The last thing you probably think potential customers want to hear in this economy is a sales pitch about why they should work with your business. And you're probably right. That's why you should read this Entrepreneur.com article on "comfortable selling."

The article is written for women in business who shy away from making a sales pitch, but I think the tips transfer well to any business trying to establish new relationships in this current economy.

Posted by Lena Anthony on December 2, 2008 11:19 AM

Most of the time, owning your own business gives you the opportunity to do fun things like dole out bonuses, offer promotions or deliver top-of-the-line products and services. But when it comes to running your own business, it's inevitable that sometimes you're going to have to be the bearer of bad news. The next time you're preparing to break bad news to your employees or customers, keep in mind these tips from the New York Times' toolkit:

Take charge. "There is a natural tendency to want to put off delivering bad news as long as possible," Brown writes. But bad news doesn't improve with age, so make sure you address any issues before rumors start flying around the office.

Stay positive. If you have to deliver bad news directly to an employee, start out by praising the good things about their performance. For example, if you need to reprimand your assistant for dressing inappropriately at work, start out by praising his or her great organizational skills., and then gently outline the company dress code.

Use a script. Whether you're speaking to employees or clients, write a script so your message comes out eloquent and deliberate. This will ensure a clear and consistent message.

For more tips on delivering bad news, click here.

Posted by Megan Pacella on December 1, 2008 03:53 PM

Now that most small companies have scaled back their marketing budgets, it's more important than ever to use word-of-mouth advertising to promote your business. But if you're not naturally inclined to sing your own praises at a cocktail party, getting the word out about your business is anything but easy. Not sure how to communicate the right message while networking? Need help engaging potential clients? This Entrepreneur.com article offers tips to help you become a walking billboard for your enterprise. Here are a few highlights:

Watch your body language. Be sure to establish eye contact and appear relaxed during conversation. If you look nervous, you'll make the person you're talking to feel nervous as well.

Be a good conversationalist. Once you get past the handshake, simple conversation skills are the key to a successful first meeting, the article says. Make sure not to focus the entire conversation on yourself so you don't appear to have an agenda.

Mind the tone of your voice. If you don't control your tone, you could give off a negative impression to those around you. If you speak too quietly you'll seem uncertain, but if you speak too quickly and loudly, you could come across as anxious. The key? Speak in moderate tones, and use about 145 words per minute.

Click here for more ways to use word-of-mouth advertising without alienating potential new customers.

Posted by Megan Pacella on November 25, 2008 11:47 AM

Positive thinking is easy when everything is going your way—when the economy is booming, your market is hot and clients and customers are calling. But what happens when factors beyond your control interfere and burst your bubble? Staying optimistic isn't easy in an economic downturn, an industry slowdown or a business drought—but it's not impossible. In an article posted on smallbiztrends.com, entrepreneur Clate Mask offers advice on how to stay "in the zone" no matter what blows you face. Read and be inspired!

Posted by Emily McMackin on November 20, 2008 11:33 PM

One of my favorite (and most memorable) articles that has been featured in MyBusiness since I've been working for the magazine is a piece by Harvey King on the FEARS virus. Harvey wrote it for us around the same time the SARS virus was a threat. Even though the piece is more than five years old and the word "SARS" hasn't been uttered in at least three of those years, I think the article is definitely worth revisiting. And I think Tim Berry, a blogger over at Entrepreneur.com, would agree.

Last week he posted about the economy and small business—and how bad it really is. And no, it's not as bad as you probably think. He says, "When things are up, they seem more up than what they really are; and when things are down, they seem worse. Reality is somewhere in between."

In other words, don't freak out. That'll only make things worse. Instead, use that energy to recession-proof your business.

Posted by Lena Anthony on November 19, 2008 04:01 PM

Sitting back and waiting for the down economy to turn around won't save your business. What will? Boosting your sales--and increasing your Web traffic is a surefire way to make sure that happens. Here are a few of Kiplinger.com's tips for generating more sales leads online:

• Get the word out. Put your Web site's URL in as many places as possible, including your e-mail signature, and all your social and business networking sites.
• Track your visitors. Determine which Web sites are driving the most visitors to your site, then invest money accordingly to augment your Web traffic.
• Don't get nosey. Don't ask your visitors for too much information; simplify your contact information to increase leads. (For more about the right way to ask for contact information, click here.)

For more about boosting your Web traffic--and your sales--check out the rest of the article.

Posted by Megan Pacella on November 18, 2008 11:42 AM

As if a flat economy weren't enough to dread in 2009, this Wall Street Journal article brings even more bad news for small business owners—higher health insurance premiums.

"As small businesses begin to receive their annual renewal notices, employers and health-insurance brokers in the South, Midwest and California report noticeably steeper rises," the article says, citing health insurers' shrinking profit margins as the reason for the increase. "Some premium increases being quoted to employers are double those quoted just a few months ago."

You're facing your own shrinking profit margins, so how are you expected to cope with the increases? Now is a good time to reassess your health coverage. Look at lower-benefits options (or higher deductibles). It may not be the most popular decision among employees, but they know that it sure beats no coverage.

Whether with healthcare costs or any other problem facing your business, getting employees involved in the problem means they can help be a part of the solution. Be open and honest with your employees about the problems your business is experiencing in this economy—and don't be surprised when they respond with great ideas.

Posted by Lena Anthony on November 17, 2008 02:19 PM