CrossCheck Blog

Do you feel stressed, tired and alone as you helm the ship that passes by your small business office? Take heart - you're not the only one feeling office manager stress. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that in May 2012, more than a quarter million people held office manager positions. In businesses across the country, office managers wear many different hats. All that headgear shuffling can lead to dangerous health symptoms you should keep an eye out for.

It’s good news/bad news for the small business owner this year. Many small businesses expect to see revenues grow in 2013, but many are also finding it harder to run a business than five years ago according to a survey by Constant Contact. Top concerns among these business decision-makers are the stalled economy and keeping pace with technology. Overcoming these challenges is important to all of us as small businesses provide 55 percent of all jobs and account for 54 percent of all US sales. Responses from the survey reflect what many of us already know: it’s tough doing business these days. In addition to the economy and keeping pace with technology, 40 percent of small business owners are concerned about direct competition. Fortunately social sites, online tools and a go local attitude are positive trends that are easily utilized by small businesses to increase revenue and create customer loyalty.

Small Business Saturday is an initiative created by the United States Senate in 2011 to increase consumer awareness of the impact their shopping choices can make in their local communities. Held the day after Black Friday, in which big-box and nationwide-chain retailers hold huge sales to kick off the Christmas shopping season -- often at the expense of local small businesses -- this year's Small Business Saturday falls on November 24, 2012.

A recent article in USA Today reported that small businesses are still plagued by late payments. The article found that many businesses are finding that receivables are coming in at a slower pace, pushing payments out of the thirty day cycle to something closer to fifty. Late payments are more than an annoyance; they can impact your cash flow, credit rating, inventory and ability to pay your own outstanding bills and payroll.

Business owners are capitalizing on growth opportunities, looking to hire and planning to make necessary capital investments according to the American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor, a semi-annual survey of business owners. Results of the Spring 2011 survey indicated a trend toward recovery for the first time since 2006. Finally, some good news!

Business has always been about connections. Connecting with your suppliers, your employees and your customers or clients is crucial to continued success. But what about connecting with peers, other business people in your industry that share your concerns, challenges and business needs? Is there value in that? Of course there is, and one way to do this is through industry and business associations.