CBD Recommends:
Ideas, Resources & How-to Advice for Business Innovation

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. That succinctly describes our viewpoint on doing business in today's economic climate, although we might add that the tough first get inspired and get creative. In short, it's time to find opportunity in the chaos. Rather than bracing against this tide, it might be better to flow with it. We have found some examples in this Inc.com article that looks back in time to companies that started just this way and continue to be successful today, ranging from Super 8 to Wrigley to UPS.

These terms are getting more attention as more business applications are moving to the web and internet access is becoming cheaper and more readily available. The advantages are numerous, particularl for startup ventures and small companies, because there's limited or no need to purchase, install and manage software applications and local networks. All that's required is an internet connection and active subscription and users can be productive as needed, from any location. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of this on-demand computing model to see if it might fit your business needs.

Blogging has evolved so that it's not just for bloggers anymore! Companies can use blogging to build brand awareness, forge new partnerhips, develop new markets, convey thought leadership, increase visibility on the internet to enhance SEO and PPC efforts, and more. If you're wondering how to begin, we're happy to advise you on opportunities and approaches. Meanwhile, here's a viewpoint from a respected business resource, Forbes.com. They list the best Small Business Blogs as part of their Best of the Web directory. It's a brief, high quality selection where you are sure to pick up some solid business ideas, plus get a sense of how blogging can be used for business.

Lots of Web 2.0 software sites give free trial periods to entice users to try their offerings without risk or commitment, yet usually the free period comes to an end. One that doesn't is Survey Monkey, a service that allows anybody to create online surveys with easy-to-use prebuilt templates. Great for easy, small market research or internal employee surveys. Their free service is limited to 10 questions and 100 responses per survey. If this is not sufficient, their monthly subscription pricing is very affordable. Check it out for yourself!