Business Articles of Note

CompUSA Notebooks: Save up to $210

CompUSA Desktop Systems*: Save up to $170

Walkers chefs duel for diners

Durable goods orders plummet

Amazon takes a stab at iTunes market

Hardee's, Carl's Jr. and PETA Reach Deal

United, Delta win China routes

Consumer woes auguring trouble for holiday shopping

Retail growth: STORES Magazine's Hot 100 list shows Beehive State is luring 'status' stores

Will Wi-Fi connect in L.A.?

Vonage loses patent ruling

Movie Gallery to shut 520 stores

To Eat and Drink What No One Has Tried Before

Seeking Ways to Cut Fees on Credit Cards

Selling Slow Boats to a Faster Crowd

To Keep Health Plans, Many Firms Shift Costs

Trademarks Can Protect Your Good Name

Strategies to Succeed Online

Simple Software Solutions From Those Who’ve Been There

Reborn in the U.S.A.

New Web site offers referrals for self-help resources

Business Articles of Note

Build a web store just $9.99 mo. PayPal ready! Froogle ready! Get 1&1 Business eShop with FREE templates, marketing tools & FREE ad $.


Consumer confidence drops in September

Amazon spins up digital music store

Target, Lowe's Temper Sales Outlooks

Office 2008 for Mac Set for Jan. Release

Amazon Spins Up Digital Music Store

Founder of Planters Peanuts honored

Long strike could cost GM billions, stop momentum created by new products, analysts say

Companies offering cash to workers who lose weight

21 new U.S. patents are awarded to Utah inventors

Disk-wiping utility erases hard-drive data

Apple's new software may put kibosh on unlocked iPhones

State to cut ties with firms doing business in Iran

Outsourcing Works, So India Is Exporting Jobs

Business Articles of Note

Save 30% Off All Letterhead, Brochures, Flyers, Folders


For Molt pilot, being up and alone is the perfect fit

Father, son join forces in optometry practice

Trust issues can creep up in the workplace

Dell to sell PCs through China retailer

Filling in the gaps

Businesses plan now for holiday season

New Service Eavesdrops on Internet Calls

Landscape-business owner's home presentation starts from grounds up

Chinese step up scrutiny of food

Retailer’s Shortcut From Desktop to Store

Retro Medicine: Doctors Making House Calls (for a Price)

Starbucks giving away free iTunes downloads

The Insider: Author's third 'field guide' boils office down to nuts and bolts

Mobile MySpace hits market today

Business Articles of Note

Everything you want for your computer and more at Newegg.com.


Doll lover to open museum on Saturday

McDonald's comeback surprises experts

Social sites go political

Norwegian ethics ruffle financial world

Deaths spur huge crib recall

No cuts, closings at Home Depot-CEO: Investment in customer service

Building world-class consulting firm from scratch

Palm betting Centro will prove to be winning hand

It's legal for employer to amend job posting

Getting rich: More than dumb luck

Farm mechanization is growing

20.4 million in U.S. self-employed

Lead-paint toys aren't the biggest risk

Publix enters organic food business

Small Talk: Plan for holidays now to avoid stress

Survey: Office clothes go casual

Retail Notebook: What he likes is what he sells

Board game gives lessons in finance

Business Articles of Note

Accept Credit Cards - Free Credit Card Processing Set Up


Mattel apologizes to China over recalls

Timing helps make couple's business plan worth its salt

Macy's makes play on toys

Trade Group: Holiday Sales to Grow Slow

Upcoming Partners in Business seminars

Firm helps controversial companies build better public images

Disney teaches the ways of customer satisfaction

Entrepreneurs Defend a Tax Benefit Despite a Dubious Congress

Venture Capital: Snapvine turns up the volume a notch

Inside Entrepreneurship: Avoid missteps when you incorporate

Business Articles of Note

Seagate 250GB FreeAgent External 3.5 Hard Drive $79.99 After $20 Instant Savings!


Save 30% - 50% on Select Clearance Items at Office Depot! While Supplies Last!

$30M Zillow infusion may go to home-improvement tab

Starbucks sued for alleged patent infringement

NBC.com plans free downloads of TV shows

Dry cleaner closes after $54M suit

Measure would expand claims of discrimination

Intel to roll out chips for handheld computers

Nurturing female entrepreneurs

UCLA grooms salon owners for success

Beyond Depression, an Explosion of New Ideas

Study Says Delays at S.B.A. Harm Program for Women

Ports and Distribution Industry Surge Together

Washington a winner in Korean trade deal

Business Articles of Note

The Perfect Offer! Buy select Toshiba HD DVD Notebooks 8.1.07 through 9.30.07 & Get 5 HD DVDs FREE!

A service of the Dornoff Consulting Group

Alaska Airlines will test wireless service

Wal-Mart boosts employee prescription drug benefits

Big drop in energy costs sends consumer prices down for the first time in 10 months

No more fast boarding lanes for small kids on Southwest

Southwest about to alter it's course

Marriott is 8th-biggest Internet sales retail

Salt Lake's Vanguard among top growth companies

El Pollo Loco invades South

Wall Street Journal online may become free

More Retailers Found to Have Lead-Tainted Items

Handing Off the Family Business

S. Jordan company's niche is managing customer feedback

Business Articles of Note

Store that helps needs help itself

Whole Prices Plunge in August

Credit crunch squeezes ETrade

Shopping at Costco is a high-contact event

Candy maker Mars bucks industry push to use substitutes in chocolate

TV networks tuning into Web options

Costco to take anchor spot at Lakewood mall

MySpace to Discuss Latest Effort to Customize Ads for Members

AOL swaps 'wall' for BlueString

Business Articles of Note

Billings limo driver makes everyone feel special

Rancher develops remote control taillight system

Hugging co-workers on the rise

Kroger expands personal finance business

After shaking off disabled status, she breaks ground

Owners find strings are tightening on credit

Global push for entrepreneurialism

Customer service and the WOW factor

Fuzzmail clarifies state of mind

Business insight: Layoffs are wrong way to solve poor planning

Wine hobby now a business

New sports apparel store opens

Business Articles of Note

Skype may be giving eBay the wrong numbers

Flagging Shopzilla Boosts Marketing

Gadgets have huge economic impact

What not to do when starting a business venture

Publications on Fitness and Health Head to Web

The Wisdom of Sales Trend Predictions

Out of Adversity, an Opportunity

Rental Building’s Good Karma Nurtures Success

No Letup in Bad News for Queens Businesses

Site attracts venture capital

Thriving Mezza Cafe gives second chance to ex-cons, recovering addicts

The Insider: Starbucks roasted over kiddie drinks

Workplace Coach: Office manager-coaches are made, not born

Startup has plan for a reputation that follows you online

Social networking Web sites grow up

Retail Notebook: You fix it at Wright Bros. Cycle in Fremont

Inside Entrepreneurship: Got a good startup idea -- but lack credit?

Toy prices to rise up to 10 percent

Special Notice...

There will be no Business Articles of note September 12 to 14th since I will be traveling. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Business Articles of Note

Billings window washer builds trust transparently

Trade deficit declines slightly

Health insurance premiums rise 6.1 pct.

Judge says NYC restaurants don't have to post calories

Mac attack — Among iPod changes, Apple offering new and revamped products

Protect your computers against viruses, spyware

Delta rescinds fare increase on some of its U.S. routes

Strings go zing

Music industry, Web radio operators look close to a deal

Business Articles of Note

St. V caterer takes the sting out of meetings

Minnesota man finds new life, career in Red Lodge

Couples in business together face marital challenges

AMD to launch new 4-core server chip

Growth outlook worst in 5 years

Swap a Fendi for a Furla

Women carve out place in the video game space

Following Mattel recalls, Disney announces independent tests of toys featuring its characters

Omniture buys Offermatica to add Web selling software

Updating the Lemonade Stand Strategy

In Place of Smokestacks, Makers of Dumplings and Doors

Invest in smart power strips

Workers who aren't parents need flex time, too

Business Articles of Note

Retired pastor starts his own vineyard along the tongue river

Antiques shop open in Billings

Labels don't tell the whole story of foods' route to dinner table

Ethanol entrepreneurs making their moves

Broadband picture not finished

Fixing Chinese goods will be costly

Vizio's low-cost TVs now top sellers

New farmers enter the field to meet rising demand for locally grown, organic produce

Many small biz owners going back to school

One for the books: King's English has been a thriving community bookstore for 30 years

Outsourcing non-key tasks can be vital for a small business

DayJet to use 'very light jets,' smaller airports

29% of U.S. workers want 'interesting work'

Dade mom recruited to check out McDonald's

Can Michael Dell Refocus His Namesake?

Struggling to Save a Main Street Mainstay

Retail Notebook: Rouge boutique carries on a family tradition

Business Articles of Note

Business operators discuss how to prepare for pandemic

Warning: Worker shortage will grow

More money, less diversification

Apple credits iPhone buyers

Son of Italy dreams up Southern grits in a tube

Sales bounce back

Firms should brush up on foreign law, expert says

Google introduces My Library feature

Coeur d'Alene chamber puts best face forward

Small Businesses Need Recruiters, Too

Venture Capital: VC veteran says fund model 'is broken'

Inside Entrepreneurship: An 'incubator' can be good way to get your startup off the ground

Business Articles of Note

Productivity grows at faster pace

Back-to-school buying helps retailers

Apple to launch touch-screen iPod, lower price of iPhone

Retailer to settle suit on inflated earnings

MPC buying part of Gateway

What's New: Signs, signs everywhere in Garden City

Entrepreneurs, time to strap on your thinking caps

Half of federal agencies miss contract goals

Clothing maker keeps it all local

Disdaining the Long-Range Plan

The Retailer Next Door

For-Profit Crusade Against Junk Mail

Costco falls victim to retail trend

Business Articles of Note

The Business Articles of Note are a service of Dornoff Consulting Group

Krispy Kreme cools further

Pending home sales fell in July to lowest level since September 2001

Destination shopping: Personal service not novelty at boutiques

Risks of a recession rising

Average U.S. gasoline price rises 4.7 cents per gallon

In 3rd Recall, Mattel Says More Toys Include Lead

NBC in Deal With Amazon to Sell Shows on the Web

Blurring by Choice and Passion

Knowing What You Stand For

Google cell phone? Rumors swirl

CEO taking Eddie Bauer back to its rugged men's store roots

Shopping by cell-phone screen seen as coming attraction

Exports need to cover for housing

Business Articles of Note

Support employee work-life balance

After adapting, U.S. manufacturing is surprisingly strong

Life exciting, somber for Provo man

Southwest Airlines raises one-way fares up to $10

Burger King is on a roll

Stay on cutting edge of digital marketing

Networking site caters to business

Business Articles of Note

Making progess: Bead store strings together quick growth

Google begins hosting new content

Verizon to expand high-speed territory

Need a job?

72% of sales workers open to job switch

Lotterman: Toymakers and investment banks made same basic mistake

Business cards alive and well in new age of salesmanship

Small Talk: Time off can help bolster a team

As holidays near, Mattel gets tough on toy safety

Microsoft puts Office Open XML format up for international vote

Retail Notebook: Caldwells' fine curios come from far and wide

Company offers surge protection

To Do or Not To Do Political Signs...

With election time coming for many areas the decision comes whether to put of signs of political support or not.

This comes down to what kind of market you are in and who are your customers. If you live in an area that supports primarily one party and you support that party then you may be OK. However you could also be putting off potential customers by your choices. You need to decide if its worth the risk to alienate a portion of your customer base by supporting certain persons, parties, or positions.

If you do want to be involved there is plenty of ways to get involved without making your business a home to political signs. Look to others way to show support than what might cost you your best customer.

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