A Guide to Small Business Survival

Small business ownership can be a challenge, especially in the beginning. The rewards can be great but you may need a survival guide to get you through the tough parts or just to provide that simple advice that seems so elusive when the pressure is on. We hope the links below will help, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

Basic Resources

Small business blogger survival guide. A big part of surviving as a small business blogger involves being a social animal. Here David Leonhardt gives every small business blogger some great resources to keep you, your business, and your blog alive. ProBlogger

Tax tips for business. How you manage money once your business makes it can sometimes be as critical as your business model. Here are some basic deductions you must take to be sure you are saving all that you can. The One of a Kind Preneur

Marketing Tools

Why your business should crave more connection. There is a reason successful small businesses today crave Facebook likes, Twitter follows, and prospect e-mail addresses. If you can’t connect with your customers, you won’t be top of mind when they’re ready to buy. OnSpot

By any other name. A brand or company name distinguishes you in the market. It’s about what you do and who you are. Put enough thought into your company name and how it may hit customers and others and why. Bloggertone

Success Stories

An entrepreneurial accident. Rachel Strella started her business in what many might consider the classic way. She found a need and filled it. While Rachel had a passion to start her own business, it’s also true that a practical look at business realities got her there. BizSugar Blog

Small business is about leadership. We all should know by now that small business and entrepreneurship are about leadership, not about listening to the crowd. Sure the voice of your community, your customers, is important, but only you know how to lead them. Fast Company

Soul Searching & Decision Making

Entrepreneur or great employee. Could many of the traits of great entrepreneurs and great employees be the same? It’s not what we’ve traditionally tended to believe. But here’s a list for a closer comparison. Jennifer Warawa

Making decisions on low information. It’s less difficult to make a decision with plenty of data to draw from, but, of course, decisions become harder and harder when there is less and less information on which to base them. Here is one rule of thumb to help. Inc.com

Networking & Branding

Building your network with one connection a day. You may think network building is the hardest thing you do. You also know as a business owner it’s critical. But, there are fast and easy ways you can build your network daily with only a few minutes of your time. Firefly Coaching

Very often, it’s all about credibility. The difference between you and a competitor may come down to this: Who does a client believe is most likely to get results? If you’re looking for a way to boost this important edge, read the post at the end of this link. James Brown Marketing