Small Business Quiz

1) How many people have you hired and fired?
2) Are you profitable?
3) How many years have you been in business?
4) Is your product eco-friendly?
5) Do you use US products and services or foreign products and services?

The answers to these questions will show whether your intentions are profit-based or people based? No right answers but something to think about.

Ups and Downs: The Stock Market

Not sure what is going on with the stock market? I don't know either. No one has a crystal ball and will be able to predict the stock markets ups and downs. The only thing I can say is it is going to continue to go down over the long run if the economy and republican's continue to put the US in a recession (or depression?).

My advice is to invest in tangible goods, gold, silver, or something that is not going to disappear with the click of a button. If it is only money on someones computer it could be gone in a flash.

Not to scare anyone but diversify into tangible investment vehicles or rack up debt. Eventually their is going to be a bail out and you will get a clean slate...did I just say that?

Skate Shoes Reveal Young Adult Trends

The male adolescent and young adult market will be one of a few segments that will be profitable during the coming recession. Understanding their lifestyle will be key in competing for their dollars. Throughout the world, adolescents and young men enter the skating culture. Popular video games, clothing, and equipment provide clues to their needs and desires. One very expressive outlet can be seen by the skate shoes they wear.

The colors and symbols expose needs of affiliation and self concept. Similar designs of Adio skate shoes and the vibrant colors reveal these aspects. Individualism is also evident with custom skate shoes. Aligning strategy with the skating culture can be very profitable when products and services connect with this market segment of skating die hards.

Guy Kawasaki on PowerPoint Presentations

Former Apple Macintosh chief evangelist Guy Kawasaki, illustrates a simple to remember and truly effective mini-set of rules to conquer PowerPoint an inability to augment the presentation being delivered.

The Mortgage Economy

The mortgage industry debacle will be felt throughout the economy. Is the strategic posture of your business appropriate to deal with the opportunities and threats in your competitive environment? Since the housing industry is an economic indicator, growth projections will be affected. Furthermore, consumer disposable income will also be affected directly due to their mortgage situation and indirectly as fears of layoffs loom in the future.

Customer lifestyle and market segmentation will be key during this mortgage crisis. Which customers should be focused on and how can they be educated to understand the needs of your products and services. How will competitors jockey for position in your strategic group. Will barriers to entry be affected and how will finances be secured as banks and investment groups struggle to overcome huge losses and the increased cost of money due to the mortgage industry meltdown.

21 Movie Trailer: Make Cash Counting Cards

Need to make a little cash while you run your small business. Watch this 21 movie trailer and learn the art of counting cards for blackjack. Don't get caught because a hammer to the hand hurts!

5 Business TV Shows You Should Watch

1) The Apprentice
2) Bosom Buddies
3) American Chopper
4) Cashmere Jungle
5) Designing Women

Do you remember any of your favorite TV shows that included small business owners? Comment away!