I’ve been searching for some new tools to help me save time and money this year. (Who isn’t?)

And a new site has caught my eye. It’s called FastDue and I think it may help a lot of people keep their business running in tough economic times.

Well, the reports are out.

The National Small Business Association is reporting (based on its 2008 Year-End Economic Report) that things are looking pretty bleak for small business owners this year. And those surveyed are pointing to the recession as the reason why their profits and growth will be extremely limited in 2009.

And according to a recent Gallup poll, almost half of small business owners say their revenues decrease last year - and are expexting more of the same by cutting their spending this year.

So so you want to join all these small businesses?

I didn’t think so. And although you need to be realistic in what’s going on out there, I am sure businesses can thrive in a recession.

But you can’t do the same things you did before. They’re just not going to work - and could actually hurt you.

There’s plenty of evidence that businesses which market wisely, compared to those who continue with the same strategies used prior to the recession, will be the ones do well. Penn State’s research, for example, showed that firms who had a strategic marketing plan with an entrepreneurial spirit had a competitive advantage.

So stop with the doom and gloom already - and start creating a great marketing plan.

Image credit:  gothicburg, on Flickr

Looks like its not all doom and gloom as Network Solutions announced its e-commerce customers saw a 10% increase in business on CyberMonday compared to last year.

If Network Solutions figures are accurate, it means that more and more people are turning to shopping online, instead of going to brick and mortar stores.

I can say it’s true for me personally and professionally. I did most of my holiday shopping online (and have done so for several years now). And I also so a spike in traffic and sales this month.

The bottom line here is that is you have a company that sells ANYTHING, you need to have an online presence.  And it still surprises me when I meet someone who’s in business who doesn’t have one.

Do you think it’s essential to have a website in today’s marketplace?

Image credit: einvents at flickr

When you started your business, you were excited and motivated. But now things aren’t going as smoothly as you would like in your startup. But you feel you have no one to turn to.

Perhaps you should consider a business coach.  A business coach can help you save time and money - and help your business grow - even in a bad economy.

But are some things you should watch out for. I’ve made these mistakes myself when seeking and using a business coach.  So this comes from a bit of experience.

1. Be clear on what you want to achieve with you business - and your coach. If you are unsure, some business coaches will just ‘plug in’ a formula they know, whether it’s good for your business or not.  A good coach will help clarify your goals and show you how to achieve them.
2. Ask for measurable results from other clients of the coach. It’s one thing to have great testimonials about how compassionate, understanding and helpful a business coach is. It’s more important to see that this coach has helped others be successful in a similar area that you want to be successful in.
3. Be friendly, but not friends. This often became my issue. Once the line has been crossed, it’s really hard to have an objective relationship. Sure, you want your coach to care, but you want them to push you to do your best!

I love Guy Kawasaki, and am excited to read his new book.

But what I really love about Guy is that he offers so much information to help entrepreneurs and startups.

Take a look at this new video.  Yes, it does promote his new book, but his tips are so good, I needed you to see this.

Sometimes it’s inevitable. You have a brand that’s known, but because of certain reasons, you need to change your business name.

And it’s happened at the b5 media Business Channel (the host of this and many other great blogs). They’ve got a new name: Bizzia - and a new portal look.

So what’s in a name?  Everything - especially when it’s your business.

Many think that branding is merely getting name recognition or a great logo. But that’s when a rebranding effort fails - because branding is the feeling people get when they THINK of the company name or logo.

Here’s some things to think about if you need to go through a name change:

1) Think about all the ramifications - espcially legal and marketing - before jumping into the process.

2) If you’ve decided to explore a name change, can you reestablish your brand? Will people accept it?

3) Will your new name reflect what you do? Is the domain available?

4) How will you communicate any change to staff, customers and potential customers?

Remember the hard part of a brand change is to get your stakeholders to ‘unlearn’ what they already know about you.

People in startups are creative. They often work long hours in spaces that aren’t the typical office. (Some may be even on working in the garage or at the kitchen table.)

But that doesn’t mean you should dress like your going to the gym or - even worse -  just gotten out of bed.

Sure, I’ll admit, especially lately, I’ve been lax on this. If you read my ezine in the past few weeks you’ll notice I thought I had good reason: I’ve been in pain with some sort of back/knee issue for months.

But I’ve been noticing something… as my dress got more, well, sloppy, so did I. Things have fallen off my plate. I got a bit depressed and it’s been hard getting back on track.

So what did I do? I changed my wardrobe. Sure, it’s still comfortable. But now, it’s more work comfortable than work-at-home schlub. And the best thing? I have a better attitude, getting more done and happily doing what I can while injured.

Need to kick it up a notch in your work? Start with you!

And hey-want to check out what I think about Sarah Palin’s wardrobe and why it’s important (and not important)? Check out The Power Publicist.

I’m going to start a new series soon about cool tools that can help small business owners and startups with their businesses.

Got something you’d like me to review? Drop me a line at the email address (over on the right) and tell me about it. If I like your pitch, you may be featured here as a cool tool review!

Let’s face it… thing’s aren’t going to be easy for small businesses in the upcoming months.

Money is tight and spending is down. So how can you survive?

Economic recessions have been a major part of US history. They hit hard and leave the unprepared in shambles. Experts say a recession is negative real economic growth for at least two successive quarters in a year.

There have been 9 recessions from 1950-2000. They consumed 94 months between 1950 and 2000, accounting for 14% of the time in those 50 years. The average recession has lasted 11 months and some have made it as long as 16 months. It’s now evident that a 10th recession is on its way.

Business owners are aware that consistent marketing year round is required for best results. However, economic slowdowns force them to do everything possible to reduce costs. They easily get intimidated by the numbers on the price tag for ongoing marketing. Marketing then comes to seen a luxury only affordable to the Fortune 500 and über-entrepreneur.

The major misconception is that marketing has to be expensive. And I’m here to tell you it doesn’t.

Marketing is possible with a tight budget - and during a recession. As a matter of fact, if you pull back your marketing efforts, chances are you won’t make it through an economic downturn to reap the benefits when people start spending more again.

If cash flow is a problem for you as the economy slows down, that’s all the more reason to spend intelligently, so that you get more bang for your buck.

From 1980 to 1985, McGraw-Hill Research analyzed 600 companies and their marketing expenditures. After 1985, McGraw-Hill concluded that those firms that had maintained (or increased) their marketing throughout the ‘81-’82 recession saw an average sales growth of 275% over the next five years. But those companies who cut their marketing saw paltry sales growth over the next fiveyears of just 19%.

So if you are convinced that marketing on a budget should be part of your survival guide, check out my other site, The Power Publicist, which offers tips and tactics to help you market yourself without over spending.

According to a recent Zogby poll, a majority of small business owners  that typically purchase holiday greeting cards, newsletters, and corporate gifts will not reduce holiday budgets for 2008.

Although consumer confidence is at record lows, the  survey found the following spending trends in store for small businesses:

— 45% of small businesses typically send holiday greetings.

— Of those businesses that typically send holiday greetings, 78% send holiday greeting cards and 25% send gifts.

— 59% of small businesses report that the current state of the economy will not affect spending on holiday greetings.

— 88% of small businesses typically spend up to $500 on holiday greeting cards. Their budget remains the same for 2008.

— While the state of the economy will affect holiday spending for 41%, only 5% will cut out greeting cards and gifts altogether. The remaining 36% will either cut back on the quantity or quality of their holiday greetings.

How about you? will you continue sending out holiday items this season?