General Business

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: The Tax Reform America's Small Businesses Really Need (Part 1 of 2)

By the time you read this, the election of 2010 will be over, and we
will have some idea of what Congress will look like for the next two years.

Only 14% Prefer Government-Regulated Economy Over Free Market

Voters overwhelmingly prefer a free market economy to an economy managed by the government and think government economic control helps big businesses at the expense of small ones.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: A Million "Friends" Do Not a Marketing Strategy Make

As a small-business columnist, I get at least several press releases a day from public relations firms around the country that are trying to get their clients a mention in this column. Most represent authors promoting their "new" ideas (sadly, few qualify), consultants trolling for clients or successful entrepreneurs selling their "how I did it" stories (mostly to investors or larger companies that may wish to buy them).

70% Say Government Does Not Spend Taxpayer Money Wisely

Most Americans feel the federal government has too much money and doesn't spend it well.

Just 41% Are Confident Fed Will Keep Inflation Under Control

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced today his committee’s intent to combat persistently low inflation and high unemployment rates, calling the situation “a case for further action.”

Half of Americans Are Not Confident In Banking Industry, See Interest Rates Going Up

Americans continue to show a lack of confidence in the stability of the U.S. banking industry.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: How To Pay People When You Don't Have Any Money

"I just recently started a social media website for people who share an interest in certain niche collectibles. I want people to contribute articles and other content to my website, but right now, I've spent all of my money on developing the website and don't have any left over to pay people with.

Most Americans Say Government Has Too Much Power Over Economy

When it comes to the economy, the message from Americans is clear:  Leave it in the hands of the private sector and not the government.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: Who Owns the Stuff on Your PDA?

I was let go from my position last December and was asked to turn in the BlackBerry. I asked if I could download my information from the BlackBerry before returning it, and was told no. Immediately after I turned it in, the password was changed, so I couldn't access the data remotely.

Most Americans Don’t Believe Hard Work Can Get You Rich

Americans appear to be growing even more pessimistic about the job market and about their chances for getting ahead.

Economic Confidence Continues To Muddle Along

Americans continue to show little short-term confidence in the country's economic recovery but remain more confident in the long-term.

Many Americans Fear U.S. Is No Longer World's Top Economy

Despite a recent report that the United States is no longer technically in a recession, a plurality of Americans still don’t feel good about the country’s economy.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: Don't Worry, Pal, the Contract Says Exactly What I Said It Says

"I'm in discussions with a company that wants me to be a sales representative for them. Basically, I would get commissions 'to infinity' from any new customers I generate for the business within my assigned territory. I showed the brokers' contract to my attorney, and he isn't happy with the language.

Most Americans Doubt President Obama’s Economic Advisers

With the jobless rate inching back up and the economy remaining in the doldrums, most Americans lack confidence in President Obama’s economic advisors.

Most Say Competition Protects Borrowers More Than Regulation

President Obama last week chose Harvard law professor Elizabeth Warren to launch the newly created Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, an agency that will further regulate the lending practices of banks, mortgage lenders and credit card companies. But most Americans say increased competition, not more government regulation, will do more to protect borrowers.

SUCCEEDING IN YOUR BUSINESS: Is This Web Merchant for Real?

Just because someone has put up a Website to sell merchandise doesn't mean they are a reliable vendor. Anyone with a few bucks and a basic knowledge of HTML can set up a website. To become a reliable merchant takes years of experience. The fact that this website isn't customer-friendly is one sign that the company doesn't really care about what its customers think about it.

Here are some of the things I look for on e-commerce websites:

42% Say No Jobs Available in America, 42% Disagree

Americans are now evenly divided over whether anyone who wants to work can find a job in the United States.

45% Expect U.S. Economy To Be Weaker in One Year

Americans’ confidence in the short-term economy has slipped this month to its lowest level in well over a year.

47% Confident in U.S. Banking System

Forty-seven percent (47%) of Americans are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry today, the highest number measured since April of last year. 

Most Americans Not Willing To Pay Higher Taxes For Public Employees, Entitlement Programs

Most Americans would not pay higher taxes for specific public services in their states, but they are more supportive of paying for education and staffing law enforcement than supporting state employees and entitlement programs.