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SWOT Analysis: Does Your Company Need One?
Knowing what market direction to take or products to develop is a tough challenge for many business owners. While a crystal ball would be nice to consult, a SWOT analysis may be even better. Read More
The Big Picture
State job growth rose 1.2% in December 2014 from a year ago; national job growth rose 2.2%. State unemployment averaged 3.7% in December 2014; the national average was 5.6%. Personal income rose 2.5% to $265.3 billion in Q3 2014 from a year ago. Tax revenue increased 12.7% in Q3 2014 from a year ago. Exports fell 7.3% to $24.6 billion…
How to Balance Leadership and Management
Small Business Trends – US Small Business Administration (09/28/14) “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” ~ Publilius Syrus This may be true, but small business owners are expected to “hold the helm” through both calm and rough seas. So when should you lead and when should you manage? Read the Article…
Is Rising Small Business Regulation Driving Down Business Formation?
Small Business Trends – Scott Shane (01/12/15) Small business owners are increasingly frustrated by government regulation, which they say has become a major problem in recent years. Twenty-two percent of small business owners surveyed to the National Federation of Independent Business’s November member survey say that governmental regulation and red tape is the most important…
Small Businesses End Year With Strong Hiring
Inc.com – Associated Press (1/7/15) Small businesses didn’t let up on hiring as 2014 wound down, according to a survey by software maker Intuit. The company counted 30,000 more workers at its small business customers last month, matching November’s reading and up from 15,000 in October. Read the Article on Inc.com
Small Business Owners Have Put on Their Rose-Colored Glasses
Inc.com – Associated Press (12/04/14) Recent surveys show fewer worries and an increase in hiring for small business owners. Read the Article on Inc.com
6 Key Predictions For Manufacturing In 2015
Manufacturing Business Technology – John Zegers (12/17/14) The face of manufacturing in America has undergone more woeful changes than many of us in the industry care to remember. The recent past has been particularly painful, with economic downturns driving manufacturing overseas to take advantage of lower labor costs, and a generally depressed level of manufacturing…