It Too Early to Start Thinking About a Rebound? It may not feel like it yet in your town or in your industry, but there are indications that things are getting better. NYtimes.comManagement and OperationsHow to Not Go Out of BusinessStart by studying how your best customers interact with your brand and its competitors, then brainstorm ways to address any shortcomings. BusinessWeek.com Management and Operations [Read Full Article]

Tips from November 16, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss proper hiring practices. Take time to hire, if you need to hire immediately. Plan for at least 2-4 weeks for the hiring process. Taking your time ensures you have hired the right candidate for the position and didn't hire without much thought. Know what YOUR business needs. Someone with an impeccable resume and work history who does not fit the criteria you have for yourself for the position won't work for what you need for your business. Think and choose carefully. Take into account your company's culture. Make sure they will be a fit for your workplace skill-wise, as well as with the employees. Camaraderie is important, especially if they are going to be part of your business team.  Take at least a two step process to eliminate candidates. Do phone interviews with 5 candidates, and narrow it down to 2 or 3 for the final face-to-face interview. ... [Read Full Article]

Government, Politics, and the Economy U.S. Economy: Service Industries Grow for First Time in a Year Thanks to the emerging recovery in housing and factories, service industries in the United States expanded in September for the first time in a year. Bloomberg.comManagement and OperationsAnchor Your Networking with Strong Relationships Your corporate associations are important to keep your business striving during these tough economic times. Entrepreneur.com Management and Operations [Read Full Article]

Government, Politics, and the Economyhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB125233977333690447.html Key Week for Obama Starts on Feisty Note President Obama starts off the Tuesday after Labor Day by stressing the importance of his new government-run-health-insurance program, while key senators collaborated for a bipartisan deal. WSJ.com Management and Operationshttp://www.womenentrepreneur.com/2009/09/hiring-without-the-headaches.html Hiring Without the Headaches Salary, taxes, and benefits are just some of the worries that arise for entrepreneurs when they decide to add on to their workforce. Small businesses need to have a hiring process in place to effectively hire employees for their small businesses. WomenEntrepreneur.com Management and Operationshttp://entrepreneur.com/sales/customerservicecolumnistsydneybarrows/article203136.html Prioritize the Customer Experien... [Read Full Article]

  Government, Politics and the Economy Democatic Senators: Climate-Change Legislation Should Be Dropped This Year Four Democratic senators as calling for the Senate to abandon efforts to pass legislation curbing greenhouse-gas emissions this year and concentrate on a narrower bill to require use of renewable energy. Bloomberg.com Management and Operations 10 Things Not to Say to Customers There are great things to say to a customer, and then there are things that will drive that same customer into the arms of the competition. Here are the top 10 things not to say to a customer and what you and your people should say instead.... [Read Full Article]

  Government, Politics and the Economy The 100 Fastest Growing Small Public Companies in America These companies are fast movers, defying the recession they are busily growing, profiting and rewarding their investors. CNNMoney.com US Service Economy Contraction Slows Last month, US service industries ranging from retailers to homebuilders shrank at the slowest pace in nine months, bouyed by increases in new orders and employment. Bloomberg.com Management and Operations [Read Full Article]

Government, Politics and the Economy Gingrich: Obama Has “Already Failed” Former House Speaker, and possible 2012 presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said that President Obama’s plan to fix the economy through stimulus spending and government intervention has “already failed.” Bloomberg.com NY Senate: GOP Takes Control in Coup In a remarkable move, the New York Senate has come back into Republican hands. Malcolm Smith was ousted as Senate Majority Leader replaced by Senator Dean Skelos of Rockville Centre. Dems still hold the majority, but not the leadership and Paterson is ballistic. WCBSTV.com [Read Full Article]