The Legislation recently passed a bill aimed at helping small businesses that will provide $30 billion for a lending fund and $12 billion worth of tax breaks.
Find out what's in store for SMBs as a result of its passage.
Distilled from the collected viewpoints of over 70 leading industry executives and analysts and backed by exhaustive research across 14 different sectors, the Ernst & Young Business Risk Report 2010 identifies the 10 greatest risks facing businesses.
These may not all apply to your business but it's certainly worth a look to anticipate challenges ahead.
Here are the ten:
Regulation and compliance.
Access to credit.
Slow recovery or double-dip recession.
Managing talent.
Emerging markets.
Cost-cutting.
Nontraditional entrants.
Radical greening.
Social acceptance risk and corporate social responsibility.
Executing alliances and transactions.
Best part of the entire piece:
Globally, business is generally experiencing an upswing.
Got a Mobi, I mean, dotMobi (http://mtld.mobi/)? If not, you better listen up. Ireland-based dotMobi, the mobile Web solutions company behind .mobi recently announced highlights of its third annual study, "Mobile Web Progress," on mobile Web trends. It examines available websites via the world’s most-used global top-level Internet domains: .com, .net, .org, .info and .mobi. What's the upshot on the study? The mobile Web is continuing its explosive global growth (refer to chart below).
dotMobi’s Director of Engineering, Ronan Cremin, said, “The study demonstrates that apps are shifting to become a part of a broader mobile Web strategy rather than the strategy itself. While some brands build individual apps for multiple platforms like iOS, Android and BlackBerry, businesses are increasingly choosing a mobile Web solution for their content, as many of the Alexa top 1,000 have already done.”
Findings from the 2010 dotMobi "Mobile Web Progress"
Wait, there's more.
goMobi (http://gomobi.info) is another tool developed by dotMobi that allows small business owners to strengthen their presence on the mobile Web by creating customized, professional-looking (and functioning) mobile sites from an easy-to-use template. GoMobi here.
The advantages of goMobi site creation include:
Affordability (eliminates the need for specialized developers)
Ease of use (no programming experience necessary, drag and drop technology)
Functionality (site will function on all mobile devices with web access)
Immediacy (site goes live within minutes of completion)
Some other exciting resources and tools you might want to check out to learn more are:
Visit http://dotMobi.mobi for information on .mobi domains and all dotMobi services.
Of course, use the .mobi equivalents of these sites to guarantee a quality experience on your mobile device. And see the dotMobi blog at http://blog.mobi (excellent).
We wrote about dotMobi in our Top 10 Global Trends for Small Businesses for 2009. Find it here, refer to Point No. 2 (we are off by a year -- not bad), and see what others had to say about our report in the comment area.
Yes, no doubt the Bush Presidency diminished the value of our country, the good ole USofA and put us in the financial mess. Barack Obama came into the picture like a Rock Star and sold the country on change.
Well we now know that there was no plan for real change but just more of the same. He has enjoyed the luxury of a Senate and Congress that is controlled by his party, the Democrats. Together they have accomplished nothing that feels like change but only resembles the same old same old.
This Tuesday, November 2, 2010 we as citizens of the United states of America have a chance to exercise our constitutional right to vote and elect the people that we think will best represent our interest and protect our country.
This is an opportunity to bring in the real change that is desperately needed at this time.
As Co-founder of the ever strong American Motorist Vote Campaign I am asking all members to consider what your Congress and Senate representative has done. They are a part of a failing class. We can no longer support their losing ways. To sent them home without punishment is a crime.
On Tuesday lets make a point to "TAKE OUT THE TRASH" and pledge to show more concern about who we let into our house.
We can't send President Obama home in this election but we can take away his power base! Lets Do It! Send them all packing!
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST... USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com
Fascinating piece, "Trading Places" by Frances Kim for the Yale Economic Review.
Highly controversial and greatly overused, the term “globalization” generally characterizes the phenomenon by which multiple economies have apparently begun to move in sync with one another. The pundits may all have their own opinions on the merits of global inter-connectedness, but statistics tell many different stories regarding whether international economies have really converged to move in a synchronous global business cycle.
Read the entire article here. Agree or disagree? We'd welcome hearing from you!
Two parts sports car, one part luxury convertible, the Lexus IS 350 Convertible is the one Lexus that combines the best of sport and luxury. The rear-wheel drive IS convertible is based on the IS sedan so handling is sportier than other Lexus vehicles - it feels more like a BMW 3-Series or Infiniti G37. The 300+ hp six-cylinder engine is powerful and fun, plus it has a nice, subtle exhaust note.
The interior is perhaps a slight step down from more expensive Lexus sedans but the heated and cooled seats are comfortable, materials are high quality and all the features you'd expect in a Lexus are there. The power folding hard top instantly converts the IS from an open top sports car to a smooth and quiet luxury coupe.
In the end the Lexus IS 350C is the perfect car for someone who enjoys driving and seeking out twisty roads but wants to balance that with a comfortable everyday car. The ride is firmer than a Lexus ES but a little more forgiving than that of a BMW.
The relationship between you and your overseas customer shouldn't end when a sale is made. If anything, it requires more of your attention.
Think of your after-sales follow-up as part of your product or service offering. And the first step is to say, wholeheartedly -- whether in person, via Skype, by email or telephone -- "Thank you for your business!"
After all, you want to support your customer's success in any way you can, and you will be building a constructive interdependency that can become your gateway to the world.
Here's the problem with reading too many car magazines, they're not speaking to the people who actually buy cars. They're writing to people who wish they owned a Porsche or a BMW and think everything else is terrible, in short, they're writing to themselves. Know-it-alls and loudmouths populate the halls of these long (wrongly) esteemed publications that are lucky if they reach 200,000 people. Of course they go on like they're doing Tonight Show numbers circ 1973 but really they're just living in the past. They hate cars like the Mazda2 - it's underpowered they say, it's got an outdated automatic transmission is another complaint. Really? Seems fine to me.
With 100 hp, the 2011 Mazda2 feels plenty powerful. Is it going to win at Le Mans? No, but it is a fun car to drive that provides both entertaining handling and a high quality interior. The seats are comfortable and the back seat isn't impossible to use. The 2011 Mazda2 is mechanically related to the Ford Fiesta so that good - the Fiesta is probably the best subcompact out there.
At just $16,000 for a nicely equipped Mazda2, I say ignore all the old guys that write and talk too much simply for their own pleasure. Go test drive a Mazda2, it's a well-made little car that will have you re-thinking just how much car you really need.
The logic, drawn from textbooks, is that a decline in the dollar will make U.S. exports cheaper for foreign customers, so they will buy more, and will make Asian exports more expensive, so the world will buy less. It's no magic elixir.
I had a great time standing in the rain and taking photos this morning of Apple's grand opening of new Lincoln Park, Illinois retail store. Managed to walk away with a classy umbrella souvenir (as shown above). Those global Apple folks think of everything!
Lesson learned: No matter what, you have to put yourself out there and take a stand. We commend Mr. Cheema for doing so in this piece (and in his life) -- because the most important element to life is "freedom." We hope he is allowed to keep that freedom along with his ability to write brilliantly.
It's only logical that at any given point in time there is one vehicle that offers its passengers greater protection than all the others, even if it is not quite possible to determine exactly which one that is.
Nevertheless, anytime the subject has come up in the past half-century or so, you could count on the name Volvo being suggested as a contender, if not the hands-down favorite. So, when the folk (a Swedish word, that) in Gothenburg say they've gone and built "the safest Volvo ever", it's wise to take notice. Not the safest "car", mind you, but the safest "Volvo".
That's partly because the Volvo executives are a polite bunch and don't want to ruffle the competition's feathers too much, but mostly because the 2010 XC60 T6 is a crossover, and not really a car. Nevertheless, they could probably also call it "the best looking Volvo ever" and not hear too many arguments, at least not from me.
The XC60's combination of a windswept wedge profile and shoulders wide enough to land a SAAB fighter jet on are straight off of the auto show floor. Genie bottle taillights are worthy of an exhibit in a design museum, and that doesn't even take into account the small vertical fins they create on either side of the rear window.
The marketing people at Volvo will likely tell you that they are for aerodynamic purposes, but you know there is an exterior designer somewhere with a poster of a 1959 Cadillac on his cubicle wall that grins every time they do.
The interior isn't quite as impressive, but plays to the Volvo faithful. Materials in the 5-passenger cabin are sturdy, rather than elegant. The one highlight is the optional Nordic Light Oak trim on a floating center stack that bends its way from the console to the dashboard in an oh-so-Scandinavian way.
If someone pulls in front of you, it beeps and flashes a red light on the windshield. Get drowsy and start driving erratically and the Volvo will stir you from your impending slumber with a wake-up call. All of these are options, but the marquee feature comes standard.
Called City Safety, it uses a laser mounted behind the windshield to keep an eye on things in front of you in stop and go traffic. If it senses that the vehicle you are following is slowing down, and you haven't done anything to avoid it, it will slam on the brakes on your behalf. Under 19 mph it won't bring the XC60 to a complete stop, but will slow it dramatically to lessen any impact. Under 9 mph it waits until you are about a yard away from calling the insurance company before it runs itself into a virtual wall, stopping in its tracks.
Bodily harm isn't too much of an issue when moving that slowly, but the averted fender bender is appreciated just the same. Unfortunately the owner's manual goes to great lengths to explain that City Safety is not designed to work when confronted with motorcycles, or pedestrians, two things that could really benefit from not getting run down at that speed.
EPA fuel economy rating of 16 mpg in the city, and not much more on the highway, 22 mpg. A 235 hp normally-aspirated version of the XC60 with front-wheel drive is also available for $32,395 and gets 18 mpg city/27 highway, which may be more in sync with the personality of the vehicle.
The less potent engine can also be had with all wheel drive, and both models come with City Safety, but not the leather seats that are standard in the T6. Those will set you back $1,700, meaning the turbocharged version really only costs $1,105 more than the sensible shoes edition, or about $25 bucks per horsepower.
"I suggest that you put this Volvo XC60 on you vehicle shopping list. I drove it, I liked it, I'd buy it!' Harry Douglas
Recorded on October 21, 2010 using a Harry Flip Video Camcorder Green. Special thanks to Cat Smith of Cat Smith Photo-Shoots.
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING! CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: Boston on WBRX Pittsburgh WLFP Chicago WJOB Las Vegas KNUU-NEWS Orlando-Winter Springs IPR Radio Pittsburgh KA KESK Hagatna KGUM Internet Streamed @ www.lifestyletalkradio.com Email: harry@carconcerns.com
You know this week-end you can go a buy you a luxury $50,000 car but this 2010 Dodge Avenger Express will do everything that a more expensive car will do at half the price!
When we first drove the 2010 Dodge Avenger Express our first thought that this just another plain and dull ordinary offering from the Auburn Hills group at Chrysler.
As we drove this 2010 Dodge Avenger Express a thing presented itself that we didn't expect. Respect, yes we came to respect what the Chrysler engineers had done with this Avenger Express.
They brought economy and performance together with an excellent 16-Valve Duel VVT, 2.4 liter engine with a Double Over-Head Cam and a 4-speed Automatic VLP Transmission. A smooth operator for sure!
Is the 2010 Dodge Avenger Express for you? You will have to decide that for yourself, but reflecting the MSRP numbers we have to say that the Avenger has the value factor built in.
"My friends all drive Porches, I drive a Dodge, I am just a ordinary, average guy!"
Trust us! You won't feel so ordinary in this stylish 2010 Dodge Avenger Express.
City MPG 21 and Highway MPG 30 are the EPA Fuel Economy Estimates.
Other standard features that we liked: Power Door Locks Operated Via Remote and Internal Switch. Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors.
Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm, Sentry Key(R) Engine Immobilizer and Exterior Monitoring were great features as well
Special thanks to Cat Smith of Cat Smith Photo-Shoots.
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING! CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: Boston on WBRX Pittsburgh WLFP Chicago WJOB Las Vegas KNUU-NEWS Orlando-Winter Springs IPR Radio Pittsburgh KA KESK Hagatna KGUM Internet Streamed @ www.lifestyletalkradio.com Email: harry@carconcerns.com
Yes, we spent time with the 2010 Nissan Rogue SV at the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds where it scored an A+.
But the leafs were changing into unreal Fall colors on the trees and a minute later we were on a Car Concerns Radio Road Trip which can a novel within itself.
Say hello to the 2010 Niisan Rogue SV.
When considering the purchase of a brand new vehicle, it's important to keep in mind what the eventual resale value will be on down the road. It is expected that the 2010Nissan Rogue SV will have a excellent resale value. This assumes that after 3 to of 5years of ownership the vehicle will be in good operating condition. Other factors include the optional equipment you choose and the total mileage on your vehicle.
The Rogue is Nissan's entry into the popular crossover segment. One to be considered for those in the market.
The Rogue offers spin-off styling of the iconic Nissan Murano, in a slightly smaller, compact package. Available in S or SL trim, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. All Rogues are equipped with 2.5-liter, 170-hp, four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Rogue seats up to five passengers in its well designed interior and cofiguration. Sporting features such as air-conditioning, bucket seats, power window and remote keyless entry are standard. Standard safety fare includes; four-wheel anti-lock brakes with panic assist, stability control, traction control, front seat side-impact and all row side-curtain airbags.
The nice touch of chrome door handles are now standard on all models for 2010.
Harry has issed a strong Car Concerns Radio "BUY" on the 2010 Nissan Rogue SV. We're thinking of the word, "Value" on this one.
Specs: MSRP: $20,460 - $25,310 Miles Per Gallon City: 21 MPG - 22 MPG, Highway: 26 MPG - 27 MPG
Body Style: N/A Engines: 2.5L I-4 170 HP
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING! CALL HARRY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: Boston on WBRX Pittsburgh WLFP Chicago WJOB Las Vegas KNUU-NEWS Orlando-Winter Springs IPR Radio Pittsburgh KA KESK Hagatna KGUM Internet Streamed @ www.lifestyletalkradio.com Email: harry@carconcerns.com
When the Car Concerns Crew hits the road and stays in Nashville Tennessee its always the Confort Suites at the Hermitage.
Always exceptionally clean and the most friendly staff on the face of the Earth.
The Comfort Suites, a Nashville hotel near the Nashville International Airport Conveniently located three miles from the Nashville International Airport, the Comfort Suites® hotel offers free airport transportation and provides easy access to a number of Nashville attractions.
This Nashville, TN hotel is close to a number of local points of interest like:
•Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum •Grand Ole Opry •Opryland Convention Center •Nashville Shores water park •Wildhorse Saloon The Nashville Convention Center is less than 10 miles away. LP Field, home of the NFL Tennessee Titans, and Sommet Center, home of the NHL Nashville Predators, are also nearby. Shop for that must-have item at Opry Mills shopping center.
The surrounding area offers so much to see and do. From historic attractions to entertainment venues, Nashville, Tennessee has it all. A number of outdoor recreation areas and golf courses are nearby. Several retailers, shopping centers, restaurants and cocktail lounges can be found in the surrounding area.
Hotel features include:
•Free full breakfast •Free Wi-Fi Internet access •Free USA Today •Free local calls •Free coffee After a busy day of meetings or sightseeing, guests of this Nashville, TN hotel can relax by the indoor heated pool or unwind in the exercise room.
The on-site business center provides modern conveniences like a public computer with Internet access, and copy and fax service. This Tennessee hotel has a meeting room that can accommodate up to 15 people for most functions.
In addition to standard amenities, all of our spacious guest rooms have coffee makers, work desks, curved shower rods, hair dryers, flat-screen televisions, irons, ironing boards, microwaves, refrigerators, sofa sleepers, voice mail and cable television.
For added convenience, coin-operated laundry facilities are located on the premises and valet cleaning service is offered. Ample parking is available and can accommodate most cars, trucks and buses.
The Comfort Suites hotel provides all the amenities of home at great prices. Make a reservation with us and we'll make your stay memorable.
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING! CALL HARRY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...USA TOLL-FREE: 1-888-454-3378 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: Boston on WBRX Pittsburgh WLFP Chicago WJOB Las Vegas KNUU-NEWS Orlando-Winter Springs IPR Radio Pittsburgh KA KESK Hagatna KGUM Internet Streamed @ www.lifestyletalkradio.com Email: harry@carconcerns.com
According to Minister Iain Black, small businesses in B.C. have shouldered the heavy lifting to recovery through job creation, wage increases, exports and contributions to the province's gross domestic product.
"B.C.'s nimble, resilient small businesses are leaders in creating jobs and increasing wages, while boosting our province's GDP and export numbers."
And read the 36-page report Small Business Profile 2010 (referenced in the article) to learn more about the state of small business in British Columbia.
Illustration credit from Small Business Profile 2010 Report.
Provided you have access to the Internet, now the whole world can learn the fundamentals to exporting. I've released my book, "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business" for 100% FREE readership over at Google Books (thank you Google!). It took a couple of weeks to get it processed but it's finally live.
This is a perfect time to dig in and learn everything there is know about how to export since President Obama has put such a big push behind this expansion mode for SMBs. Read our previous posts covering the National Export Initiative here and here.
I am currently working on the next level digital aspect to exporting for entrepreneurs and small businesses (e.g., how to leverage websites, blogs, Facebook and Twitter to take your business global along with how best to digitally sell and collect payment from overseas customers) which will serve as a nice complement to "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business." Watch for that release soon but in the meantime, I highly recommend that you read "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business" first to truly understand the basics of what it takes to go global.
Enjoy. And if you like it, all I ask is that you write a review. I'd welcome hearing from you especially if my book helps you take the first step toward making the world your business. Many thanks. Happy exporting!
With a $1.28-million grant from the state Community Economic Revitalization Board, WSU Spokane will host two export readiness centers; one will be in the Seattle area, the second will likely be in the Sirti building, at the Riverpoint Campus. The grant runs for two years.
The World Bank is opening the doors to thousands of its global development indicators and inviting the public to use the data in mash-ups, smart phone applications, and other tech tools that can help support clean energy and fight poverty.
"This will allow policy makers, researchers, and civil society to track the impact of policies, develop new solutions, and measure improvements more accurately," says Shaida Badiee, director of the bank’s development research data group.
To encourage software developers, the bank is holding an “Apps for Development” contest with $45,000 in prizes and financial support. Entries are due by Jan. 10 and must include data from at least one of the bank’s data-sets and relate to one of the bank’s eight key development goals that range from environmental sustainability to reducing childhood mortality.
Sounds like this will move us a step closer toward solving some of the world's most pressing problems.
This is Mini's newest vehicle. The Cooper Countryman is a little wider, longer and taller than even a Mini Clubman - think of the Countryman as Mini's version of a compact crossover SUV similar to a Toyota RAV4 in function but with tons of sassy Mini style.
The version pictured is a Cooper S Countryman which means it's got a turbocharged, 181 hp engine. There's also an all-wheel drive version and Mini now has a fairly compelling information and entertainment interface called Mini Connected. It's a free app from iTunes but to fully enjoy all it's features you need to opt for the Mini Visual Boost radio - that adds about $1,000 to the price.
The turbo S model is quick and the six-speed manual transmission makes the most of that engine. Handling is decent and very sporty compared to other compact SUVs. Mini says they made all 2011 models quieter but there's still a good deal of road noise on coarse pavement.
Mini’s new Countryman starts at $22,350. The turbocharged Cooper S Countryman is $25,950 and the all-wheel drive Cooper S Countryman All4 starts at $27,650 including destination charge.
Just as Apple reshaped our world on music and cool gadgets, Tesla Motors will do the same for the automotive industry. This is definitely a company to watch. Tesla is named for electrical engineer and physicist Nikola Tesla.
What makes its cars disruptively innovative? Tesla's electric cars use energy efficiently, don't pollute, and will help eliminate dependence on oil.
Tesla vehicles liberate their owners from the petroleum-burning paradigm and associated inconveniences. The idea of time-consuming and costly detours to the gas station, routine oil changes, and frequent maintenance quickly becomes rather "last century." Owners drive their Roadsters all day long - to work, to errand, and on joy rides; at the end of the day, they simply return home and plug in. While the car quietly charges, the owners enjoy their evening, and wake up to a fresh, fully-charged car each morning.
Doesn't that sound like a winning formula towards a sustainable, solar electric global economy?
Learn more about the future of automobiles here. Executive bios here. Toyota involvement here. Yes, there's been a recall (single incident/single car), but that's hiccup in the grand scheme of things.
Before You Go Car Shopping Talk To The Award Winning New Car Dealer That Has Done That Gig On A Daily Basis. You will be amazed! "KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!"
Harry will teach you to be the Hammmer and not the Nailed when buying that next vehicle!
It's evident that George has attended Harry's "Car Buyers Sales Meeting" often!
CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING CALL HARRY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...USA TOLL-FREE: 1-877-958-5850 HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com
With a $1.28-million grant from the state Community Economic Revitalization Board, WSU Spokane will host two export readiness centers; one will be in the Seattle area, the second will likely be in the Sirti building, at the Riverpoint Campus. The grant runs for two years.
