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Small business by Beth Pratt
Beth Pratt is the director of the Napa Valley College Small Business Development Center.
November 15th, 2009
A gift for merchantsIt’s not too late to increase your holiday cash flow. Whether you are operating retail or service establishment, gift cards and certificates can make the difference between a fat bank account and a flat one at the end of the year.
November 1st, 2009
Holiday shopping starts nowWhat could be more frightening than Halloween being over? Answer: The mega-holiday season that is already here.
October 18th, 2009
Marketing on-lineSmall business owners, professionals and non-profit managers are missing an opportunity if they don’t focus some of their marketing resources online.
October 4th, 2009
It takes youth to build a businessLast December, 26 high school and college students took the stage to present their power point business plans to judges, teachers, sponsors, advisors, family and friends.
September 20th, 2009
Working smart, not just hardDuring these complicated times, it’s easy to lose track of our goals. Often, we seem to be constantly buried or in the routine of plowing ahead and working hard. This column is a reminder to remember to work smart and pace yourself.
September 6th, 2009
Give your business a boostIf you are a business owner struggling to break even, you may want to consider an opportunity to give your business a solid boost.
August 23rd, 2009
Business.govWouldn’t it be fabulous to have accurate business information at the touch of a finger? In 2003, businesses and residents spent about 8.2 billion hours and $320 billion filling out paperwork and complying with government regulations, according to 2007 report by the Small Business Paperwork Relief Task Force.
July 26th, 2009
Starting a side businessDuring an economic downturn, many of us are looking at ways to lower costs and/or make more money. One solution for some professionals and workers is to consider launching a side business.
July 15th, 2009
Inspirational entrepreneursIn a time when most business owners are tightening their belts, it is often hard to stay positive and optimistic.
July 12th, 2009
Inspirational entrepreneursIn a time when most business owners are tightening their belts, it is often hard to stay positive and optimistic. A couple of weeks ago, I experienced more inspiration and hopefulness for the future of small business when I spoke to the young entrepreneurs attending the Napa Valley College second annual Business Boot Camp.
June 28th, 2009
Balancing work, lifeOne of the biggest challenges business owners and working parents have is balancing work and life. It is important to find strategies to cope with the overabundance of work and life. Here are six strategies to use.
June 14th, 2009
Hiring, laying off your first employeeHiring your first employee can be overwhelming, almost as overwhelming as laying off an employee. Many small business owners don’t know where to begin and what they must cover to avoid potential legal and financial liabilities. Most of the critical steps are listed below, but I would encourage all businesses owners when hiring or downsizing to be aware of the risks.
May 31st, 2009
Social media marketingDo you ‘Tweet’? It sounds like a pick up line. However, the new tools of social media marketing like Twitter, Facebook, Linked-in and the rest are more than just a passing fad.
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