December 13, 2011
OPEN Forum Message
Watch MSNBC's Your Business
If you missed this week's show or want to catch up on past episodes, you can find the videos on OPEN Forum.
View videos
Today’s snapshot starts with news that the government reauthorized small business research programs for another six years and includes an article on how to increase your cash flow immediately and the best small business Facebook pages of 2011.
Fed reauthorizes small biz research programs
Small business owners in the research and development space are breathing a sigh of relief today, after Monday’s vote to reauthorize two amendments guaranteeing government monies to small businesses. As J.D. Harrison of The Washington Post writes, the U.S. House Small Business Committee voted to extend the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program—both which were set to expire Friday.
Small business borrowing showing signs of improvement
Don’t lose hope if you recently approached a bank and didn’t get a loan—it might be time to ask again. As Lynn Adler of Reuters writes, borrowing is on the rise for new, small business investment. More good news: only 3 percent of small businesses are expected to shutter in 2012 compared with 7 percent in 2009.
10 best small business Facebook pages of 2011
Want more ‘likes’ on your business Facebook page? If so, pay attention. Phil Mershon of Social Media Examiner rounds up the best pages of this year—from a travel site that features a ‘photo of the day’ to a retailer that uses quotes effectively and a dog trainer that utilizes her site to capture reservations.
How one small business competes with online retailers
Today I wrote a piece on this exact topic—with an Amazon.com spin (a la its controversial Price Check app)—How To Beat Amazon. But here, as The New York Times’ Babriel Shaoolian writes, Steve and Susan Karasanti—owners of Little Dudes and Divas—compete with online retailers by making custom instructional videos for customers, spending large chunks of time answering questions and committing to a heavy amount of email marketing.
Small business hiring on the rise
Well, here’s some great news for your Tuesday. As The Wall Street Journal’s Mark Gongloff reports, the National Federation of Independent Businesses small business optimism index rose to 92 from 90.2—its highest increase in almost a year. In addition, about 7 percent of small business owners plan to hire soon, compared with only 3 percent in October. Do you have plans to hire next year?
Google aggressively targets small businesses
Wouldn’t you just love to revamp your business website and get $75 worth of Google AdWords in the process? If so, you are in luck. As Inc.’s Adam Bluestein writes, Google is on a rampage to capture small business business through its new Get Your Business Online tour. The tour is stopping in dozens of cities worldwide and on every stop, Google gives seminars on how build websites and offers free web hosting for one year.
3 Ways To Increase Your Cash Flow Today
For small business owners low on cash, Denise O’Berry has the answer. As she writes on Franchise Help, SBOs should package products, set up a recurring billing process, turn in outstanding invoices and partner with like-businesses.
7 ways to deal with sales rejection
Here’s a print-off-and-tack-on-your-wall post. As Jane Porter of Entrepreneur writes, rejection is just part of the sales process. Small business owners can deal with it by knowing their sales ratios, not taking rejection personally, setting long-term goals and building relationships.
Check your balance, review recent transactions and pay your bill on the go.
