• Get Bonded
  Lots of small service and construction businesses need a surety bond to be able to attract contracts from the public as well as the private sector. And the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can help with its Surety Bond Guarantee Program.
  

• Alert Yourself
  Keeping up with the competition isn’t always easy. But, Google can help. With Google Alerts, you can get notified every time a competitor’s name appears in a news item or on a blog.
  
  

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

• Recall Advantage
  Small retailers might be able to use the recent product recalls to their advantage. Many consumers are now trying to avoid foreign-made products and are actively looking for products made in the U.S.

• Referral Lead
  A good client refers you to another business associate. So how do make the most of that first referral call?

GET CONNECTED TAXES
Savvy strategies to help reduce your taxes

• Just Around The Corner
  Small-business employers will face a pile of tax reports come January. But Business.gov makes finding and filing tax forms easier.

• Tax Benefits
  There are tax benefits in the form of credits and deductions for businesses that accommodate the disabled. Find out what they include.

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

• Hiring Employees
  If you’re ready to hire your first employee, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) has some words of wisdom to offer.

• Business Conversation for Sales and Service
  Conversation is both skill and art. Effective conversation contributes to loyalty and helps you build common ground with colleagues, customers and suppliers. In this one-day workshop, you’ll learn how to develop a repertoire of topics, make skillful transitions and develop confidence.

GET CONNECTED TRAINING
Know-how you need to succeed

• Conference To-Dos
  The next time you attend a business or industry conference, make the most of the occasion by following these three tips.

• Foreign Exchange
  Check your credit card fees before you take off on an international business trip.