Networking Is King: This chamber of commerce says networking both online and in person is key to survival and growth
A chamber of commerce has a birds-eye view of the economic frontline, so one would think the view for Carolyn Degnan, president and CEO of the San Ramon (Calif.) Chamber of Commerce, would be pretty bleak after a year of depressed spending. Fortunat ... Read more
The New Normal: Conditions have improved, but don't forget the lessons you learned when times were tougher
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently proclaimed that the recession is "very likely" over. Whether you agree with his assessment or not, there are signs that we've hit the proverbial floor (with a loud thud) and the economy seems to have, a ... Read more
Preparing for Better Days: Things are getting better. Here are seven ways to be ready for the economic turnaround
Suddenly the signs of economic recovery are everywhere. Wall Street is beginning to post big gains. Construction of new U.S. homes in June rose to the highest level in seven months. Consumer credit is improving. Fewer people are filing for unemploym ... Read more
Spreading the Word: This customer says now is the time for smart planning and strategy
The Treister Murry Agency was in the right place at the right time. The Miami-based public relations and marketing business, founded in 2002, was able to work with real estate developers, tourism-oriented businesses, and others who made the city the ... Read more
Looking on the Bright Side: New survey results paint a better picture of the current economic climate
For almost a year now, we've been inundated with news about companies going bankrupt and people losing their jobs or homes. Yes, the economy has been in trouble and many people have been affected in a negative way. But now, halfway through 2009, the ... Read more
Her Moment of Zen: This customer has learned that she can't do everything on her own
Like many founders of small businesses, Soleil Hepner saw a void and knew exactly how to fill it. In 2007, she started YogaBlaze, an organization that pulls together the many yoga teachers and studios in Seattle. Today, YogaBlaze maintains a website ... Read more
Getting the Word Out: Gaining more attention for your organization can be easy if you use the right strategies
There's an urban legend in the marketing world that Microsoft founder Bill Gates once told a reporter, "If I was down to my last dollar, I'd spend it on public relations." True or not, the sentiment is a solid one because many organizations overlook ... Read more
Puppy Love: This nonprofit has found success with a positive attitude and an innovative approach to fundraising
In a down economy, everyone is affected. Especially pets. Unfortunately, when people are having a hard enough time paying their mortgage, they often have no choice but to let their dogs go free. That's where an organization like Guardian Angel Basse ... Read more