While the increasingly infamous micro-blog is one way to stay connected with friends, many businesses are using it for day-to-day operations. According to a Media Post article, roughly 56 percent of Twitter users conduct business on the social communication site.   more »

Recession or not, small businesses looking to trim budgets may be using web conferencing to connect with clients, suppliers and other remote offices. Just like the web allowed businesses to set up shop outside major metropolitan areas, online conference tools - including sharing presentations - now help small businesses connect from a distance.   more »

File organization and business registration were two of the many topics covered at the most recent Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre lecture series. The Lindsay Post reports that small business owners were treated to a three hour how-to seminar by Canada Revenue Agency experts last week covering a variety of small business management topics.   more »

An Exchange business column by guest author and industry expert Ron Kaufman says that given the rocky economy, meaningful staff recognition and honest career development conversations can help boost team morale without breaking the company budget.   more »

Despite tough current economic conditions, keep all business dealings legitimate and report them by the books. This was part of the message Revenue Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn gave to local business in Edmonton, reports the Edmonton Sun newspaper.   more »

Small business owners that pay taxes "by the book" are more likely to survive in the long term. According to a recent article in the Financial Post, business owners will profit in the long run by completing payroll services in an honest and complete manner, despite some small businesses slipping through the cracks with unethical filings.   more »

Some experts agree that small business expansion during tough economic times is viable, perhaps even ideal. Ted Mallett, chief economist at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business tells the Financial Post that with "compelling reasons" and a little help from technology, now may be the right expansion opportunity for some small businesses.   more »

Whether it's for repositioning a small business during an economic downturn or simply revisiting an annual budget, cost cutting tips are typically valuable to business owners. SmartBiz.com has highlighted 25 ways for small businesses to save money, but not sacrifice service during a tough economy.   more »

Creating an information organization system may increase productivity and relieve stress on employees.   more »

Managing late payments and maintaining staff are a few of the uncertainties plaguing small business owners. Forbes has collected feedback from business experts on helpful ways to address these concerns and seek out solutions despite ongoing economic turmoil.   more »

Industry experts agree that trademark registration may benefit small businesses

Trademarks are important for worldwide brands like Coca-Cola and local businesses, too.

This is according to a new article in the Ottawa Business Journal that reminds small business owners why trademark registration makes good sense.

Author Amy Thomas of Moffat & Co says that having a trademark can prevent other businesses nationwide from using the same or similar and potentially confusing business name.

Thomas advocates registration because, "[a] trademark registration is the only effective protection for a name that is used in commerce whether it is a business name or a name for products."

She reminds readers that trademark registration also protects images, logos, and slogans.

Once a trademark has been established, another industry expert from Moffat advises businesses that a "trademark must always be maintained, protected, and correctly used" to retain its value.

The experts note that trademark registration is a lengthy process that includes application, approval, a period for comment, and finalization.

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