Archives: October 2009

Three Ways to Protect Your Web Site from Attacks

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 30

In the first half of 2009, security researchers detected that 77% of Web sites with malicious code such as viruses and data-stealing worms were actually legitimate sites hackers had infected....

The Dangers Lurking Behind Short URLs

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 29

More and more businesses are leveraging the power of social networking sites, blogs, Twitter, and other Web 2.0 technologies to connect with their customers and partners. However, if left unprotected,...

What Sponsors and Advisors Should Know About Retirement Plans

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 28

According to a 2007 U.S. Labor Dept. survey, 68% of small business owners feel unprepared for retirement and just 42% maintain a retirement plan. Here are four frequently overlooked tips...

Improve Technology Performance While Cutting Costs

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 27

Many companies are taking advantage of new technology to cut costs and enable their organizations to do things faster and better. If any of your business communications systems need to...

Using Business Intelligence Software

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 26

How can small businesses ensure they are giving employees access to information that lets them make decisions quickly, easily, and intuitively? Today, business intelligence software—long used by Global 1000 organizations—is...

How Social Media Can Actually Work

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 23

William Faulkner once said that writing a novel is like trying to build a henhouse in a hurricane. Navigating the burgeoning nebula of social media—and actually leveraging it in your...

B2B E-mail Marketing in a World of Spam

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 22

E-mail can be one of the most cost-effective tools for a marketer. Messages are delivered instantly, and response time is generally fewer than 48 hours. E-mail works for both inbound...

Marketers: Get Introspective and Effective

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 21

The effect of a reduced marketing budget doesn't have to be less marketing. As you experience what may be unprecedented cuts, keep in mind that this is an opportunity to...

High-Impact Marketing on a Limited Budget

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 20

The pressure is on in this troubled economy, and never has the spotlight (and scrutiny) on marketing departments been more intense. Expectations are high, and the stakes are even higher,...

Retirement Plan Options for Business Owners

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 19

As a small business owner, you assume all of the risk for your retirement. Yet you may be so focused on the day-to-day operations of your business that you have...

Trade Terms Can Help Alleviate Your Cash-Flow Concerns

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 16

In a down economy, cash flow is one of the most predictable concerns for nearly every small business owner. Small businesses can significantly ease these worries by understanding how trade...

Multiple Banking Relationships

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 15

Even though news headlines indicate the economy is subtly improving, an important lesson learned by everyone from large to small business over the past year is the need to have...

Minimize the Impact of a Divorce on Your Business

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 14

The divorce of a business owner may cause serious complications, not only to the individual but also to the business. Often, the business is the most valuable asset in the...

Seven Questions to Ask When Planning for Retirement

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 13

As an employer, you may wish to establish one or more retirement plans, which can provide significant benefits for you and your employees. There are many different types of retirement...

Leverage the Web for Marketing Purposes

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 12

In creating a marketing plan that utilizes the Web, remember that the key is not to displace solid approaches to marketing and public relations but rather to integrate new tactics...

Creating a Multi-Approach Marketing Plan

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 09

In coming up with a viable marketing plan that works in today's business climate, it's important that you don't stick with just one approach, as the market is constantly changing....

Rules of the Road for Your Marketing Plan

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 08

When starting a marketing or PR plan for your small business, first consider these five fundamental rules of the road: 1. Don't bite off more than you can chew—particularly if...

Work with Firms That Are Similar to Yours

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 07

Because small business owners typically outsource a variety of important functions such as accounting, legal, and payroll services and specialized marketing, it's vital for your firm to work with the...

Test Out Different Types of Sales Reps While in Startup Mode

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 06

It hardly needs to be said that when hiring it's best to find ambitious go-getters—those seeking upward mobility and growth opportunities within your organization. Creating the right staff, especially a...

Business Owners Must Have a Sales Mindset

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 05

All the operational expertise doesn't mean a thing to a small business owner if there are no customers. Business owners must bring a sales mindset to any new or existing...

You're Paying People Too Much to be Telling Them What to do

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 02

A client of mine, a CEO of a small company, told me that he was having trouble getting his people to adopt a new sales practice. After several weeks of...

Recognize and Admit Mistakes

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on October 01

Recognizing and admitting your mistakes strengthen your ability to lead. To err is human, and is therefore a necessary part of being an engaging, credible leader. Those who deny, gloss...