International Networking Week - 
Success in business is tied to your ability to create and build relationships. With limited marketing budgets, networking is a must-have business builder for small companies, freelancers and consultants.
This week celebrate the key role that networking plays in the development and success of businesses across the world with International Networking Week. BNI, a large business referral networking company runs the event every year. With all types of global events around the world, you have the chance to connect with others in the business community. International Networking Week originally appeared on About.com Small Business Information on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 08:59:47. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Flaming Homer - 
Last night aired the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons, a mile stone in the show's existence. Besides the entertainment value of the show, Homer and friends offer valuable business insight. My favorite "business" episode is the Flaming Homer. In this show, Homer reveals his cocktail recipe to Moe. Moe steals the idea calling it the Flaming Moe and business booms.
Every good business has a Flaming Homer. A special product or method of achieving great results, a Coca-Cola-like formula. To succeed in business; sharing ideas, and getting feedback is necessary. But don't reveal your secrets to a competitor. When disclosing sensitive information, use a non-compete agreement.
The Simpsons provides many business lessons for any entrepreneur. Here are 5 good and bad business lessons for your enjoyment and education. Woo-Hoo! 5 Business Lessons From The Simpsons Flaming Homer originally appeared on About.com Small Business Information on Monday, January 11th, 2010 at 16:39:35. Permalink | Comment | Email this
A New Plan for a New Year - With the end of a crazy year for millions of economic "refugees", it makes sense to start the year fresh and re-visit your assumptions, goals and business plans. A business plan is useful if it's updated and not a forgotten document but a living document. Your business plan will help you look at what worked in the past year, what is outdated, and areas for improvement. Take a look from outside your business with a fresh perspective. What would you do differently if you were to start your business over again? Use the SMART process of business goal setting to make 2010 a memorable year. A New Plan for a New Year originally appeared on About.com Small Business Information on Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 14:26:33. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Partner Up to Grow Your Business - Resources such as time and money are in tight supply for most start ups and existing small businesses. These constraints often mean the difference between expanding into new markets or struggling to survive. However, it doesn't have to be that way. Small business is a community of like minded business owners. One of the best means to expand your business is to partner up with similar or complementary businesses.
Business partnerships and joint ventures offer a means for businesses to pool resources and grow business. Additional benefits include:
- exposure to larger shared customer base
- decreased marketing costs
- utilize the talents of others
Partner Up to Grow Your Business originally appeared on About.com Small Business Information on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 09:28:52. Permalink | Comment | Email this
What Your Small Business Can Learn From Vampires - 
Vampires have become a pop culture phenomena spanning TV, books, movies and even Vampires on Facebook. The spark for this current craze can be traced to the best selling vampire book Twilight by Stephanie Myers. The author redefined the genre with vampires who could love and created a cultural trend.
The vampire craze provides an interesting glimpse into what drives a hot trend for a valuable lesson to small business. Getting in early on any trend wave requires keeping in tune with pop culture. Best selling books are often the catalyst for movies and the precursor to a large trend. Looking at best selling book lists can provide a glimpse of what is popular in the public conscious. Other media such as magazines can tell you what is up and coming. Many leading visionaries often read all types of media from fashion news to nano technology to see the broader trends in society.
One of my favorite ways to test for trend development is Google Insights. This nifty tool will allow you to enter in search terms and see the trends over time whether consumer search volumes are increasing, decreasing or flat. Tracking trends can provide your business with the opportunity to see the road ahead and possibly capitalize on the trend. What Your Small Business Can Learn From Vampires originally appeared on About.com Small Business Information on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 08:27:11. Permalink | Comment | Email this
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