Business Blogs: Trends, tips, and real-life anecdotes from industry experts.

Today, we find out the scoop on running a successful, small business from Neal Belitsky, the CEO of American Roads, LLC, www.americanroads.com. His company has remained profitable during tough, economic times. Here’s what Neal had to say about this:
Tell us about American Roads and how you became involved in this business.

American Roads is a portfolio [...]

Many experts say that you should give your customers what they need. But forget about that. If her mom had offered Sarah toothpaste she would not have wanted it, even though she has a need for it daily. The same is true with our customers. What kid (or adult) wants what he or she needs? Not me! I don’t want what I need, I want what I want! Yes, as a customer, I’m very much like a child.

Trust Congress?
Sorry, that institution got among the lowest ratings in a Pew Research Center study that was recently released. The Pew Center polled Americans to determine who they trusted least and who they trusted most.
Small business owners - you should be proud. America trusts YOU most.
More than churches, our President, labor unions, the Federal Government, small [...]

So you’re getting ready to start your own business; have you thought about your marketing plan?

Have you ever had this happen to you? Several years ago, I attended a business networking function and I just happened to strike up a conversation with a person who sold cars for a local Chevrolet dealership.

Contests are a fun and inexpensive way to build buzz for your business. Everyone loves to win free stuff! The media loves contests too, and if you do it right, your company can garner thousands of dollars in free publicity just by running a contest!

With summer just around the corner, business can slow down as folks head to the cool country or go on vacation. However it doesn’t have to be a slow time of year for your business. Here are 7 hot marketing ideas that will keep your business humming all summer long!

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the unique challenges 2009 had to offer small business owners, and now it’s time to celebrate.
With this in mind, here are a few tips to have a G-R-E-A-T holiday:
G: Give Back To The Community.
Volunteer to help a local charity. Donate your used clothing and other items to a worthy [...]

During my recent appearance on ABC News Now, I was lucky enough to be asked to provide some advice to fellow entrepreneurs who are growing businesses built around their passions.
Click here or on the image below to view that advice.

Let me know if you have a cool story you’d like to share with ABC News Now or [...]

As the “royalty” status of Hollywood stars has risen, so has their effectiveness as key influencers in consumer purchasing behaviors. Celebrity product placement is considered an “influencer-marketing” approach for helping brands increase their competiveness in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Marketers and small business owners can harness that power through strategic product placement opportunities that have [...]