Software Peoples Choice Awards

The SIAF People's Choice Awards were created so software users would have the opportunity to vote for their favorite software programs. The voting for these awards is hosted each year by some of the largest sites on the Internet. In past years, this has included popular sites like CNET, Simtel, Tucows, PC World, and others. Software authors are also allowed to point to the People's Choice Award voting site and encourage their users to vote!

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Tweeting About a Revolution

From Twitter's trumping of the mainstream media in covering recent world events to the "Great Recession's" shaping of a startlingly new business landscape, profound change is sweeping through our society. So how can we entrepreneurs survive and thrive in this Brave New World?


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[Source: AllBusiness.com - The Small Business Blog]

Top 10 Home Business & Small Office Reads of 2009/06/22

There are so many great home & small business blogs out there to give you inspiration and new ideas. Here are my top 10 reads for today - as usual you will find these and more good reads also on my twitter feed. I would encourage you to go and have a look at these [...]

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[Source: THE SMALL BUSINESS BLOG]

New Sound Effects Solutions

Large collection of royalty free sound effects that can be used by marketers, webmasters, broadcasters or podcasters.

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Free Business Advice

Many free, online resources can help answer your business questions. While some sites are skewed towards single-person startups, you can still find a community to help an established, larger business.



The U.S. Small Business Administration is densely packed with information. You can learn basics about writing a business plan, establishing a trademark, and managing business operation. You will find ways to apply for government financial assistance, loans, and tips on applying for grants.

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Beware the 'Shiny Stuff' Seduction

Don't blow your startup budget on unnecessary bells and whistles.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

Local Search Practices

It is often important for small businesses to perform well in local sarch results. Check out this tutorial on Local Search Ranking Factors.

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Google Is the World Super Power

Google CEO Eric Schmidt appeared at his alma mater, Princeton University, on Saturday to discuss the Internet and globalization, Google products that have recently made headlines, and how not to be evil.



complete article

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Tips for Creating Powerful PowerPoint Presentations

Presentations are an integral and important part of any business. Whether designed for training purposes, introducing new products, or discussing corporate hierarchy, PowerPoint presentations serve a valuable purpose in both the business world and in the educational fields. In order to maximize a presentation's impact, it needs to be polished and well executed. The following tips can aid you in taking your PowerPoint presentation to the next level.



Tips for Creating Powerful PowerPoint Presentations

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Tripping Up Wikipedia

GrayWolf posted an interesting article about invalidating Wikipedia Results.

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Tons of Opportunity in Travel

Now's the time to get in on these growing specialy travel industries.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

Market Your Way To the Top

Never stop thinking about marketing--it's the best way to grow your business.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

Make Room at the Bar

America's micro-distillers are causing drinkers--and the liquor establishment--to take notice.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

Advertising � Small Business Quote of the Day

 
A small business quote a day keeps you thinking, inspired and entertained. 
�I know that half the money I spend on advertising is wasted, but I can never find out which half.�
John Wanamaker (1838-1922) US businessman, quoted in ‘How to Acquire Customers on the Web’, Harvard Business Review (Donna L. Huffman & Thomas P. Novak; 2000) 
To [...]

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[Source: THE SMALL BUSINESS BLOG]

5 Employee Motivation Myths Debunked

Recognition--not money--is the real motivator in a down economy.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

5 Great New Web Tools

Modernize your business with these great alternatives to traditional tech.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

5 Lifelines for Your Startup

These organizations can help you find direction and funding.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

Student Discount Available at Software Industry Conference

Student Discount for Software Industry Conference in Boston MA July 16-18th. Only $50.00 with student ID normally $249.00! Educational sessions for software developers and marketers.

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

The Face of Software Piracy

What does a software pirate look like? Anyone. And that's the new message of the Business Software Alliance, which asked five convicted software pirates to tell their stories.



As part of the BSA new Faces campaign, the BSA asked five people who were convicted of software piracy to tell their stories via videos posted to YouTube. Four of them were found guilty of criminal software piracy, while the fifth, a grandmother from Georgia, was found guilty in a civil suit, said Jenny Blank, the BSA senior director of legal affairs, in an interview.



We wanted to put a human face on the issue of software piracy, said Dale Curtis, vice president of communications for the BSA.



complete article

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Social Networking Future

Yahoo Inc is looking to buy companies that will allow it to become a bigger player in social networking and revamp its family of products, Chief Technology Officer Ari Balogh said on Wednesday.



complete article

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Survey Data

Interesting survey results about webmasters and who is behind the websites.



Survey Data

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Only 23 Percent Uses the Web

Just 23 percent of the globes population currently uses the Internet, according to the United Nations International Telecommunications Union, with use much higher in developed nations.



By contrast, just five percent of Africans surf the web, it said in a report issued last month.


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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Create RSS | Make RSS Feeds

RSS is a standard for syndicating content on the Internet. RSS feeds are used in a variety of ways to distribute all types of content via the Internet. The benefits for individuals subscribing to RSS feeds have resulted in a rapid growth and adoption rate. Software and tools have made RSS feed creation and management easy, even for non-technical individuals, which has also fueled the growth of RSS feeds.



Create RSS | Make RSS Feeds

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Time Management Tips

Managing your time and using it wisely is a journey, and not something that can be easily mastered overnight. Implementing a plan will help, but it is not going to be a sure cure. Time management requires a significant amount of self-discipline.



Here are some tips to assist you with time management... Time Management Tips

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

The Cost (and Payoff) of Investing in Social Media

Savvy entrepreneurs are looking to social media as another way to market their businesses.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

Give Your Online Network a Real-World Foundation

Networks that merge online and face-to-face meetings are the wave of the future.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

Review of Websites

The live website critique has for many years been a popular session at both the Software Industry Conference and the European Software Conference. Sharon Housley of NotePage, Inc. and Dave Collins of SharewarePromotions offer their many years of experience to dissect, criticise and sometimes rip apart a website's appearance and setup.



Subjects covered include the initial impression created by a website, structure, navigation, communication, SEO setup and more.



Sign Up to Participate in the Web Review Webinar on April 29 at 12:00 EST

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Top 10 World Business Reads of 2009/06/21

Here is a digest of ten of this week’s top news stories for home business, micro business, sole-traders, freelancers, self-employed and anyone who is interested in small business news from the around the World:

ISME: Small business ‘being destroyed’ by late payments: The Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has accused the Government of [...]

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[Source: THE SMALL BUSINESS BLOG]

Webmaster Elements

Web Elements is a premier collection of resources for webmaster, search engine marketers and others interested in online marketing.



Includes lists of do follow blogs, do follow forums and do follow search.

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Time Wasted?

Spending more time on social networks and blogs? You are not alone, with the latest figures showing the number of minutes spent on social networking sites in the United States has almost doubled over the past year.



Nielsen Online, which measures web traffic, said the number of minutes on social networks in the United States rose 83 percent in April from the same month a year ago, but found users were quick to move on and sites could quickly fall from favor.



Nielsen Online spokesman Jon Gibs said a major trend had been the continuing popularity of Facebook, which has more than 200 million active members and has become so mainstream it now hosts Pope Benedict and a list of world leaders.



complete article

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

The Lowdown on ARC Loans

Everything you need to know about the SBA's new loan program.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

Tips for Public Speaking and Presenting

Presentations can be a great way to attract new business, simply by making yourself more well-known. However, nerves can often get in the way of entrepreneurs who want to use speaking opportunities to develop their business. Follow these steps to overcome nerves and make a powerful presentation during your public speaking engagement...



Tips for Public Speaking and Presenting

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Blog Promotion Tips

There are a wide variety of things you can do in regard to blog promotion. Here are just a few...



Blog Promotion Tips

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Professional PowerPoint Templates

Large collection of professional PowerPoint Templates for speakers, students and educators. Search for PowerPoint templates using keywords or navigate categories to find templates of interest.

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Starting a New Business?

Starting a new business?



Choosing a Domain Name and How to Select a Company or Product Name

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Check for Available user Names on Social Sites

NameChk checks the availability of user names on social networks.

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Creative Podcasting for Businesses

Podcasting content comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Businesses are finding many different and creative ways of incorporating podcasts into their business strategies and marketing plans.



Here are just some of the various types of content that businesses are turning into podcasts...



Creative Podcasting for Businesses

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Find Royalty Free Sound Effects

If you purchase a sound effect, be sure that you read the licensing agreement completely. Some agreements may restrict resale of the sound effects or music compilations, and you want to be aware of that.



Where to Find Royalty Free Sound Effects

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Small Business World News Round-up - 2009/06/23

Here is this week’s news round-up for home business, micro business, sole-traders, freelancers, self-employed and any one who is interested in small business news from around the world.



Industry Urges Congress to Revise Small Business Funding Program:- The House Small Business Committee�s Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology recently held a hearing on legislation that would revamp [...]

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[Source: THE SMALL BUSINESS BLOG]

UK Small Business News Round-up 2009/06/19

Here is this week’s news round-up for home business, micro business, sole-traders, freelancers, self-employed and any one who is interested in small business news from the United Kingdom and Ireland:

ISME: Small business ‘being destroyed’ by late payments: The Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has accused the Government of “dereliction of duty” in the [...]

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[Source: THE SMALL BUSINESS BLOG]

Credit Cards and Small Businesses

Common small-business wisdom holds that you should separate your personal credit-card expenses from your company credit-card expenses. But will that truly be in your best interest -- no pun intended -- when President Barack Obama signs into law today the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act?



complete article

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

US Small Business News Round-up - 2009/06/22

Here is this week’s news round-up for home business, micro business, sole-traders, freelancers, self-employed and any one who is interested in small business news from the United States:

Small Businesses have big impact on health care: There are pundits and politicians who repeat that business owners oppose President Obama’s proposal to give people the choice of [...]

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[Source: THE SMALL BUSINESS BLOG]

7 Smart Security Practices For Small Businesses

1. Protect your personal information. It's valuable.

2. Know who you are dealing with.

3. Use security software that updates automatically.

4. Keep your operating system and Web browser up-to-date and learn about their security features.

5. Keep your passwords safe, secure and strong.

6. Back up important files.

7. Learn what to do in an e�mergency.



7 Smart Security Practices For Small Businesses

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

5 Audit Attractors to Watch Out For

Be careful not to put a target on your tax return.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

What Are Sound Effects?

Learn the ins and outs of using a sound effect to polish your presentation or podcast.



What Is A Sound Effect?

A sound effect is a ready-made sound for podcasters or producers. Typically, podcasters need to only incorporate the sound into their production for instant success. This can be done with various editors running in a very short amount of time. Sound Effects make the creation of a podcast easier and professional. Sound effects are usually easy to edit and customize using any sound editor, occasionally more sophisticated sound require precise tuning.



Examples of sound effects can be found at Digital Sound Effects  



What Are Sound Effects?

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

It's Great To Be a Mompreneur

Yes, it's the hardest thing you'll ever do--but the journey is well worth the effort expended.


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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]

Website Review Webinar - 2

Due to the overwhelming popularity and success of the previous Website Review Webinar there will be another. Subjects covered include the initial impression created by a website, structure, navigation, communication, SEO setup and more. The Web Critique Webinar will take place: Tuesday June 23rd at 12:00 EST. Sign-up Now!

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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

Applications I Cannot Live Without

Applications I Can not Live Without!



FeedForAll

Used daily for updating RSS feeds.



The Bat!

Used hourly for managing email.



FTP Voyager

Used for FTPing up new web design layouts and images.



Dreamweaver

Used for Web Design.



MS Office

Used for correspondents and administrative tasks.



PaintShop Pro

Used for graphic editing and image enhancement.



RecordForAll

Used occasionally for recording audio files for podcasts.



RSS Submit

Used weekly to submit RSS feeds to RSS directories and search engines.



FeedDemon

Used to manage reading of RSS feeds on a regular basis.



GroupMail

Used for sending email newsletters.



PDF995

Used regularly for converting documents to PDFs.



TNT Screen Capture

Used occasionally for capturing screen shots



TopStyle

Used occasionally for making changes to Cascading Style Sheets -CSS



SureThing CD Labler

Used occasionally for designing CD inserts and labels.



FireFox

Used hourly for navigating the web, also use plug-ins for search marketing research.


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[Source: A Small Business Blog and Small Business Tips Related to Growing, Marketing and Managing a Small Business.]

WinWeb Helped Over 10,000 Victims Of The �Winweb Security� Malware Virus!

While WinWeb itself is the biggest victim of the ‘winweb security’ malware, it has responded to over 10,000 partly angry and abusive enquiries and sent out information on how to uninstall the malware each time.
Google ‘winweb’ and you can see why WinWeb.com is still victimized for the criminal and illegal use of it’s trademark. Even [...]

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[Source: THE SMALL BUSINESS BLOG]

The Quality-Control Myth

Use motivated and committed management to maintain the value of your franchise system.

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[Source: Entrepreneur.com: Latest Articles]