Visa is helping small businesses with a new contest that will help a business owner with it’s toughest challenge with it’s new contest: The Business Breakthrough.
To enter, you need t write a 500 word or less essay on how you think your business can be more efficient in one of five categories: Marketing, Technology, Finance, Team Building and Organization.
One winner from each category will receive an in-person, in-depth business evaluation from an expert in that field, and $10,000 worth of prized customized for your business.
Go to http://www.businessbreakthrough.msn.com for more information.

A couple of weeks ago, I finished reading the 4- Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss.
Although I was planning on giving my thoughts on the book in 2008, I wanted to say that automating some business tasks can – and does – really make a difference to your bottom line.
Most small business owners skip over the crucial step of creating systems and processes. The most effective systems small business owners can put into place involve the elimination of unnecessary or duplicated tasks and the delegation to others of those tasks that don’t really merit an owner’s personal time and attention.
I …read more

The rising costs of health coverage is a big problem – especially for small businesses and startups. And it looks like it’s going to be one of the hot political issues for the presidential election.
I was just reading in the New York Times, that many small business lobbying groups are calling for universal health care, instead of the Democratic candidates proposed provide it or pay-into-a -fund idea.
Many small business can’t afford health insurance for themselve, let alone employees. And, according to a recent survey, only 23% of small business owners would support a play or pay health care proposal.
As …read more

Successful companies make public relations a priority. Whether selling direct, through distribution channels or via e-commerce, a successful company must achieve and maintain a strong market presence through a continuous and effective public relations program.
Here are some low-cost public relations strategies to help revolutionize small businesses and startups.1) Write articles. Articles don’t have to be long; they just need to be informative. Submitting online, as well as offline, provides a good chance to get your name in print at no cost.
2) Write press releases. Reporters everywhere are looking for stories, and a press release gives them the information to write …read more

We know the rising cost of energy is effecting small businesses and startups – just like everyone else. But for many small business owners, the price is just too high too pay – and they end up closing shop.
The US Senate recognized this and  has passed an energy bill, H.R. 6, that includes a handful of provisions addressing the small business community.
The measure would establish loans for small firms to invest in use of renewable sources of energy in their business. It also would enable small businesses conducting energy efficiency or renewable energy research and development to be given priority.
Although …read more

I was just reading about how the writer’s strike in Hollywood has rippling effects which reach to small businesses on both coasts.
In Karen E. Klein’s interview in Business Week, Consultant Mark Deo shares in detail how a major strike, like this one actually kills more small businesses than helps them grow.
What businesses will be effected? Caterers, couriers, document management, print shops, make up artists, hairstylists and more.
I don’t know about you, but I hadn’t thought about that…
But Deo does give some key advice at the end of this piece:
Well, it’s a little late for many of them, but they’d better …read more