Posted on August - 05 - 2010
The U.S. government offers many resources and programs to help small business owners expand into overseas markets. But, you might be surprised at just how much Uncle Sam has to offer.
For example, did you know the government can help target and facilitate meetings with potential partners and buyers? Or that Uncle Sam provides U.S. exporters with international marketing and promotion opportunities?
Let me introduce you to Export.gov.
Operated by the U.S.
Read more…
Posted on August - 04 - 2010
Watching the Tour de France this summer, I found myself yearning for the single-minded focus of having one thing to do and doing it really well.
In the ad business, as with many others, we are always learning about new businesses and industries and deciding which of the many constantly evolving media and technology tools are the best fit for each client’s challenges. That diversity is what draws many of us to the business, but it’s also a challenge. It’s like studying for an exam and never knowing when you’ve studied enough. All you know is that tomorrow the cycle will start over again.
My day usually begins with digital triage. Before
Read more…
Posted on August - 01 - 2010
“When you’re the business owner, there’s no one behind you. You’re the back-stop.” (Warren Brown, Washington, D.C. Small Business Person of the Year 2006).
How many days and nights has this reality kept you on your toes? From making sure your business stays on track to cheerleading your employees, day-to-day business ownership is about what you make it.
But what happens when you need help? Back-stop or not, you can’t go it alone forever. Help is at hand, if you know where to find it.
The government, in particular, offers a great deal of resources that support small business owners, both online and locally. Take a
Read more…
Posted on August - 01 - 2010
Cheap money means big borrowing by America’s largest corporations. A $450 million bond issue by McDonald’s (MCD) Wednesday will pay a record low 3.5% yield on 10-year debt, and other companies are also getting in on the low interest charged by the current capital markets.
According to The Wall Street Journal, corporate borrowing is surging even as investors see lower yields. Corporate debt issues are already at $1.4 trillion worldwide. That’s less than the $2.1 trillion worth of issues for the same period a year ago, but the European debt crisis had put the brakes on borrowing for most of May and June.
Although many U.S.
Read more…
Posted on July - 30 - 2010
I have observed several parallels between running a business and running for fitness. When I run in the morning, I enjoy seeing different types of people at the track. Obviously experienced runners breeze around, passing me two and three times before they’re done. Other runners (especially newer ones like me) are slower and more measured in their stride. I also see people walking quite slowly, as if they are recovering from injury or surgery. My inclination when I first arrive is to see if I can run like the experienced runners. I think, “Maybe today will be the day …”
As I complete my pre-run stretch, I see them breeze by me. Then, I
Read more…
