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SMALL BUSINESS : Opening a Small Business : General Small Business AdviceHere is some general business advice for anyone opening a business right now. General Business Advice #1: Be a business person: This may seem obvious, but I don't think so. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of any entrepreneur is their passion. It is passion that led our 6 entrepreneurs to start their own company in the middle of this recession. All entrepreneurs are passionate about their start-up — and they better be! But passion alone is not enough. One error I see far too many small business owners make is mistaking passion for business acumen. There are 2 parts to any business:
2) everything else — the hiring and firing, doing the books, advertising, and all the rest. General Business Advice #2: Look for vacuums and waves: To succeed in your business, you must strike a balance between being relevant and being different. With so much competition out there, it is important to find vacuums, which are areas where your competition is not as strong. For example, I recently met a business person who started using posters and flyers to advertise; his thinking was that few people do that anymore so he stands out. Similarly, catch a wave when possible. If everyone is tweeting, there may be a very good reason for that. Stay relevant. General Business Advice #3: Have a great online presence: People today now spend as much time online as they do in front of a television. You have to go where the eyeballs are, and if they are online, then you have to be there in a big way. That it is so affordable makes it even smarter. And notice I didn't say you need a "good" online presence. You need a great one: A great website, a great social media presence, a great internet marketing strategy — the whole great enchilada. Use available technology: Technology can be your competitive advantage. Whether it is software, outfitting your mobile workforce, or some cool gadget, technology can make the difference. So, for instance, don't just buy some program and learn the basics, but really figure out how it can be used to your advantage ... because it can. General Business Advice #4: Don't lead: Especially in the beginning of your enterprise, especially as you are just learning the ropes, I suggest that following can beat leading. You don't have to invent the Next Big Thing, or create some brand new scheme. It may work, but it may not, and in the beginning there is little room for error. So learn about business, learn about your business, learn what works, and do that. Later on you can go for your big idea, but probably not yet. Take advantage of free resources: As I mentioned, there is a lot of free (or almost free) help out there. SCORE counselors will help you learn areas of your new business where you may be a little weak, as will the SBA. There are tons of great websites, magazines, and books that can help (including mine!). Social networks can offer free support and so on. Market and advertise, and do it some more: Become a marketing expert. Period. source: http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/strauss/2010-01-31-great-time-for-small-businesses_N.htm Information to pick the best Small Business Credit CardFinding the best small business credit card means doing a little information research. 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