Home Wealth Project
Extensive Research On How To Build Wealth From The Comfort Of Your Own Home.
Research Roundup: New Entrepreneurs and Online Consumers
Feb 3rd
January is always pretty slow in business research land and this month has been no exception. So, I’m a few days late getting this report to you but that’s a good thing because I managed to wait long enough for the release of the 2011 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). This is their 13th annual survey and the news was good.
Entrepreneurship: Alive and Well
In 2011, GEM researchers estimate that 388 million individuals worldwide were actively engaged in starting and running new businesses. That’s fantastic because previous research from Kauffman tells us that most net new jobs come from new businesses. And that is borne out by GEM’s numbers: about 36% of these new entrepreneurs expect to create at least 5 new jobs over the next five years. In fact, 16.8% of them expect to create at least 20 new jobs over the next five years.
In the United States, the 2011 GEM entrepreneurship rate is estimated at 12% — this is not much different from what it was ten years ago and it’s a little less than twice the global average. On average, about 17% were necessity driven and 57% or so were opportunity driven, while in the United States, an estimated 21% were necessity driven and 59% were opportunity driven. This is interesting, because it’s not what you’d expect to find, given the job losses over the last couple of years.
I have a feeling that, when the nonemployer numbers for 2011 come out later this year, we’re going to see them starting to recover from the two disastrous years before.
Selling? Selling Online?
A couple of studies on retailing caught my eye this month and both of them offer some interesting possibilities for small businesses engaged in retail.
For starters, the National Retail Federation proclaimed to the world sometime around mid-month that they expect overall retail sales growth to hit 3.4% in 2012. Presumably, before the world comes to an end later this year, a lot of people are going to want to buy things.
According to a survey by The NDF Group Inc., almost half of online consumers have bought books, stationery and office supplies in the last 12 months, making this the most active category for online retail. Must be all those home offices out there. Apparel and consumer electronics tie for second place, each with 46% of respondents saying they had bought in that category within the last year.
This survey also found that 25% of respondents follow a retailer or brand on a social media site and 27% say they’ve bought something because of what they’ve seen there. But another study, this one conducted by Puneet Manchanda of the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, found that the best social media site for your business may be your own.
Manchanda took a look at company-sponsored social networking sites, “using data from an unnamed retailer of books, CDs, and DVDs,” and found that unnamed retailer experienced a 19% increase in incremental revenue from their customers who joined their branded online community. In the community, members can recommend and review products, share favorites lists, make suggestions, and socialize with each other. The researcher also found that customers who were more active in the community, with larger numbers of friends, tended to spend more.
And this survey finds that you get a better return on the investment with your own branded community that you do by simply using Facebook. That will give you something new for you to factor into your online marketing strategy for 2012.
Ecommerce Photo via Shutterstock
Research Roundup: New Entrepreneurs and Online Consumers
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Small Business Events: Latest Roundup
Dec 25th
Every two weeks we put together a list of key events for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The following Small Business Events Guide contains worthwhile events for those wanting to grow their businesses:
Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2012 Growth Conference
January 11, 2012, Long Beach, CA
Coming soon to the Long Beach Convention Center — a full-day of seminars and opportunities to help you achieve your biggest branding, sales and profit goals. Plus, a chance to hear first-hand and learn from the experiences of the Entrepreneur of 2011 winners in a special awards luncheon.
Creating a Sellable Service Business
January 16-17, 2012, Las Vegas
Do you have a service business and want to know how to position it to be A) Sellable and B) Sellable for the maximum amount of money possible?
John Warrillow, who sold his own consulting and services business, and author of the book “Built to Sell,” is offering this intimate, hands-on workshop on building a sellable business. During this workshop, you’ll get the opportunity to put your business under the microscope with Warrillow and a small group of other successful business owners. Together, you’ll uncover the steps to make your business more attractive to potential buyers – whether you’re looking to sell your business in the near future, or want to start ramping up the value of your business in order to sell it down the line.
Most service businesses never sell. They are started by someone with a specific skill. When the time comes to get out, you’re left with nothing. This workshop aims to change that!
This workshop requires a significant commitment – and so it is only for those serious about changing their future. Register now.
Women Entrepreneurs Festival
January 17-18, 2012, New York City
The Women Entrepreneurs Festival takes place January 17-18 in New York City! The goal of the Women Entrepreneurs Festival v.2 is to sow the seeds for a broader community of women entrepreneurs, and to expose women who have not yet taken the entrepreneurial plunge to the women who’ve already taken it. Sponsored by the Tisch School of the Arts’ ITP program, the fest’s stunning lineup of speakers is here. And the one and only Arianna Huffington will be giving the keynote address. The festival is limited to 250 participants.
Time Management for Busy Business Owners
January 18, 2012, Online
Manage your time well and you take back both your personal and professional life. With so many hats to wear, small business owners and entrepreneurs can get buried in by their “to do” lists.
In this online, interactive seminar, you’ll learn to
assess your time management skills, distinguish between what’s important and what’s urgent, apply tools to determine priorities and more.
Small Biz Success Summit 2012
February 1 – 23, 2012 – Online
Presented by Social Media Examiner, this mega-event is designed to help you grow your small business using social media. There’s no travel! You simply attend this online event from the comfort of your home or office. It consists of multiple online webinars and Q&A sessions spread out from February 1 to 23, 2012. Attend all the sessions or as many as you wish – recordings and transcripts also available.
You will hear from 28 of the world’s top small-biz social media experts, including: John Jantsch (author, Duct Tape Marketing), Anita Campbell (founder, Small Business Trends), Michael Stelzner (founder, Social Media Examiner and author, Launch), Mari Smith (co-author, Facebook Marketing), Jesse Stay (author, Google+ for Dummies), Hollis Thomases (author, Twitter Marketing), David Siteman Garland (founder, “The Rise to the Top” and author, Smarter, Faster, Cheaper), Joe Pulizzi (founder, Content Marketing Institute and co-author, Get Content, Get Customers), Brian Clark (founder, Copyblogger Media), Lee Odden (founder, TopRank Online Marketing), Ramon Ray (founder, Small Biz Technology and author, Technology Solutions for Growing Businesses) and Lewis Howes (co-author, LinkedWorking).
Inc. GrowCo
March 5-7, 2012, New Orleans
Come to GROWCO and master the strategies, tactics, and real-world solutions your company needs to thrive. Packed with actionable insights, GROWCO can be a life-changing event. You’ll learn from mega-successful entrepreneurs whose companies have created millions of dollars of wealth and tens of thousands of jobs…and a lot more.
Seventh Annual Small Business Summit 2012
March 6, 2012, New York City
The Small Business Summit is New York’s premier event for small business owners looking to network with other decision-makers, attend cutting edge seminars and shop around for products & services available to help their small businesses succeed. You’ll network with 500+ attendees, hear from small business experts in exciting presentations and panel discussions, and have a great lunch. The winner of the Small Business Strategy Award will be announced live, plus great raffles and giveaways.
To celebrate the holidays, we are offering all attendees who sign up before December 31st a Super Early Bird Registration Rate of $99 (a $100 savings).
Social Tech ’12
March 29-30, 2012, Seattle
Social media marketing is no longer an option for B2B—it’s an absolute necessity. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with over 25 of the leading experts who will teach you how to use social media marketing to generate more inbound leads, grow brand awareness, drive conversions, and increase revenue. You’ll meet with industry insiders as well as other B2B marketers to discuss best practices, winning techniques, current roadblocks, and find out what works for your business!
Infusioncon 2012
April 2-4, Phoenix, AZ
Get ready to learn, network and set new ideas in motion! Join hundreds of small businesses from all around the world at InfusionCon 2012, Infusionsoft’s annual user conference, and experience three days of idea sharing and inspiration in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona on April 2-4.
America’s Small Business Summit 2012
May 21-23, 2012, Washington, DC
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual event — America’s Small Business Summit — unites small business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs from across the country to learn, network, and discuss common legislative and management concerns. Past speakers include former President George W. Bush, General Stanley McChrystal, Small Business Editor of the WSJ Colleen DeBaise, and many more. Attendees help influence our nation’s economic and political agenda by advocating for pro-business policies through the Rally on the Hill portion of the program. The event will take place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., on May 21-23, 2012. For more information and important dates, check the Summit website, www.uschambersummit.com.
8th Annual Kentucky Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference
June 1, 2012, Louisville, KY
The Annual Kentucky Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference (8th KIEC) will bring together distinguished speakers, tech-based economic development practitioners, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, students and postdoctoral fellows.
The conference will focus on growing local initiatives powered by science and engineering talent.
2012 Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium
June 11-14, 2012, Reno, NV
Designed by Veteran small business owners for Veteran small business owners, VETS2012 brings government agencies, industry leaders and Veteran entrepreneurs together in a small, intimate forum to discuss the questions you need answered.
To find more small business events, contests and awards, visit the Small Business Events Calendar.
If you are putting on a small business event or contest, and want to get the word out, please submit it through our Events & Contests Submission Form (it’s free). Only events of interest to small business people, freelancers and entrepreneurs will be included.
Brought to you as a community service by Small Business Trends and Smallbiztechnology.com.
Small Business Events: Latest Roundup
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Contest and Awards Roundup for SMBs
Dec 4th
This list of contests, competitions and awards for small businesses is brought to you every other week as a community service by Small Business Trends and Smallbiztechnology.com.
Also, if you’ve entered and won a contest or award listed here, let us know so we can share your news.
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2012 Business Excellence Awards
Enter by December 15, 2011
The Business Excellence Awards serve as a conclusion to the two-day Business Excellence Forum, and honors those business owners and their companies who have taken their companies, teams and results to “the next level” of success. The award will recognize businesses for outstanding results in any service category. Any service business is eligible for this award, provided their results were outstanding and measurable. Sponsored by ActionCOACH.
The Experienced Dreamers Contest
Enter by December 16, 2011
Pittsburgh is looking for Experienced Dreamers – people with a bit of experience under their belts and a desire to do something different with their lives. If that sounds like you, this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to win $100,000 to move there and realize your dream! The Experienced Dreamers™ contest is all about getting you to think about your dream – whatever it is you believe you were born to do – and asking if you have the courage to pick up your life, move to Pittsburgh and make it real. See website for details.
Women in Business
Enter by December 17, 2011
There are many outstanding women who are senior level executives, entrepreneurs and CEO’s that are celebrated at the Annual Women in Business Luncheon. These women have mastered their industries and are admired by the business community.
Join the Hartford Business Journal in celebrating the feats of these strong and remarkable business women; eight outstanding women will be showcased in a special section of the Hartford Business Journal and recognized at the Annual Women’s Business Luncheon. These women are senior level executives, CEO’s and entrepreneurs in the Hartford community.
LegalZoom Free Commerical Contest
Enter through December 31, 2011
Contest participants are asked to create a 25-second commercial featuring their business, and upload the video to the LegalZoom Facebook page, where the contest winner will be selected through a voting system. LegalZoom will purchase a minimum of $20,000 of airtime for the winning commercial to be broadcast to a national audience. That translates to a minimum of 50 free spots for the winning business owner.
2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award
Enter by January 6, 2012
Nominate an outstanding business from your community or submit your own application for the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club.
All award winners will be honored during America’s Small Business Summit on May 22 in Washington, DC. Blue Ribbon Award® winners will receive one complimentary registration to attend the Summit, courtesy of Sam’s Club. Nominations are due January 6, and applications are due January 13. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
MacMall Medical Office Makeover Contest
Enter by January 16, 2012
The Medical Office Makeover Contest features a prize for larger offices with 11 or more employees valued at nearly $17,000, and a prize for offices with 1-10 employees valued at over $6,000. The highly sought after products featured in the contest include Ergotron carts; HP workstations, monitors and digital signs; Fujitsu scanners; Wasp time and attendance tracking; Nuance medical dictation, and other high-value hardware and software from Xerox, Plantronics, Fellowes, ioSafe, Meraki, and Dymo.
Vision 33 Small Business Makeover Contest
Enter by January 31, 2012
This holiday season, one lucky small business will win the SAP Business One Starter Package, 40 hours of professional services and maintenance from Vision33 for a year! There is no charge, no expectations and no purchase necessary to enter the Small Business Makeover Contest – all you have to do is fill out an online form and tell why you think your business deserves to win.
The Amazing Entrepreneur
Enter by February 29, 2012
The 2nd Annual Amazing Entrepreneur Business Plan Competition is an initiative by Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to foster new business development in Gwinnett County, GA. The contest is open to individuals who own or manage a small business, which has been in operation less than 36 months, in Gwinnett County.
The Grand Prize winner will receive $2500 cash to be used solely for the business entering the contest, a trip to Sage Software’s Customer Conference in Nashville, TN (airfare, hotel stay, conference fees), one-year membership to Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, one-year participation in the Chamber’s Gwinnett Business Institute program ($180 value), a consultation with an attorney from Arnall Golden Gregory ($2500 value), and research assistance from Chamber’s economic development department
To find more small business events, contests and awards, visit our Small Business Events Calendar.
If you are putting on a small business contest, award or competition, and want to get the word out to the community, please submit it through our Small Business Event and Contests Form (it’s free).
Please note: The descriptions provided here are for convenience only and are NOT the official rules. ALWAYS read official rules carefully at the site holding the competition, contest or award.
Contest and Awards Roundup for SMBs
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Research Roundup: Independent Contractors and Consumer Retail Spending
Dec 1st
Everybody loves lists — or at least, everybody who reads blogs, so we are told. I don’t do lists very often because it never seems that the information I write about fits well into the format. This month’s Research Roundup post breaks the mold.
Lists take up a lot of space, though, so I’m only going to give you two of them. On the other hand, they’re two good ones. Besides, it’s pleasant to offer you some research that is not all about how badly we small business owners are doing.
The Rise of the Independents
Ego fodder is always a good thing and a recently released study by MBO Partners documents and quantifies a whole slew of things I first wrote back in 2004 in my white paper The Entrepreneurial Economy.
The MBO study is all about independent contractors, and my only beef with this study at the moment is the way MBO seems to underestimate their numbers. MBO says there are 16 million independent contractors; the Census says there are more than 21 million nonemployer businesses.
Can anybody tell me what the difference is between a nonemployer business and an independent contractor? I didn’t think so.
In any event, here are MBO’s key findings:
- 75 percentof independent contractors say that doing something they love is more important than making a bucket of money;
- 74 percent of independent contractors say that making a difference in people’s lives through their work is more important than making a bucket of money;
- 79 percent of independent contractors say they are satisfied or highly satisfied with their work situation;
- 55 percent of independent contractors say it was a proactive choice rather than a case of not being able to find a traditional job that made them become indies;
- 63 percent say they will continue to work as independent contractors, while only 12 percent plan to grow into employer firms;
- Indies are spread across generations: Seniors (over 65) make up 10 percent of independent contractors, Baby Boomers (50-64) account for 30 percent of them, GenX (30-49) are the largest group, making up 48 percent of them; and Millennials are 12 percent of independent contractors;
- Independent contractors are most seriously challenged by uncertain income streams (56 percent), concerns about retirement (46 percent) and concerns about lack of job security (41 percent); and
- MBO predicts that the number of independent contractors will increase by 25 percent within the next two years.
Makes me eager to see what the nonemployer numbers do over the next couple of years.
‘Tis the Season for Ca-Ching
One of the nice things about research, data and numbers is that sometimes, in addition to telling you things about yourself and your peers, research tells you useful things about your customers.
If, for example, you are a retailer, then you don’t need me to tell you how critical this time of year is for your bottom line. And, as usual, there are all sorts of predictive numbers out there that you might find useful from our friends over at the National Retail Federation.
- The average shopper is expected to spend $704 this holiday season on gifts and related stuff;
- In November and December, retail sales are expected to post a reasonably healthy $465 billion;
- Overall, holiday retail sales are expected to increase this year by 2.8 percent over 2010 numbers;
- Half of all gift receivers say they would prefer to receive a gift card rather than a gift (so you might be helping yourself quite a bit by figuring out a way to approximate the handy-dandy gift card for your retail outfit);
- 152 million holiday shoppers are expected to visit stores and websites on Black Friday weekend;
- Expect more spending in so-called “discretionary” categories this holiday season, including home furnishings and decor, sporting goods and leisure items, personal care and beauty products, electronics and computer accessories, apparel, toys and food. (What’s left?)
- Americans plan to spend money this holiday season, but they don’t seem to want to go into hock to do it. Forty-four percent say they will use debit cards, 24 percent will use cash and 3 percent will use checks. Everybody else (29 percent) will use credit cards;
- Online holidays sales are expected to grow by around 15 percent this holiday season;
- In addition to all those gifts, the average holiday shopper is expected to spend $130 or so taking advantage of seasonal sales and promotions to buy things for themselves; and
- Retailers beware: The retail industry is expected to lose approximately $3.48 billion to return fraud.
Image from Dmitriy Shironosov/Shutterstock
Research Roundup: Independent Contractors and Consumer Retail Spending
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Thanksgiving Small Business Roundup Shows Holiday SMB Plans
Nov 27th
It’s that time of the year. As we gather with friends and family to give thanks, here is a special Thanksgiving roundup for our small business community. Hope you have had and will continue to have lots to be thankful for with your small business this year.
News & Trends
Small businesses hope for holiday spending. Of course, the Friday after Thanksgiving has traditionally been designated Black Friday, widely known as the busiest shopping day of the year, but small businesses and others are hoping to extend that business over several days. Hickory Daily Record
This Saturday important for small business. While Black Friday may be important to big retailers (and perhaps a few small businesses mixed in as well) this Saturday is specifically for SMBs and many are hoping it will lead to great bottom lines. Herald-Mail.com
Marketing Thoughts
Large retailers may be open on Thanksgiving Day. However, many small businesses have decided to take the holiday off. One concern is that the extra day added by some could wind up simply stretching our revenue over several days not spending. Portflolio.com
How is selling your small business like Thanksgiving dinner? Whether you’re seeking a buyer for your SMB or enjoying a day of thanks with your family, the same rules apply. Here are some simple rulres to guide you whether you are attending a family get together or negotiating the sale of your business. You’re the Boss
Holiday Ideas
The Holiday season can be a great time for revenue. Here are some tips to make the most of the potential for Holiday sales with your small business. What ideas can you share about boosting your small business revenue during Thanksgiving and the big retail days that follow? Please comment below. Online PR Media
Does your business give gifts for the Holidays? Then have we got a link for you. Here, just in time for the season and one of the biggest weekends for Holiday shopping, is our own Small Business Trends “Guide to Holiday Gift Giving.” Small Business Trends
Giving Thanks
Some thoughts on being thankful, small business style. The first of some posts we’ve found around the Net specially aimed at the season. If you operate a successful small business, we hope you feel thankful today and that you will help us share. Word Chef
What small businesses are you thankful for? Here’s a post that looks at things a bit differently. As we prepare for a Saturday specifically dedicated to small businesses, the question becomes, what small businesses do you think are worthy of support? Patch
Lessons Learned
Giving thanks with great customer service. Customer relationships are a two-way street; Our patrons purchase our products or services, but in return small business owners need to show their customers that they’re valued. See how even small gestures of customer appreciation matter, and how no budget is too small to let customers know they’re important. Napa Valley Register
Dinner party principles. The rules of etiquette for doing business are just the same as those for gathering with family for a fine meal like the one you’re having this Thanksgiving…common courtesy, graciousness, and integrity in everything you do. See how these five fantastic rules of dining do double duty as small business best behavior. Your Office Anywhere
Thanksgiving Small Business Roundup Shows Holiday SMB Plans
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
WIPP Small Business Roundup Edition
Jun 1st
Women Impacting Public Policy is a non-profit, non-partisan group advocating for women-owned small businesses. WIPP regularly puts out updates for the benefit of small businesses owned and operated by women. In this roundup, we look at some of the latest issues being focused on by WIPP hopefully helpful to any small business owner. Enjoy!
Outlook
Cautious optimism for 2011. You’ve heard some polls both positive and negative about the future of small business growth throughout the rest of 2011. While here at Small Business Trends we strive to provide small business owners with the latest information, positive and negative, to better run their companies, we have always remained optimistic about the ability of small business owners to chart their own destiny. We’re happy to see WIPP feels the same. WIPP.org
Taxes
New tax reform legislation will benefit business. WIPP announced early last week anticipated tax reforms aimed at job creation but which will ultimately benefit businesses small and large alike. That legislation has since been unveiled including plans to limit some government regulations and cut government spending, two moves seen as positive in many business circles as an important step toward promoting growth. Eric Cantor Blog
Recognitions
WIPP president wins SBA’s Women in Business Advocate of the Year. The Small Business Administration announced Barbara Kasoff, President, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) as winner of the Local 2010 Small Business Week award in April. See the full list of WIPP National Small Business Week winners by following the WIPP.org link above for more details. BusinessWire
Federal Contracts
New executive order would highlight contributions. WIPP membership last week turned a spotlight on President Barack Obama’s plan to require federal contractors to disclosure political contributions in excess of $5000 as a part of the bidding process. Opponents fear the disclosure requirement will further politicize the awarding of federal contracts, a process also important to small business. WIPP.org
GOP claims order will hurt small business. Here is the hearing on the President’s executive order which critics worry will politicize the federal contracting process and in turn effect small contractors who currently bid for federal projects. In the first hearing, Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, claims the order will both curb free speech and hurt business interests. What’s your opinion? Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Security
Ten steps to improve cybersecurity. The FCC as taken steps with a new Website designed to aid small businesses in cybersecurity specifically, according to the federal agency, to protect themselves. customers and data from cybercriminals. Here, shared through an update by WIPP, is a look at ten tips for preventing your business from being a victim. FCC.org
Legislative
Small business progress? This update from U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, chairwoman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, outlines moves made by Washington to benefit small business, but also acknowledges the long road ahead. Landrieu insists that small business optimism is increasing but concedes concerns about tax regulations, government spending and budget deficits top the list of small business concerns. WIPP.org
Could you use a bit less regulation? U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe thinks so. Recently, Snowe again introduced legislation aimed at curbing “excessive” regulation in an effort to help small businesses. Snowe is a ranking member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Thanks again to WIPP for bringing this important legislation to light. U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
Small business grants can boost economy. To wrap up this legislative briefing, here is a post by Rep. Renee Ellmerson on the topic of small business grants and whether they can be used to grow the economy. Ellmerson is chairwoman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology. What do you think about small business grants? How could they best benefit your small business? House Committee on Small Business
Get Involved
WIPP celebrates 10th anniversary. Women Impacting Public Policy is celebrating its 10th anniversary and would like the help of members sharing a history with the organization to tell their stories about WIPP and how it has affected them. Looking for a small business organization that will help you make a difference? Consider getting involved with WIPP today! WIPP.org
WIPP Small Business Roundup Edition
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Small Business Resource Roundup
May 14th
There is, perhaps, no better place to seek resources for the small business owner or entrepreneur than the Internet. In this roundup, we present not only articles and information to help the new or working entrepreneur in your journey, but also lists of resources by others we think will help you. Take time to enjoy this resource list and share it with a friend:
Startup
The best cities for entrepreneurship? Looking for the perfect place to start and grow your business, especially a business involved in innovation? If you haven’t started your small business yet, you may first want to check out this list of 26 cities around the world given high marks for business, innovation…and life. The Atlantic
Are you passionate about your business? You should be. Without passion, a love and real commitment for the business you create, the many tough times will only be tougher and the burden of running your organization will be harder to bear, says Adam Gottlieb. As an alternative, try to reconnect to the excitement that caused you to get started in the first place. The Frugal Entrepreneur
How to connect with your ideal client/customer. Though it could be the way you connect in a blog post or create content for the Web, in a broader sense every beginning small business owner must work to connect with the customers and clients who they can best serve and must be able to, throughout their business’s existence, keep adjusting as customers, clients and their needs change. Here is how to get started. Annemarie Cross
Operations
Getting started with sales. It can be one of the greatest challenges new entrepreneurs face. Despite their other talents, coming to terms with the many hats worn by small business owners also means improving at sales. In this interview, Greg Fry speaks with “Queen Of Sales” Jill Konrath on the topic. Bloggertone
10 tips for checking on competitors. No matter how innovative your small business may be, there will always be competitors, or at least other businesses working in the same market and targeting the same customers. How can you stay ahead of what others are doing, stay ahead of trends and always make sure you’re the first choice with your customers? Inc.com
Self-development
What makes an entrepreneur? Bryan Elliot talks with Seth Godin about the importance of curiousity, the ability to fail and about building a company or business bigger than yourself. If you want to learn more about the philosophy and heart and soul of creating something new and different you will want to watch this video…several times. Behind the Brand
Good writing: the surprising key ingredient to business success? You bet! In fact, according to Sonja Hegman, the ability to write well or hire it done could be essential for your business’s survival. After all, good writing in a press release could attract strong coverage of your very important announcement, attract a strategic partner interested in working with you or convince a customer or client to do business with you instead of your competitor. Get Busy Media
More Resources
19 top small business blogs. We are honored to be on the list with numerous deserving others. We encourage you to explore and find the incredible depth of entrepreneurial information out there. Thanks to blogger John Paul for taking the time to assemble the list. It’s a post online entrepreneurs will want to return to again and again. Money Dummy
20 top small business influencers. Again, we’re thrilled to have been included, but we’re certainly in good company here with some of the major movers and shakers of the large and small business world. No matter how small your own startup may be, it can’t hurt to take advantage of the experts and plenty are represented here. Hawkeye Management
25 influential women entrepreneurs. You’ll want to follow these ladies on Twitter learning from the wisdom they impart and the resource they share. There are so many free resources out there that it’s sometimes overwhelming. Then you need to separate the good advice from the bad. It’s so great to have a community of leading business leaders (including Small Business Trends founder Anita Campbell) to always be helpful and reach out. The Work at Home Woman
Small Business Resource Roundup
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Fresh Roundup of Contests for Small Companies
Mar 19th
This list of contests, competitions and awards for small businesses is brought to you every other week as a community service by Small Business Trends and Smallbiztechnology.com.
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Crain’s New York Small Business Awards
Enter by March 21, 2011
Crain’s New York Business is seeking successful businessmen and businesswomen for its annual top entrepreneurs feature to run in May. Companies must have been in business for at least three years, and must have demonstrated innovation and rapid growth (current economic conditions will be considered).
To be eligible, a company must have revenue of less than $100 million. Company owners must be willing to share revenue and other details about their companies. Entrepreneurs can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Past winners have included designer Gaby Basora, Rob Kalin of Etsy, Mark Oldman and Hussam Hamadeh of Vault, Darius Bikoff of Energy Brands Inc., maker of Glacéau beverages, and Liz Lange of Liz Lange Maternity.
Miami Herlad Business Plan Challenge
Enter by March 25, 2011
Have you hatched a great idea for a business? If your business is less than 2 years old or exists only on paper, you can enter the 13th Annual Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge, co-sponsored by Florida International University’s Pino Global Entrepreneurship Center.
The competition has three tracks: A Community Track open to anyone in South Florida; an FIU Track open to students and alumni of the university; and a High School Track for grades 9-12.
Panels of judges will select the three best business plans in each track based on both the quality of the idea and the submitted plan. Readers will be able to vote online at MiamiHerald.com for a “People’s Pick” winner in the community and FIU tracks.
Small Business Excellence Awards
Enter by March 25, 2011
Each year the Chamber recognizes the accomplishments and innovation found in the small business segment of our business community at its Small Business Excellence Awards. This year’s awards will be presented on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at the Millennium Hotel in downtown Cincinnati. Companies can apply for consideration in two of the following categories:
• Emerging Business of the Year – must be in business five years or less
• Minority Business of the Year – must be a certified MBE
• Nonprofit of the Year – must submit a 501(c) form
• 10 Under 10 – 10 businesses with fewer than 10 employees
• Small Business of the Year – 1 to 50 employees
• Small Business of the Year – 51 to 250 employees
• Community Involvement Award
Where Will .com or .net Take Your Business?
Enter by March 28, 2011
Verisign is hosting an international contest for small businesses to compete for a chance to win $25,000 (USD). The contest asks small businesses to address the question, “Where will .com or .net take your business?” Entrants can visit www.DotComForSmallBiz.com or www.DotNetForSmallBiz.net to submit photos and essays addressing the contest theme.
Brother Share Your Bigger Picture Contest
Enter by March 29, 2011
The “Share Your Bigger Picture” contest offers individuals an opportunity to win a $10,000 business grant or one of five weekly prize packs including a $500 Apple® gift card and a Brother MFC-J6710DW inkjet all-in-one printer with 11″ x 17″ capabilities. Participants can enter two ways: commenting on the contest blog or retweeting messages on Twitter. For more details visit the contest website.
Ninth Annual American Business Awards
Enter by March 31, 2011
The American Business Awards are the only all-encompassing awards program that honors outstanding performances in the American workplace. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and nonprofit, large and small. The 2011 awards will honor work since the beginning of 2010, and the awards will be announced on June 20 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Nominations are accepted in various categories including management awards, public relations awards, marketing awards, new product awards, HR awards, IT awards, website awards and more. New categories in 2011 include Executive of the Year – Health Products & Services and Best New Product or Service of the Year – Health Products & Services, as well as more than 40 new Marketing Campaign of the Year categories.
R U Gen Z (Generation Zuckerberg) Video Contest
Enter by April 1, 2011
Internet entrepreneur Marc Ostrofsky has launched the R U Gen Z (Generation Zuckerberg) video contest offering over $10,000 in prizes. The R U Gen Z video contest encourages students and struggling job seekers who have the drive and desire to be their own boss to embrace their Zuckerberg-like passion for entrepreneurship. In these videos, students are invited to express frustrations with today’s economy and tout the benefits of being one’s own boss.
Videos can be submitted online immediately at the contest website and will be judged by a group of panelists made up of students from the University of Houston’s Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship. The first-place winner will receive $5,000; $2,500 will go to the second-place winner, and numerous other $1,000 prizes will be distributed.
Rhode Island Business Plan Competition 2011
Enter by April 4, 2011
The Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, open to everyone, seeks to promote entrepreneurship and development of startup and early stage companies. Winners and finalists in the 2010 Competition shared more than $195,000 in prizes.
Make Mine a Million $ Business
Register by April 4, 2011
M3 1000 Denver gives women entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses for a chance to win a $1,000 American Express Gift Card and an unrivaled suite of business growth tools – national PR, professional coaching, expert financial analysis, access to financing, peer exchange and events, and a curriculum of live and online educational resources – all within a robust, supportive and inspiring community.
Dream Big Grow Here Cedar Valley
Enter by April 13, 2011
The MyEntre.Net “Dream Big Grow Here Cedar Valley” grant contest will award $5,000 to an existing small business that is looking to grow. The contest is open to entrepreneurs 18 and over who are legal residents of Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Grundy and Tama counties and who have between two and 99 full-time employees. Participants can enter their plans online at www.dreambiggrowherecedarvalley.com. Participants can be individuals or for-profit organizations.
Small Business Advocate of the Year Award
Enter by April 15, 2011
Each year, the CalChamber recognizes several small business owners who have done an exceptional job with their local, state and national advocacy efforts on behalf of small businesses.
The CalChamber will recognize the award winners at its Business Summit on June 1 in Sacramento. The nomination form is available on the CalChamber website or may be requested from the Local Chamber Department at .
AMD Visionary of the Year Awards
Enter by April 30, 2011
AMD has announced its first ever VISIONary of the Year Awards, honoring innovation in the three passion categories of Foodie, Photography and Entrepreneurship.
Eligible voters can vote and enter to win one-of-a-kind category prizes, including the ultimate culinary trip to New York City (Foodie category), a $4,000 technology shopping spree (Entrepreneur category), a $4,000 camera (Photographer category), as well as AMD’s $10,000 grand prize.
2011 Small Business Awards
Enter by May 20, 2011
In its 6th year, The New York Enterprise Report Small Business Awards honors the achievements and accomplishments of the 500,000+ small businesses throughout the tri-state area. In addition to the Best of the Year Categories, the New York Enterprise Report Small Business Awards will honor 9 small businesses for their accomplishments and best practices.
The Conway Center for Family Business Awards
Enter by August 4, 2011
The Conway Center for Family Business Awards Program was established in 1998 to recognize excellence in family business and has honored more than 115 Central Ohio family businesses during its first 11 years.
Since the 2009 awards, the program honors recipients in categories consistent with the success and longevity of a family business: leadership, planning, communication, support and community service. For more details see the website.
To find more small business events, contests and awards, visit our Small Business Events Calendar. In addition, we also have a giveaways page; click to learn more about our small business giveaways section.
If you are putting on a small business contest, award or competition, and want to get the word out to the community, please submit it through our Small Business Event and Contests Form. (We do not charge a fee to be included in this listing. )
Please note: The descriptions provided here are for convenience only and are NOT the official rules. ALWAYS read official rules carefully at the site holding the competition, contest or award.
Fresh Roundup of Contests for Small Companies
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Small Business News: Regulation Roundup
Feb 12th
Changing regulations often affect small businesses either directly or indirectly. Our feeling at Small Business Trends is that, for most small business owners and entrepreneurs, less is more when it comes to rules and regs. However, this ideal isn’t always reached by governments that want their thumbs on the economy and, more particularly, the revenue it represents. Here’s a look at the changing landscape.
Trends
IRS focuses upon online business. It’s hardly good news for online entrepreneurs, but the Internal Revenue Service is expected to catch up with business earnings online this year. Be aware. When it comes to online small business operations in 2011, the government has it’s eye on your. Daily Dose
Businesses vent about government regs. There is plenty to complain about when it comes to burdensome regulations and their impact on business large and small. While some rules arguably improve public health and safety in the worplace, many businesses see others as cumbersome and costly. Businesses told their side at a recent U.S. House hearing but what will be the result? Yahoo! News
New government finance regs are complicated to say the least. Here from the Friends of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is an interactive chart demonstrating their complexities. Can you follow the way the hundreds of regulations wind through scores of government agencies in this perplexing financial overall. And how will it affect the ongoing operation of small and medium sized businesses who operate under it. Friends of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Taxes
Deducting your home office expenses. Are you a small business owner working out of the home? Than this is the post for you! Learn more about the full list of business deductions you can take for your small home business. Starting a business is tough enough. Avoid unnecessary costs when paying your taxes to save the maximum for you in the future Lending Tree Blog
When are business losses a good thing? Well, never really, but be sure you write them off when tax time rolls around. In fact, it is very important to keep track of losses when your businesses experiences them because this can definitely benefit you when it comes to estimating what you owe. Don’t pay more than you have to, especially in a bad year and focus on how losses can be translated to your tax return instead. Open Forum
Government Regs
Which government regs really hurt business. From those designed to protect the environment to those aimed at employee safety, government regulations are supposed to protect the public from harm. But what happens when those regulations are also so costly to follow that they restrict business growth especially at a time when growth in the business secter is desperately needed? PBS
The reality of government regulation. Michael Sinensky, a small business owner in New York City, tells how regulations set up to protect employees in the restaurant and bar industry usually end up doing just the opposite. Why? Because increasing costs for small business owners usually causes them to cut costs at employees’ expense. Read what else Sinensky has to say about what truly must be done to save small business. Business Insider
Small Biz Basics
Small businesses bear the brunt. When it comes to environmental and many other regulations, costs for smaller businesses to comply with government regulations are higher than for their larger competitors. Much higher! So if leaders acknowledge the importance of small businesses to economic recovery, they must understand the need to drastically reform the way small businesses are treated. Let’s start now. Business Insider
Waiting on the SBA. Five months ago, Congress enacted a program aimed at helping small businesses to refinance their mortgages potentially saving many businesses from closing. But to date, no small businesses who need the program have beeb able to pursue it. Why? Because the Small Business Administration charged with the task has still not created rules to explain how the new program works. Los Angeles Times
Conclusion
Even regulations need a budget. Few question whether some regulation may be important to protect public safety, but shouldn’t regulations (at least those related to business) be reviewed from time to time too? New legislation would do just that and force accountability by the agencies in charge of administrating them. OpenMarket.org
Small Business News: Regulation Roundup
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Small Business News: Our Christmas Roundup Special
Dec 25th
Welcome to our special Christmas eve small business roundup. We’ve chosen some stories reflecting the season you should be able to share and use to grow your business no matter what the season. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. 
Policy
Santa gives lessons in entrepreneurship, taxes. If you ran a global manufacturing and distribution company specializing in childrens’ toys, how would complicated and expensive business regulations effect your operations? Would you be able to expand, add employees, invest in new infrastructure while being uncertain of the future? Bankrupting America
Innovation
Christmas Decor shows business innovation. When building his lawn service business, Christmas Decor CEO Blake Smith decided he wanted a way to retain his employees during the winter months. His solution? A Holiday home decoration business for home owners too busy to hang lights themselves. Fox Business
Lifestyle
Online gifts for the small business owner. Our Holiday gift idea list comes in the form of online tools for the Internet entrepreneur. These are tools that cover just about every aspect of online business management. We hope you’ll find the perfect gift for you. Fill The Funnel
Trends
Christmas 2010 sees small business troubles, challenges.The Christmas season, bringing the potential for greater revenue in the case of some businesses, has not helped everyone. But while some businesses face trouble, let’s look on the bright side. Some will be presented with new opportunities and the chance to grow. MercuryNews.com
Marketing
In store coupon strategy boosts Holiday sales. During the Holiday shopping season when small businesses are hopefully already seeing a rise in retail sales, one simple strategy in particular can assist small business retail sales to an even greater extend. In store coupons will encourage visitors already in buying mode to purchase more merchandise from you this season. Guaranteed Profit
Using Foursquare to market for Christmas. Leave no stone unturned when marketing during the Christmas season. That includes new online marketing opportunities like Foursquare. Are you using all your marketing tools to best effect this Holiday season? Be prepared with a strategy that will boost your brand and strategy this Christmas. Catalyst Marketers
Finance
Small business retail sales.Back up but not yet where they were a few years ago. Small business owners say consumer spending is better than last year but still conservative. Small business owners who have survived the economic downturn have cause for celebration. Business remains tough in retail and other industries, but in this christmas season, there are signs of hope. CNBC
Industry
The small business of Christmas trees.More than simply a symbol of the season, Christmas trees, whether real or artificial, remain a huge retail industry as well. As large as it is, the Christmas tree industry still includes plenty of small retailers. Here is an info graphic that gives us a glimpse of the overall market at a glance. Intuit
Strategy
Why Christmas should be a great time for your small business. Last year, Brad Sugars, International Chairman of ACTION International, Australia’s leading sales and marketing business franchise, posted this inspirational article on why Christmas should be a great time to do so many things to improve your business. It’s just as appropriate this year and a great place to start your efforts to take your small business to the next level. Small Business Support Network
News
What’s impacting your small business this Christmas? In the UK, small businesses are struggling with a variety of issues connected to a recent cold snap. Small business groups have asked government officials for assistance in lightening some of the financial and other difficulties involved in dealing with the cold weather. BBC
Small Business News: Our Christmas Roundup Special
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
