Even though you know being listed on online directories is a great thing for your business, sometimes it can feel that the benefit isn't always obvious. After all, who still checks Yellow Pages? Read about how being on these directories helps you rank higher in the places you care about most here. [Read Full Article]

As we step into 2024, it's crucial to be aware of potential online pitfalls that can impact your business. In this article, we'll explore five common online challenges to avoid and provide insights on how to make the most of your online presence this year. [Read Full Article]

Tips from March 19, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss having a guest blogger contribute to your blog. Do your research. Find out who has good information to share and who you can trust. Reach out to colleagues, industry experts, or even other employees. Send emails, tweet, or pick up the phone and call. Give guidelines, but allow creative freedom. Give a word range that guest bloggers should shoot for. If you would like your guest to talk about a certain topic, tell them. Be as specific as you need to be to generate the post you want, but don't be too picky. Give them freedom. Prep your guest blogger. Give them a rundown of your blog, including the style, typical length, and readership. Additionally, announce your guest on blog a few posts in advance. Spread the word! After the guest blog is published, thank your contributor. Gauge the results and your reader response. Suggest your guest blogger posts a link on their... [Read Full Article]

Tips from March 17, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss marketing your business with your blog. Listen - Do you know what is going on in your industry? Your blogosphere? The world today? You need to listen to know what others are talking about, what people want to know, and what people need to know. Listen first, then blog. Personal & Professional - Create a relationship with clients, or potential clients, in the blogosphere. Include others you work with who contribute to your blog. Create a short bio on each employee, and let them interact as well. Don't Be Too Salesy! It is okay to sell to your readers, but only after you create a brand and a relationship with your readers. Avoid being too salesy, instead, blog about what is important to your industry, followers, and clients, and add a short product placement at the end. Get into a rhythm of posting to your blog. Post a few times every week, about 2-3 times is a go... [Read Full Article]

Tips from February 1, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss common website mistakes. Poor Maintenance: Broken links, "404 file not found" error messages, and links leading to the wrong place is frustrating for your website visitors. No Contact Information: A website is important for every business, and lacking contact information is detrimental. Address, email, and phone number are crucial. Poor Navigation: Dead pages, no links to your homepage, and disabling the back button on your browser is not only frustrating for visitors but also for web designers. Outdated Information: Old business hours and addresses are misleading to website visitors and potential customers. Old information hurts business, not encourage it.  Daily Overview: Poor upkeep & maintenance are the two biggest mistakes businesses make for their website. Avoid this by testing your website and updating information. [Read Full Article]

Management and Operations 21st Century Career Development and Its Implications for Learning and Development There has been a significant change between what career development means in the 21st century and what it meant when our parents' generation, or even when my fellow Boomers, entered the workforce. ManageSmarter.com Management and OperationsFirst Lady Michelle Obama Promotes Work/Life BalanceDuring her visit with 400 employees, Obama touched on an issue that has been central to her professional life—simultaneously managing the demands of home and the workplace. Workfor... [Read Full Article]

Tips from November 17, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss publicizing job openings. Knowing where to place your ads is crucial. Only a handful look in newspapers nowadays, the majority of people look online. Place ads on various job sites, such as SimplyHired or Craigslist. A simple "Help Wanted" ad in your window or on your website will help too. Make your ad informative first, creative second. You are looking to hire those who are serious about a job, not necessarily those who are attracted simply by the uniqueness and how catchy the job post is. Talk to local colleges. Many graduates, or students who are looking for a part time job, have their ears and eyes open for job opportunities. Have your job requirements ready. Job advertising through the media is a good way to go big. Try the radio first, then the TV. Be sure to include your phone number and/or website multiple times. Daily Overview: Post your... [Read Full Article]

Government, Politics, and the Economy U.S. Stocks Extend Global Rally on Retail Sales, APEC Pledge U.S. stocks added to a global rally, sending the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to a 13-month high, after retail sales increased more than forecast and Asian government leaders pledged to maintain economic stimulus spending. Bloomberg.comThe Economy6 Steps for Surviving the RecessionThe news today just is not very good. Every time we think we are on the upside of the downturn, we get thrown for another loop, hit with another tax, told it will be just a few more months before all this turns around. BusinessKnowHow.com... [Read Full Article]