• Homework
  Get the small-business training you need without ever leaving your desk. It’s easy with online courses from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

• Women In Business
  The number of women entrepreneurs is booming. The federal government offers programs that provide business assistance and procurement opportunities especially for businesses that are owned by minorities and women.
  
  

GET CONNECTED TIPS
Nifty ideas you can use to build a better business

• Tech No-No
  Got your eyes set on a new server or the latest software upgrade? Before you buy, run the numbers. If the technology you want can’t help you decrease costs or increase profits, why spend the money?

• Hot Button Marketing
  Every customer has a reason for buying from you. That reason is known as a hot button.

GET CONNECTED TAXES
Savvy strategies to help reduce your taxes

• Sole Prop Taxes
  In trying to clear up some of the tax confusion for sole proprietors, the IRS has released a fact sheet about deducting “other” business expenses on Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business. Although many common expenses are deducted on designated lines of Schedule C, some expenses may not fit into a particular category.

• The Tax Matrix
  Don’t know which tax forms your small business should file – or when? Turn to the IRS matrix Which Forms Must I File?

GET CONNECTED TO-DO
Trade shows, conferences, seminars and workshops to boost your business

• Business-to-Business Marketing Strategies
  This three-day seminar from the American Management Association International (AMA) provides techniques for developing and applying effective B2B marketing strategies to create a competitive advantage. You’ll learn about building profitable long-term customer relationships, creating value-based pricing strategies and more.

• Bargaining With Vendors And Suppliers
  In this one-day workshop from Padgett-Thompson Seminars, you’ll learn practical bargaining skills that will help you come out of every negotiation a winner. Build solid skills that help you end negotiation stalemates, get the best deal for your money and more.

GET CONNECTED TRAINING
Know-how you need to succeed

• Trade Show Schmoozing
  The trade show floor isn’t the only place to meet hot prospects. The next time you go to a trade show or convention, look for folks who are wearing their show badges, then strike up a conversation. Check out these four places for meeting people.

• Make Testimonials Pop
  You use client testimonials on your Web site and in your marketing materials, right? Here are five ways you can make them stand out – online or in print.