Why Spend Time Blogging? + MORE

The instant Internet access afforded by smartphones has changed the way people use search. Not tethered to computers and home networks, searchers now tap into the Internet on the go to fulfill their immediate needs — like finding a good restaurant, a tow truck, or a public restroom. Search engines and social media have adjusted and expanded to take advantage of this newer, decidedly local clientele…

Word of mouth business doesn’t just appear out of thin air. No matter how great your product or service is, you have to give people a compelling reason to refer their friends and family to you.

Personal finance expert and author Linsey Knerl tells AllBusiness.com about the best ways for home-based businesses to save money while building a fully functional home office.

The principal role of a CMO has always been to be a great storyteller. Once upon a time, this meant waxing eloquently about the brand’s promise, giving people a hero to cheer for and something to relate to and believe in. And the process of storytelling used to be fairly simple: create an ad, place it in a magazine, newspaper or on the radio or TV, and you were done…

You pounded the pavement. You’ve jumped through hoop after hoop to get your financing in place. After all of that often humbling and sometimes even humiliating work (nothing dings the ego more than a potential investor making wisecracks about your ideas or how you’re dressed), it’s natural that you want that financing to go as far as possible…

There has been much dissent about the federal government’s involvement in small business. Small business engagement has been a concern since the federal government failed to meet its contracting goals. There is a need to develop programs to help small businesses remain afloat. Small businesses should be aware of how this change will affect their business and what they need to do going forward…

An SEO secret that boosts online awareness fast
You have probably noticed the thousands of blogs online from big businesses, Mom-and-Pop stores and individuals. Some of the information is interesting while most of it is boring (or just a way for people to vent or talk about themselves.)
However, if you are not blogging, you may be missing out…

In the processing world, many small businesses and industries are considered to be risky. If you have already been turned down by numerous credit card processors because of high risk factors, there are providers that will work with you, specializing in exactly the kind of help you need. Different providers have various definitions of what they consider “high risk,” but many industries such as adult services, casinos, Web site owners and collection agencies all fall under this category…

If you are hoping to raise money from investors for your startup, an SEC ruling this week will make that process much easier than it has been. But you’ll also need to know about new forms and deadlines.
The startup fundraising landscape saw its most significant change in eight decades when the Securities and Exchange Commission voted to lift the ban on general solicitation, a move which allows entrepreneurs to tell potential investors that they are seeking funding for their companies…

Until business conditions stabilize, many private companies are delaying hiring full-time staffers, instead relying on temp workers to grow their businesses.

Founder Andy Kurtzig calls Pearl.com “the Amazon.com of professional services,” and he has plans to expand into the app market.