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Crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending help small businesses

By Laura Petrecca, USA TODAYUpdated 1d 2h ago |
13 | 11ShareReprints & PermissionsLucy Valena was ready to brew up a java juggernaut.

By Grant T. Morris, for USA TODAY
Luiz de Lima's Tropical Hot Dog cart in Amesbury, Mass.
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By Grant T. Morris, for USA TODAY
Luiz de Lima's Tropical Hot Dog cart in Amesbury, Mass.
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Business Figures Provide Valuable Information

Is the Customer Always Right?

No one is right all the time. However, your operating principle does need to center on the customer. And, for your purposes the customer is always right. Every successful business owner makes decisions based upon the perception of what customers want. To be successful, you have to offer the right products, at the right prices and offer merchandise when and where customers want it.

Personal Service Is A Small Business Advantage

Good personal service in retail establishments is difficult for many firms to achieve. This is especially true in larger department stores and retail chains, where the overhead costs of adding sufficient service personnel can be prohibitive. Increasingly self-service is the mode of service today.

Plan Ahead to Sell Your Business

By Lynn Vos posted in Savannahnow news

Small business owners often think that their business is worth more than the value placed on it by the market place. I find it interesting that many owners think of selling their business as their number one retirement strategy. However, they don’t treat it as an investment. Owners tend not to think about what they need to do to maximize their return on their investment in the business. And just like most investments, the sooner you start the better the return.

TIPS FOR HIRING THE RIGHT EMPLOYEE

Connie Edwards/SBDC

Recently in this column I discussed how to conduct a successful employee interview. But there is more to the hiring process than just the interview itself.

Planning your efforts and focusing on what you really need throughout the hiring process will improve your chances of success. Here are some tips for hiring the right employee for your small business.

SCORE sponsors small-business roundtables by G.G. Rigsby

Created 2011-01-31 00:18 savannahnow.com
Small business roundtables will begin Feb. 10
Summary:

For every small business startup, there's someone else who's been there and done that.

The Service Corps of Retired Executives is trying to leverage that business knowledge by encouraging small business owners to meet every other month for an hour-and-a-half to brainstorm and help solve each other's problems.

SBA and Agility Recovery Solutions Offer Monthly Small Business Disaster Preparedness Webinars

Release Date: January 12, 2011
Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-6987

WASHINGTON – Small business owners have an opportunity to get tips on business continuity planning in 2011 through a series of free webinars hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery Solutions.

Information on gauging your business’s potential vulnerabilities to natural and man-made disasters will be presented during the “Starting Fresh—Assessing Risk & Threats to your Business in 2011” webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. Eastern time.

News Release

Release Date: January 12, 2011
Contact: Tiffani Clements (202) 401‑0035

SBA Announces Grant Funding to Increase Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses under New Pilot Program

An Effective /Owner Solves Problems

An Effective /Owner Solves Problems

In today’s world of euphemisms, we talk about challenges. In the real world, what you may sometimes find are problems. Problems that need to be solved. As an entrepreneur, you are chief problem solver. You have the vision, dedication and determination to make the business work. When there is an obstacle, you remove it. You see beyond the distractions, impediments and yes the problems-to move forward, you solve problems. Your solutions mean success and profits.