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 »

Although 41 percent of small businesses believe that data hackers would not target their business because of the size, many have taken a number of security measures to protect the business and its customers. According to new data from a Visa survey of 885 small business owners, 94 percent of respondents believe that securing data is meaningful to customers.    more »

New indicators show small business owners in Canada remain concerned about the deteriorating economy. Data released this week from the Small Business Research Board shows that business owners anticipate economic decline in the near term and over half of survey respondents cite economic conditions as their chief concern.   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 »

A number of well-known big businesses were born during past economic downturns. And with a detailed business plan, some seed money and an online presence, small entrepreneurs can launch a business too. According to CNN Money, businesses including General Motors, General Electric and Procter & Gamble all found their footing during a time of economic crisis.   more »

One healthy food and beverage company is taking its product on the road and setting up new micro-outposts at colleges and airports. While it seems like a non-traditional retail path, Jamba Juice is reaping benefits from its beverage kiosks at JFK, Denver and Newark international airports as well as among students at Boston University and UCLA.   more »

Given the increasingly difficult economic conditions, programs sponsored by small business advocates are a good way for existing businesses or those contemplating setting up shop to get tips from the pros.   more »

The Ontario government-sponsored Summer Company program gives students an opportunity to flex their entrepreneurial muscle and earn funding for a 12-week small business venture. The program, which anticipates between 300 and 400 student participants this year, provides practical business training and mentoring to accepted applicants.   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 »

Some experts are urging businesses to invest in technology despite a lingering recession. Now, they say, is the time to implement processes and systems that enhance efficiency and productivity. Businesses may be better poised to take advantage of economic recovery activity when it begins.   more »

Blogging is one inexpensive way to help attract new clients to an ecommerce site. But given the millions of blogs on the internet today, taking the right steps to differentiate a blog from the masses is important.   more »

Experts pooled together for an article in bMighty.com say that in addition to using keywords and keeping content fresh, business owners should consider improving title and description metatags, site navigation and anchor text to optimize their websites and ultimately attract more traffic.   more »

With economic indicators showing deteriorating conditions, one business advocate is taking a stand on behalf of small business owners.   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 »

Local businesses are increasingly aware of the need to transform a business website into a full-blown product experience. New web tactics are often a cost-effective way to market the business, and an important way to generate new revenue from a tech-savvy younger generation.   more »

The fourth quarter edition of the 2008 Domain Name Industry Brief published by internet infrastructure services provider VeriSign says that 177 million domain name registrations were recorded as of yearend.   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 »

According to an article in the Globe and Mail, a unique approach, expanded service, superior packaging, better hours or any number of well thought out differentiators can help even a common product stand out, and potentially boost revenue.   more »

With more and more people turning to the web instead of the phonebook to find business information, a company's online portal often serves as a potential customer's first impression.   more »

Tough economic times are forcing small businesses to be resourceful, and often times they turn to one another for sales leads and advice.   more »

Slowly, but hopefully surely, Canadians' optimism is creeping higher. Reuters is reporting that a new poll shows that 16 percent of respondents see the economy improving - up 2 points from three months ago.   more »

In an effort to foster an entrepreneurial culture and keep business talent local one Niagara family is offering an incentive.   more »

Building a business website is the first step to establishing an ecommerce presence. Some say having good online content is the next step to growing your client base.   more »

Dipping commercial real estate prices and vacant storefronts present a prime opportunity for some merchants to expand - even during a recession. Restaurateurs and auto dealerships are among the optimists noted in a recent Boston Globe article that discusses some business owners' decisions to capitalize on the current economy.    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 »

The challenges of an entrepreneur start with generating a good idea. For Mike Fata, a poor diet full of fatty foods in his youth sparked a new business concept.   more »

While brainstorming ideas for a new business may be an ongoing pursuit, putting a new small business plan into action may be feasible in a matter of weeks.   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 a website and designing a logo are two important tools to launching your business brand. A new interview on bMighty.com with search engine optimization consultant Rebecca Lieb divulges important ways for small businesses to use those tools to their advantage.   more »

New financial measures may provide easier access to financing for small business, but having a sound plan and goals may be the key to getting a business off the ground.   more »

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

Based on research from the Canadian Franchise Association, the article entitled Trendsetters highlights beauty supplies, business consultants, and baked goods as budding franchise opportunities.   more »

According to Inc. magazine, building an attractive, usable website and using word-of-mouth marketing are two important ideas.   more »

Taking a music class or visiting an indoor garden might not seem like tough business tactics but may provide a creative boost to your business   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 »

According to MerchantCircle's vice president of marketing Darren Waddell, "Merchants are beginning to recognize the value of a business blog, which people within the internet community have known for a long time."   more »

One Canadian marketing guru is putting her years of message delivery experience to work in her new book. Muddled, Meager and Messy - Marketing performance repair manual for small business is author Wendy Moore-MacQueen's way to help small businesses position themselves competitively even during a down economy.   more »

A new five year ecommerce forecast suggests online traffic could grow by 11 percent in 2009.    more »

Building new relationships and retaining loyal customers in the long-term is plausible despite tough economic times, many experts say.   more »

Despite mounting layoffs and sour economic news, more and more folks have "ditched employment for entrepreneurship" and found success.   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.

----------------------------------------------------

Multi-Generation Small Business in Southern Alberta follows the success stories of 11 businesses in the area and divulges their secrets to longevity and profitability.   more »

Tax relief and better access to loans were two positive outcomes for the food services sector from the federal budget announcements last week.   more »

Successful small businesses are recognized throughout Canada 

A restaurant group, a bookstore, and a telecommunications firm took top honors for ...   more »

Tips on gathering and utilizing competitive intelligence
Knowing the market and perceived competition can help a small business grow in ...   more »