December 10, 2010
OPEN Forum Message
Company Culture
Can you recognize signs that your company's culture isn't working? Get advice from the experts on what to look for–and how to fix it.
Learn more
Too busy to catch up on your favorite OPEN Forum authors every day? The OPEN Forum Editorial team is pleased to present the “Weekender” roundup to fill you in on the can’t miss OPEN Forum stories of the week. This week it’s all about holiday shopping, taxes and more…
Small Business Saturday stories. Wondering how Small Business Saturday turned out across the country? Don’t worry, we have stories from the east coast to the west to satiate your small business curiosity. Kathryn Hawkins takes us to Portland, ME, where products flew off the shelves on Saturday. In Kansas City, MO, where the community is key, a local toy store had some extra fun. And Newton, MA, got a sugar rush from a gourmet chocolate store that was really feeling the holiday spirit. Kathryn Hawkins, Shelly Kramer, Aine Cryts.
Holiday shopping guide for the office. Holiday shopping is never easy, and gift swapping in the office is no exception. From custom flashdrives to engraved iPod shuffles, Sharlyn Lauby offers 10 gift suggestions that will help you find the perfect present for even the pickiest of coworkers. Sharlyn Lauby, Mashable
Age ain’t nothing but a number. Are you younger than the team you’re managing, or older than your boss? While these awkward situations are inevitable in the business world, there are a few things you can do to relieve any age-discrepancy awkwardness. Mamta Badkar gives 10 tips so you can focus on what really matters: business! Mamta Badkar, Business Insider.
Get your Facebook working for you. You may not be the most tech-savvy, but you can still use Facebook to your business’s advantage. Think of your Fan Page as a website, automate and start a dialogue with your fans. Eight young entrepreneurs offer their advice to put you ahead of the Facebook curve. Scott Gerber, Young Entrepreneurial Council.
End of year tax tips. It’s the end of the year, which means it’s time to round up your 2010 tax bill! Take advantage of the many tax deductions that are available to small business owners before the new year. Whether you’re planning a big-ticket purchase or considering starting a new venture, there are several things that you can do to claim deductions. Scott Allen.
The do’s and don’ts of twitter promotion. Twitter is a useful business tool, but if you don’t use it properly, it can make your advertisements go sour. When promoting your restaurant, be wary of the impulse to over-tweet or repeat the same marketing messages. Follow Adam Kuban’s tips and you’ll be tweeting – appropriately – in no time. Adam Kuban, Serious Eats.
What to know before you go abroad.
Going abroad for business can be beneficial and exciting, but if you’re not prepared for the trip, it’s no vacation. Jane Applegate walks you through 12 things to consider so your trip is a little less stressful and a lot more fun. Jane Applegate, The Applegate Group.
Check your balance, review recent transactions and pay your bill on the go.
