Check this interesting article out  at Business Week. Elance, the Mountain View (Calif.) online-services marketplace that is the Wilburns’ main connection to the cyber-workforce, boasts 48,500 small businesses as clients—up 70% in the past year—posting 18,000 new projects a month. Sites such as Guru.com, Brickwork India, DoMyStuff.com, and RentACoder also report fast growth. Elance, which makes money by charging subscription fees and a 4% to 6% cut of each project, expects total billings to rise 50%, to $60 million, this year. Guru predicts similar growth, to $26 million.

With improved software, search engines, and new features boosting the industry,several sites now allow buyers to view detailed work samples and customer ratings for thousands of service vendors.

More info on this topic at Business Week

So, that brings us to the question:

Our friends over at Universal Faq Manager wrote up an awesome white paper examining the trends, issues, benefits, costs and implications associated with using an FAQ Manager to manage customer questions in your business. FAQ Management Software is a highly efficient and cost-effective way for any size company to automate the way customer questions are answered, and FAQ software can support a variety of different business applications in any organization.

In enjoyable, easy-to-understand words, you will quickly learn more about using an FAQ Management Software to manage customer questions in your business, including:

• The 5 important areas where businesses fail to measure up to customer expectations - are you guilty of disappointing your customers without even knowing it?
• The 3 top market drivers that impact how customer questions are answered - missing just one means losing your competitive advantage
• The 4 primary challenges associated with managing customer questions - understand them and pump up your revenue; miss them and watch your profits plummet
• The 4 specific measurable benefits of using a FAQ Manager - do you actually know what you need to measure?
• Whether a FAQ Manager finally means freedom from customer calls - or not

And - you will also quickly calculate the exact savings and return on investment that a FAQ Manager gives you.

You can download the customer support whitepaper for free at universalfaqmanager.com.

As an Internet consultant at Resultima I’m responsible for advising our clients on how to get people to buy more products (or services) from their websites. A lot of this advice is internet marketing related and it’s about explaining to our customers how to get the word out on the internet about their products or services. It’s not uncommon that I find that our clients are not using blogs in their marketing campaigns. So, I thought this topic would be appropriate not only for technology clients, but for business brokers, people looking to buy a business, or any other type of business owner.

Blogging has become a necessity of any online marketing campaign. Did you know that over 57 million Americans read blogs? Can you visualize that? (57,000,000). United States readers spend on average, about 23 hours online per week reading blogs. And, it’s estimated that 64% of our neighbors to the north (in Canada) visited blogs in 2007.

That being said, you’re probably saying to yourself… “Ok Tim, I’ve heard all the hype about blogs, and I’m convinced we need one. …but, where do we start?”

Well, here are 7 ways you can use a blog in your business:

1. Toot your own horn. Post news and current happenings. Write about your company, your products, services, industry, and competitors. If you are submitting press releases to the PR websites, write up short blog post announcing that you have releases a press release. If you are releasing a new product or adding an additional service to your offering, let people know. If you have been featured in the media, let your readers know by posting a link to where they can read about you in the press.
2. Tap into your own businesses knowledge. Get your staff involved and take advantage of their knowledge and skills. Have each one of your employees write about something they are passionate about. It can be as simple as asking them to write one or two articles per month. And for those who say …”But I’m not a writer.” (You) tell them, “The article doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. The best articles offer readers clear advice or take-a-ways about a specific issue, approach, or topic. — Bullet points are good. Roundabout text is not. Get to the point quickly. Most effective with a minimum of 300 words.”
3. Answer customers’ questions. Answer common questions that customers ask you in emails, on the phone, etc. Address your customers concerns and questions before they contact you. Answer customer questions quickly, and they’ll reward you by buying your products and services and remaining loyal. This can also help to shorten the sales process.
4. Be a resource. Be a resource and provide links to other relevant articles on the web. Are you worried that if you link to other resources, your readers won’t come back? Don’t worry about whether you think it’s good or not to link to other people’s websites. Take Nike’s advice, “Just do it.” Most people will be happy (and grateful) for the helpful information you pointed them to. And…if you give them valuable information, they will be more likely to return to you for more.
5. Invite guest writers. Invite a guest blogger to write an article (or two, or three, or more). Business owners are always willing to talk about their business. Ask them to write an article about the industry or a hot topic in their business. If you’re a Business Broker, you should be inviting lenders, escrow companies, appraisers, commercial real estate professionals, auction houses, bankers, etc. to write guest blog posts.
6. Write about a customer’s success. If you have worked and done a great job with one of your customers, write about it. They will be so happy for the publicity…and…they are going to tell their friends and family about it. This is the best form of “word of mouth.”
7. Give stuff away. Ever hear of Karma or the Law of attraction? You get back what you give away. Free, valuable information wins lots of incoming links from other blogs, which in turn, increases your traffic. And we all know what increased traffic means. You got it…more sales. Now you’re probably asking “What can I give away?” Well, information is the easiest thing to give away. This can include: business templates, common forms, ebooks, gas cards, gift cards, research, competitive analysis, tools, code, graphics, newsletter templates, etc.

There you have it, 7 quick ideas you can use to get started with your business blog. If you have any additional ideas you would like to share, please let us know by commenting below.

The California Capital Access Program (CalCAP): Insures bank loans made to small businesses to assist them in growing their business.

The Pollution Control Tax-Exempt Bond Financing Program: Offers private activity tax-exempt bond financing to California businesses engaged in Curbside collection,Recycling, Composting, Materials recovery facilities,Landfills, Waste-to-energy facilities, Qualified solid waste or hazardous waste disposal projects,Waste recovery facilities,Purchase of collection vehicles and residential waste containers .

Energy Innovations Small Grant Program Grants on research projects by small businesses, individuals, academic institution and non profits.

The much talked about U. S. Small Business Administration : A wide range of small programs/services for small businesses.

Federal Financial Assistance Programs: Has a wide range of financing options for small businesses including USDA Business Programs operated by Dept of Agriculture and SBA Financial Assistance

Venture Communities: offers networking and connections for companies, investors, advisors and communities across regions, industries and disciplines. Their motto is to raise the profile of entrepreneurs among the investment and entrepreneurial community through access to capital, expertise, and education.

California Investment Network: Enables you to submit your business proposals for review maintaining confidentiality. Connects entrepreneurs and angel investors.

Downtown Rebound Capital Improvement Program: For Businesses involved in conversion of vacant/underutilized commercial and industrial structures into residential units.

California Pet Businesses for Sale: Includes veterinary clinics for sale, animal hospitals for sale, pet supply stores for sale, pet grooming business for sale and pet boutique for sale

California Car Washes for Sale: Includes car wash with real estate for sale, ca wash with lube center for sale and car wash with property for sale

California Gas stations for Sale: Includes mobil gas stations for sale, arco gas stations for sale, gas station with mini mart for sale, gas station with convenience store for sale, gas station with car wash for sale and gas station with auto repair for sale

California Auto Businesses for Sale: Includes auto repair shops for sale, auto body shops for sale, auto towing business for sale, tire center for sale, auto repair with real estate for sale, auto parts accessories business for sale, auto and truck repair for sale, auto transmission repair for sale, AAMCO transmission franchises for sale, auto accessories and customizing business for sale, tire company for sale, auto parts stores for sale, lube and oil change shops for sale, auto lube franchises for sale, auto detailing business for sale, auto repair franchises for sale and tire store franchises for sale.

California Construction Businesses for sale: Includes metal plating business for sale, landscaping contractor for sale, masonry contactor for sale, electrical contractor for sale, flooring contractor for sale, plumbing contractor for sale, cement contractor for sale, air duct cleaning contractor for sale, HVAC business for sale and construction contractor for sale.

California Carpet Cleaning Businesses for sale: Includes carpet cleaning business with van access, carpet and hardwood flooring business for sale, carpet cleaning franchises for sale and carpet and upholstery business for sale

California Phone | Cable Businesses for sale: Includes telephone sales and services for sale, wireless retail phone stores for sale and franchise cell phone store for sale

California Computer Hardware Businesses for sale: Includes computer accessories store for sale, computer manufacturing business for sale and computer sales and repair business for sale.

California Software Companies for sale

California Distribution Business for sale: Includes furniture distribution business for sale, food distribution business for sale, computer software, hardware businesses for sale.

Laundromats-Dry Cleaning-Laundry for sale in California: Includes card laundry, coin laundry for sale, Laundromats for sale, dry cleaners for sale, dry cleaner plant for sale.

California Preschool-Learning Center-Tutoring Business for sale: Includes pre schools for sale, tutoring centers for sale, child education franchises for sale and driving schools for sale

California Payday Loan Stores for sale: Includes investment banking firms for sale, payday loan business for sale and check cashing business for sale.

California Food Businesses for sale
Includes pizza businesses for sale, Deli for sale, Bakery for sale, snack stores for sale, ice cream shop for sale, fast food franchises for sale, sports bars for sale, franchise vending business for sale, bagel businesses for sale and pizzerias

Hair salons | Nail salons | Tanning Salons for sale in health and Beauty Business for sale
Includes Hair Salons for sale, Women’s fitness centers for sale, Beauty Supply stores for sale, Beauty salons for sale, Nail Salons for sale, Spas for sale, Tanning salons for sale, massage clinics for sale, curves fitness center for sale, physical therapy business for sale

Home Garden Businesses for sale
Includes Home interior décor stores for sale, landscaping business for sale, antique stores for sale, furniture stores for sale, home accessory stores for sale

Hotel Business for sale:
Includes bed and breakfast business for sale, Resort hotels for sale and motels for sale

Internet Business for sale:
Includes internet publishing business for sale, website development services for sale, internet marketing franchises for sale, online retail business for sale, online jewelry and gift shop for sale, E Commerce business for sale and Internet Publishing business for sale.

Liquor stores for sale:
Includes liquor stores, bar and lounge for sale

Mail and Shipping business for sale:
Includes postal and mail franchise businesses for sale, UPS store for sale, mailbox store for sale, postal service company for sale, mail centers for sale, mail and business centers for sale and UPS franchises for sale.

Manufacturing business for sale:
Includes apparel manufacturing business, fencing manufacturer for sale, furniture manufacture for sale, textile manufacturing business for sale, Precision tool manufacturing business for sale, Metal manufacturing business, Lingerie manufacturing, Cabinet manufacturing shops for sale, Glass manufacturing business for sale and electrical supplies manufacturing business for sale

Small Business Workshops on Selling a Business:

• How To Sell Your Business For The Highest Price!

Dates Held: 4/29/2008, 5/27/2008, 6/24/2008
Location: Westwood
Address: 10940 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1600 Time: 7 - 8:30 PM Cost: FREE
For more information & reservations contact: Bill Kobayashi. 310-766-4303

• Enhance the value of a business-Review and protection of property rights.

Dates Held: 4/29/2008, 5/27/2008, 6/24/2008
Location: Irvine
Address: 19900 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 1150 Time: 12 PM - 1:30 PM Cost: FREE
For more information & reservations contact:Quantum Business Solutions Network. 877-727-6382

• Valuing and selling a business

Dates Held: 4/30/2008, 5/28/2008, 6/25/2008
Location: Simi Valley
Address: 3024 Country Lane Time: 7 PM Cost: FREE
For information & reservations contact: Kismet Business Brokers. 800-864-0420 X268

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Workshop for Entrepreneurs:

• Small Business Technology Solutions - Live Events from Microsoft

• Live Web based solutions of small business technology

With very careful research and a well though out business plan, now is the right time to start or buy a business of your dreams.. A business with low start up costs preferably a home based with a flawless business idea and a great committed team can ramp up your business in a short time. The business that gets into the market during a recession always has competitive advantage over others who are hesitant to enter the market now. The best part is, when the economy comes out of recession, your business will be way ahead of your competitors, captured a wide market and closer to raising capital from VCs.

While starting a company without a lot of money can be painful, it also disciplines entrepreneurs with careful spending and maintaining healthy balance sheets. It helps them come out with a recession proof business idea after analyzing the trends and the success rates of the current business. Think of recession as a learning period when you have to restructure your business with wise decisions, while you also develop the strength, force and the patience to get over the adversities in your business.Two birds in one shot…eh?

Spring is finally here, for most of us anyway. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and yes, even the bees are buzzing. April showers bring May flowers …and we all know what May flowers bring…pilgrims. Spring is the time when I usually start evaluating and researching where I can go on vacation during the summer months. And with the economic down turn in full effect, spending less is on everyone’s minds.

Here are a few places where you can go on vacation this year where your dollar s still strong.

Argentina
(aka the Paris of South America) has embarked on a dramatic turnaround since the collapse of the Argentine peso, however the place is still amazingly cheap. Stylish hotel rooms, awesome night life, dancing, and fabulous food and wine cost half what they do across the Atlantic. Looking for an enormous thick-cut steak dinner? Its rarely going to cost you more than $25 here.

Bali
Bali has become one of the best island values in Asia. The American dollar has been holding steady against the Indonesian rupiah over the past year. You’ll find luxury bungalows nestled in lush hillsides – which can be rented for about $100 to $200 a night. You can often see free entertainment (or with a small donation) at the countless stone temples through out the country. And half-hour massages typically cost less than $15.

Costa rica
Incredibly, Americans now have about a third more buying power in this natural wonderland than they did five years ago - a dollar equals around 500 Costa Rican colones today vs. 360 then. You can explore beaches good for surfing then go snorkeling in coral reef-filled bays. Don’t miss the lush, green, tropical rainforests, which swarm with wildlife - including rare quetzals with spectacular plumage.

Mexico
Mexico remains a prime destination for American tourists. The peso/ dollar exchange rate steady has been pretty steady over the past couple of years. The hottest area now is Mexico City, booming with new museums, a historical architectural revival, and a vibrant music and arts scene. Entry to the city’s huge Museum of Modern Art, where you can see works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, costs just $2.

Morocco
Though the Moroccan dirham has strengthened a bit against the dollar in the past year, in the ancient cities of Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech many café meals still cost less than $5. Classic budget hotels in atmospheric narrow streets, such as the Hotel El Muniria in Tangier, where Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac stayed, cost around $30 a night. Plenty of luxury hotels are available too.

Panama
This small country boasts mountains, rainforests, 1,500 miles of coast (your pick of the Caribbean or Pacific) and - of course - the magnificent canal, where you can gawk at giant supertankers being raised and lowered through the locks. Forget exchange rates: Panama’s currency, the balboa, is pegged at parity with the U.S. dollar, and the dollar itself is accepted virtually everywhere.

Vietnam
There’s never been a better time to visit one of Asia’s most fascinating countries, with pristine beaches and unique crafts: The dollar goes further against the Vietnamese dong than it did three years ago. You may have enough left to splurge on a fivestar hotel, such as the new Park Hyatt in Ho Chi Minh City ($290 a night vs. up to $675 for a comparable room in Chicago).

There you go, what will be your summer vacation destination?

It may take more than a year to make the sale depending on the success of your biz and clearing your finances. Some realistic facts that will enlighten you and make a decent sale of your business are prepping your biz for sale, Pricing reasonably, and the use of a qualified business broker during the sale.

Plan the selling 2 years in advance and ensure the accuracy of financial records and statements. Collect all relevant facts associated with your business and have the numbers certified by your accountant. A certified broker can help to set a realistic price for the business. He/She can be very good in the difficult negotiation stages of the sale, keeps the buyer and seller appeased and moves the deal forward without the tenseness that can develop during serious deal making. What next? Keep growing you business! Don’t forget the golden fact that the best time to sell a business is when the company’s future is at it’s greatest.

Recommended Reading:
Business Seller Guide at Acquireo