Latest Marketing News

Ask an Expert: Economy to drive small business trends
What a difference a year makes! A year ago, my annual "Top 10 Trends in Small Business" was full of ideas spawned by big changes in technology and the Internet, with things like smart phones and SEO dominating the list. <p><a href="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/y_hp_EEonmB80DHtuBDjtp09ACA/a"><img src="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/y_hp_EEonmB80DHtuBDjtp09ACA/i" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UsatodaycomMoney-Strauss/~4/8TnUNCF9fRo" height="1" width="1"/>
Ask an Expert: Want to start a franchise? Try this quiz
Q: One thing I am thinking about for the new year is starting a franchise. There is one out there I like a lot and which I think would be successful both in this economy and in my area. But how do I know if I would make a successful franchisee? I have always worked for someone else. Sam <p><a href="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/Km829dTvB_IYS-t2fe8Zzr3hBKc/a"><img src="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/Km829dTvB_IYS-t2fe8Zzr3hBKc/i" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UsatodaycomMoney-Strauss/~4/yoeTL0Fkubc" height="1" width="1"/>
Ask An Expert: Getting organized can save you time and money
Q: Hi Steve. I was leafing through the new edition of your book, The Small Business Bible (nice job, by the way!) and came across some ideas about how to better use my time. That struck a nerve as my New Year's resolution is to be more organized. But what does that actually mean? What do other small biz folk do in terms of organization? <p><a href="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/_wVZ2fmTpzLN03HPeBwr7BV0leI/a"><img src="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/_wVZ2fmTpzLN03HPeBwr7BV0leI/i" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UsatodaycomMoney-Strauss/~4/pMdHoKFycKw" height="1" width="1"/>
Ask An Expert: You don't need a lot of money to start a small business
Q: I was recently laid off from my job of 10 years. I don't really have any savings. Could I start a business somehow given my circumstances? Even if I could do something part-time until I get another job would help. Thank you. Ellen <p><a href="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/sh7iw6CgEaXy3ZMTN9WD4f_9ElQ/a"><img src="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/sh7iw6CgEaXy3ZMTN9WD4f_9ElQ/i" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UsatodaycomMoney-Strauss/~4/cnVDu3xXIxk" height="1" width="1"/>
Ask an Expert: Alternatives to that pricey tech purchase
Q: Unfortunately, it seems like it is time for our company to invest in a new computer system. I know I am supposed to be frugal right now, but we need what we need. Can you offer any help on saving or otherwise doing it right? We made an expensive mistake buying some wrong stuff last time and I don't want a repeat of that. <p><a href="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/ZQ3rYgUVhnJFD70S9sb0lcTP5P4/a"><img src="http://feedads.googleadservices.com/~at/ZQ3rYgUVhnJFD70S9sb0lcTP5P4/i" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UsatodaycomMoney-Strauss/~4/0qwz1LpNTYU" height="1" width="1"/>