Business News

The World's Most Exclusive Credit Cards

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:54:20 +0100

You know the old saying: If you have to ask, you can't afford it. That's the way it is with the world's top-end credit cards, but worse. If you have to ask, well, don't even bother asking. These cards are available by invitation only.

Steve Jobs' Vision Included Apple's Own iPhone Network

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:31:00 +0100

Peter Jarich, an analyst with industry research firm Current Analysis, said that "it's not out of the question to develop a network that's solely Wi-Fi, but it's tough." Issues include the availability of open Wi-Fi hotspots, reliability of service, and connecting with those who are on traditional cells or landlines.

CEO Larry Page's Mission: Avoid a Google Mid-Life Crisis

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:11:48 +0100

Eric Schmidt stepped down as CEO at Google in January and settled into the chairman role. Larry Page has been taking on the day-to-day management of the company he co-founded since April 4. During the surprise announcement, Schmidt said it was a move to simplify the management structure and "speed up decision-making" at Google

Ten Things to Leave Out of Your Resignation Letter

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:53:35 +0100

Go Out on a High Note

You might think it's obvious that certain sentiments should never be included in a letter of resignation. But you might also be surprised at what some people think is acceptable to include in this final communication between employee and employer.

Combating Negativity in the Workplace

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:39:35 +0100

Years of research has confirmed what most business owners already know: Negativity in the workplace leads to absenteeism, low morale, and lost productivity. The tangible results of negativity can be measured in employee turnover, chronic lateness, mistakes and accidents, and serious health issues.

Report Finds Disturbing Trend in U.S. College Graduation Rates

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:00:18 +0100

A report released by Complete College America today revealed that U.S. college graduation rates have remained stagnant even as enrollment climbs -- a situation that suggests a growing skills gap for employees entering the job market.

Meg Whitman Replaces Apotheker as HP CEO

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:13:29 +0100

Whitman, for her part, is used to the spotlight. She has held key executive positions at some of America's most well-known brands, including eBay, Disney, Stride Rite, FTD and Hasbro. She is credited with steering eBay through the dot-com rise and fall, and avoiding the crash and burn that was the fate of so many of its contemporaries.

5 Things Your Employees Are Doing Right Now Instead of Working

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 06:01:23 +0100

Time to Get Serious About Productivity

Face it: Your employees are going to slack off. In fact, people who work 45 hours per week consider 17 of those hours to be unproductive, according to a widely cited Microsoft Office

IRS Cracks Down on Small-Biz Contractor Payroll Abuses

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 05:55:42 +0100

Small businesses that should be treating certain contract help as payrolled employees will have the opportunity to reclassify those workers under a new Internal Revenue Service program.

The initiative signals an era of heightened federal vigilance as the government seeks to rein in

Does the New Patent Reform Law Shut Out Small Business?

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:04:05 +0100

On Friday, September 16, President Obama signed the America Invents Act of 2011 after the bill overwhelmingly passed the Senate the previous week. This long-awaited legislation will result in major changes to the U.S. patent system, which has operated essentially unaltered for nearly 60 years.

Minimizing the Impact of Divorce on a Small Business

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:37:13 +0100

Divorce is never easy, but for business owners it can be especially complicated and costly because the business entity may represent the most valuable asset owned by the married couple.

Why It's Time for Your Small Business to Try the iPad

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:54:19 +0100

The first time I saw Apple's iPad in use by a small company -- which happened to be a chocolatier at my local farmer's market, which had one set up as an interactive catalog -- it startled me. Wasn't this the gadget whose omnipresent advertising campaign showed consumers kicking back in comfy chairs and definitely not working? What was it doing being so useful?

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Steve Jobs and Apple Have Changed the Way We Play

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:04:56 +0100

The resignation of Steve Jobs is prompting waves of tributes. What makes Jobs remarkable is that he used his fiery, uncompromising vision to revolutionize not just tech toys, but also the way we assess animation, advertising and even the in-store experience. And his influence may well continue as Apple chairman, focusing on big-picture decisions.

10 Wild and Crazy Marketing Ideas That Worked

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 03:17:32 +0100

Any small business knows that marketing expenditures are hard to justify. The most cost-effective marketing is an idea that can be spread by word-of-mouth. The benefit of this type of campaign, often called guerrilla marketing, is that, done right, it can engage Facebook friends, Twitter followers, local press, and national media.

When to Talk to Investors and When to Ignore Them

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:34:45 +0100

About 200,000 new businesses are started each year. Of these, the vast majority rely on money from someone other than the founder.

About 25 percent of these businesses get at least some of their startup money from angel investors. Far more, about 60 percent of startups, take small investments from family members, friends, or distant relatives.

China Urges Factory Safety After iPad Plant Blast

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:09:22 +0100

After a fatal explosion at a facility owned by Foxconn, Apple's main manufacturing contractor, Beijing is urging Taiwanese manufacturers to ensure safety. Foxconn blamed combustible dust in a workshop that polishes products and suspended production, prompting questions about whether supplies of the popular iPad 2 might be disrupted.

Build a Loyal Following for Your Store

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:04:45 +0100

I’ve spent a lot of time working with a couple of entrepreneurial retailers lately that are doing great because for no other reason than customer loyalty. They’re carrying many of the same goods as their competition, they’re offering a store environment that isn’t much different, and their pricing is similar, as well.

Smart Collection Strategies for Tough Times

Wed, 25 May 2011 14:56:44 +0100

The prompt collection of accounts receivable is key no matter the economic environment, but it’s critical during tough times. Unfortunately for many small businesses, there is now a growing trend among large corporations: They’re taking longer and longer to pay their vendors. In some cases they pay up to four months after getting an invoice.

Combating Employee Burnout in Your Small Business

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:34:06 +0100

If you have had to reduce your employee workforce or held off on hiring because things are slow, your workplace could be susceptible to employee burnout. Asking employees to do more with fewer resources takes its toll. And when it takes a toll on individuals, it takes a toll on the business.

Retailers Turn To Facebook To Sell Their Wares

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:15:10 +0100

Companies are focusing their e-commerce efforts on Facebook, and within a few years, social media gurus say, the very notion of shopping on a retailer's web site will become dated. Facebook executives say it's critical to make Facebook stores friendlier than web sites, as retailers who provide social shopping experiences will see the most success.