Infuse Value Into the Menu to Get Moms to Spend - [read]
There is a reset going on in the minds of women today, and women with children are feeling the impact of the economic downturn most profoundly. Three-quarters of women with children say their spending and savings habits have been permanently altered by the recession. The financial pullback by women with kids is particularly worrisome because women—who are believed to control 80% of household finances—are a critical barometer for the U.S. economy. The message to retail and service providers is clear, to reach the mom market you have to provide more than an enticing offer, you have to provide real value and essential products and services. - progressivegrocer.com

Leadership Caffeine: What to Do When You Lose - [read]
It’s easy to lose track of the reality that most victories are forged in the emotional blast furnace of prior losses. It’s the losses and outright failures in life and in business that either beat you down or fuel your competitive fires to grow, improve, compete and eventually win.- artpetty.com

6 Ways to Kick Stress Like an Athlete - [read]
Crushing economic pressure on your business, unrelenting competition, crazy work hours, downsizing, slashed budgets, uncertainty. Almost every organization has been trying to do more with less lately, and it's taking a toll. To beat the negative side of stress, you have two choices: reduce the strain or boost your ability to weather its effects. If you can find ways to cut down on the external pressures that cause your stress and overload, that's ideal. Meanwhile, focus on improving your mental and physical ability to process stress. Here's how. - forbes.com

The ABCs of SBA 7(a) Loans - [read]
During the worst of the credit crunch, even loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration were hard to come by. But as secondary markets for these loans return, banks are again returning to the SBA guarantee program. The SBA's main loan program, the 7(a) loan-guarantee, can be used for working capital and even debt refinancing. - openforum.com

Ditch Your Darlings - [read]
When evaluating ideas generated during brainstorming session, ruthlessly cull those notions that just won't work, no matter how much you love them. Define the criteria for success and establish a test for whether or not an idea meets that standard; then discard, shelve or refine any idea that doesn't pass. It's not just the weak ideas that get killed - good options or ideas at the wrong time also need to go. - forbes.com

Is Chilly Reception Part of Your Brand? - [read]
Marketing and other executives invest hours and dollars exploring and defining their brand, only to have it completely violated by one of their own teammates in a customer service, reception or retail sales role. Does everyone in your organization not only understand your brand but are they also motivated to deliver it? - drewsmarketingminute.com

How to Get Your Small Business in the News - [read]
Many believe that getting mentioned in the media is simply a matter of luck or networking and knowing the right person. Those certainly help, but there is more of a formula to earning positive press than you might imagine. Here are a few tips to help you get coverage. - openforum.com