FOXSmallBusinessCenter.com

Entrepreneur Mixes Up Yoga, Cyndi Lauper and Kids

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:41:32 GMT

Karma Kids, which opened in 2003 with only 10 classes a week, managed to not only stay afloat during the recession, but actually grow. Today it offers more than 100 classes per week at its main studio, as well as at different schools around the city.

Five Businesses You Can Start on a Shoestring

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:22:03 GMT

Starting a business may seem like a great venture, but when the startup costs are added up, the risks may seem too great for some.

Crowdfunding – Boom or Bust for Entrepreneurs?

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:45:52 GMT

President Obama signed into law last month the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, legislation was designed to help entrepreneurs raise capital with presumably fewer administrative and legal road blocks. But will the act prove to be a catalyst for job growth? Like anything else, the devil is in the details.

Ten Ways You Should be Using Quickbooks

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:46:02 GMT

Entrepreneurs use the accounting program QuickBooks accounting software more than any other. They use it whether they’re starting a new business or streamlining an existing one. Yet many of them barely scratch the surface of QuickBooks' functionality.

Small Businesses Embrace Disaster Preparedness

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:51:41 GMT

It's not just large businesses that are looking to cutting-edge technologies such as virtualization, cloud computing and mobile devices to beef up their disaster preparedness capabilities. A significant number of small- and medium-size businesses are adopting these innovations as well, a new survey shows. And the move is paying off for them.

Turning Average Joes Into the Next ‘Big Thing’

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:54:23 GMT

Who hasn’t seen a product or an idea and kicked themselves for not acting on their own inner inventor? Louis Foreman and Edison Nation are connecting inventors with large corporations to develop their products.

Getting Through a Salesperson’s Nightmare

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:52:44 GMT

Most sales people don’t fret over making too much money. It’s the other side of the coin they worry about. The one thing that keeps even the most seasoned commissioned sales professional awake at night is not having worthwhile leads in the pipeline.

How to Give Your Shop Curb Appeal

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:22:05 GMT

Attracting customers is a fundamental part of running a business.

Five Simple (And Free) Ways to Improve Your Google Ranking

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:55 GMT

Even if most small businesses don’t understand search engine optimization (SEO), that doesn’t mean that they can't be helped by it. For those who don't know SEO from their CEO, it is in essence a means of improving the ranking of your business in the Google search algorithm. This in turn, can help a business move up in Google's search listing. According to Sonam Lama, CEO of Achieve Visibility, a SEO site specializing in helping small- and medium-size businesses, there are a few quick fixes that small businesses can take to help improve their Google rankings. The best part is they are free and simple.

Why Technology Isn't Always Productive for Small Businesses

Tue, 15 May 2012 02:30:03 GMT

The use of mobile devices and cloud-based services that let small business owners conduct business anytime, anywhere, held the promise of increased productivity and more time to focus on growing or conducting business. These new technologies have failed to deliver, a new survey shows. But it may not be technology's fault.

How to Make Yourself Memorable in a Distracted Workplace

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:56:46 GMT

Being memorable makes things happen—for you and your workplace. People who captivate others’ attention and keep them thinking about them create a connection.

The Small Business Pick for the White House

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:50:40 GMT

A new survey from Manta, an online community for small businesses, found nearly half (48%) of small business owners believe the Republican Party is more supportive of small business. However, as of right now, 32% of respondents said they would vote for Barack Obama over Mitt Romney, with 24%.

Disability Coverage Baffles Most Workers, Survey Finds

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:39:21 GMT

If you provide disability insurance for your workers, you should also educate them on what it covers and how much it pays. If you’re self-employed, this might be a good time to look into buying coverage. Nearly one in three women and one in four men can expect to suffer a disability that keeps them out of work for 90 days or longer at some point during their working years, a new survey shows. And most of us are clueless about coverage.

Can You Make a Fortune With Freebies?

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:23:05 GMT

If you’ve got a new product or service that you’re trying to sell, you may want to think about giving it away to begin with. In a new survey, 42 percent of consumers said they pay for new products and services after they’ve experienced them for free. The so-called "freemium" business model is the way a pantheon of marquee brands, from Ancestry.com to Words with Friends, first gained traction in the marketplace.

Hidden Cash: Tap Into R&D Tax Credits

Fri, 11 May 2012 21:38:50 GMT

Many small businesses could save big bucks by taking advantage of a tax credit long popular with larger companies.

What Main Street Shops Can Learn From Retail Giants

Fri, 11 May 2012 21:33:29 GMT

Insights from Paco Underhill, a world thought leader on shopping behavior, retail environments and 'Why We Buy.'

Crowdfund Your Way to Success

Fri, 11 May 2012 21:26:21 GMT

From politicians to charities to entrepreneurs, crowdfunding is the hottest new way to raise money — and awareness — by tapping into a network of virtual strangers.

Is Your Office a BYOD?

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:48:38 GMT

The premise is simple enough, allow your employees to use their personal smartphones, tablets and computers for work, logging the devices onto your business databases. BYOD, or "bring your own device," might seem like a smart way to save money, not having to pay for a work phone or computer for your employees. But along with the money in your pocket comes some extra risks

Growing Franchise Offers Art Playtime for Adults

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:15:25 GMT

American Franchise Spotlight: Two moms from Louisiana started a business they hope offers creative adults some playtime, incorporating art lessons and … wine.

How to Protect Your Business From Lawsuits

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:44:02 GMT

Small business owners may not think they need this type of insurance, but end up getting sued and you may think again.