In the NewsStimulus Funding for SBA Loans Runs Out—AgainIn a case of legislative déjà vu, the Small Business Administration has announced that funding for two popular lending programs is on the verge of running out - again. WSJ.comIn the NewsConsumers Buy Into 'Buy Local'More groups are forming to send shoppers to home-grown independent businesses. But their impact on jobs is hard to quantify. BusinessWeek.com Management & Operations [Read Full Article]

Management and Operations Ten Worst Communication Blunders of 2009 From a steady review of major news events, here are the ten worst communication blunders of 2009. BusinessKnowHow.com Management and OperationsProductivity Coach's Corner: Clear the Clutter, Create OpportunityThe following is a specific key to success in lightening the load on your body and mind. This is a practical activity, one you can do to reduce the unnecessary physical and psychological stress you may be carrying around right now. Wouldn't it be worth it to invest less than one half of an hour to regain some confidence and control? M... [Read Full Article]

Tips from December 18, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss marketing to Generation X via email newsletters. Newsletters sent via email make life easier for Generation X. These are easy to read, quick to click through, and (should) provide great deals or information accessible immediately. Getting an email with a promo code or deal and online shopping is simple and quick for Gen X. They like to multi-task and would rather see and buy rather than wait around for it. Think about this strategy when you send out newsletters. Make sure your deals, coupons, or promo codes are available and easily seen. Getting people to click through also makes it all trackable for you! Newsletters have the ability to make Gen Xers feel individually important. Although thousands of other people are receiving the same newsletter, different data like their name or location can be added dynamically to bring that forward. Make them feel special. Genera... [Read Full Article]

Tips from November 10, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be about email marketing around the holidays. Include holiday greetings and designed themes in your email marketing. This can help set a certain tone if that's what you're looking to do. Don't blow-up subscriber inboxes with additional holiday email promotions. Instead substitute a standard email with the holiday one. Your subject line should include holiday phrases and special deals to entice people to open the email. Keep emails informative without spamming. Put direct links to holiday-branded landing pages instead of a link to your homepage. Daily Overview: Don't be a Scrooge. Make email marketing over the holidays fun, informative and unique. [Read Full Article]

Government, Politics, and the Economy Can Main Street Catch Up with Wall Street? The Dow is up and many economists see an end to the recession. Try telling that to the rising ranks of those losing their jobs and houses. BusinessWeek.com Management and OperationsWhy Change is Necessary: Is Temporary Insanity Keeping You From Growing Your Small Business? Successful people, and businesses, recognize the need for change early. They embrace it. And they go looking for it. BusinessKnowHow.comManagement and Operations [Read Full Article]

How to Write an Engaging Subject Line Email newsletters or email marketing campaigns contain important messages, tips, savings, and more for your subscribed readers. The information inside the email is important to them, but without a compelling subject line, your subscribers may never open it. Email subject lines are just as important, if not more, than the rest of the information in the email. The subject line's main purpose is to get someone to open the email. Take these tips into consideration when writing your next compelling subject line for your email.Even before writing the body of an email, it is essential to begin to think of the subject line for the email. Although it is not the bulk of what you want your subscribers to read, it is what they will read first and makes them decide if they will continue reading. You must think thoroughly and objectively about your subject line.Take a look at the newspaper. The headlines are made to grab atten... [Read Full Article]

Government, Politics, and the Economy Consumer Confidence Soars A step towards the right direction, consumers are now looking positively towards the future in regards to spending, housing, employment, and the economy.  CNNmoney.comManagement and Operations3 Vital Business Lessons from Tiger Woods' PGA LossThe big upset of Tiger Woods losing the prestigious PGA tournament has not only created a buzz in the sports world, but in the business world as well. See how Woods' loss translates into business lessons. BusinessKnowHow.comManagement and Operations [Read Full Article]

  Government, Politics and the Economy Mobius: Derivatives and Stimulus Money May Trigger New Financial Crisis According to Templeton Asset Management Ltd.’s Mark Mobius, a new financial crisis will develop from the failure to effectively regulate derivatives and all the extra global liquidity from the government's stimulus spending. Bloomberg.com Survey: Small Business Optimisim Slips, Expect Slow Recovery The NFIB's monthly index of small business optimism slipped one point to 87.9 last month. It had gained 7.9 points since March, indicating a view the the economy was stabilizing. FoxBusiness.com [Read Full Article]