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Mother's Day Shoppers Spending Despite Current Economic Climate

Danita Blackwood — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:02:00 GMT

Rising fuel prices may be pushing more consumers to buy online. In fact, according to e-mail marketing company, Constant Contact's 3rd Annual Small Business Mother's Day Outlook survey 63% of the over one thousand small firms surveyed expects an increase in online purchases this year.

E-mail may play a key role in Mother's Day marketing this year, as 88% of small business owners that plan to market for the holiday plan to use e-mail to do so, according to Constant Contact. Gail Goodman, CEO of Constant Contact is not surprised so many entrepreneurs are reaching out to shoppers; "Small businesses' best opportunity to drive new business is actually to stay in touch with their very best audience, their current customers using tools like emailing marketing. What we see small businesses doing is sending out reminders, gift suggestions, promotional offers."

Mother's Day shoppers have small business owners cautiously optimistic despite the current economic climate. Fifty-five percent of the business owners surveyed are looking for a strong Mother's Day and 44% expect their sales to be higher this year than in the previous year. Among other respondents, 34% anticipate sales to remain the same as last year and 22% expect sales to be lower.

Typical gifts will dominate for Mom this year according to the Constant Contact research, as flowers lead as the most anticipated gift to be sold. Thirty-seven percent of retailers expect flowers to be the most popular gift, followed by a meal at a restaurant, which 25% of retailers expect. A salon/spa appointment, jewelry and clothing are also popular gifts. Most consumers spend $25-$75 on a gift, according to the Constant Contact survey.

The full results of the survey are available online: http://img.constantcontact.com/docs/pdf/Mothers_day_survey_FINAL.pdf

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

Susan Wilson Solovic — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:15:00 GMT

Monday, May 12, 2008 is an important day for millions of Americans, because it is a day set aside to call attention to what has been a misunderstood and almost invisible disorder: National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the muscles and joints. The pain is often accompanied by sleep disorders and chronic fatigue. I can best compare it to symptoms of the flu, when your entire body aches and the hurt won't stop no matter what you do to try and get comfort. I know the symptoms well because I am among the estimated 6 million people in the U.S. living with Fibromyalgia.

If you look at me, or my travel schedule, you would probably never guess I face a medical challenge everyday. However, the debilitating effects of Fibromyalgia is something all of us as business owners, employers, co-workers, friends and family members need to be more aware of in order to keep FM patients from dropping out of the workforce or isolating themselves from society. That's why SBTV.com is producing a Fibromyalgia Awareness series consisting of video programs, podcasts, blogs and articles.

There are other activities around National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, including a walk/run and 10k run in Orange County, California on Saturday, May 10, 2008. This event is an opportunity for people with Fibromyalgia and their supporters to gather together to show solidarity, celebrate their successes, and raise public awareness. The walk is being sponsored by the National Fibromyalgia Association and the organization is inviting individuals across the nation to support the cause without attending Saturday's event by becoming a virtual walker! All virtual walkers will have their name prominently displayed on a large poster at the event and will also receive a walk t-shirt in exchange for their donation of $35. You may register online.

If you are not able to take part in a local Fibromyalgia Awareness Day event in your area, I hope you will participate in SBTV.com's blogs and discussion groups. Fibromyalgia is serious and to date there is no cure. But awareness and accommodations in the workplace can make a big difference for those living with Fibromyalgia.

How Is Your Handshake?

Danita Blackwood — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:28:00 GMT

The handshake is an important tool for entrepreneurs in making deals. And one researcher has been working to measure the importance of a good handshake in job interviews. New research by University of Iowa business professor Greg Stewart confirms that a firm, solid handshake is an important part of a successful job interview, while a dead fish can end the interview before it even begins.

More important, in fact, than dress or physical appearance, the handshake seems to be a trigger that sets off an interviewer's overall impression of a person.

"We've always heard that interviewers make up their mind about a person in the first two or three minutes of an interview, no matter how long the interview lasts," said Stewart, associate professor of management and organizations in the Tippie College of Business. "We found that the first impression begins with a handshake that sets the tone for the rest of the interview."

The study, to be published later this year, marks the first time researchers have quantified the importance of a good handshake in the job interview process. The research was conducted with 98 students in the Tippie College of Business who were participating in mock job interviews with representatives from Iowa City-area businesses. The students also met at various times during their interviews with five trained handshake raters who subtly introduced themselves and shook hands, but otherwise did not participate in the interviews.

The handshake raters scored each student on his or her handshake, while the interviewers graded each student's overall performance and hireability. The two group's scores were then compared. Stewart said the researchers found that those students who scored high with the handshake raters were also considered to be the most hireable by the interviewers.

Why is the handshake important? Stewart suspects it's because a handshake is one of the few things that provides a glimpse into the person's individuality during the first few minutes of an interview. "Job seekers are trained how to act in a job interview, how to talk, how to dress, how to answer questions, so we all look and act alike to varying degrees because we've all been told the same things," he said. "But the handshake is something that's perhaps more individual and subtle, so it may communicate something that dress or physical appearance doesn't."

Generally, he said students who scored high on the handshake were seen as having more extroverted personalities, so they scored better with the interviewers because of greater ease with small talk, eye contact and other social skills. But those whose handshakes were weak and wimpy generally seemed to have less gregarious personalities and were less impressive to the interviewers.

Stewart said the elements of a good handshake were a firm, complete grip, eye contact and vigorous up-and-down movement. "A lot of what they teach in books about how to get a job," he said. This may work against women, however, because their grips tend to be not as strong. Nevertheless, Stewart said that other research has shown that women are frequently stronger in other nonverbal communication skills that seemed to offset their less brawny grips.

And women who did have a strong handshake seemed to have an advantage over men. "Those women seemed to be more memorable than men who had an equally strong handshake," he said. "A really good handshake made a bigger impact on the outcome of the interview for the women than it did for the men."

Stewart's paper, co-authored with UI Ph.D. students Susan Dustin and Todd Darnold, as well as former UI professor Murray Barrick who is now at Texas A&M University, will appear in September in the Journal of Applied Psychology.

Pain at the Pump Felt By Small Business Workforce

Danita Blackwood — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:33:00 GMT

Rising gas prices are impacting small firms in many ways, including productivity of employees. More pain at the pump results in more employee stress on the job, says Wayne Hochwarter, the Jim Moran Professor of Management at Florida State University's College of Business.

"People concerned with the effects of gas prices were significantly less attentive on the job, less excited about going to work, less passionate and conscientious and more tense," Hochwarter said. "These people also reported more ‘blues' on the job. Employees were simply unable to detach themselves from the stress caused by escalating gas prices as they walked through the doors at work."

Hochwarter gleaned the information by surveying more than 800 full-time employees this spring when gas prices hovered at about $3.50 per gallon. All of the people surveyed work in a wide range of occupations, primarily in the southeastern United States. All drove personal transportation to work and had an average commute of 15 miles each way.

Survey respondents said gas prices were foremost on their mind, including a disgruntled factory worker who wrote, "I spend more time at work trying to figure out what I need to give up to keep gas in my tank than thinking about how to do my job."

Hochwarter's research will be submitted for publication later this summer. Among his findings:

*52 percent have reconsidered taking vacations or other recreational activities;

*45 percent have had to cut back on debt-reduction payments, such as credit card payments;

*Nearly 30 percent considered the consequences of going without basics including food, clothing and medicine;

*45 percent report that the escalating gas prices have "caused them to fall behind financially";

*39 percent agreed with the statement "Gas prices have decreased my standard of living"; and

*About 33 percent -- or one in three -- said they would quit their job for a comparable one nearer to home.

Hochwarter's discussions with employees confirm the study's results. Many employees report that gas prices rank as the No. 1 water-cooler discussion topic, ahead of family, sports or work, he said. He found little difference in responses among different ages, gender, work tenure and occupations.

As gas prices rise, so does the stress. Consider the words of Sandy, a medical records clerk: "The more it goes up, the more behind I get. If gas goes up to $5 or $6 a gallon, I just don't know what I'll do."

"Several employees said they simply could not escape the media onslaught of bad news regarding the future of gas prices, and many reported their financial futures were looking bleaker and bleaker," Hochwarter said.

Employers & Language Limitations

Danita Blackwood — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:05:00 GMT

As foreign-born workers make up a larger share of the U.S. workforce, more employers will be dealing with language limitations. But a new survey by The Conference Board finds that a majority of employers are doing very little to overcome this challenge.

"The future for many U.S. based companies appears flush with potential employees lacking English language skills," says Chris Woock, author of the report. "Whether and how companies choose to accommodate these workers could have significant impacts on the sustainability of success. Latest evidence suggests companies could do well to recruit and hire the best available talent, irrespective of their language limitations, and invest in language training."

Foreign-born Americans comprise more than 10 percent of the population, and roughly 15 percent of the labor force, and half of net labor force increases. More than 50 percent of foreign-born workers are from Latin America. One-quarter are from Asia. Assuming current immigration levels continue, immigrants will account for about half of the growth in America's working age population between now and 2015, and will account for most of the growth through 2025.

U.S. Census data show that fewer than one in four Mexican-born immigrants speak English well, while only about 40 percent of other Hispanic, Asian, and European (non English-speaking countries) immigrants speak English. With nearly half of all non-English speaking immigrants to the U.S. self-reporting as unable to speak English well, language is proving to be a major barrier to upward mobility.

The Changing Face of the American Entrepreneur

Danita Blackwood — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:35:00 GMT

Are fewer women working to launch their own enterprise? A recent study by the Kauffman Foundation finds the percentage of women starting a business last year fell to the lowest level in a dozen years!

The entrepreneurial activity rate for women fell from 0.23 percent in 2006 to 0.20 percent in 2007, according to the study, which is based on data collected by the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some observers speculate the credit crunch and lending crisis may be discouraging some women from launching a business.

Entrepreneurial activity for men, by contrast, increased from a rate of 0.35 percent in 2006 to 0.41 percent in 2007. That means men were twice as likely as women to start a business in the Kauffman analysis.

There is an increase in the overall growth of entrepreneurship in the new analysis. In fact, the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, the only annual study to measure business startup activity for the entire United States adult population at the individual owner level, 495,000 new businesses per month were started in 2007.

Overall, 0.30 percent of the U.S. population in the 20-64 age bracket was involved in business startup activity - 300 per 100,000 adults. That's a slight increase from 0.29 percent in 2006.

Healthy Choices - Healthy Business Mind

DawnA — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:29:00 GMT

The fact is that we are living longer lives than our forefathers and mothers. However, that does not mean that our lives are healthier with the advances in medicine, we are able to live with diseases and illnesses that can lengthen our time giving us a longer life. Have you said to yourself that you have to improve your health? Do you procrastinate in keeping your word to eat right? Exercise more?

Life is filled with challenges. As a business woman or man the challenges are consistently before you. What do you do when you are overwhelmed with the stresses of making decisions, dealing with various immediate sensitive issues, etc.? Do you grab a drink? You know that alcohol affects every organ in the body? Only a small amount of alcohol can be metabolized by the enzymes in the liver - that means that the alcohol has no choice but to circulate througout the body. Red wine is recommended with one glass a day for women and two for men to help in the prevention of heart attacks. There have also been reports that claims that red wine also helps to prevent cancer. The red wine is rich in phytochemicals which acts as antioxidants and it possibly prevents cancer. However, with all things do so in moderation the fact is drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is linked to many types of cancer.

How about your eating habits? Do you eat out or order take out often? It sure is more convenient to grab something quick to eat but at what cost? What are the long term consequences? Will it be worth it? You have choices - they may not be the most appealing meals but how about a salad, steamed vegetables and fish? What I am suggesting is that you make a healthier choice every now and again. You can begin today - have a yogurt as a snack. Drink a glass of water or two when you think of drinking soda. I know when you want soda - you have a taste for soda not water. Well, how about mixing it up - have water when you are thirsty rather than drink soda. When you go to a restaurant have the water, drink it. Start making smalls changes you will soon notice that you can have your cake and eat it too - in moderation.

A healthy body gives you great confidence and with that amazing business mind that you have, you will be beside yourself with glee. You will be even sharper than you ever imagined and your life will be longer and healthier than ever.

Now is the best time to take charge of our Health!

Cell Phones & Wireless Devices Replacing Paper Boarding Passes for Some Business Travelers

Danita Blackwood — Sat, 03 May 2008 05:15:00 GMT

Tech-savvy business travelers at a growing number of airports are skipping printing out a boarding pass and using their mobile device or cell phone to board their flight.

Continental Airlines is testing a program to allow passengers with a cell phone or mobile device equipped to receive e-mails and open Web pages to choose to get an electronic version of the boarding pass when checking in online. The traveler receives an e-mail with a link to a Web page showing the flight information and bar code to allow the passenger to board the plane.

The airline began testing the mobile device boarding system last year and the pilot program has grown to include Houston, Boston, Newark International Airport and Reagan Washington National Airport. Currently the mobile boarding pass option is only available to travelers who are leaving these airports for another domestic destination and are the sole passengers on their reservations.

At the first airport to use mobile device boarding passes, Houston, between 500 to 600 Continental passengers a day are reaching for their cell phones or wireless device to board the plane. Many business travelers don't have a printer available to print out a boarding pass and having the mobile option reduces the number of passengers lining up at the ticket counter or self-serve kiosks to get boarding passes.

Thirty Seconds Can Turn Into Thousands of Dollars & Maximum Exposure for Your Business

Danita Blackwood — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:05:00 GMT

Want to show the world the great things your business is doing?

If you are reading this blog, you have probably already discovered one of the best ways to tell other entrepreneurs about your business: SBTV.com's free online business center. It is an online community or network of small business owners, the self-employed and aspiring entrepreneurs. Free resources and connections like this can make a big difference in slow economic times for a growing small business.

There is another way to get the word out about your enterprise: make a movie. Yes, I am serious; a short film on how your business works for your community could be your ticket to fame, fortune and the nation's capital! One of SBTV.com's partner organizations, the National Federation of Independent Business or NFIB, is holding a new contest. The NFIB competition is a video contest on how "Small Business Works for America" and it could pay off in $5,000, a trip to Washington, and great publicity for your enterprise.

Video artists simply need to create a 30-second clip that answers the question "Why does small business work for America?" and submit the video to NFIB. After an initial review, entries will be posted on the NFIB YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/NFIBContest where viewers can rate them. A panel of judges will use those ratings to select semifinalists and an overall winner, who will receive a $5,000 cash award and a trip for two to Washington, D.C., including a stay at the Grand Hyatt Hotel for the 2008 National Small Business Summit June 8 - 11.

There is still plenty of time to get the camera out and create your video clip. Entries will be accepted up to May 15. Details for participating in the "Small Business Works for America" contest are at http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36708.html

The Week's Report..........

DawnA — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:25:00 GMT

I write to hold myself accountable to my thoughts, ideas, goals..........

The results are in and I am prepared to share them with you. I have great news - the goal was to get three clients and I was able to get two. Yes, I was successful.

I addressed the legislators at the Public Hearing for Access to Health Care. It was a rewarding experience as at the end of the meeting, a prospective client approached me. I have a meeting set up to discuss further.

In addition, I had two meetings set this week one at the Mayors Office to meet with one of the staff members to address the health initiatives and research projects that are geared toward reaching the residents of the community. The other meeting is to reach out to the medical staff members that are parishioners to work out a plan of getting members of the churches to participate in healthy choices and health promotional events. Both meetings went very well, we have to overcome some barriers which we are prepared to deal with other alternative methods.

The debut of my Health & Wellness show aired live on this past Saturday and it will be live on Saturdays at 11 am. It was off to a beginners start and I am very excited about it as we will be having a great time with addressing topics that will promote healthy life choices.

In addition, I finally joined the myspace site. A site that I thought was quite annoying as my girls would spend what would seem like an eternity on this site. I would have to tell them to get off and do something smart like read a book or at least use the computer to research something intelligent.

Now to think that I am a part of the myspace site is hilarious........ I did explain to my girls that it was for business purposes and that I will not be entertaining friend requests from them or their friends. I just pray that I do not become consumed with the myspace hype. On the other hand, I hope it does not become a place where I forget to check in and update as needed. I am a hands on person - not a micro manager - I just like to ensure that my work is representative of me.

Now here it is Friday the weekend is upon us yet again and I have a lot of work to do........... I am enjoying this journey - it's not all easy but it is certainly a great work in progress.

Ring Around the Collar as an Economic Indicator

Danita Blackwood — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:15:00 GMT

You won't find this economic indicator being debated on the news, but dry cleaners across the nation know the economic situation is growing darker: deeper rings around the necks and cuffs of the clothes being brought in by customers. The economy really stinks for neighborhood dry cleaners in a number of ways. Consumers are looking to stretch their dollar and going wearing clothing longer before bringing it in to be cleaned. It costs dry cleaners more to clean the garments with more stains and odor because it takes more chemicals and energy to get them clean.

If dirtier clothes and fewer clients are not enough for the local dry cleaner, most are dealing with higher prices for cleaning chemicals, plastic bags, and energy because of the rising price of fuel.

There is also a shortage of wire hangers in some parts of the country. The U.S. Department of Commerce placed a tariff on wire hangers imported from China. Many cleaners are now asking customers to return hangers because in some cases, the prices for basic hanger have doubled!

So, if you want to know how the economy in your area is doing, your neighborhood mom-and-pop dry cleaning establishment might be your best indicator.

Women's Entrepreneurship Matters - New Report Shows Just How Much!

Danita Blackwood — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:02:00 GMT

I personally know women’s entrepreneurship matters; I am in the employ of an amazing woman business owner who has dedicated much of her time to helping women succeed. SBTV.com not only has an entire channel dedicated to women in business, but works in many other platforms to help women succeed. Now there is a new study that measures just how much women’s entrepreneurship matters.Women are creating and running businesses around the world, contributing to economies that represent more than 70% of the world’s population and 93% of global GDP (2007). Women’s entrepreneurship is a key contributor to economic growth in low/middle income countries, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean according to The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2007 Report on Women and Entrepreneurship released today by The Center for Women’s Leadership at Babson College.

View the report at: http://www.gemconsortium.org/about.aspx?page=special_topic_women

A gender gap persists—both significant and systematic—in new venture creation and business ownership. The gender difference is more obvious in high-income countries but exists throughout all regions, with Europe and Asia showing a greater gap than Latin America and the Caribbean.GEM data suggests that women who are employed and have built a social network of entrepreneurs are more likely to become entrepreneurs. The social and economic benefits of working are driving women’s entrepreneurship more than increased education or household income.Women’s level of optimism and self-confidence in starting a business is highly influenced by the culture and social norms of their native countries. Women entrepreneurs have less fear of failure than women who are not involved in entrepreneurial activity; yet they express a greater fear of business failure than men starting businesses.“Women’s entrepreneurship varies widely across the globe,” says Babson Professor Elaine I. Allen, principal researcher of the study, “It’s a surprise that developing countries in Eastern Europe have low rates of women’s entrepreneurship, closely resembling their highly developed European neighbors, while the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have rates of women’s entrepreneurship two and three times higher.”The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2007 Report on Women and Entrepreneurship, based on data collected through the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association (GERA), directed by Babson College, and is a comprehensive and up-to-date study of the role played by women in entrepreneurial activity across the world economy.Key Findings in 2007This year GEM grouped countries into two, low/middle-income groups, Europe/Asia and Latin America/ Caribbean; and one high-income group. GEM 2007 found that countries with similar levels of per capita GDP tend to exhibit broadly similar patterns of entrepreneurial activity. On average, low/middle-income countries have modest per capita income and faster-growing economies compared to high-income countries. Regardless of gender, entrepreneurial activity is higher in both of the low/middle-income groups; and significantly higher in Latin America and the Caribbean. This group also showed the highest rates of female early-stage entrepreneurial activity.In all three country income groups, a gender gap exists for both early-stage entrepreneurship and established business ownership. This gap is greatest in high-income countries where men are almost twice as likely to be early-stage or established business owners. Only in Japan and Peru in 2007 are women more active in starting a business than men.The gender gap narrows in Latin America and the Caribbean where early-stage entrepreneurship is 24.0%, widening to 47.1 % for established business owners.
Early-stage entrepreneurs in high-income countries are more likely to become established entrepreneurs than those in both low/middle-income groups. And in high-income countries, there is no gender difference in the survival rate of women’s businesses versus those of men. In stark contrast, women entrepreneurs in low/middle income countries are less likely than their male counterparts to keep their businesses thriving beyond 42 months.Motivations and Business OutcomeThe rate of opportunity (as opposed to necessity) entrepreneurs differs significantly by gender in all country groups. Globally, the rate of male opportunity entrepreneurship is higher than that of women.By contrast, there is no gender gap with respect to necessity entrepreneurs. Regardless of country group, no significant difference by gender is apparent in the rate of necessity entrepreneurship. For Latin America and the Caribbean, the rate of female necessity exceeds that of males.The industrial focus of women’s businesses—extraction, transformation, business services, and consumer-oriented products—differs somewhat from that of male counterparts with a significantly higher percentage of women’s businesses in the consumer-oriented sector. Latin America and the Caribbean countries show the highest level of women in the consumer industry. Characteristics of Women EntrepreneursAge distribution pattern of men and women entrepreneurs is similar regardless of stage of entrepreneurship or country context. In low and middle-income countries, women become early-stage entrepreneurs between the ages of 25-34, and established between the ages of 35-44. These age spans broaden in high-income countries; early-stage women are 25-44 and established 35-54 years old.Regardless of gender or country group, employment matters to entrepreneurial activity. The likelihood of being involved in entrepreneurial activity is three to four times higher for women who are employed in a wage job (whether full or part time) compared to women who are not working, are retired, or are students. This suggests that working provides access to resources, social capital, and ideas that may aide in establishing an entrepreneurial venture.On average, women entrepreneurs in high-income countries are better educated than those in low/middle income countries. But surprisingly, in all country groups, the level of educational attainment is not consistently higher for women who are established business owners. In fact, the level of education is the same or higher for early-stage entrepreneurs compared with established business owners. GEM findings suggest that this new pattern may indicate a generally higher level of education for women in all countries.Women and men in households with the highest incomes are more likely to be involved in early-stage entrepreneurial activity. But early-stage activity is four times higher among women in Latin America and the Caribbean than women in high-income countries, regardless of income level. In every GEM nation, women tend to be less optimistic and self-confident than men about starting a business. But once involved in entrepreneurial activity, women’s confidence builds, and they are more likely to know other entrepreneurs, and exploit viable opportunities just like their male counterparts.Fear of failure is also higher for women in all country groups compared to their male counterparts. Women in Europe and Asia low/middle income countries had the highest fear of failure rates (40.3%) compared to women in Latin America and the Caribbean (34.2%), and women in high-income countries (27.1%). GEM suggests that rise in fear of failure may be linked to the necessity-driven perception of fewer job options.Implications for PolicyGEM 2007 points to the need for customized or targeted policies to accommodate the diversity of circumstances among GEM nations. Research and policy must be focused on how to effectively change the business environment and social institutions to support women through employment, access to social and financial capital, and by raising self-confidence.
About GEMGEM is a major research project aimed at describing and analyzing entrepreneurial processes within a wide range of countries. In particular, GEM focuses on three main objectives:• To measure differences in the level of entrepreneurial activity between countries
• To uncover factors determining the levels of entrepreneurial activity
• To identify policies that may enhance the level of entrepreneurial activity Since its inception in 1999, GEM’s major activity has been the creation of a large data set and the construction of harmonized measures of entrepreneurial activity. The data used in the report comes from the 2007 GEM adult population surveys, and from standardized cross-national data obtained from sources such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations. The 2006 GEM adult population surveys were conducted by telephone or face to face, and were designed to yield a representative sample of the population within each country. The GEM data set for 2007 includes responses from 145,248 individuals, 49.9% of whom were women. The 41 GEM countries participating in the GEM 2007 Report on Women and Entrepreneurship were divided into two country groups (low/middle-income and high-income) based on their per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP growth rate. Nineteen countries comprise the low/middle-income country group. They are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia. Croatia, Dominican Republic, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Peru, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay and Venezuela. The high-income country group is comprised of 22 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. For each country, data are weighted by gender, age, and in some cases geographical distribution in order to adjust the sample to each population.Detailed information on GEM data collection methodology can be found in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2006 Data Assessment available through the GEM Consortium Web site at http://www.gemconsortium.org.

Gas Prices Taking Fun & Profits Out of Summer As Vacation Plans hit 30 Year Low!

Danita Blackwood — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:11:00 GMT

The number of Americans making plans to take a vacation over the next six months has fallen to a 30-year low according to a leading business membership and research organization, The Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Survey is based on a scientific, representative sample of five thousand U.S. households and found consumers ‘ inflation expectations now match the all-time high reached in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Consumers' assessment of current conditions weakened further in April. Consumers claiming business conditions are "bad" increased to 26.7 percent from 25.5 percent, while those claiming business conditions are "good" was virtually unchanged at 15.3 percent versus 15.6 last month. Consumers' appraisal of the labor market was also more negative than last month. The percentage of consumers saying jobs are "hard to get" rose to 27.9 percent from 24.5 percent, while those claiming jobs are "plentiful" declined to 16.6 percent from 19.2 percent.

You can learn more about the newest Consumer Confidence Survey results from the April, 2008 report by clicking here.

A Joyous Day

shergraham — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:38:00 GMT

Today is a joyous day. It is so good to realize that the universe works with you when you allow t to do so, It's been too many years since I stopped writing for me. Now, the time has come to return to my blog and write for me.

I am happy and joyous and know that all is well in the world. Although there are still challenges to resolve and plans to make, it is time for renewal, This has been a week of learning for me and the beginning of what I love to do - share what I know with others and inspire them with knowledge to go and do.

This is short as I must get back to the organizational plan for a client. Enjoy this day.

Sherrie

Fibromyalgia: A Chronic Pain Concern

Danita Blackwood — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:03:00 GMT

Are you tired, but have problems sleeping? Do you suffer pain in your muscles but can't figure out what the problem is? You may be suffering from Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is estimated to impact about five percent of the U.S. adult population. Even with millions of people impacted, diagnosis is not easy because of the complex nature of the condition. It is estimated to take an average of five years for a person living with Fibromyalgia to get an accurate diagnosis.

SBTV.com is producing ground-breaking programming surrounding Fibromyalgia and the impact on the U.S. workforce. SBTV.com has launched a multi-week series of articles, interviews, streaming video segments, podcasts and radio shows examining the many facets of Fibromyalgia on the job. The first component in this special coverage is an interview with one of the nation's leading advocates for those who work and live with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Kristin Thorson joins SBTV.com CEO Susan Wilson Solovic for an exclusive, in-depth discussion of this often misunderstood condition. Thorson is president and founder of both the Fibromyalgia Network and the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association. The free podcast is titled "The Impact of Fibromyalgia Syndrome on the Workforce".

Tomorrow, Thursday, May 1^st 2008, at Noon ET, the Society for Women's Health Research will host a live online moderated discussion with Patrick B. Wood, M.D., a leading researcher working to improve understanding and treatment of Fibromyalgia. You can take part in the discussion or submit questions in advance at this website: http://live.womenshealthresearch.org/

Cost of Insurance Far Outpaces Income

Danita Blackwood — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:44:00 GMT

Small business owners have been challenged for years keeping up with the rising cost of health care coverage. Now, more businesses of all sizes have employees who are working but are still unable to afford health care coverage. In fact, a new report just released as part of "Cover the Uninsured Week", a nonpartisan campaign to advocate for health coverage for all Americans indicates many of the nation's workforce cannot afford the health care they need.

Americans who get health insurance for their families through their jobs have seen their premiums increase 10 times faster than their income in recent years, according to a new analysis of government data. The study, released today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, shows that a growing share of workers' earnings is being absorbed by the increasing cost of health insurance.

Nationwide, the amount employees pay for family coverage increased 30 percent from 2001 to 2005, while family policyholders' income increased just 3 percent over the same period.

The analysis was conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota. It shows that the proportion of insurance premiums that workers pay for family coverage has remained constant over the years, but the dollar amount that workers contribute has substantially increased.

Nationally, the average cost of family coverage increased nearly $2,500-from $8,281 in 2001 to $10,728 in 2005. The percentage of family premiums that employees pay held steady at about 24 percent. The amount that workers pay for family premiums, on average, increased $664, from $1,921 in 2001 to $2,585 in 2005. Meanwhile, the median income of people who hold family health insurance policies increased just $1,250 during the same period, from $40,818 in 2001 to $42,068 in 2005. The average cost that employers pay for their share of family coverage increased from $6,360 to $8,143, or 28 percent, during the period.

"This study makes plain what every working parent knows-that providing insurance coverage takes a bigger bite from the family budget every year," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "There is a clear connection between the rising cost of health care and the increasing number of uninsured Americans. As costs continue to go up, fewer people can pay their portion of the premium, and fewer employers are able to offer insurance benefits. This research shows that an ever-increasing number of people will join America's uninsured unless our nation's leaders act to reform our health care system."

The findings show:

Fewer employees are working in private-sector jobs that offer insurance.
Nationally, 4.1 million fewer people worked in private-sector jobs that offered health insurance in 2005 than in 2001.
Fewer private-sector businesses offer coverage.
The number of private-sector employers nationwide who offered health insurance benefits to their employees fell by 30,000 from 2001 to 2005.
Fewer people have private health insurance coverage.
Americans with private health insurance fell nearly 2.4 million, or 6 percent, from 2001 to 2005.
More people are uninsured.
According to the latest Census figures, 47 million Americans do not have any health insurance.

The analysis was compiled by researchers at the State Health Access Data Assistance Center, located at the University of Minnesota. It uses the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau (two-year averages for 2001-2002 and 2006-2007) and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2000, 2001, 2005).

"Public opinion polls show that health care reform is a top concern among Americans, and policy-makers are responding with ideas," said Lavizzo-Mourey. "As these discussions continue, our leaders need to pledge to work together to find common ground policies to provide coverage to all Americans. This will require every interest being willing to give a little to find a solution that everyone can support. Real action involves tough choices, trade-offs and compromise-but we need action."

The report is being released during Cover the Uninsured Week, a nonpartisan campaign organized by RWJF to advocate for health coverage for all Americans. Now in its sixth year, Cover the Uninsured Week (April 27-May 3) has become the largest, nonpartisan mobilization in history seeking solutions for the 47 million Americans who are uninsured. Thousands of people will participate in hundreds of Cover the Uninsured Week community service and education events held across the nation.

Key Findings:

The amount workers pay for family coverage nationwide has increased by 30 percent from $8,281 in 2001 to $10,728 in 2005.
Employee income has increased by only 3 percent in the same time period.
The average cost employers pay for their share of family coverage has increased by 28 percent from $6,360 to $8,143.

Seventy-six percent of insured individuals in the United States receive health insurance from their own or a family member's employer. It follows that the more employees and employers have to pay for that insurance, the more likely workers are to join the ranks of the uninsured. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation stated in a press release, "This study makes plain what every working parent knows-that providing insurance coverage takes a bigger bite from the family budget every

Mastercraft Exteriors #1 Hail Damage Specialists

mastercraftexteriors — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:27:00 GMT

From Mastercraft Exteriors - Since 1996!

Recently our area was devastated by hail and damaging winds. Mastercraft Exteriors is here to help you and your family get the repairs that you need and deserve. We are Insurance Restoration Specialists, and have handled many insurance claim repairs for people just like you. We can help you with the entire insurance claim process from start to finish.

We know that selecting a company to repair and improve your home is an important and often difficult decision. Mastercraft Exteriors has helped people just like you since 1996! We are a family owned business who thrives in customer service and satisfaction.

Mastercraft Exteriors offers personal service from start to finish, from the first initial visit with our highly trained and professional field supervisors, to the final walk through of your home. Our company is committed to excellence and all of our work is backed by our workmanship warranty. We will work on your house as if it were our own home.

Whatever your needs are, you can trust your home to Mastercraft Exteriors. Call us today for your no-obligation free inspection! Mastercraft Exteriors ranked #1 in Roofing Repairs!

Rising Prices, Stress and Coping Help

Danita Blackwood — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:07:00 GMT

Record energy prices, rising unemployment while the value of real estate continues to slide; many of the current financial headlines may have some entrepreneurs worried about the economy. The cost of energy and many food basics now at record levels are not only stretching consumer's budgets; but those of millions of small enterprises.

Growing a small business is often stressful, but even more so as the economic forecast grows darker. One SBTV.com featured expert has some suggestions on how to use stress as a positive force in a small business. But continued stress can take a big toll on a small workplace.

Stressed entrepreneurs and their employees may be tempted to reach for junk food, skip meals to get more work done, and seek stress relief by drinking, smoking or skimping on sleep. This is really risky business because this common ways to deal with stressful times can put your health at even greater risk according to health professionals. Many entrepreneurs and their employees don't have adequate health care coverage because they can't afford it in these economic times. A major illness can be a critical crisis for a small business. Over fifty percent of personal bankruptcies today are related to medical debt.

Two respected medical experts who are contributors to SBTV.com offer seven steps to improve your health and well being. People under great stress release hormones and nerve chemicals that weaken the immune system, rendering them more susceptible to illness. That is why SBTV.com includes streaming video wellness segments, podcasts, articles and information from health professionals and experts to help small business owners stay healthy as they work to meet the challenges of growing their enterprise in these challenging times. SBTV.com is expanding our free coverage to help entrepreneurs work smart and stay healthy.

A Dozen Years of Bringing Women Around the World Together

Danita Blackwood — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:34:00 GMT

Long distances and language barriers are not discouraging some amazing women from heading to Greece later this week. Instead, it is an invitation to a conference that will literally reach around the globe.

The Euro-American Women's Council and its Coalition partners are hosting an incredible event, the 12^th Annual Global Forum in Greece. The event scheduled to begin May 2^nd and run through May 10^thwill bring more than 100 participants from all over the world and more than 200 top leaders from Greece.

It is an important business opportunity. Attendees will learn specifically how to make solid alliances and develop new prospects. These exciting global alliances are not the only reason business leaders are taking time from their respective enterprises to attend. Through EAWC, women of diverse backgrounds and accomplishments work together to advance women's access to positions of leadership and to pave the way for the next generations of women business leaders.

This event is not all business. Some outstanding women business leaders and their accomplishments will be celebrated. Two names I recognized are Andrea March and Leslie Grossman. To learn more about this event aimed at helping create a platform of cooperation, mutual respect and shared goals between women of Europe and the United States, visit www.eawc.org

Go Green by Shipping Online

Shipping Coach — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:19:00 GMT

The US Post Office has a calculator on their website that figures out how much you can reduce your carbon footprint by shipping online. It is pretty cool. I figured out that if I drove two miles to the Post Office five times a month that I would save the planet from 230.7 pounds of CO2 and save $41.35 in fuel.

In addition, in less than a month, shippers that ship online will save an average of 3.5% on Priority Mail and get free Delivery Confirmation! So, if I shipped just one Priority Mail envelope for each of those trips, I would save $0.70 each time or an additional $42 a year! If the packages or envelopes were heavier, the savings would be even greater.

So, save yourself some money and help the planet by shipping online.

Monday............. Monday.........

DawnA — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:12:00 GMT

It's a new day. This is the day that begins a new week of goals. My goal is to gain 3 new clients. A challenge that I am ready to meet head on - I know that this is no easy feat.

The target list is out and I am preparing to make the necessary calls and make it happen. In addition, I have some research - to further look into another great idea I have. Research is essential for me in making some decisions although there are those times when I work with my intuitive/spiritual guide. My spiritual guide is not by going to a specialist who can guide me through the use of cards or with closed eyes and candles. My spiritual guide is my own inner voice/conversational moments where thoughts and ideas run rampant through my mind guiding me to fulfill my purpose.

I listen to my thoughts, I flush through the ideas and do my own pros and cons of how I can make it work. I have learned not to say too much to others as they like to give the worst case scenario in their own efforts to protect me from failure. However, my focus is on success. Therefore, I am going to do what I do best and make it happen.

In addition, I am scheduled to speak at a Public Hearing to address the legislators on Access to Health Care, contact various clergy regarding addressing health concerns to their church members/attendees, review a new medical study, etc.

It's Monday and I have a lot to do and by Friday I will have reached my goals.

Exporting Essentials

Danita Blackwood — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:10:00 GMT

The majority of the nation's exporters are small and medium sized firms. In fact U.S. Census Bureau stats indicate 97% of the U.S. firms exporting are small and mid-sized enterprises.

Going global can be a great way to grow a company, but the strategy is not for every enterprise. So how does a small business owner determine if international sales can pay and what needs to be done to expand beyond domestic markets? SBTV.com can help with the assistance of some of the top small business experts.

One of the newest SBTV.com Featured Advisors is a nationally recognized export management authority. David Noah is an export specialist who works with all types of enterprises in a variety of industries. Noah is president and founder of Shipping Solutions, a developer of export software. He also works with the U.S. Commercial Service on educational initiatives to educate entrepreneurs about export requirements and documentation. Noah is a frequent speaker on export regulations and compliance issues and has published several articles on the topic. He is also the publisher of the International Business Training website http://www.i-b-t.net/, an online educational resource for importers and exporters.

There are five streaming video interviews with Noah on SBTV.com and also a companion series of podcasts. All of these interviews are very interesting, especially one segment on how a business can get into exporting without ever shipping a product!

This new addition to SBTV.com can make a big difference for many small enterprises.

Focused and Fierce!

DawnA — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:32:00 GMT

So what's that all about you wonder? It's the declaration. It's working and I am seeing the real fruits of my labor if you will indulge me for just a moment. I have accomplished quite a lot in less than a month.

It makes me wonder, why did it take me such a long time to get to this point. I could have been so much further along in the business. I rationalize it by convincing myself that the time is now.

I do believe that it's a combination of things. I have procrastinated and I am taking full responsibility for my role in hindering the process. I rested comfortably in doing well at minimum when I could have done excellent. I did just enough when I knew I could do more. What was the problem? Me.............

I wanted to figure things out instead of letting go and allowing God to lead me. Yes, I believe that we are all placed here with a purpose. My purpose is to serve others through health care - yours could be to serve others through baking, singing, writing, dancing, defending, advocating,cleaning, sewing, art, cooking, marketing, public speaking, teaching, designing, etc... We all need each other and that's why we have various assignments.

I am elated to find that with focus I have accomplished more in the last few weeks than that of the last couple years. There is a great sense of confidence that comes with making progress. Now, I am focused and fierce!

Going Green Pays Off For Small Firms In More Ways Than One

Danita Blackwood — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 05:16:00 GMT

My community held an eco-friendly fair this weekend as part of the observance of Earth Month. I think because Earth Day was on a Tuesday this year, this weekend festival allowed more families to attend. There were a lot of activities for the youngsters including crafts from recycled items and interactive lessons on the importance of green space. Small business was well represented too, offering a wide variety of eco-friendly products, services and solutions.

A couple of entrepreneurs are doing their part to help small business owners and home owners' alike make eco-friendly products a part of their daily routine. Home Eco is a small environmentally friendly home products store sells organic cotton and hemp apparel, bedding, rugs, home furnishings gifts, house wares from recycled materials. There are also locally produced products including recycling bins, composting supplies, rain barrels, solar ovens and other renewable energy products. I first discovered this store researching successful green small businesses. Click here to get some ideas on how you can help protect our environment and your bottom line by finding ways to recycle, re-use and reduce.

Vision to Venture For Women Entrepreneurs Rolls Across the Country

Susan Wilson Solovic — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:15:00 GMT

Despite the inconvenience of a broken elbow, I've been having a fabulous time. I've been part of the Vision to Venture event for women entrepreneurs created by Microsoft Office Live Small Business. We launched in St. Louis on April 2 and since then we've been in San Diego, Miami and Austin. In addition to working with a great team of people, I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of successful women in all these venues. Some attended because they were thinking about starting their own businesses while others came because they wanted help in getting to the next level. The energy in the room at each event was undeniable and the enthusiasm contagious.

Karen Dayan from Microsoft kicks the morning off with a networking opportunity for attendees. Then, it's my turn and my job is to really get everyone inspired and thinking about starting and growing a hugely successful enterprise. My topic: Susan's Six Surefire Strategies for Success based on my book The Girls' Guide to Building a Million Dollar Business.

After a short break and more networking, Rich Sloan from Startup Nation shares his Seven Overlooked Secrets to Starting Up. Rich and his brother Jeff have been serial entrepreneurs and Rich shares a lot of experience and insight with the audience. The attendees warm-up to his conversational, laid back style and flock to him for advice.

Just before lunch Karen takes the audience through an overview of Microsoft Office Live Small Business and literally dazzles the attendees with how easy it is to create a professional and successful online presence by using this product – which is free to get started. I can't begin to tell you how many people came up to me and said they really had no idea how Microsoft Office Live Small Business could really help their businesses.

One of my favorite parts of the day is the panel of local women business owners. Rich Sloan and I moderate this segment which starts with each panelist sharing her business start-up story with the audience. Rich and I then ask the women a few follow-ups, but we quickly go to the audience for questions. As you might imagine, it gets very interactive at this point and a lot of helpful information is shared.

Last but certainly not least, John Jantsch wraps up the day with his Duct Tape Marketing presentation and boy does he wow them. If you've watched John's content on SBTV.com or read his popular book then you know John is the undeniable expert on practical and affordable marketing strategies. He's always bombarded with questions from the audience.

We only have one Vision to Venture event left and it's in the Seattle area, but it's already sold out. However, if you'd like to see this road team in action, you can register for a free on-demand web cast at www.smallbusiness.officelive.com/v2v.

So even though I've been the one-armed bandit on this cross-country event, it's been a great time and in my opinion a huge success. Traveling and working with such professionals – all experts in their fields – is great. But for me, meeting so many new amazing women is really the icing on the cake. I hope to stay connected with everyone I met at all of these programs, and I can't wait to hear their wonderful success stories.