Information and education about Nordic Interactive's offerings for small businesses on the Web http://www.nordicinteractive.com/NI_CS/roller/default.aspx http://backend.userland.com/rss Community Server v2.0 (http://www.communityserver.org) In response to a spike in the number of religious discrimination charges filed in recent years, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission—the agency charged with enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination—has issued a new compliance manual addressing religious discrimination in the workplace. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39342.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39342.html Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT The IRS 2009 Small Business/Self-Employed Tax Calendar is stocked and ready for order. With its eye-catching illustrations, in-depth business tax information and day-to-day reminders for which business taxes are due and when, the 12-month wall calendar has always been a popular item—and it's FREE. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39341.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39341.html Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT Read the December/January 2009 Michigan MyVOICE for details on such issues as taxes and the recent elections. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39314.html Michigan Small-Business News From NFIB http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39314.html Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT It is almost impossible to understate the value and importance of your business slogan, tagline or catch phrase. Do it right, and people quickly understand exactly what your business is about, but get it wrong and you ruin that rare opportunity to brand with potential new customers. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39310.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39310.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT Rebranding a Newly Acquired Business: They Told Me Not To Not long ago, I purchased an online business. When I bought the business, it came with its own, pretty well known brand, was a fairly profitable business and had a loyal client base. After obtaining the business, I pondered over completely rebranding it. The business [...] http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/smallbusinessbranding/~3/459043623/ Small Business Branding Vera Raposo Vera Raposo http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/1099/rebranding-a-newly-acquired-business-they-told-me-not-to/#comments http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/?p=1099 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:43:20 GMT Well I have to say I’ve been chatting a ton about blogging and why it’s so important for me to hone my skill with it all. Lynette Chandler has now brought us Blog Energizer, she’s simply amazing with her knowledge about blogging. The cool thing is that you can grab a free account and get [...] http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/smallbusinessbranding/~3/457535795/ Small Business Branding Vera Raposo Vera Raposo http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/1098/get-some-fresh-energy-with-blog-energizer/#comments http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/?p=1098 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:38:03 GMT With the extent of the economic slowdown, financial analysts are now starting to use the "R" word to describe the upcoming business climate. The "R" word, of course, refers to recession -- which could result in a significant slowing of almost every economic activity. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39276.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39276.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT One question I have postulating for some time has just resurfaced by prominent blogger John Jantsch over at ducttapemarketing.com.  He says there is.  And I agree.  The basic theory is similar to Maslow’s theory that self-actualization cannot be achieved until the most basic human psychological needs such as breathing, eating, and sleeping are first met. The [...] http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/smallbusinessbranding/~3/456204371/ Small Business Branding Jeff Paro Jeff Paro http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/1088/is-there-a-hierarchy-in-social-media/#comments http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/?p=1088 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:17:54 GMT Ok so I’m following along the Blog Mastermind Program and Yaro suggests that we add more personality to our blogs to develop a closer relationship with our reader. One way he says is to add your picture to your blog to show your personality and build your brand. Yaro says… I want you to be very open, [...] http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/smallbusinessbranding/~3/454452703/ Small Business Branding Vera Raposo Vera Raposo http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/1096/show-some-personality-already-add-your-photo-to-your-blog/#comments http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/?p=1096 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:17:50 GMT Do you have a business blog? Bravo! Blogs are a fantastic way to connect with your target audience and existing clients alike. Our fellow Small Business Branding blogger Nick Rice mentions that in a recent post too. Yet, there is one problem I see consistently among small business blogs and that is their URL. I Cringe Every [...] http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/smallbusinessbranding/~3/454340213/ Small Business Branding Lynette Chandler Lynette Chandler http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/1090/nooo-not-a-blogspot-blog/#comments http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/?p=1090 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:49:31 GMT You know lately I’ve really been into fixing up my blog and following some great advice. At the same time, My ear is always to the ground keeping an eye out for other things and I wanted to share with you a few things. Today I need to share with you some TREATS for your blogging [...] http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/smallbusinessbranding/~3/453211200/ Small Business Branding Vera Raposo Vera Raposo http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/1089/some-blogging-treats-for-you/#comments http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/?p=1089 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:25:27 GMT Your company's blog or Web site can be great PR for you -- or it can be a big waste of time. If people can't find you when they're looking for you, any effort you put into your site is wasted. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39275.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39275.html Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT In today's constantly connected business world, having a Web site for your company is a must -- and if you haven't gotten around to launching a site for your business yet, there's no time like the present. If you don't have the skills to build a Web site in-house, it's time to hire a Web designer who can get the job done. Follow these tips to help you find the right hire. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39274.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39274.html Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT The state's leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business, Thursday urged state lawmakers to halt action in the lame-duck session on any bills that seek to give taxpayer handouts to favored businesses or industries. The call came after legislation (SB 1264) advanced in the Senate Finance Committee that would grant refundable credits against the Michigan Business Tax to only one business in the state. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39265.html Michigan Small-Business News From NFIB http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39265.html Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT Credit and money are still tight, but what should small businesses do now? My line of credit has dried up last month and I am at a loss. What are my options? http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39253.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39253.html Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT If any single thing is key to small business success, it's maintaining an optimistic, enthusiastic attitude. Even in the best of times, small business owners and employees face daily challenges. When the economy is slowing, these challenges are magnified. To overcome them and to keep moving forward, an enthusiastic attitude is crucial. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39248.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39248.html Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT Your corporate brand essentially involves two parties - you and them. It is the key in marketing yourself to be sure that you are resonating with your target audience. It’s time that you did some key research from three strategic perspectives: ONE: Tell us - who are you? It’s important to know who you are. In the [...] http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/smallbusinessbranding/~3/449581882/ Small Business Branding Ed Roach Ed Roach http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/1085/who-you-are-how-youre-saying-it-and-do-they-care/#comments http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/?p=1085 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:25:45 GMT Book clubs are a great way for book lovers to turn reading into a less solitary pursuit, as well as a good opportunity for friends to socialize every month. Starting a book club for your employees might be a way for you to relax with them in an informal setting, and could even strengthen employee relationships. If you're interested in forming a work-related book club, here are a few tips for getting it off to a good start. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39236.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39236.html Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT Submitting articles to relevant websites, online magazines and article directories is a fantastic way to drive traffic to your website.  It’s a low cost method with a fairly high return on investment. For example, if you pay $20 to $50 to have a writer create an article, you publish the article on a relevant website you [...] http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/smallbusinessbranding/~3/447101107/ Small Business Branding Vera Raposo Vera Raposo http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/1084/get-the-most-out-of-your-articles/#comments http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/?p=1084 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:53:59 GMT With the holidays fast approaching, have you thought about what to give employees this year? If you're like most small business owners starting to feel the effects of the economic downturn, you'll have to cut back -- or even defer -- raises this year until your bottom line returns to normal. So how can you show employees you appreciate them without doing even more damage to your budget? With layoffs and budget cuts pervading the workplace, they need your reassurance -- as much as you need their loyalty -- more than ever right now. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39217.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39217.html Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT As a small business owner, you're careful about where your money goes. Couple that concern with the current economy and the fact that new banks seem to be popping up on every corner, and the decision about where to do your banking can be a tough one. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39216.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39216.html Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT The state's leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business, Friday offered congratulations to all of the successful candidates for the Michigan House, but also warned that Michigan's economy requires immediate attention. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39219.html Michigan Small-Business News From NFIB http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39219.html Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT The final quarter of the year, already half gone for 2008, is arguably the most important time of year for proprietors of independent businesses. This is the time to be intimately involved with year-end tax planning and looking ahead to the coming year. This planning can't be ignored without risk of unanticipated tax burdens or surprise cash-flow constraints that can affect the coming year's operations. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39207.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39207.html Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT Early voting numbers broke records across the country, and in this historic election year, it is certain that a record number of voters will continue to make their voices heard. However, voting is only the beginning. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39201.html NFIB.com Tools and Tips http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_39201.html Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT Get ready for a rant, and let me ask you this question… “Are YOU a twitter snob??” This post has been in my mind for a long time. What is the point of Twitter? - is it to showcase your work? - connect with others? - secure business deals? - build a relationship with your readers? - all of the above? I [...] http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/smallbusinessbranding/~3/442421363/ Small Business Branding Vera Raposo Vera Raposo http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/1082/are-you-a-twitter-snob/#comments http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/?p=1082 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:28:24 GMT