Health care reform generated a lot of discussion and debate. Now that the bill has passed, small business owners need to evaluate the impact that the new law will have on their operations. Because of the importance of the issue, I wrote the following article for the Miami Herald. What are your thoughts?
Miami Herald Article: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/19/1583525/small-firms-need-a-healthcare.html
Here is an article that gives business owners tips on how to manage communication across cultures. These principles of communication apply in domestic business as well as international business. The focus needs to be on ensuring that both parties understand one another. Here is the link:
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Master-Intercultural-Communication&id=3109094
For those businesses who are concerned about the environmental impact of what they do, this article in BusinessWeek gives an excellent summary of why even small businesses can be engaged in planning a more sustainable business culture. An important element of compliance planning within any business is to be aware of progressive regulations related to the environment as well as other business legal matters. Enjoy the insights!
Today's Tip Dispelling Two Sustainability Myths for Small Businesses - BusinessWeek
In this morning's Miami Herald, there was an article that outlined the stimulus money that is coming in to South Florida. Not enough projects are being made available to small businesses. I hope this article inspires people in South Florida to work together to create opportunities for small businesses. Now is an excellent time to explore opportunities to collaborate and form strategic partnerships in order to succeed in breaking out of this economic downturn. Have a read and hopefully it gives you ideas as to how to succeed.
In race for stimulus dollars, we're coming in last - Business Monday - MiamiHerald.com
Given the state of the global economy, it is essential for businesses to explore alternative markets. Given advances in technology, transportation, and logistical support, more than ever, small businesses are able to be market players internationally. But just because you can do business internationally doesn't mean that you should. International business requires a different type of preparation, cultural understanding, and business management style. Here's an interesting article about certain marketing strategies businesses can use, and should use, when operating internationally.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Product-Strategies-For-International-Business-Marketing&id=2686998
One of the questions that small business owners need to ask relates to how they present themselves and their business to the public. Who or what is the “face” of the business? Here is a great article that outlines some of the pros and cons of being the face of your own business:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/branding/article202664.html
The thing that sets apart a successful entrepreneur from a day dreamer is the ability to come up with the RIGHT idea and then do the RIGHT things to achieve that idea. Here are some thoughts on coming up with YOUR big idea:
One of the things that most small business owners neglect is ongoing business training. Many do not have the time to go back to school and get an MBA or take university courses in business. Even so, it is still necessary for these business owners to get training. That is why this resource from the SBA is beneficial. They have a myriad of different topics that small business owners can learn on their own time. Check it out:
http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html
Expanding on some of the principles of marketing, localization and internationalization discussed already. Here are two articles that articulate what businesses need to look for as they expand into any market. Two keys: Improve your planning and research your market. Here you go…
http://ezinearticles.com/?Could-You-Extend-Your-Business-Abroad?&id=2457621
http://ezinearticles.com/?Think-Local,-Act-Global-For-Businessmen&id=2440915
This is an interesting article that focuses on sustainability for small businesses in the developing world, but the principles apply to all small businesses. It is critical to modernize and improve your record-keeping in order to ensure proper documentation of finances and company development. When you write it down, you are more likely to follow through. Enjoy the article…
One of the key aspects of doing business is knowing your market. This process of learning your market becomes increasingly more complex as businesses expand operations internationally. As you look at opportunities to expand, it is necessary. In this Ezine article by Ian Sawyer, some general types are given for businesses engaged in a localization of markets. The focus of your business efforts should always been on learning what makes your market “tick” and how to target them specifically to maximizes the work that you can accomplish for them.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Localization-in-a-Global-Economy&id=2404776
