Unless your customer buys directly from your website or your store, you likely have had to negotiate a time or two. For some, negotiating comes easily. For most, it doesn't. Like it or not, if you're an entrepreneur, negotiation is a necessity. Knowing how to get what you're worth...

Before taking advantage of the many social network services available to your business, you should answer some basic questions: • Do your customers or prospects participate in social media? • Do you have time or staffing to seriously take care of this new communication channel? • Are...

When was the last time you backed up your computer data? If you are like half the people out there, it has been a long time. For small businesses, the statistics are just as scary. Almost half of all small business users don’t have a policy in place for ongoing backup of their data. They do it...

As every business-owner knows, maximizing employee productivity is critically important especially in these tough economic times. One key productivity tool gaining ground among small and medium businesses is the laptop. What previously prevented widespread adoption of laptops– higher prices, less...

In this day and age, it's hard for me to fathom that some businesses don't have a website. I've heard every excuse in the book: We're local; we don't need a website. We're just a [insert business type here]. We don't need a site. We can't afford a website...

The type of phone system you choose has a lot to do with the size of your business, your budget, and they types of calls that you make. Many small and medium sized business owners use traditional phone systems because they can be cheap and easy to use- and after all, who but big companies needs fancy...

A little over a week ago, I spent some time in New Orleans taking in the sights and sounds of the Green Builders Conference, a show hosted by the National Association of Home Builders . The show, now in its 10 th year, brings together home builders, architects, appliance manufacturers and industry observers...

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a new tool designed to help evaluate your skills, characteristics and experience – and how they relate to your preparedness for starting a business. The survey results are available in about 5 minutes and summarized in an assessment profile. Plus, based...

A few years ago, I needed help. I needed ideas on how to market my marketing company . Yes, I see the irony there. But as they say, the cobbler has holes in his shoes (don't "they" say that??) So I turned to my local SCORE office. I met a fellow marketing professional who was able...

On Monday, Ramon Ray of Smallbiztechnology.com blogged about why Dell wants to monitor the networks and computers of SMBs, highlighting Dell's presence in the managed service space. Ramon explains why managed service solutions like network monitoring, virus detection, PC monitoring, etc. can benefit...

Earlier this month, Erik Dithmer presented at the 2009 Endeavor Summit in Miami . While there, Erik also sat down with Niala Boodhoo of The Miami Herald to discuss how technology can be simplified for small businesses. The video segment begins with Bill Diggs of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce...

For a little inspiration: check out this USA Today blog, Smaller businesses key to ending recession . It features Rebecca Zweig , a Dell SMB customer that embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and found business success in today's economy.

According to the SBA, small businesses will create anywhere between 70 and 90% of jobs for Americans this year. Businesses that grow rapidly are able to make a big impact on their communities- by attracting employees, giving back to the community, and creating an environment of innovation and creativity...

By a show of hands, who here has been sold on something by a smooth talking and impressive salesperson only to find them completely inaccessible after the sale? You can all put your hands down. Now think about it. Why would a salesperson woo you and be your best friend before the sale and not...

There is a lot of buzz on the internet that a number of small-business owners have stopped paying themselves as they struggle to keep their companies afloat. While it's impossible to know just how many owners are affected, the trend shows that 30% of 727 small-business owners and managers surveyed...

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the online webinar hosted by Network Solutions . The Grow Smart Business Webinar, hosted by Roy Dunbar, featured small business owners: Surfy Rahman, owner of Indique Restaurant ; Kelly Muccio, owner of Lost Boys fashion store; Kristina Bouwiri, owner of Reston...

Fewer than three percent of women-owned businesses gross $1 million or more in annual revenue, and the women owned firms that have crossed the million-dollar threshold certainly weren’t overnight successes. For the majority of multi-million dollar enterprises, it takes a lot of years of hard work...

Have you ever wanted to be an author? It's actually far easier than you'd think. Ebooks are a great way to: establish yourself as an expert in your field unleash that book that's been begging to come out of your brain develop relationships that will turn into clients make...

Since the launch of ProManage-Manged Services , there's been a good amount of chatter about why this services solution makes sense for small and medium businesses. Below are some of the questions being asked by the industry and customers about managed services in the coverage of Dell's new offering...

According to the DMA , telemarketing is a billion-dollar industry driving 66 million men and women to purchase a product via outbound telemarketing calls. Before you make telemarketing part of your strategy though, figure out what kind of telemarketing would work for your products and / or services and...

On the Web this week, there will be a live gathering of successful small business owners and commentators hosted by Network Solutions’ CEO, Roy Dunbar. The discussion will take place Thursday, April 30 from 2-3pm ET. The GrowSmartBusiness Webinar promises to be a great cross section of speakers...

I love free stuff. And as an entrepreneur, if I can find a tool or program that does a great job without me having to pay or pay much for it, I love it even more. Here are a few of the tools I'm loving right now. If you're not using some of them, check them out . Google We'll just...

There’s a lot of discussion about whether entrepreneurs are born or made . My vote is that they’re born, but honestly, it took me more than 25 years to unearth the entrepreneur inside me. I think you’re born to run businesses, but circumstances in your life lead you to the path....

Since the onset of Web 2.0, customers can easily voice their opinions about local businesses. However, these comments were often hidden in message boards and blogs that owners might come across, if they were looking. When Yelp came on the scene, it was much easier for users to post reviews of restaurants...

It’s fast approaching-- that dreaded April 15 th Tax Deadline . You procrastinated just like everyone else, and now you discover that you don’t have everything ready to file your Federal Income Taxes. Many businesses and individuals find themselves in this situation (about 7 percent of all...