Does the daily grind of running a small business leave you feeling like you need a little inspiration? Here is a star-studded line-up of the most influential celebrities in business. Some of these pop icons basking in the limelight have used their personalities and business acumen to become successful business tycoons; others are savvy entrepreneurs who […]
Author Archives: Gary Barzel
Where Does Obama Stand? A Small Business Primer
In about two months, the responsibility of running our country will be put into the hands of President-Elect Barack Obama. For me, as a small business owner, the thought of a new administration in the White House automatically conjures up a funny mixture of hope, anxiety, and nervous anticipation. Rarely in history has a new […]
The Worst Mistakes to Make When Applying for a Bank Loan
At a time when the American economy is reeling from the effects of unfettered credit card debt, housing foreclosures, and price increases on everything from a gallon of gas to a can of tuna, bank loans are fast becoming a shrinking commodity. According to a recent Federal Reserve survey, the banking world is responding to […]
Going Green Today… A Different Kind of Environmental Impact
In recent months, the demand for organic products may have dropped, but it should not be taken as a sign that the “go-green” movement has met its demise. Expect a transformation instead. Whether you subscribe to the drive for all things organic and sustainable, are unabashedly opposed to it, or fall somewhere in between, there […]
Bucking the Trend: Who is Thriving in the Credit Crisis?
With concern growing over the health of the global economy, many consumers and businesses alike are doing whatever they can to ride out the impending storm- and that can spell growth and financial opportunity for those who can capitalize on it. So which sectors should still thrive in the current credit crisis?… Financial consulting and […]
Does Palin Help or Hurt the Image of Working Mothers?
The recent announcement of Sarah Palin to the Republican ticket has spawned much discussion and debate about the ability of working women to balance motherhood with careerism. Women traditionally have felt and still feel that they need to change themselves in order to succeed in the working world. And there is much disagreement over the […]
Sensitivity In the Workplace: Funny Business Comic
Sensitivity in the workplace is an important issue for many large companies and small businesses. The wrong words, actions or discourse can result in a dysfunctional working environment, human resource nightmare or a dangerous legal matter. Workplace sensitivity training is becoming common practice for most businesses. Obviously some of those exposed to the training are […]
Step 1 to Effective Disaster Planning: Don’t Learn from the Government
No matter where you turn these days, you will get the message that the state of the economy is hanging in a critical balance. Many recognize that the problems engulfing the U.S. financial system have reached the level of crisis- not only does the situation need to be fixed, but it must be done quickly. […]
Video Conferencing Etiquette: Practical Guidelines and Tips
With the cost of business travel soaring ever upward, video conferencing has become a practical and popular alternative to face-to-face meetings. But even if you are not meeting in person, you should not leave your etiquette behind. Here are a few guidelines and tips on making the most of your video conferencing. Plan Ahead: Check […]
An Obama Presidency = A Headache for Small Businesses?
[image source: Anthony Baker] With a sputtering economy and an uncertain future, issues such as tax reform, health insurance, and worker’s benefits are weighing heavy on the minds of entrepreneurs and small business owners. For many, how the candidates for the US Presidency stand on these issues alone can be the deciding factor come voting […]