Most Active Articles 2009-11-25T20:54:52.054-05:00 Business Exchange Business_Exchange@businessweek.com urn:com:businessweek:bx:topic:most-active:small-business-and-the-economy Patricia Stewart pstewartbusso153 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9318472212470208827-c3c3de02845b92cdbeae4c071c6c77a7 2009-11-18T13:19:42.787-05:00

In the U.S., the more than 25 million small business entrepreneurs employing 75% of the population are a driving force in the development of laptops, cell phones, PDAs, Netbooks, and free WiFi Internet connections now found at most shopping malls, hotels, public libraries or coffee shops. In this fashion, portable devices have inspired entrepreneurs to work from their home office, car or sitting on the beach redefining traditional paradigms. These wireless gadgets allow us to learn, fulfill and deliver high quality work from anywhere in the world. Read more...

In the U.S., the more than 25 million small business entrepreneurs employing 75% of the population are a driving force in the development of laptops, cell phones, PDAs, Netbooks, and free WiFi Internet connections now found at most shopping malls, hotels, public libraries or coffee shops. In this fashion, portable devices have inspired entrepreneurs to work from their home office, car or sitting on the beach redefining traditional paradigms. These wireless gadgets allow us to learn, fulfill and deliver high quality work from anywhere in the world. Read more... http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/small-business-innovation-trends-mobile-enterpris James Rickman jrickman047 8 8 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3716327332050599689-4fa05b56270934041955c770a51cb5c1 2009-11-18T13:21:57.478-05:00

According to Department of U.S. Labor Statistics, the self-employed aged 55 - 65 rose 33% in 2008, double the number of self-employed 25 - 35 year-olds. Research shows that approximately 22% of all new startup businesses are registered by people between 47 and 65 years of age. No matter how old you are, there is always that perceived often misleading label attached to your age.

According to Department of U.S. Labor Statistics, the self-employed aged 55 - 65 rose 33% in 2008, double the number of self-employed 25 - 35 year-olds. Research shows that approximately 22% of all new startup businesses are registered by people between 47 and 65 years of age. No matter how old you are, there is always that perceived often misleading label attached to your age. http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/seniors-and-women-small-business-startups-gain-mo James Rickman jrickman047 9 8 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:7521240210794861825-0093d5aa4bfcd3af567c343a0c844033 2009-11-13T15:49:16.289-05:00

Some of your neighbors are running pretty successful home-based businesses, and you may not even know it...

Some of your neighbors are running pretty successful home-based businesses, and you may not even know it... http://www.thefranchisekingblog.com/2009/11/homebased-businesses-are-no-laughing-matter.html Joel Libava jlibava813 26 26 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15689224694935529215-9700fba8bb7dd80d9751d542fa2626e5 2009-11-18T13:13:55.676-05:00

The small business credit crunch has justifiably been one of the primary news themes during the recession and slow recovery. And while stingy, risk-adverse credit behavior from banks and lenders is often labeled as the primary culprit, some small business owners may actually be exacerbating the credit crunch, albeit more due to ignorance than intentionally bad habits.

The small business credit crunch has justifiably been one of the primary news themes during the recession and slow recovery. And while stingy, risk-adverse credit behavior from banks and lenders is often labeled as the primary culprit, some small business owners may actually be exacerbating the credit crunch, albeit more due to ignorance than intentionally bad habits. http://blog.cortera.com/2009/11/18/three-tips-to-gain-and-keep-business-credit/ Alex Coté acot608 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15831502311271383658-a1184583be649230bf835efdeaf754a5 2009-11-17T10:54:32.654-05:00

Today, Chinese and U.S. regulators including President Obama during his current Asian visit are preparing to announce the signed agreement encouraging Chinese (cash rich) financial institutions to buy into small and medium-sized banks in the...

Today, Chinese and U.S. regulators including President Obama during his current Asian visit are preparing to announce the signed agreement encouraging Chinese (cash rich) financial institutions to buy into small and medium-sized banks in the... http://chinaobamabankbailout.blogspot.com/ James Rickman jrickman047 4 4 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6271879399368911779-4c20baa5bbed1bd725314d2d827ce2fe 2009-11-17T14:57:01.145-05:00

A look at five sources that point to a fuzzy jobs outlook for small business.

A look at five sources that point to a fuzzy jobs outlook for small business. http://blog.winningworkplaces.org/blog/winning-workplaces/0/0/where-is-the-job-growth-for-small-business-depends-on-who-you-ask Mark Harbeke mharbeke724 3 3 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6972134232771028806-3f93aab4dbc53b275b7b182183612710 2009-11-17T20:10:43.125-05:00

Economic Data FED Reports Sluggish Recovery - Industrial production edged up 0.1 percent last month, the Fed reported Tuesday. It was the poorest showing since output fell 0.4 percent in June. Since then, industrial output had posted strong gains, helped by a rebound in auto production. GDP has been revised to around 2.8 percent for the third quarter, then slip to 2.5 percent in the current quarter. Some analysts predict GDP growth will slip to around 1.5 percent in the first half of next year.

Economic Data FED Reports Sluggish Recovery - Industrial production edged up 0.1 percent last month, the Fed reported Tuesday. It was the poorest showing since output fell 0.4 percent in June. Since then, industrial output had posted strong gains, helped by a rebound in auto production. GDP has been revised to around 2.8 percent for the third quarter, then slip to 2.5 percent in the current quarter. Some analysts predict GDP growth will slip to around 1.5 percent in the first half of next year. http://useconomicdatanovember.blogspot.com/ James Rickman jrickman047 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:18251688349557901820-c690df0528deec2592c5d9749848bcfb 2009-11-15T10:32:08.269-05:00

If you're having a tough time getting customers to pay, you're certainly not alone. As a result of the roiling economy, many business owners are dealing with foot-dragging clients who are now late and requesting payment extensions on bills.

If you're having a tough time getting customers to pay, you're certainly not alone. As a result of the roiling economy, many business owners are dealing with foot-dragging clients who are now late and requesting payment extensions on bills. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703683804574533482721614374.html Alex Coté acot608 6 6 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2432632509804538232-9d82557430e26938f044a90dacee6836 2009-11-17T14:17:27.579-05:00

This interview, featured on the Fox Business Center website, features a discussion of the Burger King lawsuit, as well as the type of personality one NEEDS to have as a franchise owner..

This interview, featured on the Fox Business Center website, features a discussion of the Burger King lawsuit, as well as the type of personality one NEEDS to have as a franchise owner.. http://www.thefranchisekingblog.com/2009/11/franchise-business-startups-need-some-serious-help-startingup-.html Joel Libava jlibava813 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1541995313556473783-39da303a2d631dcc556a94bddbf42443 2009-11-17T11:13:32.527-05:00

President Obama gave China a frank, open address to stop censoring the Internet access of the Chinese people, voicing the value of the tool that promotes innovation and helped him win the White House - stating to the tightly controlled Chinese hosts not to fear a little constructive criticism from the people. Watch LIVE VIDEO ONLINE

President Obama gave China a frank, open address to stop censoring the Internet access of the Chinese people, voicing the value of the tool that promotes innovation and helped him win the White House - stating to the tightly controlled Chinese hosts not to fear a little constructive criticism from the people. Watch LIVE VIDEO ONLINE http://obamachinesevideo.blogspot.com/ James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:712297096402934590-9644afd5d4b7523337ca70d8bae8d606 2009-11-13T15:40:52.849-05:00

Two biggies in Real Estate are showing the love this week...

Two biggies in Real Estate are showing the love this week... http://www.thefranchisekingblog.com/2009/11/gmac-real-estate-is-doing-some-real-living.html Joel Libava jlibava813 1 0 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3706807504977990717-b81cf1fe17b55dd87fa268e5da9aac75 2009-11-13T18:46:34.546-05:00

The plan was created by BancVue, a consulting and marketing company for small banks. Its aim is to bring new high-interest, no-fee checking accounts offered by small banks and credit unions nationwide under one brand, called “Kasasa” — a name made up after BancVue conducted extensive consumer marketing tests. BancVue argues that smaller banks, by pooling their marketing resources, can attract deposits from larger institutions.

The plan was created by BancVue, a consulting and marketing company for small banks. Its aim is to bring new high-interest, no-fee checking accounts offered by small banks and credit unions nationwide under one brand, called “Kasasa” — a name made up after BancVue conducted extensive consumer marketing tests. BancVue argues that smaller banks, by pooling their marketing resources, can attract deposits from larger institutions. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/business/media/02adco.html Crystal Thomas cthomas972 6 5 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9370417203165298255-c1fa9a63037bbfc2996883b20f9b7864 2009-11-07T18:40:21.661-05:00

As the unemployment rate continued to spiral upward over 10.2% for October 2009. Mixed data includes factory orders in the U.S. while companies focus on internal costs controls for better productivity. Entrepreneurs offer innovative solutions to creating jobs in America.

As the unemployment rate continued to spiral upward over 10.2% for October 2009. Mixed data includes factory orders in the U.S. while companies focus on internal costs controls for better productivity. Entrepreneurs offer innovative solutions to creating jobs in America. http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/sustainable-job-employment-solutions-usa James Rickman jrickman047 19 19 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:7947981810327605339-d36e4b881f02e008d0582c10042f1967 2009-11-13T15:47:10.345-05:00

Those $dollar cheeseburgers are causing a lot of headaches. Good for the consumer, but baaaad for headquarters..

Those $dollar cheeseburgers are causing a lot of headaches. Good for the consumer, but baaaad for headquarters.. http://www.thefranchisekingblog.com/2009/11/is-burger-kings-1-double-cheeseburger-a-losing-proposition-for-its-franchisees-.html Joel Libava jlibava813 2 2 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:14594007631926304429-0d06e0fd8115f4c721a43c72d3eca91e 2009-11-13T14:39:21.208-05:00

The fantasy of people across the political spectrum, ranging from conservatives to progressives, is that the free market will solve the increasingly desperate woes of small businesses and nonprofits. It’s not entirely impossible, but it does...

The fantasy of people across the political spectrum, ranging from conservatives to progressives, is that the free market will solve the increasingly desperate woes of small businesses and nonprofits. It’s not entirely impossible, but it does... http://thecostsavingsguy.com/saving-small-business/ Bruce Judson bjudson427 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2630412335279914652-89f23d56381d43e1437689846130fec9 2009-11-13T15:44:07.605-05:00

This franchisor out of Minneapolis can't seem to make a mistake...

This franchisor out of Minneapolis can't seem to make a mistake... http://www.thefranchisekingblog.com/2009/11/great-clipsgreat-same-store-growth.html Joel Libava jlibava813 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13051687142349205630-5bd7b43c73dd075213ae2d9cd3e79662 2009-11-13T15:34:19.632-05:00

Part 2 of this article focuses on who are the WRONG people are for a franchise coaching business...

Part 2 of this article focuses on who are the WRONG people are for a franchise coaching business... http://www.thefranchisekingblog.com/2009/11/franchise-opportunities-whats-the-real-story-behind-those-business-coaching-franchises-part-2.html Joel Libava jlibava813 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1877049872228437052-2f4543995e1ef845c077402b03e485e0 2009-11-13T08:22:38.266-05:00

Private aviation uses the term “legs” to indicate lanes of travel from point A to B. In order to optimize the productivity of an aircraft the destination flight needs to be booked as well as the return flight. However, most return flights from B to...

Private aviation uses the term “legs” to indicate lanes of travel from point A to B. In order to optimize the productivity of an aircraft the destination flight needs to be booked as well as the return flight. However, most return flights from B to... http://www.planeconversations.com/2009/11/13/legs-vs-seats-how-to-fill-both/ Jon Anne Doty jdoty792 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3561181666148633552-6c082af24f00f4b2220b2759228f31ed 2009-11-12T08:44:54.326-05:00

I have been blessed and cursed at the same time. As a management consultant the use of my time is the critical elements that fuels my personal economy. Early in my career I decided that having a private plane was a valuable tool in saving me time...

I have been blessed and cursed at the same time. As a management consultant the use of my time is the critical elements that fuels my personal economy. Early in my career I decided that having a private plane was a valuable tool in saving me time... http://www.planeconversations.com/2009/11/12/why-cant-private-aviation-innovate/ Jon Anne Doty jdoty792 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:903088942819608348-67501ddb1bbae57952d207086a07aaa6 2009-11-10T16:44:14.657-05:00

Research has shown that 60% of websites do not know their conversion rates. By regularly measuring the websites effectiveness it will increase your sales in comparison with most competitors. Several lead – sales management tools are available to help you monitor the download conversion rates. Do you know your site's conversion rates? What do you take into consideration when making changes to your site's design?

Research has shown that 60% of websites do not know their conversion rates. By regularly measuring the websites effectiveness it will increase your sales in comparison with most competitors. Several lead – sales management tools are available to help you monitor the download conversion rates. Do you know your site's conversion rates? What do you take into consideration when making changes to your site's design? http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/sales-results-developing-website-conversion-rates James Rickman jrickman047 2 2 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:14064975725581678738-4801e0e0bcc4caf2d9272640449d8ab6 2009-11-11T13:29:00.557-05:00

Business leaders in numerous markets are betting that their market will come back and spend. Many choose to believe that the economic crunch is temporary and things will rebound. Maybe it is time for a reality check and especially for private...

Business leaders in numerous markets are betting that their market will come back and spend. Many choose to believe that the economic crunch is temporary and things will rebound. Maybe it is time for a reality check and especially for private... http://www.planeconversations.com/2009/11/11/reality-may-be-difficult/ Jon Anne Doty jdoty792 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:12885165169406431308-264fff41b8425a94e1796d4cb8f66d51 2009-11-08T12:59:36.381-05:00

Not to be a "Negative Ned" here, but...

Not to be a "Negative Ned" here, but... http://www.thefranchisekingblog.com/2009/11/is-the-us-economy-really-improving-.html Joel Libava jlibava813 4 4 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15090786840600310611-00a459ecd688fcc99ce39250ffe55d99 2009-11-10T17:11:02.916-05:00

As the choices of new marketing strategies and initiatives evolve, organizations constantly reevaluate what marketing initiatives to pursue. Learn to help your organization determine how much to invest in from one vehicle versus another?

As the choices of new marketing strategies and initiatives evolve, organizations constantly reevaluate what marketing initiatives to pursue. Learn to help your organization determine how much to invest in from one vehicle versus another? http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/increase-sales-using-dynamic-marketing James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10873218442495752664-751d90209ec03197638130721dd0e72c 2009-11-10T10:27:48.319-05:00

The S&P is up over 50% since its March 2009 lows and yet for most of us, the leading indicators and large company earnings seem to defy the reality on Main Street. Newsweek offered a view on why such a gap may exist – and some indicators are emerging to focus on small business sentiment — but the fact remains that most prominent economic indicators fail to paint a true view of Main Street conditions. Last month we started publishing a small business index that takes a shot at filling the gap. Based on same criteria lenders and businesses use for determining credit viability, the SBI provides a view into the cash flow on Main Street. And just as Newsweek paints the picture of the Wall Street – Main St gap, the Cortera SBI™ shows increasingly divergent behaviors between the largest of businesses and the nation’s millions of small companies.

The S&P is up over 50% since its March 2009 lows and yet for most of us, the leading indicators and large company earnings seem to defy the reality on Main Street. Newsweek offered a view on why such a gap may exist – and some indicators are emerging to focus on small business sentiment — but the fact remains that most prominent economic indicators fail to paint a true view of Main Street conditions. Last month we started publishing a small business index that takes a shot at filling the gap. Based on same criteria lenders and businesses use for determining credit viability, the SBI provides a view into the cash flow on Main Street. And just as Newsweek paints the picture of the Wall Street – Main St gap, the Cortera SBI™ shows increasingly divergent behaviors between the largest of businesses and the nation’s millions of small companies. http://blog.cortera.com/2009/11/10/the-main-street-credit-squeeze-continues/ Alex Coté acot608 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:895202382217469917-27df6baf2d280ceefdeb10adc63f5802 2009-11-09T10:51:20.053-05:00

Building business credit isn’t just about paying your bills on time. Ideally you want those on-time payments reported to the credit agencies so other vendors and lenders will see your stellar payment history. But if your small business, like many,...

Building business credit isn’t just about paying your bills on time. Ideally you want those on-time payments reported to the credit agencies so other vendors and lenders will see your stellar payment history. But if your small business, like many,... http://www.allbusiness.com/legal/banking-law-credit-regulation/13403748-1.html Alex Coté acot608 1 1 0 0