Business Articles of Note

Consumer spending rebounds in July

Ace makes case to renovate

Toys 'R' Us recalling art sets because of lead level

Unlocking iPhones could lead to legal problems

Business zooming for Corvette restorer

There's big money in big-name sneakers

Inside Entrepreneurship: Taking the first steps to start a business

Burger bottleneck breaker

Business Articles of Note

Company putting Wi-Fi in downtown Billings, Montana

Japan's Warp-Speed Ride to Internet Future

What's New: Eagle extreme sports store opens

EarthLink exits deal to offer free Wi-Fi in San Francisco

American to boost flight times

Ruling Shields Small Businesses From Regulations

Playing Detective in a Patent Case

Amazon delivers groceries on time, but site lacks bells

Organic food no longer a niche

Vista service pack coming

Business Articles of Note

Whole Foods Closes Wild Oats Deal

Confidence meltdown: Drop is sharpest since '05 storms

Adults must be tech-savvy

Getting a hotel deal -- or rate rip-off?

Nordstrom adds story to Christmas canon

Business Articles of Note

MySpace could lift ban on commerce

Wal-Mart considers new store formats

Gateway failed to adapt to changing field

China blames toy recalls on faulty U.S. designs

CBH Homes lists offerings on eBay

HP to launch printing campaign

Miami firm unleashes personalized avatars

Barbie mp3's a winner

Internet is no longer the next big thing

Business Articles of Note

Dornoff Consulting Group

Custom electronics installers see, hear growth

Private companies that are zooming

Dunkin' Donuts dumping most trans fats

Two years later, New Orleans coffeehouse is back in business

AT&T goes door to door for sales

A generation's trash, another era's treasure

Consumers said to spend more in July

Your Ad Here, on My S.U.V.? And You’ll Pay?

Late to Web Retailing? There’s Still Money There

At 30,000 Feet, Finding a Captive Audience for Advertising

Retailers find their profit from HDTV sales fading away

Business Articles of Note

Grains of Montana spreading its seeds across nation

Planned fitness center aims to be upscale, not elitist

Back-to-school tech, learning may conflict

New ATM saves time and money

Good help is hard to find

Ugg's arrival just in time for winter

Adversity is the best teacher

Park service donors ready to help upgrade cherished wilderness

Entrepreneurs invited to technology grant workshop

'Live-work' units enliven industrial areas

Starting own business tough, but satisfying

Facebook gets personal with its ad-targeting plan

Small Talk: Post-Katrina: Small businesses still rebuilding

Retail Notebook: Clutch a work of art that spouts spunk and style

Books to Read...

Here is some books I recommend. There is links that will take you to the Amazon website to purchase them.









Try to books and see what you can take from them.

Business Articles of Note

New-home sales rise, factory orders up

NJ teen unlocks iPhone from AT&T network

Macy's new ads rely on star power

Wal-Mart increases toy testing

China threatens recall retaliation

Graco warns customers of safety issue on ComfortSport car seat

Safety problems bear down on Chinese manufacturer

Four clothing retailers deliver mixed bag of earnings reports

Venture Capital: Think you can call each play?

Site is like 'suggestion box for the Internet'

Inside Entrepreneurship: Passion and determination help achieve business dreams

Business Articles of Note

Fewer people sign up for jobless claims

Recall of lead-tainted goods expands

Class of 2011 encouraged to adopt greener lifestyle

Small Web radio stations balk at deal on royalties

At some gas stations, it pays to use cash

Back to the DeLorean

What's New: Store has party goods for all ‘Occasionz'

Mastering the material

India faces skilled manpower shortage

AT&T’s Overstuffed iPhone Bills Annoy Customers

As Industries Wane, Entrepreneurs Reinvent

Companies cheer lower gas prices

PCC getting rid of plastic shopping bags

Internet gives television a run for its money

Business niche comes 'round

Business Articles of Note

Wal-Mart: Melamine traces in dog treats

Dark chocolate captures a marketing sweet spot

Wal-Mart Offers DRM-Free Music Downloads

U.S. retailers' sales climb 2.7% from year-ago period

Hotels see year-over-year increases in statistics

Toy recall not a problem for local businesses

Balihoo creates search engine for media buyers

Scam Alert: Keep your laptop out of the hands of thieves

Counterfeit imports flood into Southland's ports

U.S., China fought push to police imported toys

In Business With Your Children

Fire leaves entrepreneurs floundering

Startup's plan: To make fuel from algae

Business Articles of Note

Back to school — Parents and kids gear up for one of year's biggest shopping seasons

Duel between disc formats heats up

Two Studios to Support HD DVD Over Rival

Adobe Flash is a big step up

Outcry on China goods isn't political, European Union says

Wal-Mart stores, Idaho join forces to offer local produce

Survey: Economic problems aren't going away

A Resource Center Even a Microsoft Hater Can Love

Small-business owners vent their regulation frustration

'Believe in Made in China' aims to rebuild trust

Business Articles of Note

Photo gallery by Red Lodge seeks niche market

Softening the blow of being let go

American Airlines sues Google

Building a Brand Name, via Business Cards

It’s Time to Get Professional About Getting Organized

A Soap That Goes to the Mat

Introverts, Start Writing

Despite housing turmoil, economic indicators upbeat for future

A USB server that shares

Software Notebook: Penny Arcade Expo itself will be a game

Workplace Coach: The best leaders are a mixture of styles

Business Articles of Note

Businesses need new techniques to find workers

Meatpacking remakes rural U.S. towns

Home Depot settles waste dumping suit

It's a hot season for retail

School supply lists create shopping must-haves for students

Restaurants act as retail magnets

Yahoo puts faith in ever-changing Smart Ads

Resources for students looking to start a business

A family tries 12 months without 'Made in China'

Harmon's taps gourmet on-the-go customers with new format

Bike man comes full circle: Changing gears to stay in the peloton

Reshaping: CEOs may encounter resistance in changing company 'culture'

Idaho Small business owners can air concerns over regulations

Taking workplace lessons from life-or-death stories

When a Television Is Suitable for Framing

Retail Notebook: Each of his gourmet ingredients has a story

Barbie doll's cost rose little since '59

What about a blog?

Many businesses (obviously including myself) have started blogs to keep their customers more informed and hopefully bring customers to their website and business.

I highly recommend a blog as an additional form of promotion. So what can you do with a blog?

-You can have a weekly newsletter or article on your products and services including how to articles that assist your customers.
-Inform you customers when new products arrive so they can be the first to get them.
-Post articles of relevance to your customers and your business.
-Let your customers know about important sales, special events or times you may be closed due to special circumstances.

When I first started my blog I was amazed how easy it truly was. I just went to blogger.com which is the service I use, there is a link to start a blog, then you pick out a template and get started. Also there is areas where you can post links and descriptions about yourself and your company. There is many blogging services available but from my experience so far, Blogger is about the easiest I have found.

Just remember to have fun!!

Business Articles of Note

Recall of Chinese toys draws attention to European makers

Retail trio's profits climb

Recalls may hamper holiday toy sales

Housing starts hit 10-year low

Gap touts improvements for overseas workers

When Opportunity Knocks and Knocks

Fewer choices in mortgage market

Inside Entrepreneurship: Funding possible without a patent

Business Articles of Note

Toy industry challenged by disposal plan

Do baby bibs exceed levels for lead?

Idaho companies set another record for exports

Family enterprise wants to expand to next level

Preparing a disaster plan gets serious

Rising food prices squeeze consumers

Self-employed feel pinch after evacuation

What's worn beneath surfaces at Nordstrom

At Netflix, Victory for Voices Over Keystrokes

Toy Makers Brace for a Chill in Sales

Chinese Want to Cut Slice Going to U.S. Middlemen

Business Articles of Note

For U.S. consumers, allure of Chinese goods still price

Retail sector flunking test to entice consumers

Consumer prices edge up by smallest amount in 8 months as gasoline prices fall

Travelocity fined $183,000 for booking trips to Cuba

U.S.-Made Toys Benefit From China’s Troubles

Washington’s Small Businesses Tap Into Green Power

Nokia warns of millions of defective cell phone batteries

New boss at Eddie Bauer lays out a turn-around strategy

Business Articles of Note

Mattel could announce 2nd toy recall

Yahoo tops Google in satisfaction survey

Retail sales present pleasant surprise

Trade deficit falls to 4-month low reflecting record exports

Click on 'Business' for Dells with XP

Brazil shows economy can be green and healthy

Businesses keep tradition of at-home dinners alive

Selling Television Sets by Turning Up the Glamour

Digital disconnect

Business Articles of Note

Billings wedding planner sweats the details so you don't have to

Treasure hunter fits new business around family

Yoga, other 'stress-busters' help engage the workplace

Consumer retail spending up last month

China toy boss kills self after recall

Grocers to sell Dunkin' Donuts coffee

Kmart launches multicultural doll brands

Workers took on Nike and won

Coolest electronic gear way too hot for its own good

Gas prices don't deter motor-home sales, rentals

Consumers head to the malls to buy clothes, furniture and electronics products

Delta Air raises charge to buy tickets, citing costs

Find a lawyer to fit your business

Help pay for tuition, get better workers

Epicure's butcher has to stay on cutting edge

LeaseTrader.com helps drivers out of their leases

Dutch Company Bets on Interactivity to Make G.P.S. Devices More Useful in the U.S.

Blogging Your Way Into a Business

Manufacturers Find Ways to Navigate Web Retailing

Tablets notable, but not for all

Food-industry giants compete over breakfast

Not all small businesses suffer from market volatility

Marketers have i on you: Products everywhere start with that one little letter

Workplace Coach: Getting workers to buy into change

'Green' surfboards are more environmentally friendly

Business Articles of Note

In Absarokee, entrepreneurs blend coffee, family

Reopened theater banks on value, nostalgic charm

AT&T targets young DSL users; cuts tie to landline

More employers freezing, closing pension plans

Not business school as usual

Exempt employees not entitled to extra pay

Polson woman creates, markets gluten-free blend

Online entrepreneur aids car dealerships

Successful entrepreneurs keep a sharp eye on risk

Sunny days are ahead for the solar industry

Outdoor industry courts youths

Choosing office space not always so easy

Firms sued for too much info on receipts

Far From the Reservation, but Still Sacred?

Who Owns the Concept if No One Signs the Papers?

Cages Without Corners

Readers have more options at several airports

Business Articles of Note

Venture firms give startup a vote of confidence

Emerald City Smoothie looking beyond namesake city

Kroger expands organic line

Lead paint worries grow, as does interest in goods made in U.S.

Toymaker: 3 brands, pails contain lead

Toymaker knew about lead

Toy industry looks for ways to ensure safety

Sales lag linked to ho-hum products

Trendy, cheap H&M is on its way

Retail Notebook: A gem of a place to roll away the worry

Business Articles of Note

Retailers report disappointing sales

China penalizes firms in US toys scare

Importer recalls 255,000 Chinese-made tires

Small businesses feel impact of stock market volatility

Boise firm in running as Forbes contest finalist

Reelin' in the years: Cassette tapes still have their devotees

Designers join push for fashion piracy law

Wholesale numbers a positive for economy

Business Articles of Note

Mattel identifies vendor in toy recall

Central bank holds line on interest rates

Apple Debuts New IMac Computers

Study: More Time Spent With Paid Media

Gas stations grapple with roller coaster signage

S.C. employees suing Wal-Mart

Hobby shop endures in Old Tustin

SBA moves to help contractors

At-risk Chinese seafood slipping through U.S. net

COMFY FLIGHTS, CHEAP

Immigration ID rule rankles Florida industries

More Generics Slow Rise in Drug Prices

Some Words About Interpreting

Businesses think ahead to help workers avoid I-5

Who has to pay if music plays?

PC buyers suing over 'Vista Capable' labels can proceed

Business Articles of Note

Despite gas prices, parks see more tourists

Fed expected to leave rates unchanged

Productivity of American workers rebounds

Wal-Mart signs deal to sell in India

Milk by New Jersey farmers, for New Jersey consumers

Publix is offering free antibiotics

Kids prefer McDonald's-wrapped food, study finds

Guests, Running Late, Wake Up Hotels

A Neighborhood Balks at a Chain Restaurant

Finding (and Keeping) the Employees You Want

Business Articles of Note

Tanning business seeks healthy year-round glow

Festering performance issues can wreck workplace

Ex-Home Depot boss to lead New Chrysler

FedEx Kinko's stores to increase by 20%

ATMs, grocery checkout lanes fostering self-serve revolution

Artistic mouse puts on airs

Will the office-condo fad last?

Spaces to live, work and play

Many firms still lack a plan for storm recovery

Selling is an art form business owners must master

Small business start-up: the first year of The Cereal Bowl

Indian Court Rejects Patent Challenge

Business Articles of Note

Businesses flock to insurance subsidy in Montana

Have you heard? Billings couple jumps into movie market

On-demand airline to use very light jets

Night's right for online shopping

Chain positive its toys are safe

Family life calls for goal changes

Instant messaging invades the office

Retail Notebook: New development didn't mean the end of the old

8% of workers used drugs in past month

Rethinking a company's structure

Training Local Workers Instead of Outsourcing

Tasting success

IBM sets guidelines for virtual workers

Recalls raise bigger questions about toy safety

Fancy fashion is a back-to-school must

Charting the future of ads and marketing

Doctors may be next for self-serve kiosks

Amazon.com launches new service

Surf, sand, sky and tech

Fresh Coat of Paint....

What do you think when you walk into the average K-Mart? At least the ones I go into I think how dirty and old they look. The reason for this is that they desperately need a coat of paint and they need to have a different color besides white.

One of the bright ideas that K-Mart corporate got when they took over Sears was to change K-Mart stores into a new concept called Sears Essentials. However, the best way to describe the change was putting lipstick on a pig and even that is an overstatement. Little was done except to put on new signs and change uniforms. Otherwise most of the stores were not changed. Last year I had the opportunity to go into a Sears Essential (there are none in my area) and after walking in the door it was nothing but a worn out K-Mart.

One of the best things you can do to keep your store looking nice is the apply a fresh coat of paint frequently (by frequently I don't mean every month but every year or so will do wonders). When you consider how nice you store looks after a fresh coat of paint the cost and hassle is minor. The paint does not cost that much and the hassle is not that big if you have a plan put together.

When painting why consider a color other than white? Simple white is too plain and it looks dirty more quickly than some other soft colors you can use. Find a good paint color that matches your store's theme and niche and go for it.

Business Articles of Note

Imported toys under scrutiny

Full steam ahead: 1,700 new U.S. shops

Employment climate sturdy

Sometimes, Better to Leap Without Looking

You See Duct Tape, They See a Moneymaker

Venture Capital: Cash for up to six biotech startups

Inside Entrepreneurship: How will your plan reward investors?

Business Articles of Note

Export growth aids manufacturing

American will test in-flight Internet access

Utah '07 growth is triple that of rest of the nation

Fisher-Price to recall 83 toys

Local and global reputation of British grocer Tesco at odds

Starbucks CEO talks about growth, prices

Microsoft delays Mac Office update

Amazon starts grocery delivery service

Who's working 9 to 5? Not a lot

Business Articles of Note

Music suit creates discord

ITunes rings up sales of 3 billion songs

Pork at issue in doughnut franchise row

Spending rose a mere .1% in June

Harmons — 75 years and counting . . .

Outsiders can help family firm survive

National Archives films to be sold on Amazon.com