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				<title>Small Business Connect - Powered By Alerus</title>
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				<copyright>(c) 2013 Small Business Connect</copyright>
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					<title><![CDATA[Word of Click]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/word-of-click</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/word-of-click</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:40:55 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve &ndash; I heard you on the radio say that &ldquo;word of mouth today is actually word of click.&rdquo; Can you elaborate what you mean by that?
Ellie
A: Long-time readers of this column know that I don&rsquo;t much mind sharing stories of my dad, the carpet store ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Overcoming Jet Lag]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Overcoming-Jet-Lag</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Overcoming-Jet-Lag</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:20:57 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: My business travel is really upsetting both my work and home life. Twice a month I fly from the west coast to the east for business. I have no choice. But I can never sleep on the planes, I am too wired to sleep when I arrive and I am usually kinda useless the next day. A]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The Secret Ingredient in Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/the-secret-ingredient-in-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/the-secret-ingredient-in-business</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:28:06 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve, I saw you give a speech a while back where you talked about the &ldquo;secret ingredient&rdquo; in business. Could you share that again? I missed part of it and it seemed interesting. Thanks in advance!
Mandy
A: I would be happy to and let me start with a questio]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Death By Reply All]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/death-by-reply-all</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/death-by-reply-all</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2013 10:31:59 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[After going back and forth trying to get an answer about a potential big gig from a very busy guy named James, a good friend of mine decided he needed some help. So he tried to shoot me an email, wanting my feedback as to what he should do next.
But instead of forwarding hi]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The Art of Art Licensing]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/art-of-art-licensing</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/art-of-art-licensing</guid><pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 10:49:38 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: &ldquo;Bro &ndash; Every time I try and sell my art, I get that I am a better artist than salesperson. But you are great at the business stuff. Why don&rsquo;t you start to rep me?&rdquo;
JJ
A: I get this question from a pal of mine every few years. He is indeed a very ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The Importance of a Tagline]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/the-importance-of-a-tagline</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/the-importance-of-a-tagline</guid><pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 10:10:35 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Did you watch &ldquo;the most exciting two minutes in sports&rdquo; over the weekend? If you are like millions of others, myself included, you did. But here&rsquo;s the thing &ndash; I watched it, and enjoyed it, but I am not a horseracing fan. Oh sure, going to see the poni]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[A Good Boss Makes for Good Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/good-boss-good-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/good-boss-good-business</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 08:38:44 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I run a very busy business and as a result, I really don't have the time, nor the interest frankly, to be all warm and fuzzy with my employees. I feel that I pay them a fair wage and as a result they should just do their job. They shouldn&rsquo;t need a bunch of &ldquo;At]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Boston Strong]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/improving-customer-relations/boston-strong</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/improving-customer-relations/boston-strong</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:23:40 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I live on the west coast, and as fate would have it, I was in Boston last week. There with my wife and youngest daughter looking at colleges, we ended up staying about a block from where the perimeter had been set up after the bombings.
I have been to Boston a few times, an]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Creating a Separate Business Credit Profile]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/creating-a-separate-business-credit-profile</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/creating-a-separate-business-credit-profile</guid><pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:21:20 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In my last column, I discussed the why checking and cleaning up your personal credit report is so important to your business, especially since so many small business people have not separated their business and personal credit. And that&rsquo;s really too bad, because coming]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Cleaning Up Your Credit]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/cleaning-up-your-credit</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/cleaning-up-your-credit</guid><pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:44:48 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I own a one-person business. The business&rsquo; credit is my credit and vice versa. I have never incorporated, although I do have a business checking account. My problem is that I never can get any extra capital because I personally filed bankruptcy 11 years ago and it s]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Pawn Stars: Lessons from a Televised Small Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/pawn-stars</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/pawn-stars</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:46:28 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: My husband and I like to watch that History Channel show Pawn Stars. But I can&rsquo;t believe that some people would actually sell their valuables to these guys. Don&rsquo;t they know that you never get a good deal at a pawnshop? 
April
A: I like watching Pawn Stars to]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The First Pickle]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/the-first-pickle</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/the-first-pickle</guid><pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:45:47 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: We are expanding our business into a new area and the only way to make it work is to nab a new, big client. The problem is, because this is a new area for us, we are having a hard time convincing people that we can deliver. How do I get experience if I don't have experien]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Website Creation]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/website-creation</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/website-creation</guid><pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:49:48 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q:&nbsp; Steve &ndash; my son is, despite what I tell him, going to start a new business. I don&rsquo;t like the idea at all, but if he is going to do it, he is going to do it. One thing I know is that he will need a website and I would like to pay for that. Can you tell me ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Financing a New Business with a Seller]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/seller-financing</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/seller-financing</guid><pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:18:55 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I have been offered a chance to buy a business and the owner is willing to finance part of the purchase. What I mean is that I cannot afford the $50K he is asking but he said he would be willing finance half the cost over 5 years if I could come up with the other half -- ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[It's Not Who You Know]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/interviewing/its-not-who-you-know</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/interviewing/its-not-who-you-know</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:13:59 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Hi Steve: Here is my problem: I am a wedding photographer and there is a guy in my town who I often compete with for business. While my business is good, for some reason, when I am up against him, he usually gets the gig. The quality of our work is the same, and in fact, ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[What Age is Best to Start a Business?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/best-age-to-start-a-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/best-age-to-start-a-business</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:56:40 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Hi Steve &ndash; I am in my mid-60s and the funny thing is, I would like to start my own business. Throughout my career, I had always loved the idea of becoming an entrepreneur, but for one reason or another, I never did it. Now I have the time and resources and can do it]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Signs You are a Good Leader]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/signsyouareagoodleader</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/signsyouareagoodleader</guid><pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:49:10 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[President&rsquo;s Day is a reminder that like, small business owners, not all presidents are great leaders. It&rsquo;s ironic of course given that the highest political office in the land is one where effective leadership would seem to be a prerequisite. But when one looks a]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Attracting Top Talent]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Attracting-Top-Talent</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Attracting-Top-Talent</guid><pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:42:03 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I am in the process of hiring some new employees but I really can&rsquo;t pay a lot, given the economy and all. How do I attract top talent, and keep them, given my financial situation?
Jocelyn
A: A couple of years ago I saw a survey that looked at successful franchisee]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The No. 1 Mistake Businesses Make When Writing Headlines]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/number-one-mistake-when-writing-headlines</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/number-one-mistake-when-writing-headlines</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:44:29 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Did that headline catch your attention? If I did my job right, it did. Headline writing is one of those additional new things that small business people need to master these days, along with, among other things, SEO, mobile management, and generally being a tech geek.
But t]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Does Your Business Need An Angel Investor?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/angel-investor</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/angel-investor</guid><pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:14:59 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I started my business about a year ago with some personal funds and the help of friends and family. My problem is that in order to take my business to the next level, I need another infusion of funds. My business plan has me being profitable in 16 months. Can you tell me ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Tax Tips Every Entrepreneur Should Know]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/tax-tips</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/tax-tips</guid><pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:57:35 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: The thing I hate most about running a business are the taxes, and yet I prefer not to incur the cost and hire a CPA to help me and instead rely on some of the great software that is out there. But even so, keeping up with all of the rules is tough. Can you help? 
Curtis]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Ask Not What Your Business Can Do For You]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/ask-not-what-your-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/ask-not-what-your-business</guid><pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:50:19 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I would like my business to grow by 20% next year. That is my goal. The question is &ndash; how do I get there? I have a plan in place, but I have had a lot of plans. Some of them work and others don&rsquo;t. I can&rsquo;t really seem to figure out what I am doing right, ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Tips for Successful PR Efforts]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/successful-pr-efforts</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/successful-pr-efforts</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:54:44 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve &ndash; One of our goals is to get some publicity next year. We have a great business and a solid story to share, but so far, none of the reporters have responded to the press releases I have faxed them this year. What can I do to get some attention?
Maggie
A: Mag]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Jumping on the e-Commerce Bandwagon]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/ecommerce-bandwagon</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/ecommerce-bandwagon</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:35:31 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I know this is late notice, but it occurred to me recently that if I could put up an e-commerce store, I might really increase my sales this holiday season. I have a website but how do I make the leap into e-commerce?
Fontana
A: You are smart to be jumping on the e-comm]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Planning for Next Year]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/planning-for-next-year</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/planning-for-next-year</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:11:36 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Any tips on what we should be doing now to gear up for next year? It turns out that unlike a lot of businesses, mine is very slow during the holidays, so I would like to use this time more productively. Thanks in advance.
Lars
&nbsp;
A: Your question reminded of a guy ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Starting a Business for Almost No Money]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/starting-a-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/starting-a-business</guid><pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:38:19 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Do you know of a business I could start with little or no money? 
A: Over ay my new site, TheSelfEmployed, this &ndash; by far &ndash; the most common query we get. It is not surprising that people are looking to start businesses on the cheap; after all, it has been a pr]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Ways to Increase Your Cash Flow]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/increase-your-cash-flow</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/increase-your-cash-flow</guid><pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:14:28 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I was wondering if you could help me increase my cash flow? My business makes a fine profit every year, but the bulk of our sales come during Christmas and summer. The rest of the year, business is slow and it is difficult to pay bills on time then. 
Thank you,
Cesar
A]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Rules for Writing: Part Two]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/rules-for-writing-part-two</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/rules-for-writing-part-two</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:48:08 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve &ndash; I attended a webinar you gave and you suggested that these days most small businesses also have to be content creators if they want to get noticed online. My issue is that I didn&rsquo;t finish college and I don&rsquo;t think that writing is my strong suit. ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Rules for Writing: Part One ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/rules-for-writing-part-one</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/rules-for-writing-part-one</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:55:23 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve &ndash; I attended a webinar you gave and you suggested that these days most small businesses also have to be content creators if they want to get noticed online. My issue is that I didn&rsquo;t finish college and I don&rsquo;t think that writing is my strong suit. ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Protect Your Online Reputation]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/damage-control/protect-your-online-reputation</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/damage-control/protect-your-online-reputation</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:18:22 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I know how important it is to protect my reputation in the &ldquo;real&rdquo; world, but I recently found out just how important it is to do it in the virtual world as well. My business recently dropped off significantly and I couldn't understand why. Then I Googled my bu]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The Pitfalls of Being a Natural-Born Entrepreneur]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/pitfalls-of-being-an-entrepreneur</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/pitfalls-of-being-an-entrepreneur</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:04:42 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve &ndash; I have an idea for a new product that will revolutionize the lighting industry. I cannot share it with you since my idea is in fact so incredible. The only person I have shared it with is my wife and she doesn't get it. So what I want to do is . . . 
Terren]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Keeping Up With The Competition]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/Keeping-Up-With-Competition</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/Keeping-Up-With-Competition</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:39:48 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve: I am in the fast food business, which is a very competitive industry. I have tried all sorts of tricks to try and keep up with the competition but it is so very hard, and getting ahead of them seems practically impossible. What do other people do who are in busines]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Through Thick and Thin]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/loyalty</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/loyalty</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:59:28 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I am not sure what is more amazing: that Lance Armstrong was banned for life and stripped of his 7 Tour De France championships, or that Armstrong decided to drop all challenges against the allegations that he doped during his unprecedented run, or that his sponsor, Nike, de]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Think Twice Before Buying into a Franchise]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/franchise</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/franchise</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:14:58 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I have been involved in business for many years and now have an opportunity to buy into a franchise and am wondering if you have any experience in this realm. This is a well-known business chain and it seems like a great opportunity, but I am not sure I want to have a fra]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Are Corporations People? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/coporations-people</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/coporations-people</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:29:00 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Are corporations people, my friend?
Mara
A: Now that is what I call a great question! It is, of course, Mitt Romney&rsquo;s famous line from the primaries. The entire exchange went like this:
A voter in Iowa suggested to Romney that taxes should be raised on corporatio]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Don't Miss:  Travel Tips]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/travel-tips</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/travel-tips</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:43:52 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve, I know that you travel a lot so I was wondering if you had any tips to make my business travel easier because it can really be a drag. The one thing I know is that I like to have an aisle seat, but that is not exactly an insider tip. Do you have any?
Zoe
A: I thi]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Things to Know Before Starting a Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/5-things-to-know</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/5-things-to-know</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:00:35 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Everything I read about this &lsquo;starting a business&rsquo; stuff is so peachy. But it seems pretty hard to me. So what do they not tell you that I should know before I jump in? Paige
A: Well, I guess you can count me in as one of those pundits who tends to paint a fa]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA["Contracts" What is Considered Legal?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/contracts</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/contracts</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:34:43 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I have been doing a business with a guy for a few years. Last month, I found someone who offers what he has been selling me for a lot less and so I severed our relationship. He now informs me that we have a &ldquo;contract&rdquo; and that I am obligated to give him 60 day]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Small Business Lending Today]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/small-business-loans</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/small-business-loans</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:50:59 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Where do small businesses go to finance their business? The typical answers are banks, friends, and family, and lately, crowdfunding. I would like to focus on that first answer today if I can &ndash; banks.
That small businesses rely on big banks is a given, but one thing I]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Business Lessons to Stand the Test of Time]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/test-of-time</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/test-of-time</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:12:37 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[A couple of months ago, my son-in-law came over with a scruffy and tattered old book in his hand. &ldquo;Hey Steve,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;I found this book at a garage sale and thought you might like it. It looks sort of like The Small Business Bible of its day!&rdquo;
The]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The Evolution of Small Business in America]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/the-evolution</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/the-evolution</guid><pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 08:58:02 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It being Small Business Week and all, I have to say that this is, without a doubt, the greatest time ever &ndash; and I mean ever in the entire course of human history &ndash; to start, own, run, and grow a small business.
Hyperbole, Steve? No, my beloved reader, fact.
(Fo]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The New Era of "Mom-preneur"]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/women-in-workplace</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/women-in-workplace</guid><pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 09:51:25 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: My wife is both a terrific mom and a terrific businesswoman. So on this Mother&rsquo;s Day, I would just like to say thank you to her, and to all of the great moms out there who juggle life and business.
Zachary
A: Like many people, I have been fascinated with this grea]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Top 5 Signs that You Can Quit Your Day Job]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/5-signs-to-quit-day-job</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/5-signs-to-quit-day-job</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 16:02:02 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I have been a part-time entrepreneur for the past two years and my question is this: When do I know that it is safe to quit my day job and concentrate full time on my business? 
A.D. 
A: It is no easy feat running two enterprises at once, be it a job and a home-based bu]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Closing the Delivery Gap in Customer Service]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/retaining-customers/closing-the-gap-in-customer-service</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/retaining-customers/closing-the-gap-in-customer-service</guid><pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:38:02 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[At a recent training on customer service, the presenter shared with the group a very eye-opening statistic when it comes to views on the delivery of customer service. The presenter referred to a study conducted by Bain &amp; Company that says, &ldquo;80% of companies believe]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Hiring Family:  How to Handle the Tension]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/hiring-family</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/hiring-family</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:56:19 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: My wife convinced me to hire her nephew. He did a good job for us &ndash; until he started dating my assistant. They broke up last month. Now there is tension in the air, he&rsquo;s heartbroken, he&rsquo;s not concentrating at work, and he is missing work. But how do I fi]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Twitter:  What works - what doesn't? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/twitter</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/twitter</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:09:20 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I like using Twitter to follow famous people and writers I like. The ability to see what they are thinking in real time is cool, and watching a breaking news story unfold on Twitter is also cool. But what I don&rsquo;t get is how to really use it to grow my own business. ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[How Far Will "Goodwill" Take You? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/damage-control/goodwill</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/damage-control/goodwill</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:37:02 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I have a pal who is a great therapist. He recently got ill and was out of the office for three months. He lost several patients/clients as a result. I was hoping you might have some advice as to how he can jumpstart his practice now that he is back. Thank you.
Steven
A:]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Health Care Debate:  Are you for or against? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/health-care-debate</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/health-care-debate</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:54:26 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve: I own my own micro-business and was wondering whether you care to weigh in on the health care debate before the Supreme Court. I just don&rsquo;t get how Congress could pass a law that makes me buy health insurance. Personally, I think it is un-American. 
Teddy
A]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Five Ways for Startups – and Established Businesses – To Save Money]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/small-business-save-money</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/small-business-save-money</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:19:45 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Coupon and &ldquo;deal sites&rdquo; such as RetailMenot.com and CouponCabin.com aren&rsquo;t only for consumers; think everything from office equipment to customer gifts. Case in point: Sara Sutton Fell, founder and CEO of FlexJobs in Boulder, Colorado, saved $800 on compute]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Do You Qualify for a Small Business Grant? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/small-business-grants</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/small-business-grants</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:19:07 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I was wondering if there really is federal grant money available for my small business, and if so, where do I find it? It would be great if there was.
Paul
A: Let me ask you: In your experience, is there really such a thing as a free lunch? Right.
But actually, it is a]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Mastermind: The Power of a Group]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/mastermind</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/mastermind</guid><pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:05:52 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I was wondering if you had had any experience with Mastermind groups? I was recently asked to join one. I Googled the term and get what they are about, but I don&rsquo;t know if I would get enough value from it given the time commitment.
Nina
A: For those who don&rsquo;]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Surviving in the Shark Tank]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/shark-tank</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/shark-tank</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:38:19 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Lately I have been watching the TV show Shark Tank and really like it. What always amazes me is that the people whose products I don&rsquo;t like often get money and those that I do like get nothing. Why is that?
Jaime
A: Like you, I enjoy Shark Tank as well, and for an]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Simple Ideas to Improve Cash Flow in Your Business.]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/5-ideas-to-improve-cash-flow</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/5-ideas-to-improve-cash-flow</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:45:09 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In order for you company to be successful, you must have positive cash flow, meaning more revenue and less expenses. &nbsp;There are some simple ways in which cash flow can be improved. &nbsp;While they seem simple, you do need the discipline to follow through.&nbsp; Check o]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Options for Expanding in a Recession ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/expanding-in-recession</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/expanding-in-recession</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:27:14 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I would like to expand but the recession was tough on me and my business. As a result, my business&rsquo; credit stinks, as does my own personal credit. I don&rsquo;t have a fancy idea that can be crowdfunded or some such thing, so where does someone like me turn?  Gabrie]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Small Business Strategies: A Dozen To-Dos]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/dozen-to-dos</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/dozen-to-dos</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:38:03 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[A new year ushers in resolutions, lists and to-dos. There are lots of resources and experts available, several &ldquo;make sure you do this in January&rdquo; lists, and even too-good-to-be-true offers. How do you know which can be trusted? How do you find the time to read an]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Boosting Your Website’s Credibility]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/ecommerce/boosting-website-credibility</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/ecommerce/boosting-website-credibility</guid><pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:20:37 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If you have a company website, you&rsquo;re going to want to get familiar with KikScore if you aren&rsquo;t already. KikScore is a company that has created and provides an online trust seal for small business websites. In a recent survey, KikScore found that a whopping 90 pe]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[4 Ways to Grow your Business- Without Breaking the Bank:]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/4-ways-to-grow-your-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/4-ways-to-grow-your-business</guid><pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:36:22 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I am a solopreneur without a large marketing budget &ndash; actually without a marketing budget at all. Might you have some strategies that I can use to grow my business? Right now I basically get business from referrals, either from my old employer or from current client]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Social Media: Too Much, Too Little...What's Just Right?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/social-media-too-much-too-little</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/social-media-too-much-too-little</guid><pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:21:44 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube &ndash; where do you start? And how often do you post? What do you say? Do you sometimes ask yourself why you joined the social media world in the first place? Or, if you haven&rsquo;t joined, wonder if you even should?
The true motivato]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Six Marketing No-No's]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/six-marketing-no-nos</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/six-marketing-no-nos</guid><pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:16:37 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[&ldquo;We tried that. It doesn&rsquo;t work.&rdquo; When it comes to marketing, you&rsquo;ve probably heard your team (or yourself!) mumble those words time and time again. Stay away from these six marketing no-nos, and your marketing efforts will improve.
1. Chasing shiny ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Ways to Build Customer Loyalty with Social Media]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/retaining-customers/customer-loyalty-with-social-media</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/retaining-customers/customer-loyalty-with-social-media</guid><pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:43:54 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[5 Ways to Build Customer Loyalty with Social MediaSocial media connects you directly with customers and provides a venue for building customer loyalty. Remember that there&rsquo;s more to social media than a post here and a tweet there. Keep these five tips in mind when it c]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Standing Out in the Crowd]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/standing-out</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/standing-out</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:32:01 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: We are in a business that is in a very competitive field and are trying to figure out what we can do to stand out from the crowd. Our budget is limited so what do we do?
Bill
A: I get versions of the question above all of the time and it&rsquo;s no wonder. Owning and ru]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Got Target-date Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/Got-Target-date-Funds</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/Got-Target-date-Funds</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:26:33 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Do you have a feeling that the stock market&rsquo;s continuous up and down is making your 401(k) investors seasick? Are employees taking time off to buy mattresses, as in mattresses under which they store their money? In all seriousness, if you&rsquo;re thinking that partici]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Lemonade, Anyone?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/damage-control/Lemonade-Anyone</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/damage-control/Lemonade-Anyone</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:38:12 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[You&rsquo;ve heard it hundreds of times: when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. In the world of customer service, this adage takes the form of &ldquo;when business hands you angry customers, turn them into company supporters.&rdquo;
Easier said than done? Perhaps. And y]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Employee Loyalty: A Competitive Advantage]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Employee-Loyalty-A-Competitive-Advantage</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Employee-Loyalty-A-Competitive-Advantage</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:15:49 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Most likely you spend time, energy and resources focusing on customer loyalty. After all, it&rsquo;s important. Equally important, though, is employee loyalty. Are you giving the same type of focus to employee loyalty? You simply cannot afford not to.
Loyal employees are a ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[E-Newsletters]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/E-Newsletters</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/E-Newsletters</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:46:58 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Do you know much about advertising in e-newsletters? I receive one that I like a lot and see ads in there. Do they pull? Is it worth the money? And that also got me to thinking that maybe it is time to finally start an e-newsletter for our business, but again, is it worth]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Be Informed: Recent Changes to U.S. Patent Law]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/Be-Informed-Recent-Changes-toUS-Patent-Law</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/Be-Informed-Recent-Changes-toUS-Patent-Law</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:10:40 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If you&rsquo;re one of many business owners and/or inventors who&rsquo;ve been waiting for reform in U.S. patent laws, wait no longer. The recently signed Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) has done some overhauling. The good news: there are definitely improvements. The n]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Keeping Customers: Eight Essential “Must Do’s”]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/retaining-customers/Keeping-Customers-Eight-Essential-Must-Dos</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/retaining-customers/Keeping-Customers-Eight-Essential-Must-Dos</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:19:15 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[What&rsquo;s the best (as in profitable) type of customers? Without a doubt, it&rsquo;s long-term customers. Once you have them, how do you keep them? Here are eight important tips for keeping long-term customers:
Keep employer turnover to a minimum. Yes, in some businesses]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Thinking Beyond PowerPoint]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/gadgets-software/Thinking-Beyond-PowerPoint</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/gadgets-software/Thinking-Beyond-PowerPoint</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:03:57 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[First, let&rsquo;s get one thing straight: there&rsquo;s certainly nothing wrong with Microsoft PowerPoint&reg;, the presentation tool that for many years has served as the &ldquo;go to&rdquo; for organizing, distilling and presenting business ideas. It&rsquo;s just that the]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Add Video to your Website]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/Add-Video-to-your-Website</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/Add-Video-to-your-Website</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:16:11 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: We would like to add some videos to our website but the question then is &ndash; videos of what? We really have no idea what people would be interested in watching. 
Gail
A: First let me say, good thinking. Of all the things you can do on a website to engage visitors, i]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Social Media ROI]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/Social-Media-ROI</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/Social-Media-ROI</guid><pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:46:46 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Like so many small business people these days I suppose, I am getting my feet wet with social media. I have a Facebook account and am getting involved in LinkedIn which I like a lot. That all said, I am not sure it is worth all of the effort. How can I tell?
Jan
A: This]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Selling a Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Selling-a-Business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Selling-a-Business</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:51:24 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve &ndash; I have read your columns for years and appreciate your advice. Maybe you can help me now. I would like to sell my business, but am finding it difficult to do so in the current economic environment. Other than dropping my price too low for my taste, what can ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Software as a Service (SaaS)]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/outsourcing-it/Software-as-a-Service</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/outsourcing-it/Software-as-a-Service</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:53:19 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Hey Steve &ndash; So I recently took the plunge. For various reasons I left my corporate gig of 10 years and ventured off on my own. I have always wanted to be my own boss. But my question and problem is this: How can I compete against large companies like my former emplo]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Get Your Business Funded]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/Get-Your-Business-Funded</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/Get-Your-Business-Funded</guid><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:15:27 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I heard your webinar about creative ways to finance a business, though I only came in at the end. I have been out of work for a year and my unemployment is about to run out. What options do I have? Thanks for your time.
Mary
A: There is no doubt that funding a business ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Compliance with the Adults with Disabilities Act]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Compliance/Compliance-with-the-Adults-with-Disabilities-Act</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Compliance/Compliance-with-the-Adults-with-Disabilities-Act</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:50:15 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I have an employee who tells me that I am not in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. I have a small business that employs about 20 full and part time people. I was under the impression that someone had to have 50 employees or more for the ADA to apply. I ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Top Tips for Managing Mellennials]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Top-Tips-for-Managing-Mellennials</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Top-Tips-for-Managing-Mellennials</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:44:21 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve - I am in my 50s, have been part of small businesses as long as I can remember, and these days manage a busy store. Despite all of this experience, I am running up against an issue I have not encountered before - namely, how to effectively manage my youngest employe]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Negotiating a Commercial Lease]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Negotiating-a-Commercial-Lease</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Negotiating-a-Commercial-Lease</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:21:39 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I was wondering how much is negotiable when it comes to my lease? The pre-printed form my landlord handed me is intimidating. AnthonyA: Negotiating a lease with a landlord is like any other negotiation. How much is negotiable? In theory, everything is negotiable, especial]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips for Domain Naming]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/5-Tips-for-Domain-Naming</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/5-Tips-for-Domain-Naming</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:01:41 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[1. Create an online identity. Get a Web domain now, even if you aren&#39;t building your site until later.2. Pick three domain names that fit your business. Your first choice may be taken, so have a few domain name ideas. If your top three picks are available, consider getti]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The Loss Leader Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/The-Loss-Leader-Strategy</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/The-Loss-Leader-Strategy</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:51:56 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I have heard about loss leaders, but don&#39;t know what they are. Can you enlighten me?Victor A: The loss leader is a tried-and-true pricing strategy that can be a great way to grow any business. Using it you can get old customers back, bring new ones in the door, and in]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[60-Second Guide to Establishing a Revolving Line of Credit]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/60-Second-Guide-to-Establishing-a-Revolving-Line-of-Credit</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/60-Second-Guide-to-Establishing-a-Revolving-Line-of-Credit</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:10:08 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[For financing flexibility, nothing beats a revolving credit line (RCL). Structured much like your personal credit card, RCLs allow approved borrows to tap only as much as money as needed to stay atop seasonal and business cycle fluctuations. Application and repayment require]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips for Improving Your Web Site]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/5-Tips-for-Improving-Your-Web-Site</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/5-Tips-for-Improving-Your-Web-Site</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 10:18:42 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Visit the sites of other companies to find out what you like and dislike. Do some sites seem to &quot;work&quot; while others don&#39;t?Decide what objectives you want your site to meet. Do you want it to be fun, funny, educational, &quot;cool,&quot; or all of those things?C]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Getting the Money]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/Getting-the-Money</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/Getting-the-Money</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:11:05 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Hey Steve - I have grown my small, one store business into a chain of 4 stores. One thing I now see is that if I want to really get bigger, I will need some funding from outside sources - banks or investors. I have self-funded this entire process so this is new to me. So ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Last Minute Small Business Tax Tips]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/Last-Minute-Small-Business-Tax-Tips</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/Last-Minute-Small-Business-Tax-Tips</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:29:18 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Small-business owners who have put off doing their 2010 tax return so far this year have less than one week until Tax Day. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) has one piece of advice - don&#39;t panic. &quot;As long as you have all of your paperwork gathere]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[7 Steps to Starting a Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/7-Steps-to-Starting-a-Business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/7-Steps-to-Starting-a-Business</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:44:16 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Having recently lost my job and I am forced to think about starting my own business. I have watched some video and read a few articles, but honestly, this is all new to me. Could you just give me the broad overview of the steps involved? Thanks for your time.BrandonA: It ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The Importance of Business Signage]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/The-Importance-of-Business-Signage</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/The-Importance-of-Business-Signage</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:28:40 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: My business is on a busy street. I seem to get most of my new business from referrals so it seems to me that I do not really need to invest a lot of money in a big sign. My budget is limited and I think my marketing dollar would go further elsewhere. But where?AaronA: I t]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[How to Survive a Micro-Business Audit]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/How-to-Survive-a-Micro-Business-Audit</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/How-to-Survive-a-Micro-Business-Audit</guid><pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:43:33 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The IRS expects 145 million tax returns to be filed for the 2010 tax year and, of those, one in six will be self-employed Schedule C filers. A small percentage of those self-employed businesses will be subject to an audit each year. The NASE knows that many self-employed bus]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Traits of a great small business employee]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Traits-of-a-great-small-business-employee</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Traits-of-a-great-small-business-employee</guid><pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:47:08 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Having worked in both large corporations and now a small business, I can attest to the fact that being an employee in a small business is a lot different than being one in a large conglomerate. My friend thinks there really is little difference, but I beg to differ. I lik]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Self-Employed: Take a Tax Deduction For Health Insurance Costs]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/Self-Employed-Take-a-Tax-Deduction-For-Health-Insurance-Costs</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/Self-Employed-Take-a-Tax-Deduction-For-Health-Insurance-Costs</guid><pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:15:23 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[For the 2010 tax year, self-employed business owners can have one more deduction to claim - their health insurance costs. The Small Business Jobs and Credit Act, passed last fall, provides an important tax break for the over 23 million self-employed Americans by allowing the]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[How to Apply for a Patent]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/How-to-Apply-for-a-Patent</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/How-to-Apply-for-a-Patent</guid><pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:05:58 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I have invented what I think is &quot;a better mousetrap.&quot; How do I stop someone from stealing it? Do I need a patent or maybe a trademark?LTA: Do you remember the first video arcade game, Pong? Invented by Atari, the game was a cultural phenomenon. Atari had the all]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Retaining Top Talent]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Retaining-Top-Talent</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Retaining-Top-Talent</guid><pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:22:22 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[What&#39;s your philosophy for recruiting and retention? Is it similar to that of the &quot;build it and they will come&quot; mentality? Maybe something like &quot;hire them and they will stay?&quot; Even though we are in the worst job market in a generation, you cannot affo]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[2010 Tax Changes For The Self-Employed ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/2010-Tax-Changes-for-the-Self-Employed</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/2010-Tax-Changes-for-the-Self-Employed</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:30:28 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[2010 was a banner year for small business owners as it relates to tax law changes and tax law no-changes. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 provided a number of key tax changes designed to benefit small business while the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Web 2.0]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/Web</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/Web</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:51:22 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve: Next year, we are looking to increase our Web presence. What I mean is, we want to be more active, both on our website and in our social media efforts. I was wondering if you have some tools or tips that may make this easier, and even better, affordable!JanA: Well,]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips for Using Colleges and Universities to Help Your Business ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/5-Tips-for-Using-Colleges-and-Universities-to-Help-Your-Business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/5-Tips-for-Using-Colleges-and-Universities-to-Help-Your-Business</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:37:29 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Volunteer your company to be a business school case study. You&#39;ll learn much about your company in the process and get good ideas for the future.Obtain management and technical assistance from one of more than 50 Small Business Development Centers. Check the U.S. Small B]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[60-Second Guide to Conducting Market Research]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/60-Second-Guide-to-Conducting-Market-Research</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/60-Second-Guide-to-Conducting-Market-Research</guid><pubDate>Sat, 11 Dec 2010 15:23:20 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Market research is a valuable planning tool for businesses of all sizes and types.&nbsp; What&#39;s more, you don&#39;t need a huge budget to gather data about your customers&#39; perceptions and preferences and how they make buying decisions. Market research can also help y]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Competing Against Chain Stores]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/Competing-Against-Chain-Stores</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/Competing-Against-Chain-Stores</guid><pubDate>Sat, 11 Dec 2010 15:16:19 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I own a small store with two employees. It is always a challenge to compete against the large chain retailers, but we manage. However this time of year it is that much harder. How do other small businesses handle this problem during the holidays?EmmaA: I agree that compet]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips to Help You Prepare for Growth Spurts ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/5-Tip-to-Help-You-Prepare-for-Growth-Spurts</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/5-Tip-to-Help-You-Prepare-for-Growth-Spurts</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:48:43 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Get outside help. Growth is tricky and stressful, so smart business owners rely on outside assistance-such as consultants or SCORE volunteers-to get them through it.Hire ahead of the need. If you&#39;re growing fast, add a chief operating officer and/or chief financial offic]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[SBA Loans]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/SBA-Loans</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/SBA-Loans</guid><pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:02:08 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I hear that there is more money available these days for Small Business Administration loans. Is that true? If it is, how do I apply to the SBA to get one? Thanks in advance.MauriceA: To answer your first question, yes it is true that there are more SBA loan funds availab]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[60-Second Guide to Developing a Pricing Strategy ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/60-Second-Guide-to-Developing-a-Pricing-Strategy</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/sales/60-Second-Guide-to-Developing-a-Pricing-Strategy</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:50:12 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[How much should I charge? That&#39;s a question asked by many new entrepreneurs. Charging either too little or too much may produce the same results: difficulty luring customers, poor cash flow and suspicions about the quality of your work.&nbsp;In just 60-seconds, we&#39;ll]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips for Dealing with a Computer Virus ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/data-protection/5-Tips-for-Dealing-with-a-Computer-Virus</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/data-protection/5-Tips-for-Dealing-with-a-Computer-Virus</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:45:41 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By Devin Jopp, SCORE COO&nbsp;


Isolate. If you suspect that you have been infected by a computer virus, unplug the infected computer from the office network. If the virus has spread to other machines, remove the network from the Internet to avoid spreading the virus. So]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[7 Deadly Small Business Website Mistakes]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/7-Deadly-Small-Business-Website-Mistakes</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/7-Deadly-Small-Business-Website-Mistakes</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:23:19 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I am tasked with redoing our company website. I am planning on using a free or low-cost service and then customizing the template. My question is what do other small businesses do right and wrong when creating a business website - that is, are there things I should add or]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Top 5 Tips to Avert Disaster]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/Top-5-Tips-to-Avert-Disaster</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/Top-5-Tips-to-Avert-Disaster</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:29:37 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By Christine Banning, SCORE VP Marketing &amp; CommunicationsDisaster strikes-rarely. But, when it does preparation is what can save your business. Learn more.Safely store important documents. Keep a portable and fire safe box with insurance documents, legal agreements and a]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Co-op Advertising]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/Co-op-Advertising</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/Co-op-Advertising</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:24:20 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I was wondering if you could tell me how co-op advertising works? MaggieA: If you have never heard of co-op advertising, pull up a chair - you are about to learn of an amazing - and highly affordable - way to get the word out about your business. Let me illustrate it with]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[60-Second Guide to Managing Upset Customers]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/damage-control/60-Second-Guide-to-Managing-Upset-Customers</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/damage-control/60-Second-Guide-to-Managing-Upset-Customers</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:48:28 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Having respect for your customers will ensure their faith in and loyalty to you and your business. Studies show that it is nine times more difficult to attract a new customer than it is to retain an existing one, so it is critical to keep your customers happy. Surveys, focus]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Starting an Online Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/ecommerce/Starting-an-online-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/ecommerce/Starting-an-online-business</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:01:30 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Hey Steve! I am looking to start an online business. This stuff is all new to me and I am not even sure where to start, but my first question is this: Where do I find products to sell? I don't know any distributors. Who do I call? I don't want to look like a dummy. Thanks]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Funding]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/Funding</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/Funding</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:06:11 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: In this climate, where can people go to get the money they need for their business? I want to expand but the banks all say no. I can&#39;t even imagine what it would be like if I was looking for startup capital. What are we supposed to do?TommyA: I have the proverbial goo]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[60-Second Guide to Collecting Payment]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/60-Second-Guide-to-Collecting-Payment</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/60-Second-Guide-to-Collecting-Payment</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:47:52 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Collecting on overdue accounts can be a frustrating experience for a small business owner, particularly during the start-up period when every dollar of revenue counts toward staying solvent and repaying debts.&nbsp; It&#39;s not the most pleasant part of being an entrepreneu]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Laws Every Employer Must Know]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Laws-Every-Employer-Must-Know</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Laws-Every-Employer-Must-Know</guid><pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:03:01 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: I have an employee who is demanding overtime. I classify her as management and as such I say I don&#39;t have to pay her overtime. Do I?BarryA: Let&#39;s start with the issue at question. Your classification of the employee really is not the issue. Her job, duties, and st]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Employee Performance Management: Delegating for Success]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Employee-Performance-Management-Delegating-for-Success</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Employee-Performance-Management-Delegating-for-Success</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:23:21 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[&quot;The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.&quot; -Theodore RooseveltThat quote by Teddy Roosevelt gets right to the point: &nbsp;one of the mo]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips on Electronic Contracts]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/ecommerce/5-Tips-on-Electronic-Contracts</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/ecommerce/5-Tips-on-Electronic-Contracts</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:14:40 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Take note: federal law now makes electronic contracts and electronic signatures as legal and enforceable as those on paper.Consider what advantages e-contracts might have for your business. Some companies will be able to conduct their business entirely on line, often with gr]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips on Researching Your Invention or Idea Before You Patent]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/5-Tips-on-Researching-Your-Invention-or-Idea-Before-You-Patent</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/5-Tips-on-Researching-Your-Invention-or-Idea-Before-You-Patent</guid><pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:49:31 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[&nbsp;An idea, without knowledge of how to make it work, is not patentable. You must be able to present an illustrated description of a specific useful product, which achieves the desired objective, in sufficient detail to enable others to make and use it. Even then, not eve]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Insurance Coverage For Young Adults: A Guide To Health Reform Changes]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/Insurance-Coverage-For-Young-Adults-A-Guide-To-Health-Reform-Changes</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/Insurance-Coverage-For-Young-Adults-A-Guide-To-Health-Reform-Changes</guid><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:00:25 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The health reform law includes a provision allowing adult children to receive health coverage under their parents' insurance policies until age 26.
Included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) is a provision allowing young adults to receive health]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Senators Aim to Include Small Business Training in Federal Contracting Certification Process]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/Senators-Aim-to-Include-Small-Business-Training-in-Federal-Contracting-Certification-Process</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/Growing-Your-Business/Senators-Aim-to-Include-Small-Business-Training-in-Federal-Contracting-Certification-Process</guid><pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:05:25 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Washington, D.C. - On May 27, U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) introduced the Small Business Training in Federal Contracting Certification Act (S. 3444) to ensure that contracting officials successfully complete ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Reform May Increase Health Costs, Studies Find ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/Reform-May-Increase-Health-Costs-Studies-Find</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/Reform-May-Increase-Health-Costs-Studies-Find</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 14:34:30 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[A few recently released studies on the health care reform law have found that while more Americans will have health insurance coverage because of the law, the legislation may lead to increased health costs. Economic experts at the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) r]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Visa Small Business Fraud Prevention and Online Safety]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/data-protection/Visa-Small-Business-Fraud-Prevention-and-Online-Safety</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/data-protection/Visa-Small-Business-Fraud-Prevention-and-Online-Safety</guid><pubDate>Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:18:07 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[What is phishing?&nbsp;Phishing refers to online scams that attempt to trick consumers into revealing personal information, such as check and credit card account numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank account passwords. Most commonly, phishers target unsuspecting users wi]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[How to Lose Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/retaining-customers/How-to-Lose-Business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/retaining-customers/How-to-Lose-Business</guid><pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:08:21 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve - What should we do with a customer who is so demanding, but who makes us a lot of money? I am inclined to tell him to take a hike.
Barbara
A: I am all for firing the too-demanding customer in the right circumstance, but it is hard to say whether this is one of th]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[How To Prepare Your Micro-Business For Future Audits ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/How-To-Prepare-Your-Micro-Business-For-Future-Audits</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/How-To-Prepare-Your-Micro-Business-For-Future-Audits</guid><pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:57:21 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Since last November, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has undertaken a three-year campaign to review the tax records of nearly 6,000 randomly chosen businesses as part of their National Research Program. The goal is to figure out which areas of the tax code lead to greater]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Getting Customers to Pay on Time]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/improving-customer-relations/Getting-Customers-to-Pay-on-Time</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/improving-customer-relations/Getting-Customers-to-Pay-on-Time</guid><pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:56:00 -0500</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: We have a clean, professional small shop.&nbsp; The problems we are encountering is getting our customers to pay on time when their repairs are done. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Phil
A: Let me begin with a sad story. Back in the day when I was a young ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Your legal structure - How to choose from an alphabet of choices]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/Your-legal-structure-How-to-choose-from-an-alphabet-of-choices</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/Your-legal-structure-How-to-choose-from-an-alphabet-of-choices</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:01:19 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[S-corp. LLC. LP,&nbsp; LLP,&nbsp; LLLP. There&#39;s a seemingly endless choice of letter combinations when it comes to the legal structure of your business. What do they all mean? Moreover, what are the implications for your organization? At what point do you choose? And how]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Employee Retention Begins with the Hiring Process]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/interviewing/Employee-Retention-Begins-with-the-Hiring-Process</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/interviewing/Employee-Retention-Begins-with-the-Hiring-Process</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:01:58 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[As the economy improves, one of the more daunting concerns small businesses will face is talent management. Many employees-perhaps more than usual-are preparing to move on as soon as companies begin hiring again. While there are many strategies to help you retain your best t]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Business Owners Insurance 101]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/insurance/Business-Owners-Insurance</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/insurance/Business-Owners-Insurance</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:45:02 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If you are a business owner, there are&nbsp;a few basic things you should know about business insurance.&nbsp; Today, the small business owner has the advantage of purchasing a basic Business Owners Policy (BOP) that provides broad protection suited for a small business owne]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Quality benefits are good for employers too]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/Quality-benefits-are-good-for-employers-too</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/Insurance-benefits/Quality-benefits-are-good-for-employers-too</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:06:17 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The term &quot;employee benefits&quot; makes it sound like employees get all the advantages, and the employer makes all the sacrifices. In reality, offering a comprehensive insurance package is a win for both your business and employees. Quality benefits are a powerful tool ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Overview]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/GettingStarted</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/GettingStarted</guid><pubDate>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:03:12 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Welcome to Small Business Connect!&nbsp; Small Business Connect is an online community created specifically for and tailored to small business owners.
Small Business Connect is your one-stop resource for information on managing and growing your business.&nbsp; On this site,]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Here's How to Prevent a Lot of Legal Hassles ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/Avoiding-Legal-Hassles</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/protecting-your-business/Avoiding-Legal-Hassles</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:18:49 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: In all of your years of representing businesses as a lawyer and giving small businesses advice, you must have come across some good, cheap strategies that businesses can use. If so, can you share them? - Ira&nbsp;A: If I think about it, there are definitely some strategie]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Abusive Customer? Time To Get Tough]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/improving-customer-relations/Abusive-Customer-Time-To-Get-Tough</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/customer-service/improving-customer-relations/Abusive-Customer-Time-To-Get-Tough</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:06:32 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Our place of business has a customer who is a real pain. Unhappy with something that happened with regard to his account, he has become increasingly belligerent. He calls and yells at me and others. He threatens to take his business elsewhere and so on. How should we hand]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[If your business lost its data, would it survive? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/data-protection/If-your-business-lost-its-data-would-it-survive</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/data-protection/If-your-business-lost-its-data-would-it-survive</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:14:58 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If your business lost its data, would it survive? Odds are, no.Research tells the story: 60 percent of small businesses that lose data in an Information Technology (IT) disaster do not survive. Even a short-term IT setback can cause permanent damage: Most businesses can tole]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[A more efficient way to take care of IT]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/data-management/A-more-efficient-way-to-take-care-of-IT</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/data-management/A-more-efficient-way-to-take-care-of-IT</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:37:44 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Your computer networks are the often unseen, unsung heroes of your small business: Too often, you only notice your server, software and other components when there&#39;s a problem, costing you downtime, productivity and revenues.Keeping Information Technology (IT) healthy, v]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Growth Strategies for Small Businesses]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Growth-Strategies-for-Small-Businesses</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Growth-Strategies-for-Small-Businesses</guid><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:12:38 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Growing your small business can be a difficult and frustrating process. No matter how talented, experienced, or proficient you are as a leader, business development may not be one of your core skills. So, how do you develop the business leadership skills necessary to grow yo]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Solid HR Strategy is Key to Small Business Success]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Solid-HR-Strategy-is-Key-to-Small-Business-Success</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Solid-HR-Strategy-is-Key-to-Small-Business-Success</guid><pubDate>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:56:33 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The first year or two after a business opens its doors can be an extremely challenging time. Securing financing, establishing a clientele and spreading the word about the new venture present plenty of obstacles to overcome.But one of the most risky and least-planned-for chal]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Tips and Tricks: Communications Planning for Small Businesses]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/Tips-and-Tricks-Communications-Planning-for-Small-Businesses</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/planning/Tips-and-Tricks-Communications-Planning-for-Small-Businesses</guid><pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:26:43 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Whether your business is a one-person show or has 25 employees, you know that planning is smart ... and it&#39;s usually time-consuming, sometimes confusing and often frustrating. To ease the pain, include the following in your advertising and communications planning efforts]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips for Ensuring Your Customers' Privacy ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/ecommerce/5-Tips-for-Ensuring-Your-Customers-Privacy</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/technology/ecommerce/5-Tips-for-Ensuring-Your-Customers-Privacy</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:27:17 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[

Understand that protecting customers' privacy is essential to maintaining and increasing sales and profits online.


Develop a privacy policy, post it on your web site, and live by your policy. For guidelines, visit three Web sites: http://www.privacyalliance.org/, ht]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips on Helping Employees Take Pride in Their Work]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Helping-Employees-Take-Pride-in-Their-Work</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/human-resources/managing-employees/Helping-Employees-Take-Pride-in-Their-Work</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:11:03 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[



&nbsp;








Employees are your most important assets, so hire the best, provide training and growth opportunities, and recognize good performance.


Have a meaningful, concise and realistic job description for each employee. Make sure you review it wit]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips on Insurance for Small Business ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/insurance/5-Tips-on-Insurance-for-Small-Business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/insurance/5-Tips-on-Insurance-for-Small-Business</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:22:12 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[

Protect life, health and property.


"Key man insurance." Protect your business if you lose a partner or key employee. Also, insure yourself to safeguard your spouse and family.


Life insurance for employees. Consider offering a term policy. This is a benefit you ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Improve Your Odds of Getting a Loan]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/Sixty-Second-Guide-to-Getting-A-Loan</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/Sixty-Second-Guide-to-Getting-A-Loan</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:08:08 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Getting a small business loan is not as easy as saying you have a great idea and holding out your hand. While it is difficult to get a start-up business loan without a proven track record, it&#39;s not impossible. In just 60-seconds, we&#39;ll show you how to improve your od]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Establishing a Revolving Line of Credit]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Sixty-Second-Guide-to-Establishing-a-Revolving-Line-of-Credit</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/existing-businesses/Sixty-Second-Guide-to-Establishing-a-Revolving-Line-of-Credit</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:48:57 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[For financing flexibility, nothing beats a revolving credit line (RCL). Structured much like your personal credit card, RCLs allow approved borrows to tap only as much as money as needed to stay atop seasonal and business cycle fluctuations. Application and repayment require]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Financing Your Start-up Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/Sixty-second-guide-to-Financing-Your-Start-up-Business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/finance/new-business/Sixty-second-guide-to-Financing-Your-Start-up-Business</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:43:06 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[What&#39;s standing between you and starting your own business? If it&#39;s a lack of money, relax. There are a number of reasonable start-up capital options available to aspiring entrepreneurs. The key is planning. Your financing strategy must make sense to both you and you]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[5 Tips on How to Start Filing Taxes Correctly]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/five-tips-on-how-to-start-filing-taxes-correctly</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/five-tips-on-how-to-start-filing-taxes-correctly</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:06:21 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Consult a tax advisor, even if you are a start-up. A professional can save you both money and valuable time and keep you from running afoul of the Internal Revenue Service.Pay estimated federal and state taxes four times a year. Your tax advisor can help you determine how mu]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Ramped Up Task Force Could Focus On Micro-Business Tax Compliance]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/Ramped-Up-Task-Force-Could-Focus-On-Micro-Business-Tax-Compliance</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/legal-tax/taxes/Ramped-Up-Task-Force-Could-Focus-On-Micro-Business-Tax-Compliance</guid><pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:12:18 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Obama Administration recently announced its plans to step up the search for noncompliant taxpayers as one method for offsetting a massive budget designed to help shore up economic losses for the nation. A newly formed Task Force on Tax Reform will concentrate on the tax ]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Small Business Resources, Big Business Results]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/getting-started-overview</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/getting-started/GettingStarted/getting-started-overview</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:59 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[With Small Business Connect, small business resources are literally just a click away. You'll find free small business advice, from articles and online seminars, to small business blogs and success stories. Small Business Connect is just one of the many tools that the Alerus]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Making sense of Media Buying]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/Making-sense-of-Media-Buying</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/Making-sense-of-Media-Buying</guid><pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:53:18 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The media landscape changes dramatically, continuously - so does the marketplace for buying and selling advertising, It&#39;s important to have tools to help evaluate the choices and make decisions about your advertising dollars. These four easy steps can help you plan and p]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Good PR is important for Small Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/good-pr-is-important-for-Small-Business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/good-pr-is-important-for-Small-Business</guid><pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:48:33 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[You might think that public relations is something that bigger businesses need to worry about. Think again. Every business has a reputation to grow and protect. Getting serious about that reputation will pay off in the near term - and become more valuable as you grow. Your o]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[4 Steps to a Good Website]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/four-steps-to-a-good-website</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/four-steps-to-a-good-website</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:06:19 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There are many factors to consider when creating a website, and it is important to remember that your company website is often the first point of contact for many of your potential customers. Your site must make the right impression, portray your business and the products or]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[Social Media 101 for Small Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/social-media-101-for-small-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/media/social-media-101-for-small-business</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:03:06 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[YouTube visitors now watch 1 billion videos every day. Almost 95 million Americans (and over 300 million worldwide visitors) logged into Facebook in September. The first photos of a tornado in Minneapolis, a plane crash in New York, and protests in Iran emerged not on CNN or]]></description>					</item>
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					<title><![CDATA[The Seven Deadly Email Sins]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/the-seven-deadly-email-sins</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/resources/sales-marketing/interactive/the-seven-deadly-email-sins</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:54:08 -0600</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Break out the birthday cake, party hats and silly string. Email marketing turns&nbsp;13 this year.&nbsp; Can you believe it? Gasp, a teenager! While many of us wince at our teen years, they were undoubtedly years of great change, influence, and discovery. Likewise, email ado]]></description>					</item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Hiring? Forget About Facebook]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hiring-forget-about-facebook-2</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hiring-forget-about-facebook-2</guid><pubDate>2013-06-12 14:00:40</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It’s hard to reckon back to the days when a paper resume and three reference calls summed up what you could learn about a job candidate. In today’s world, a few quick keystrokes on Google, Facebook, and Twitter can tell you a lot. But should you listen? Suzanne Lucas, ak]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Make Your Marketing Message About the Customer, Not You]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/make-your-marketing-message-about-the-customer-not-you</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/make-your-marketing-message-about-the-customer-not-you</guid><pubDate>2013-06-11 09:00:25</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When we think about marketing, we most likely think about what we can tell customers and prospective customers about our companies, our products, and our brands. That’s a mistake, at least according to Geoffrey James, author of the Sales Source column on Inc.com. He says t]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[June Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/june-economic-indicator-report-2</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/june-economic-indicator-report-2</guid><pubDate>2013-06-07 10:41:40</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Customers’ Wants Versus Needs]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/customers-wants-versus-needs</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/customers-wants-versus-needs</guid><pubDate>2013-06-06 09:00:58</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There are hundreds if not thousands of books written about what customers want, what they need, what they think they want, what they think they need, etc. In truth, though, don’t the majority of us have what we need to live? That’s the question posed by Sean Jackson, CFO]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Attention CEOs: Social Media Tips for You]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/attention-ceos-social-media-tips-for-you</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/attention-ceos-social-media-tips-for-you</guid><pubDate>2013-06-05 09:00:16</pubDate><description><![CDATA[As a CEO, if you think you can sit back and relax when it comes to social media, think again. By actively participating in social media platforms, you can move your business forward in more ways than one. Simply put, you can’t afford not to participate in social media. If ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Getting Started? Don’t Spend Your Money On…]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/getting-started-dont-spend-your-money-on</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/getting-started-dont-spend-your-money-on</guid><pubDate>2013-05-30 09:00:43</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When you’re getting your business started, it’s tempting to spend money on things that you think you need or that you think will help your business. But are they truly necessities? What is a “must have”, and what is a “nice to have” or a “down the road have”?]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Branded Apps 101]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/branded-apps-101</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/branded-apps-101</guid><pubDate>2013-05-29 09:00:39</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It seems like there’s an app (mobile application) for just about everything under the sun. Given that there are more than 800,000 apps in Google Play/Android and 775,000 apps in Apple iOS App Store alone, how can you guarantee that your branded app will capture the attenti]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Old-School Rules Pay Off for North Dakota Bakery]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/old-school-rules-pay-off-for-north-dakota-bakery</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/old-school-rules-pay-off-for-north-dakota-bakery</guid><pubDate>2013-05-23 09:00:38</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In an age of technology that can make your head spin, it’s good to sometimes take a step back and focus on techniques that have stood the test of time. Tried-and-true, old-school rules, if you will. Take the “rules of threes” for example, that Katy Kassian applies to h]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[With Millennials, the Rules Have Changed]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/with-millennials-the-rules-have-changed</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/with-millennials-the-rules-have-changed</guid><pubDate>2013-05-21 09:00:19</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are those that fall into the (roughly) age 19 to 30 category. To them, the rules about work and what it means to be an entrepreneur are changing. Or is it that they’re changing the rules? A new study from oDesk and Millennial Brandi]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Hiring? Forget About Facebook]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hiring-forget-about-facebook</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hiring-forget-about-facebook</guid><pubDate>2013-05-15 09:00:07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It’s hard to reckon back to the days when a paper resume and three reference calls summed up what you could learn about a job candidate. In today’s world, a few quick keystrokes on Google, Facebook, and Twitter can tell you a lot. But should you listen? Suzanne Lucas, ak]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Three Contracts You Need to Have]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/three-contracts-you-need-to-have</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/three-contracts-you-need-to-have</guid><pubDate>2013-05-13 15:00:37</pubDate><description><![CDATA[More often than not, small businesses are built upon – and grow because of – trusted relationships. While your word might be golden and easily solidified by a firm handshake, it’s simply smart business to have certain legal contracts on file. A bit of time upfront can ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[What’s in a “Like”? $174.17, That’s What]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/whats-in-a-like-174-17-thats-what</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/whats-in-a-like-174-17-thats-what</guid><pubDate>2013-05-10 09:00:34</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If you don’t have a Facebook page for your company (read: brand), you might want to reconsider. Pronto. A recent study shares that each “like” your brand gets on Facebook is worth $174.17. And the research indicates that that amount will only keep increasing. Think of ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[May Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/may-economic-indicator-report-2</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/may-economic-indicator-report-2</guid><pubDate>2013-05-07 09:00:30</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Lessons from Lady Gaga]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/lessons-from-lady-gaga</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/lessons-from-lady-gaga</guid><pubDate>2013-05-06 09:00:31</pubDate><description><![CDATA[No, we’re not talking voice lessons or wardrobe tips. There are valuable branding lessons to be learned from the one-and-only Gaga. Think loyalty marketing and customer cultivation. OPEN forum recently shared valuable insight from the Lady Gaga playbook. If you don’t thi]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[The Heat is On: Summer Hiring]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-heat-is-on-summer-hiring</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-heat-is-on-summer-hiring</guid><pubDate>2013-04-29 09:00:47</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It might seem like summer is a far-off fantasy (especially with the long winter and lack of spring in much of the Midwest), but now is the time to be thinking about summer help. It appears that both the number of summer employees – and the wages they earn – will increase]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Green It Up: The Earth Will Thank You]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/green-it-up-the-earth-will-thank-you</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/green-it-up-the-earth-will-thank-you</guid><pubDate>2013-04-25 11:00:49</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Earth Day was celebrated April 22. In the spirit of what Earth Day means – being kind to the earth and to our environment – what are you doing in your office to go green? Do you recycle? Do you use “real” dishes rather than paper plates and Styrofoam? Going green doe]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Carnival Cruise Lines: Crisis into Opportunity]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/carnival-cruise-lines-crisis-into-opportunity</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/carnival-cruise-lines-crisis-into-opportunity</guid><pubDate>2013-04-18 15:30:30</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The challenges that Carnival Cruise Line had this spring provoked this thought from Brad Smith, executive vice president of customer experience for Sage North America: what do small businesses do in a crisis situation? He shares his ideas in a guest post to BusinessNewsDaily]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How to Grab Your Audience in 30 Seconds]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-to-grab-your-audience-in-30-seconds</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-to-grab-your-audience-in-30-seconds</guid><pubDate>2013-04-17 12:30:00</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When was the last time you took a hard look – or an attentive listening – to your customer and/or prospect presentations? You know, the PowerPoints and spiels you use to tell your story. Are they grabbing your audience’s attention, or are they causing nod-offs? If you ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Website Redesign? Don’t Forget Tablets]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/website-redesign-dont-forget-tablets</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/website-redesign-dont-forget-tablets</guid><pubDate>2013-04-12 09:00:17</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Nowadays when companies create or refresh their websites, they often do so with mobile devices in mind. While it’s important to remember smartphones, be careful not to overlook tablets. The tablet market – think iPads, Kindle Fires, and Galaxy Tabs – is growing, and th]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Bad Work Habits? Change Them in 8 Steps]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/bad-work-habits-change-them-in-8-steps</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/bad-work-habits-change-them-in-8-steps</guid><pubDate>2013-04-10 09:00:30</pubDate><description><![CDATA[We’re all given 24 hours a day, yet some people seem to accomplish so much more in that timeframe. As a small business owner, every minute counts. But do you ever wonder where the last hour went? Or the last 24? The first step in figuring out where all that time is going i]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[April Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/april-economic-indicator-report-2</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/april-economic-indicator-report-2</guid><pubDate>2013-04-08 09:21:39</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Self-Awareness 101]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/self-awareness-101</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/self-awareness-101</guid><pubDate>2013-04-05 09:00:02</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Wikipedia defines self-awareness as “the capacity for introspection and the ability to reconcile oneself as an individual separate from the environment and other individuals.” Another way to say it might be the ability to face reality. How realistic are you with your str]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Everyday Words That Are Extraordinary]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/everyday-words-that-are-extraordinary</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/everyday-words-that-are-extraordinary</guid><pubDate>2013-04-02 15:26:38</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Thousands (maybe millions?) of books have been written regarding what to say when to your employees, colleagues, friends, and family. On top of books, there are online articles, blog posts, tweets – you name it. What words can take us from being an ordinary boss or spouse ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Email: Are the Experts Wrong?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/email-are-the-experts-wrong</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/email-are-the-experts-wrong</guid><pubDate>2013-04-01 09:00:18</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There’s much written about email – managing it, organizing it, etc. – including a recent post right here on Small Business Connect. Most time management experts say that to reach your potential on both the efficiency and effectiveness fronts, you should limit how many ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[You’re Fired: Stepping Away to Grow Your Business]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/stepping-away-to-grow-your-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/stepping-away-to-grow-your-business</guid><pubDate>2013-03-29 09:00:17</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It’s a classic catch-22 for small business owners: how do you have time for strategic planning and thinking when you’ve got a business to run and clients to serve? So many clients, in fact, that it would seem that business is moving along just fine without any long-range]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Where – and When – to Find Big Ideas]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/big-ideas</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/big-ideas</guid><pubDate>2013-03-25 09:00:53</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When you’re running your business, it’s not always easy to make time for planning, thinking, or strategizing. Yet those activities are critical to the success of your business. But how do you fit them into an already overtaxed schedule? Working longer days isn’t the an]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Hiring Contract Workers? Keep This in Mind]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hiring-contract-workers-keep-this-in-mind</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hiring-contract-workers-keep-this-in-mind</guid><pubDate>2013-03-21 09:00:27</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Many small businesses use contract workers instead of hiring full-time employees. While there’s nothing wrong with doing so, there are important things to keep in mind, including this: the IRS and the Department of Labor are now working together to audit businesses. Big de]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Taming the Email Monster]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/taming-the-email-monster</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/taming-the-email-monster</guid><pubDate>2013-03-18 14:00:20</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Your poor inbox. How does it do it? Bursting at the seams day in and day out. There are plenty of apps out there that promise the glory of an organized inbox, but few actually deliver. While the apps may be great, the effort required to “easily” keep your inbox under con]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[10 Tips for Cutting Costs]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/10-tips-for-cutting-costs</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/10-tips-for-cutting-costs</guid><pubDate>2013-03-15 09:00:50</pubDate><description><![CDATA[For small businesses, it can be even more important to cut costs where possible. Shaving what you can on supplies can help, but taking steps to increase efficiency and effectiveness is what can really make a difference. A recent article in Small Business Trends outlines 10 a]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[March Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/march-economic-indicator-report-2013</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/march-economic-indicator-report-2013</guid><pubDate>2013-03-11 10:00:49</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Think Twice: Family and Friends as Business Partners]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/think-twice-family-and-friends-as-business-partners</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/think-twice-family-and-friends-as-business-partners</guid><pubDate>2013-03-08 09:00:48</pubDate><description><![CDATA[We’ve all heard horror stories of what can happen when family or friendship is mixed with business. Undoubtedly the people involved in those tales thought, “But that would never happen to us.” Are your family and friends good prospective business partners? Should you r]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Marketing: The Rules Have Changed]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/marketing-the-rules-have-changed</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/marketing-the-rules-have-changed</guid><pubDate>2013-03-07 09:00:35</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Marketing is marketing is marketing, right? Not necessarily. While you might think that rules don’t change, it turns out that in this case, they do. The old rules don’t do the trick anymore. But what if you’re not sure you even know the old rules…how can you adjust t]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Wanting It Now: Online Customer Service Expectations]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/online-customer-service-expectations</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/online-customer-service-expectations</guid><pubDate>2013-03-01 09:00:49</pubDate><description><![CDATA[To say that online customer service expectations are increasing at a fast rate is an understatement: Most consumers expect assistance within five minutes. Five minutes – or less. That’s not a lot of time. And yet for a frustrated customer, one minute can seem like foreve]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Personality Plus: Finding What Fits Your Culture]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/finding-what-fits-your-culture</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/finding-what-fits-your-culture</guid><pubDate>2013-02-27 09:00:51</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It’s a real stretch to expect that all employees in your company will get along with each other 100 percent of the time. A real big stretch! But it’s incredibly important to be aware of what personality types will fit well with your company culture and which ones won’t]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[LinkedIn Gets Nod as Most Helpful Social Media Tool]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/linkedin-gets-nod-as-most-helpful-social-media-tool</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/linkedin-gets-nod-as-most-helpful-social-media-tool</guid><pubDate>2013-02-22 09:20:32</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In a recent survey by The Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn tops the list of the most helpful social media tools. In fact, of all the tools in the survey, 41% of respondents (small business owners, by the way) said that LinkedIn has the most potential to help them grow. So, are ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Ford: Driving Home Social Media]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/ford-driving-home-social-media</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/ford-driving-home-social-media</guid><pubDate>2013-02-21 09:20:06</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When you think of Ford (as in the motor company), social media probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind. And yet the industry leader is knocking it out of the park on the social media front. Scott Monty, the company’s global head of social media, recently ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[10 Business Tips from Top Bloggers]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/10-business-tips-from-top-bloggers</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/10-business-tips-from-top-bloggers</guid><pubDate>2013-02-19 09:00:11</pubDate><description><![CDATA[2013 is still relatively new, and there’s time yet to make changes to your business to make it better. Small Business Trends recently collected 10 business tips from 10 different bloggers. Some might be things you’re already doing; some might get you thinking. All have o]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[February Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/february-economic-indicator-report</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/february-economic-indicator-report</guid><pubDate>2013-02-15 12:00:15</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Uh-Oh: Messed Up Metrics]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/messed-up-metrics</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/messed-up-metrics</guid><pubDate>2013-02-12 09:00:41</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Most likely you have identified your business goals for 2013. What metrics are you using to measure success against those goals? Are they the right ones? What makes a metric the “right one”…what makes it meaningful? A recent article in Fast Company helps identify meani]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[The 5 Employees You Need]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-5-employees-you-need</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-5-employees-you-need</guid><pubDate>2013-02-11 09:00:36</pubDate><description><![CDATA[For small businesses looking to add employees, the hiring process can sometimes be exhausting. It’s vital to have the right mix of skills and personalities; it can mean the difference between success and closing the doors. We often hear about what to look for in prospectiv]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Warning: Don’t Grow Too Fast]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/warning-dont-grow-too-fast</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/warning-dont-grow-too-fast</guid><pubDate>2013-02-06 09:00:34</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There is much to be said for getting off the ground quickly when starting a small business. With sound growth strategies, companies can quickly move from small to “we have arrived”. But what about those companies that have everything going their way, yet suddenly they se]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How Big is Your Nest Egg?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-big-is-your-nest-egg</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-big-is-your-nest-egg</guid><pubDate>2013-02-01 09:00:24</pubDate><description><![CDATA[We all know that we should set aside some money every month. However, “knowing” and “doing” are definitely two different things. If your small business fell on tough or slow times, do you have enough money in your nest egg to see you through? Do you have a nest egg? ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Don’t Jeopardize Success with Marketing Blunders]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/dont-jeopardize-success-with-marketing-blunders</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/dont-jeopardize-success-with-marketing-blunders</guid><pubDate>2013-01-30 09:00:39</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In her earlier stint as a VP of marketing in the corporate world, Kathy Caprino saw her share of serious marketing crises. As a career coach and advisor, she encounters marketing strategies that soar and those that go down in flames. In a recent Forbes blog, she outlines the]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Words to Motivate You]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/words-to-motivate-you</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/words-to-motivate-you</guid><pubDate>2013-01-25 09:00:09</pubDate><description><![CDATA[January is cruising right along. How are your resolutions? Still intact? Falling by the wayside? Maybe it’s not so much about doing that, starting this, or ending that as it is about a mindset. Are you guided? Are you inspired? Don’t know where to begin? Here’s a great]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[What’s Your Voice?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/whats-your-voice</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/whats-your-voice</guid><pubDate>2013-01-23 09:00:05</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Does your company voice match your company brand? Is it consistent while still remaining unique? Are you struggling to even know what your voice is? When you read “voice”, do visions of Cee Lo Green, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, or Adam Levine float through mind? ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Boosting Revenue: Trends to Learn From]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/boosting-revenue</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/boosting-revenue</guid><pubDate>2013-01-21 09:48:55</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The good news is that small businesses did well this past holiday season, perhaps even better than expected. The even better news is that as a small business owner, you can learn from 2012 trends and take steps to boost revenue in 2013. A recent article in Small Business Tre]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Making It Easy: 1099s for Part-timers and Contractors]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/making-it-easy-1099s-for-part-timers-and-contractors</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/making-it-easy-1099s-for-part-timers-and-contractors</guid><pubDate>2013-01-11 09:20:31</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The flip of the calendar to January can signal a new start, resolutions, and refined goals. It can also mean that it’s tax time. More than likely you’re set on taxes as related to your full-time employees, but what about any part-time employees and or contractors that di]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[January Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/january-economic-indicator-report</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/january-economic-indicator-report</guid><pubDate>2013-01-09 16:15:50</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Marketing Un-resolutions: 5 Things Not to Do in 2013]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/marketing-un-resolutions-5-things-not-to-do-in-2013</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/marketing-un-resolutions-5-things-not-to-do-in-2013</guid><pubDate>2013-01-09 15:19:33</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If you’re like us, you’re still feeling invigorated by your New Year’s resolutions and are working hard to keep them. Start this, increase that, read 

this, research that…you get the picture. But what about the things we should stop doing? We hadn’t thought of i]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Top 10 Trends in 2013: Part Two]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/top-10-trends-in-2013-part-two</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/top-10-trends-in-2013-part-two</guid><pubDate>2013-01-08 09:00:20</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Last week, I began my annual look at the Top Trends in Small Business. This week we get to the Top 5 and what is interesting about the overall list is that it is dominated by changes to the way we work, mostly due to technology, but additionally, because of shifting attitude]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Successful Sales: Get Back to the Basics]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/successful-sales-get-back-to-the-basics</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/successful-sales-get-back-to-the-basics</guid><pubDate>2013-01-04 15:54:33</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It could easily be argued that in a world that is so connected, we’ve become disconnected. Email, social media, conference calls, and the like are all wonderful tools. But how have they affected the business of selling? Is more – as related to technology – actually les]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Top 10 Trends in 2013: Part One]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/top-10-trends-in-2013-part-one</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/top-10-trends-in-2013-part-one</guid><pubDate>2013-01-03 09:14:42</pubDate><description><![CDATA[If I asked you to guess what the biggest trends in small business will be in 2013, would you say:

	The improving economy, or
	Social media, or
	Advancements in technology?

And I would say, “yes.” It is all of those. Small business trends 2013 is sort of like the ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Fiscal Cliff 101]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/fiscal-cliff-101</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/fiscal-cliff-101</guid><pubDate>2013-01-02 15:35:37</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Much of the business news in December focused on the “fiscal cliff”. While legislation to avoid the cliff was passed by Congress, there is still much confusion on what the fiscal cliff is, how the U.S. got to that point, and more. David Flynn, a professor of economics at]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Getting It All Done: 12 Time Management Tips ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/getting-it-all-done-12-time-management-tips</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/getting-it-all-done-12-time-management-tips</guid><pubDate>2012-12-28 09:00:30</pubDate><description><![CDATA[With 2013 right around the corner, we’ve been thinking about a lot of things. One of them is time management. Over and over and over again, many of us feel that we just don’t have enough time. Ever. But we all are given the same 24 hours in any given day. How do some peo]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[What’s Hot: Social Media Tools for 2013]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/social-media-tools-for-2013</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/social-media-tools-for-2013</guid><pubDate>2012-12-26 09:00:11</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Last week we asked if developing a social media strategy is on your 2013 to-do list. Assuming that it is – or assuming that youalready have a strong social media presence – you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the tools that are expected to be the most popular in 2]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Happy Holidays]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/happy-holidays-2</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/happy-holidays-2</guid><pubDate>2012-12-24 09:10:44</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Happy Holidays from all of us at Alerus Financial. We wish you peace, joy, and laughter this holiday season.]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Social Media Strategy 101]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/social-media-strategy-101</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/social-media-strategy-101</guid><pubDate>2012-12-21 09:00:31</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Is developing a social media strategy on your to-do list for 2013? Before you dive in, ask yourself this: why? It might seem like everyone is on Facebook, and maybe you’ve even created a Facebook page with minimal success. What are you trying to accomplish? Social media mi]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[26 Acts of Kindness]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/26-acts-of-kindness</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/26-acts-of-kindness</guid><pubDate>2012-12-20 09:46:29</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In the face of the tragedy last week at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, the words, “What can I do?” have been uttered thousands if not millions of times. One thing you can do is join the social media effort “26 Acts of Kindness” via Facebook or Twitter]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Wrapping Up: End-of-Year Legal Checklist]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/legal-checklist</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/legal-checklist</guid><pubDate>2012-12-14 09:00:40</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When we hear the word “wrapping” around this time of year, our thoughts often turn to gifts for family and friends. From a business perspective, though, there a number of things to wrap up before we turn the calendar to 2013.

While you might be focused on that “last]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Starting Your Dream Debt-free]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/starting-your-dream</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/starting-your-dream</guid><pubDate>2012-12-13 09:00:13</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are you looking at starting your own business? Maybe you have already have a business but are looking to expand it substantially. But the “d” word keeps holding you back: debt. Think a new venture can’t be started without incurring lots and lots of debt? Think again.
]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Customer Service: What Customers Really Want]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/what-customers-really-want</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/what-customers-really-want</guid><pubDate>2012-12-12 14:08:26</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The answer to “what customers really want” might seem simple: good customer service, good products, and a good experience. But what does that really, really mean? In a recent column, Nick Sarillo shares his insight on what customers really, truly are seeking.

Who’s ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[December Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/december-economic-indicator</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/december-economic-indicator</guid><pubDate>2012-12-06 15:39:04</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[The Great Outbrain Challenge - Part I]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-great-outbrain-challenge-part-i</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-great-outbrain-challenge-part-i</guid><pubDate>2012-12-05 14:52:07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I am very excited to share with you today an exciting new venture that I have launched with a company called Outbrain that is designed to help you get more traffic to your website, and in the process, ultimately, to get you more business.

It’s called The Great Outbrain ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Great – and Useful – Apps for Busy Business Owners]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/great-and-useful-apps</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/great-and-useful-apps</guid><pubDate>2012-12-04 15:24:06</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It seems like there’s an app for this and an app for that. A plethora of them promise to make our lives easier. But there’s nothing easy about wading through hundreds, if not thousands, of apps in hopes of finding a handful that will truly deliver on the promise.

Fort]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Think You Get More Done by Multitasking? Think Again]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/think-you-get-more-done-by-multitasking-think-again</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/think-you-get-more-done-by-multitasking-think-again</guid><pubDate>2012-11-29 16:34:09</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In a world of get more done in less time, multitasking has become the name of the game. But is it a game you’re winning? A recent article in Entrepreneur says not so much and shares interesting insight from David Meyer, a cognitive scientist at the University of Michigan. ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[It’s Almost Here: Small Business Saturday®]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/small-business-saturday-3</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/small-business-saturday-3</guid><pubDate>2012-11-21 11:15:52</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Thanksgiving is almost upon us, to be followed by Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But don’t forget another very important day: Small Business Saturday!

American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the b]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Sales & Marketing Lessons from the Election]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/lessons-from-the-election</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/lessons-from-the-election</guid><pubDate>2012-11-20 09:00:15</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Whether your candidate won or lost, there are great lessons to learn from the election process on multiple fronts, including sales and marketing. In a recent article in Inc. magazine, Geoffrey James points out six of them. From “Spamming your brand won’t sell your produc]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Sshhh: Here’s the World’s Simplest Management Secret ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/management-secret</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/management-secret</guid><pubDate>2012-11-13 12:33:37</pubDate><description><![CDATA[While a recent article in Inc. says that management books don’t get it right, we’re not advising that you get rid of all of them. But there is something to be said for the management insight shared in the article that talks about managing individuals, not people. Continu]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[November Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/november-economic-indicator</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/november-economic-indicator</guid><pubDate>2012-11-06 15:29:58</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[A Time Management Secret]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/time-management</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/time-management</guid><pubDate>2012-11-01 08:00:05</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Do you follow Geoffrey James? He’s a regular contributor to Inc., where he shares his insight on the business world. Check out his Sales Source column for a list of his posts. Several caught our eye, including the one titled “Surprising Secret to Time Management”. In i]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[5 Reasons People Fail – And How Not To]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/5-reasons-people-fail</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/5-reasons-people-fail</guid><pubDate>2012-10-29 20:18:12</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Why is it that some people succeed with what appears to be relative ease? And others try and try and try, only to fail and fail and fail? Geoffrey James, a regular contributor to Inc., believes that successful people manage to overcome five barriers. From uninspiring goals t]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Important Tips from a Top LinkedIn Consultant]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/important-tips</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/important-tips</guid><pubDate>2012-10-24 09:00:53</pubDate><description><![CDATA[LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, blogging…it’s hard to keep up with all the “to dos” required for maintaining a social media presence. Did you know LinkedIn recently underwent a bit of a facelift? If you didn’t – or even if you did…but you haven’t taken the time ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Coming Soon: Small Business Saturday®]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/small-business-saturday-2</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/small-business-saturday-2</guid><pubDate>2012-10-22 18:26:29</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Have you heard of Small Business Saturday, which falls this year on November 24? It began in 2010 when American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year (think Black Friday and ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Want to be Happier? Stop Doing These 10 Things–Now ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/be-happier-now</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/be-happier-now</guid><pubDate>2012-10-19 16:26:49</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There’s lots of advice out there (books, websites, blogs, podcasts–you name it) on what a person should do to be happier in both the personal and business sides of life. Jeff Haden, a regular contributor to Inc.com, recently took a different approach by outlining what no]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[7 Must-Have Web Tools for Small Businesses]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/7-must-have-web-tools-for-small-businesses</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/7-must-have-web-tools-for-small-businesses</guid><pubDate>2012-10-15 23:00:54</pubDate><description><![CDATA[So many web tools and websites, so little time. There is a plethora of sites that promise to make you more efficient and more effective. But who has the time to review all of them thoroughly to see if they live up to their claims? Fortunately, John Brandon, a contributing ed]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Social Media: Making Customer Service Better ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/social-media-making-customer-service-better</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/social-media-making-customer-service-better</guid><pubDate>2012-10-12 17:17:34</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Here’s an eye-opening stat for you: Gartner predicts one billion users will be on social networks by the end of 2012. 

That’s 1,000,000,000 users on social networks. If you think social media isn’t an important part of your customer service mix, think again.

Ther]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[October Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/october-2012</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/october-2012</guid><pubDate>2012-10-09 19:18:09</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Bosses: Take It from Ordinary to Extraordinary with These Six Habits]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/extraordinary-bosses</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/extraordinary-bosses</guid><pubDate>2012-10-01 14:49:43</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Many “extraordinary” bosses once started out as “ordinary” bosses. What sets them apart from the rest of the crowd? What day-to-day actions make them great? In a recent post in Inc., Geoffrey James shares his insight on this very topic. (James authors the Sales Sourc]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[9 Tips for Hiring Successfully]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hiring-successfully</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hiring-successfully</guid><pubDate>2012-09-28 09:00:34</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are you looking to hire in the last quarter of 2012? Perhaps in the early part of next year? Or sometime in 2013? The good news about hiring is that it often means business is going well. The bad news is that we sometimes get caught up in the excitement of hiring and don’t]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[One Dozen Must-Read Blogs]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/must-read-blogs</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/must-read-blogs</guid><pubDate>2012-09-25 19:42:13</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In the hustle-bustle of day-to-day work life, it can be challenging to read a day’s worth of email, let alone fit a blog or two in. However, reading blogs helps keep you up to speed with industry trends and happenings, and they can often act as a catalyst for your own crea]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Size Up Your Competition with New SBA Tool]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/size-up-your-competition</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/size-up-your-competition</guid><pubDate>2012-09-21 16:26:08</pubDate><description><![CDATA[A new web tool from the U.S. Small Business Administration enables small business owners to analyze their business across advertising, market share, competitors’ locations, and industry trends.

The free tool, called SizeUp, helps businesses identify new customers and co]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Know These Now: 10 Online Marketing Terms]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/online-marketing-terms</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/online-marketing-terms</guid><pubDate>2012-09-19 16:33:19</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
There’s lots of marketing jargon out there, and it’s hard to keep up with the latest acronyms and terms. That’s why we were LOLing with glee when we came across this at OPEN Forum: a list of 10 online marketing terms that we all need to know, well, yesterday. From CR]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Free Disaster Preparedness Webinar from North Dakota SBA: Wednesdays in September]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/disaster-preparedness</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/disaster-preparedness</guid><pubDate>2012-09-17 19:16:32</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In conjunction with National Disaster Preparedness Month, the North Dakota SBA District Office is offering a free disaster preparedness webinar every Wednesday in September from 9 to 10 a.m.

In the past five years, North Dakota businesses have suffered extensive financial]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[September Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/september-2012</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/september-2012</guid><pubDate>2012-09-13 18:38:59</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Cutting Costs? Don’t Make These Three Mistakes]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/cutting-costs</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/cutting-costs</guid><pubDate>2012-09-12 14:38:18</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
Even in economic times that are less challenging, business owners are always looking for ways to save money. When the economy gets a bit tough, they really start looking. A recent article in Entrepreneur reminds us to take a step back, take a deep breath–or several–and]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Close More Sales with Two Little Words]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/two-little-words</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/two-little-words</guid><pubDate>2012-09-06 15:10:04</pubDate><description><![CDATA[“Thank you” and “I’m sorry” often top the list of “two magic little words”. While they are indeed powerful, they’re not necessarily the little words that can help turn your sales around. We came across a great article by Harvey Mackay, author of “The Mackay]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[A Social Media Expert: To Hire or Not to Hire?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/social-media-hire</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/social-media-hire</guid><pubDate>2012-08-28 13:37:19</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Do you have a social media guru on staff? We’re not talking about someone who dabbles in updating your company’s Facebook page once in a while. We’re talking about someone whose job day in and day out is dedicated to your company’s social media presence and efforts. ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[August Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/august-2012</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/august-2012</guid><pubDate>2012-08-23 21:29:47</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[7 On-boarding No-Nos]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/7-on-boarding-no-nos</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/7-on-boarding-no-nos</guid><pubDate>2012-08-16 18:17:56</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new hire. With thoughts of, “Ah, life is going to be so good with this person on staff!”, it can be easy to forget that even rock stars need proper on-boarding.

A recent article in OPEN Forum gives guidance on seven ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Don't Miss Out on your Olympic Opportunity]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/olympics</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/olympics</guid><pubDate>2012-08-14 15:12:54</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q:  What is your favorite part of the Olympics? Mine was the diving.


Jamie

A: What if I said, “the shoes”? I’ll explain why in a moment, but let’s first acknowledge that there are all sorts of things that one could take away from the recently concluded Olymp]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Five Tips for Effective Marketing Messages]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/kiss</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/kiss</guid><pubDate>2012-08-10 20:08:51</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Remember the KISS principle? (Think “keep it short and simple”, not Gene Simmons). The principle has stood the test of time and is one worth using as related to your marketing messages. A recent article from Entrepreneur shares five important tips for achieving concise a]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Summertime Biz Quiz – Book and Movie Edition!]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/summertime-biz-quiz</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/summertime-biz-quiz</guid><pubDate>2012-08-07 21:53:41</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Need a little break in your day?  Take a minute to test your book and movie knowledge in the Summertime Biz Quiz:


1. Who said, “You don't understand. I want to be surprised. Astonish me, sport. New info, don't care where or how you get it, just get it.”

A. Howar]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Guy Kawasaki on Five Ways to Truly Innovate]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/guy-kawasaki</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/guy-kawasaki</guid><pubDate>2012-08-02 17:00:00</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
If you haven’t heard of Guy Kawasaki, he’s someone you’ll want to follow. He’s the co-founder of Alltop.com, an “online magazine rack” of popular topics on the web as well as a founding partner at Garage Technology Ventures. Previously, he was the chief evangel]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Small Business R&D Tax Credits: You Just Might Qualify]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/rd-tax-credits</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/rd-tax-credits</guid><pubDate>2012-07-31 17:02:42</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
We perked right up when we read this tidbit in a recent article from Business News Daily: lots of small businesses could be missing out on an R&amp;D tax break.

The Federal Research Credit is commonly referred to as the R&amp;D credit, and as the name implies, the credi]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[A Few Minutes with Richard Branson…]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/richard-branson</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/richard-branson</guid><pubDate>2012-07-26 19:30:13</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
Yes, Richard Branson. The extraordinary entrepreneur regularly shares his insight and advice at Entrepreneur.com. This recent column has to do with delivering impeccable customer service. Read on for tips from Sir Richard on how to achieve consistently terrific customer se]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How Much To Spend on Online Marketing]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/online-marketin</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/online-marketin</guid><pubDate>2012-07-24 17:10:07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
Are you promoting your products or services through online marketing? How much are you spending? Or do you find yourself asking, “How much should we spend?” Great question. And we ran across great insight in a recent article from Small Business Trends.

The article d]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Sending Out Invoices? Keep These 8 Things in Mind]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/invoices</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/invoices</guid><pubDate>2012-07-20 17:55:42</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
Do you have accounts receivable that are delinquent? You’re not the only one; about 40 percent of small businesses are finding themselves in the same dilemma. While some customers  simply might truly be finding it difficult to pay you in a timely fashion, your invoices ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[July Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/july-2012</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/july-2012</guid><pubDate>2012-07-11 20:38:14</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans.  Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to goo]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Making a Lean Budget Even Leaner]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/lean-budget</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/lean-budget</guid><pubDate>2012-07-09 16:31:22</pubDate><description><![CDATA[With half of 2012 behind us, how are you tracking on your expenses? Even with typical cost cutting efforts like trading services or buying used equipment, some small businesses are still finding the need to tighten their belts. We recently came across a post in OPEN Forum th]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Summer Reading: What Multimillionaire Entrepreneurs Recommend]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/summer-reading</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/summer-reading</guid><pubDate>2012-07-03 21:50:18</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
Happy Fourth of July! We hope you take time for some fun over the holiday and throughout the rest of the summer. We know it can be hard to break away when you’re running a small
business, but a little R&amp;R is essential for you – and your business.

If your summer]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Email Marketing Help: Three “Infotainment” Secrets ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/infotainment-secrets</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/infotainment-secrets</guid><pubDate>2012-06-26 20:18:07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Have you heard of Ben Settle? We hadn’t. But you can bet that we’ll be watching for more articles from Ben. He’s a direct response copywriter and email marketing strategist. What does that mean to you? He’s got great insight on writing emails that get opened, get rea]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How to Stand Out Online: 7 Tips]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/stand-ou</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/stand-ou</guid><pubDate>2012-06-20 16:38:59</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
It’s hard to stand out from the competition. And with the Web and social media, it’s even harder. How do you stand out? How do you make yourself even more present?

That’s where a  recent article from Lisa Barone comes in. She shares seven tips for how you can make]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Social Networks: When to Post for Best Results]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/when-to-post</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/when-to-post</guid><pubDate>2012-06-15 15:48:25</pubDate><description><![CDATA[You’re posting to Facebook, you’re tweeting, and you’re even trying Tumblr and other social networks. Good for you! Social networking can help boost your brand awareness and your bottom line. But with all the social network traffic out there, how do you know the best t]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Financing Your Entrepreneurial Dream– Part 7 of 7: The Nine Commandments for the Beginning Entrepreneur]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/part-7-of-7</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/part-7-of-7</guid><pubDate>2012-06-13 15:21:37</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
Practical Ideas, Practical Discussion – Part 7 of 7: The Nine Commandments for the Beginning Entrepreneur

 

Are you thinking about starting a new business? New to the world of entrepreneurship? We’ve compiled a list of important things to do to help ensure your s]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[June Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/june-economic-indicator-report</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/june-economic-indicator-report</guid><pubDate>2012-06-07 15:11:32</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Part 6 of 7: Three Facts about Small Business Loans for Beginning Entrepreneurs]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/6-of-7</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/6-of-7</guid><pubDate>2012-06-06 15:26:49</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Financing Your Entrepreneurial Dream

Practical Ideas, Practical Discussion – Part 6 of 7: Three Facts about Small Business Loans for Beginning Entrepreneurs

 

Earlier in this blog series, we highlighted three important facts:

	Business plans are incredibly impo]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[It’s All About Relationships: Keeping Clients Happy]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/all-about-relationships</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/all-about-relationships</guid><pubDate>2012-06-04 15:43:36</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
You’ve heard the adage hundreds of times: it’s all about relationships. The thing is, it really, truly is all about relationships.

We came across a recent article by Amina AlTai that provides some great reminders – seven of them, to be exact – on what it takes t]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Ideas cannot be protected. Period.]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/ideas-cannot-be-protected-period</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/ideas-cannot-be-protected-period</guid><pubDate>2012-06-01 15:18:12</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Mr. Strauss – I have an idea for a product that will revolutionize the food industry. My question for you is how do I go about protecting this idea and making sure no one steals it? Also, how do I sell this idea to a company in this industry and what should I charge? I ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Financing Your Entrepreneurial Dream– Part 5 of 7: Five Myths about Financing Startups That Hurt Beginning Entrepreneurs]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/5-of-7</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/5-of-7</guid><pubDate>2012-05-30 20:42:09</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Financing Your Entrepreneurial Dream

Practical Ideas, Practical Discussion – Part 5 of 7: Five Myths about Financing Startups That Hurt Beginning Entrepreneurs

 

There’s a lot of great info out there about financing startup businesses . Unfortunately, there are ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Lemonade, Anyone?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/lemonade-anyone</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/lemonade-anyone</guid><pubDate>2012-05-29 18:52:19</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Memorial Day weekend typically marks the start of summer…picnics, baseball games, watermelon…the good stuff! You might even see a lemonade stand or two pop up soon. Did you ever think about asking job candidates if they had run a lemonade stand? We hadn’t…that is unt]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Financing Your Entrepreneurial Dream– Part 4 of 7: The Money Hunt: Where Can I Get Funding?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/part-4-of-7</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/part-4-of-7</guid><pubDate>2012-05-23 20:41:49</pubDate><description><![CDATA[“If you would know the value of money, go and try to borrow some.” – Benjamin Franklin

While spoken in the 1700s, Ben Franklin’s words still ring true today. Financing your business is not something to be taken lightly. There are a number of financing options, inc]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Financing Your Entrepreneurial Dream– Part 3 of 7: Exploring Financing Options]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/part</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/part</guid><pubDate>2012-05-16 19:58:24</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Financing Your Entrepreneurial Dream
Practical Ideas, Practical Discussion – Part 3 of 7: Exploring Financing Options

You’ve done your homework and know how much money you need to get your small business up and running. Like many entrepreneurs, you probably need to e]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[May Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/may-economic-indicator-report</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/may-economic-indicator-report</guid><pubDate>2012-05-14 17:02:05</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans.  Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to goo]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Five Tips for Building a Smart Small Business Team ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/five-tips-for-building-a-smart-small-business-team</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/five-tips-for-building-a-smart-small-business-team</guid><pubDate>2012-05-11 18:50:56</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
So many to-dos, not enough hours in the day. Small business owners have a lot on their plates: marketing their business, growing their business, running their business, etc. And then
there’s building the right team. Where do you start?

A recent article in Small Busin]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Financing Your Entrepreneurial Dream–Part 2 of 7: How Much Money Do I Need?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/2-of-7</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/2-of-7</guid><pubDate>2012-05-09 15:45:16</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Practical Ideas, Practical Discussion – Part 2 of 7: How Much Money Do I Need?

Many entrepreneurs underestimate how much money they need to successfully start their new businesses. Not getting off on the right foot financially can put an end to a business before it even]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Got Time? Here’s How to Get More ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/got-time</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/got-time</guid><pubDate>2012-05-07 14:10:22</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
“Time” can be a naughty four-letter word. We often run out of it or up against it. We just don’t seem to have enough time. Yet we all get the same amount of it every day. We wonder: How
are some people so productive during their 24 hours?

That’s why a recent po]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Financing Your Entrepreneurial Dream– Part 1 of 7: The Essentials to Starting a Small Business ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/part-1-of-7</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/part-1-of-7</guid><pubDate>2012-05-02 17:45:25</pubDate><description><![CDATA[ 

Practical Ideas, Practical Discussion – Part 1 of 7: The Essentials to Starting a Small Business

You have a business dream, and you want to go for it. Good for you! Owning your own business can be a tremendously rewarding experience. It can also be a tremendously d]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How Usable is Your Website? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-usable-is-your-website</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-usable-is-your-website</guid><pubDate>2012-04-27 15:21:09</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Oftentimes we get so comfortable with our own company website that we forget to look at it from a first-time visitor’s point of view. We assume that the site’s design and layout are intuitive and user-friendly. We get caught up in the day-to-day business of, well, runnin]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[The Seven Letters of Customer Service]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/seven-letters</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/seven-letters</guid><pubDate>2012-04-20 17:02:56</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Have you heard of Michael Hess? He’s the founder and CEO of Skooba Design, a designer of exquisite cases and accessories for tech travelers. He says he’s “obsessed to the point of insanity” with customer service. We like him already.

Michael contributes to CBS Mon]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How’s Your Customer Service TAO?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/tao</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/tao</guid><pubDate>2012-04-16 15:19:33</pubDate><description><![CDATA[

The word “tao” is usually translated as “way”, “road”, “method”, “technique” or “principle”. You probably already knew that. As related to customer service, it can mean “thank,apologize and offer”. That was new learning for us thanks to an art]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[April Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/april-economic-indicator-report</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/april-economic-indicator-report</guid><pubDate>2012-04-10 15:10:32</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans. Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to good ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Get Out the Dust Mops: It’s Spring Cleaning Time]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/get-out-the-dust-mops-it%e2%80%99s-spring-cleaning-time</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/get-out-the-dust-mops-it%e2%80%99s-spring-cleaning-time</guid><pubDate>2012-04-06 16:57:47</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The sight of green grass can put a spring in our step and a smile on our face. The fresh air seems to nudge us to get out the supplies for spring cleaning to make way for a renewed start.

A recent post in Small Business Trends got us thinking beyond the “norms” of spr]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Managing Remote Employees: Five Important Tips]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/managing-remote-employees-five-important-tips</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/managing-remote-employees-five-important-tips</guid><pubDate>2012-03-30 20:48:36</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Technology enables employees to serve customers from anywhere at any time…just as long as they have an Internet connection. Such possibilities are blurring the lines between mobile, remote, and office-based work, and that can make for a sticky situation.

Fortunately, Jo]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[48 Extra Hours for 2011 Tax Breaks]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/48-extra-hours-for-2011-tax-breaks</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/48-extra-hours-for-2011-tax-breaks</guid><pubDate>2012-03-28 18:59:59</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Since tax day falls on April 17 this year – two days later than normal – you have 48 extra hours to take advantage of all possible 2011 tax breaks.

Ensure you’ve applied these tax breaks:

	Bonus depreciation
	Small-business healthcare tax credit
	New-hire reten]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Self Employment: Is it the Right Time? Part II]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/self-employment-is-it-the-right-time-part-ii</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/self-employment-is-it-the-right-time-part-ii</guid><pubDate>2012-03-26 19:10:03</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Hey Steve, I have a friend who has been unemployed for about two years. His unemployment insurance is about to run out and he has this kooky plan now to go the self-employment route. I have tried to explain to him that this is no time to start a business. He won’t liste]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[10 Steps for Adding Punch to Your Sales Pitch]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/10-steps-for-adding-punch-to-your-sales-pitch</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/10-steps-for-adding-punch-to-your-sales-pitch</guid><pubDate>2012-03-23 18:58:32</pubDate><description><![CDATA[How good are you at explaining why your product or service is better than the competitions? How good are you at doing it succinctly? Delivering your monologue – and mastering your sales pitch – is essential for success.

So, where do you start? Follow these 10 steps:
]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[7 Tips for Thriving in the Email Marketing Game]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/thriving-in-the-email-marketing-game</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/thriving-in-the-email-marketing-game</guid><pubDate>2012-03-21 15:19:06</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In general, online marketing is extremely competitive. Do you find your competitors constantly one-upping you? You’re not alone. How do you grab your customers’ attention with so much “noise” online and in their in-boxes? Here are seven tips to point you in the right]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Self Employment: Is it the Right Time?  Part I]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/self-employment-part-i</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/self-employment-part-i</guid><pubDate>2012-03-19 14:51:47</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Hey Steve, I have a friend who has been unemployed for about two years. His unemployment insurance is about to run out and he has this kooky plan now to go the self-employment route. I have tried to explain to him that this is no time to start a business. He won’t liste]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[March Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/march-economic-indicator-report</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/march-economic-indicator-report</guid><pubDate>2012-03-15 16:27:23</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans.  Alerus’ goal is to help ensure that customers have access to goo]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Small Business Tips from the FDIC]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/fdic</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/fdic</guid><pubDate>2012-03-12 16:31:07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[

FDIC Consumer News is a newsletter produced quarterly by the FDIC Office of Public Affairs in cooperation with other Divisions and Offices. The Winter 2011/2012 issue includes information on managing finances, paying for day-to-day expenses, guarding against fraud, and m]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Entrepreneurship: Do You Have What It Takes? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/entrepreneurship-do-you-have-what-it-takes</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/entrepreneurship-do-you-have-what-it-takes</guid><pubDate>2012-03-09 19:20:01</pubDate><description><![CDATA[After last week’s piece about the ABC show Shark Tank, I was given the opportunity to chat with my favorite shark, serial entrepreneur Robert Herjavec. He was happy to share some business insights with me, and you.

As he seems on the show, Herjavec is positive, affable,]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Moving Up: Small Business Employment on the Rise?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/moving-up</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/moving-up</guid><pubDate>2012-03-07 19:10:03</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There’s promising news in the small business world.

Last December, we shared a post about the optimistic outlook of small and midsize business growth for 2012. And now it seems that last year’s optimism to build small businesses may soon be shifting into actual growth]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[A Lesson in Leadership: Have Fun]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/a-lesson-in-leadership-have-fun</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/a-lesson-in-leadership-have-fun</guid><pubDate>2012-03-02 15:25:55</pubDate><description><![CDATA[You’ve most likely heard of Barbara Corcoran, the founder and former CEO of the largest residential brokerage firm in New York, real estate expert on NBC’s Today, and a regular on ABC’s Shark Tank.

If you haven’t heard of her, there’s no better time than the pre]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How to Tap Pinterest’s Surging Popularity]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-to-tap-pinterest%e2%80%99s-surging-popularity</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-to-tap-pinterest%e2%80%99s-surging-popularity</guid><pubDate>2012-02-27 15:42:53</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Last week we shared nine don’t-miss tips for marketing on Facebook, and today we want to share some tips for one of the hottest new forms of social media: Pinterest.

It’s easy to get a bit overwhelmed on Pinterest; we did. Take a deep breath and dive in a bit, especia]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Nine Don’t-Miss Tips for Marketing on Facebook]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/nine-don%e2%80%99t-miss-tips-for-marketing-on-facebook</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/nine-don%e2%80%99t-miss-tips-for-marketing-on-facebook</guid><pubDate>2012-02-24 15:30:59</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Guess how many users Facebook is up to…go ahead, guess. Not sure? Try 845 million on for size. And growing every day!

While you’re (most likely) not going to sell your product or service to all of the 845 million users on Facebook, you don’t want to overlook the pow]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[New Tool to Compare Healthcare Plan Costs]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/new-tool-to-compare-healthcare-plan-costs</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/new-tool-to-compare-healthcare-plan-costs</guid><pubDate>2012-02-20 17:36:03</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When comparing healthcare plans and costs, this adage may come to mind: take two aspirin and call me in the morning. To help ease the frustration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently introduced an online tool. HealthCare.gov includes information from mo]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Innovation:  What Sets You Apart? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/innovation-what-sets-you-apart</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/innovation-what-sets-you-apart</guid><pubDate>2012-02-17 19:35:50</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In last week’s blog we looked at how innovation can be nurtured in companies. Specifically, I shared the story of 3M and how the company used an innovation culture to foster the creation of Post-It Notes. It’s a fun and interesting story and I like sharing it because it ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Take Time to Tune Up Your Website]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/take-time-to-tune-up-your-website</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/take-time-to-tune-up-your-website</guid><pubDate>2012-02-15 17:58:01</pubDate><description><![CDATA[What sort of shape is your website in? Do all the links work? Is everything spelled correctly? When’s the last time you walked, make that clicked, through every page?

If you can’t remember your last stroll through your website, then it’s time to do it again. Here ar]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Four Tips for Building Your Small Business Brand]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/four-tips-for-building-your-small-business-brand</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/four-tips-for-building-your-small-business-brand</guid><pubDate>2012-02-13 20:04:49</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are you looking for a way to help your business succeed? Have you tried branding? Well-developed brands benefit businesses of all sizes, but they can especially help small businesses establish an identity, gain ground, and earn customers. Here are four tips to get you starte]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[February Economic Indicator Report]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/february-economic-indicator</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/february-economic-indicator</guid><pubDate>2012-02-10 17:14:43</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans.

Download the PDF: Alerus Monthly Insights:  February

Overall ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Are You Tweeting Effectively?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/are-you-tweeting-effectively</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/are-you-tweeting-effectively</guid><pubDate>2012-02-08 19:21:24</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When used effectively, Twitter can be a valuable tool for your business. Sharing news, ideas, and insights creates business awareness. But over-sharing and overwhelming information can lead to too much of a good thing. Don’t want to lose those followers you’ve worked so ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Keeping Great Employees – Five Important To-Dos]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/keeping-great-employees-%e2%80%93-five-important-to-dos</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/keeping-great-employees-%e2%80%93-five-important-to-dos</guid><pubDate>2012-02-06 19:45:11</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It certainly doesn’t hurt, but keeping great employees requires more than offering competitive insurance and benefits. So how do you keep the peeps you want to keep? In essence, treat them the way you want to be treated. And remember these tips:

	Talk their talk. Find o]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[What Genius is Inside Some of Your Employees?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/post-it</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/post-it</guid><pubDate>2012-02-03 17:11:50</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q:  We were wondering if you had any suggestions regarding how we could promote more innovation in our business. We own a small manufacturing plant and have down time that could be put to use  -- if we knew what to use it for. We, as partners, only have so many ideas. Than]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[New Business Name? Make Sure It’s Protected]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/new-business-name</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/new-business-name</guid><pubDate>2012-01-30 18:48:42</pubDate><description><![CDATA[You’ve brainstormed, daydreamed, asked your friends and family, and more. It’s certainly not easy to come up with the right name (or revised name) for your business, but you’re finally there. Almost.

Now what? Get ready to shout it from the rooftops? Not exactly. Th]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Business Apps 101: What’s Right for You?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/business-apps-101</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/business-apps-101</guid><pubDate>2012-01-26 17:02:38</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings are becoming more and more popular. One of the top SaaS offerings is Google Apps for Business. Formerly known as the Google Apps Premier office product suite, it offers specific apps for small businesses. What changed from the free Goog]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Six Words You Can’t Run Your Business Without]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/six-words-you-can%e2%80%99t-run-your-business-without</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/six-words-you-can%e2%80%99t-run-your-business-without</guid><pubDate>2012-01-20 15:58:21</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Imagine that you’ve recently experienced less than stellar customer service. You’ve called the business. Which of these statements would you rather hear from the other end of the telephone?

A mundane “Let me see what I can do” or an enthusiastic “I’d be deligh]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Raise Prices, Stay the Course or Cut Them: What’s the Trend for 2012?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/raise-prices</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/raise-prices</guid><pubDate>2012-01-18 20:04:09</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Because many small business owners are feeling the pressure from higher operating expenses, many of them plan to raise their prices in 2012. In fact, a recent survey of small and medium-sized firms by PNC Financial Services found that 35 percent of business owners plan to ra]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know- Part 2]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/you-don%e2%80%99t-know-what-you-don%e2%80%99t-know-part-2</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/you-don%e2%80%99t-know-what-you-don%e2%80%99t-know-part-2</guid><pubDate>2012-01-13 21:28:54</pubDate><description><![CDATA[You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

Part 2 of 2

In Monday’s post, we discussed The Iceberg of Ignorance. As a refresher: The theory indicates that senior leaders often fail to understand business operations from the perspective of the customers and employees.

S]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know- Part 1 of 2]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/you-don%e2%80%99t-know-what-you-don%e2%80%99t-know-part-1-of-2</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/you-don%e2%80%99t-know-what-you-don%e2%80%99t-know-part-1-of-2</guid><pubDate>2012-01-11 22:12:47</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Have you heard of The Iceberg of Ignorance? The theory is based on a study completed by Sidney Yshido in 1989 which indicated that senior leaders often fail to understand business operations from the perspective of the customers and employees. That is, top management doesn]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[January Economic Insights]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/january-economic-insights</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/january-economic-insights</guid><pubDate>2012-01-09 22:31:12</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more  aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these  events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans.

Download the PDF: Alerus Monthly Insights: January


Overall]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Ready, Set, Goals: 2012 Social Media Goals]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/ready-set-goals-2012-social-media-goals</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/ready-set-goals-2012-social-media-goals</guid><pubDate>2012-01-03 20:15:07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are you treating your social media efforts the same way you treat your “mainstream” marketing efforts? Why or why not? Do your social media endeavors fall to the back burner more often than not? 2012 is the year to change that, and the best way to get started is to set g]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Hurry! Last-Minute Tax Deductions]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hurry-last-minute-tax-deductions</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hurry-last-minute-tax-deductions</guid><pubDate>2011-12-29 21:37:58</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Have you done everything possible to reduce your tax burden? While time is fleeting, there are still a number of things you can do that will enable you to take advantage of tax write-offs. In addition to reviewing these tax calculators, consider these ways to add to your ded]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Five Tips for Containing Rising Healthcare Costs]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/risinghealthcare</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/risinghealthcare</guid><pubDate>2011-12-27 19:14:52</pubDate><description><![CDATA[While the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (passed last year) has brought relief to some as related to healthcare costs, small businesses are still faced with challenges and climbing costs. There are a number of things you can do to provide healthcare options to yo]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Happy Holidays!]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/happy-holidays</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/happy-holidays</guid><pubDate>2011-12-23 18:07:39</pubDate><description><![CDATA[From all of us at Alerus Small Business Connect, Happy Holidays! We wish you joy, happiness, health and peace this holiday season and always.]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[New Year, New Passwords]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/new-year-new-passwords</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/new-year-new-passwords</guid><pubDate>2011-12-21 23:07:50</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Sure “password” is incredibly easy to remember as your password. But is it safe or smart? Not at all. How about “123abc”? Once again it’s certainly easy. And once again, it’s neither safe nor smart.

SplashData, a leading provider of several apps, including bot]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Looking Ahead: Business as Usual in 2012? ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/business-as-usual-in-2012</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/business-as-usual-in-2012</guid><pubDate>2011-12-15 21:03:51</pubDate><description><![CDATA[As you prepare to close out one year and begin another, what are the biggest challenges you face as a small business owner? What’s the outlook for 2012? A recent survey by online survey company Zoomerang Online Surveys and Polls and media company GrowBiz Media shows mixed ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Small Business Tax Trends for 2012 ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/tax-trends-for-2012</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/tax-trends-for-2012</guid><pubDate>2011-12-12 23:32:10</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Are tax debate and discussions (as well as those focused on the federal deficit) likely to decrease in 2012? Most likely not! As we get nearer to the November elections, the topic of taxes will certainly be even more front and center. Until then, here are some notable tax tr]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Increasing Your Company Awareness through Bloggers]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/increasing-your-company-awareness-through-bloggers</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/increasing-your-company-awareness-through-bloggers</guid><pubDate>2011-12-09 22:49:32</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Most likely you’re using some sort of social media strategy within your overall mix of sales and marketing efforts. (If you’re not, make it a goal to do so in early 2012). A company blog might be part of that strategy. While a company blog is an excellent component of so]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[December Economic Insights]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/december-economic-insights</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/december-economic-insights</guid><pubDate>2011-12-07 17:15:54</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans.

Download the PDF:  Alerus Monthly Insights: December

Overall a]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Time to Hire? Do Your Homework First]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/time-to-hire-do-your-homework-first</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/time-to-hire-do-your-homework-first</guid><pubDate>2011-12-05 21:19:19</pubDate><description><![CDATA[One of the biggest decisions a small business can make is whether to hire employees or not. It’s literally a make-it-or-break it decision. Adding employees means added costs.

Is demand truly driving a need for more employees? That is, are you turning down work on a regu]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Is Entrepreneurship Calling?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/is-entrepreneurship-calling</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/is-entrepreneurship-calling</guid><pubDate>2011-11-30 21:39:56</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There is a gamut of reasons for why people start their own businesses: to be their own boss, to have more flexibility, to pursue their passion. Unfortunately, the majority of small businesses have one thing in common: they fail.

With all the “experts” and advice avail]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Small Business Saturday: Make the Most of It!]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/small-business-saturday</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/small-business-saturday</guid><pubDate>2011-11-23 19:32:14</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The second annual Small Business Saturday® – coming this Saturday, November 26 – is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. Shoppers are asked to help fuel the economy and “Shop Small” at their favorite loc]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[There’s Still Time: Gear Up for Black Friday … and Beyond]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/gear-up-for-black-friday</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/gear-up-for-black-friday</guid><pubDate>2011-11-21 20:57:26</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner. If you think it’s too late implement marketing efforts to make the most of the holiday shopping season, think again!

From last-minute tips for effective holiday mobile marketing to 60 social media marketing tips ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Business apps—what role do they play in your organization?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/business-apps-what-role-do-they-play</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/business-apps-what-role-do-they-play</guid><pubDate>2011-11-18 22:38:08</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Just how important are mobile apps when it comes to operating your small business?  Business News Daily, recently dug into a survey from the Pew Research Center and found that fully half of U.S. adult cell phone users now have apps on their mobile devices.

Topping the li]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How to Create a Memorable Customer Experience with Social Media]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/create-memorable-customer-experience-with-social-media</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/create-memorable-customer-experience-with-social-media</guid><pubDate>2011-11-16 18:26:05</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There’s an old customer service adage that goes something like this: when a customer experiences great service, he or she may tell one or two people. When a customer experiences bad service, he or she will tell 10 people. At least.

Now, think of that adage as it relates]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Cybersecurity: Take it Seriously! ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/cybersecurity</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/cybersecurity</guid><pubDate>2011-11-10 22:04:00</pubDate><description><![CDATA[New research indicates that small business owners seem to think that their companies are safe from hackers, viruses, malware and more.

According to a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. small businesses by Symantec and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a large major]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[November Economic Insights]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/november-economic-insights</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/november-economic-insights</guid><pubDate>2011-11-08 22:28:58</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The new reality of business means that companies need to be ever-more aware of macro economic events and assess the potential impact these events have on their own day-to-day operations and long-term plans.

Download the PDF: Alerus Monthly Insights: November

Overall as]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Is an All-In-One Computer For You?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/all-in-one-computer</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/all-in-one-computer</guid><pubDate>2011-11-03 15:00:18</pubDate><description><![CDATA[All-in-one computers: what once seemed like the latest and greatest thing in technology are now commonplace. They have, of course, improved with time: touch screens, cheaper, better designed and more powerful. Lots of common names make them: HP, Dell and Acer, for a few.

]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[October Economic Insights]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/october-economic-insights</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/october-economic-insights</guid><pubDate>2011-10-31 21:02:54</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In the new reality of business, it’s more important than ever that your banker be more than “just your banker.” That’s why, at Alerus Financial, we bring you news you can use. This monthly overview on economic indicators contains insightful information for business o]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Fine Tuning Your Funny Bone at Work]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/fine-tuning-your-funny-bone-at-work</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/fine-tuning-your-funny-bone-at-work</guid><pubDate>2011-10-07 14:27:29</pubDate><description><![CDATA[[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Photo courtesy of peter burge on Flickr"][/caption]

Humor can be a powerful tool in the workplace. Dr. David Abramis at Cal State Long Beach has studied fun in the workplace for years and found that humor on the job ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[September Economic Insights]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/september-economic-insights</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/september-economic-insights</guid><pubDate>2011-09-30 14:03:03</pubDate><description><![CDATA[

In the new reality of business, it’s more important than ever that your banker be more than “just your banker.” That’s why, at Alerus Financial, we bring you news you can use. This monthly overview on economic indicators contains insightful information for busine]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[2011 Women In Business Seminar tomorrow]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/2011-women-in-business-seminar-tomorrow</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/2011-women-in-business-seminar-tomorrow</guid><pubDate>2011-09-29 21:28:14</pubDate><description><![CDATA[There is still space available for this North Dakota Small Business Development Center seminar tomorrow. Check it out!

2011 Women In Business Seminar

Date: 9/30/2011

Location: Moorhead

PLEASE JOIN US for this FREE seminar! Space is limited, so arrive a little ear]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[August Economic Insights]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/august-economic-insights</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/august-economic-insights</guid><pubDate>2011-08-31 22:21:56</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In the new reality of business, it’s more important than ever that your banker be more than “just your banker.” That’s why, at Alerus Financial, we bring you news you can use. This monthly overview on economic indicators contains insightful information for business o]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Do you manage IT professionals?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/do-you-manage-it-professionals</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/do-you-manage-it-professionals</guid><pubDate>2011-08-16 18:31:15</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Check out this free webinar from Focus Events tomorrow!

Register here
Motivating Geeks: How to Motivate Technical Staff without Breaking the Bank
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
10:00AM PDT / 1:00PM EDT

When budgets are tight, it's more important than ever to get the bes]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How to claim your Facebook Places page]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-to-claim-your-facebook-places-page</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-to-claim-your-facebook-places-page</guid><pubDate>2011-08-16 15:31:24</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Facebook Places allow people who visit your business to check in and share their location with friends. It can be a powerful form of word-of-mouth, and it can enable you to offer discounts and specials to new customers or your most loyal fans. But first you need to claim you]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[How to make sense of Facebook search results]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-to-make-sense-of-facebook-search-results</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/how-to-make-sense-of-facebook-search-results</guid><pubDate>2011-08-04 20:12:26</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Searching for your business on Facebook can be confusing – why are there so many results? Who created these pages? What can I do about them? Here’s a breakdown of the different types of results likely to appear when you search for your business on Facebook.

First, you]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[July Economic Insights]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/july-economic-insights</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/july-economic-insights</guid><pubDate>2011-07-27 21:33:07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In the new reality of business, it’s more important than ever that your banker be more than “just your banker.” That’s why, at Alerus Financial, we bring you news you can use. This monthly overview on economic indicators contains insightful information for business o]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[SBA's July Web Chat Offers Tips and Advice on Growing a Home-Based Business ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/sbas-july-web-chat-offers-tips-and-advice-on-growing-a-home-based-business</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/sbas-july-web-chat-offers-tips-and-advice-on-growing-a-home-based-business</guid><pubDate>2011-07-20 21:55:40</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Join Boyd Wright from Wright Made Products for SBA’s July web chat!

What do Apple Computer, Hershey's, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and the Ford Motor Company have in common? These well-known corporations all started out as home-based businesses. In fact, more than half of all ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Re-energizing the Struggling Employee]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/re-energizing-the-struggling-employee</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/re-energizing-the-struggling-employee</guid><pubDate>2011-07-18 09:00:12</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Seven steps you can use to get things going in the right direction again

As managers and supervisors, we are sometimes faced with significant performance issues from employees who have been strong performers in the past. We know they can do the work, but they seem to have]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[The 11 “Musts” of Direct Mail]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-11-%e2%80%9cmusts%e2%80%9d-of-direct-mail</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-11-%e2%80%9cmusts%e2%80%9d-of-direct-mail</guid><pubDate>2011-07-09 09:00:39</pubDate><description><![CDATA[You have a new product to promote, an event to announce, and the sales team needs leads…any of these sound familiar? Your next step may be to turn to marketing for the infamous magic bullet to solve all your problems. You’re in a scramble: you just need to get something ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Economic Insights]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/economic-insights</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/economic-insights</guid><pubDate>2011-06-27 21:24:17</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In the new reality of business, it’s more important than ever that your banker be more than “just your banker.” That’s why, at Alerus Financial, we bring you news you can use. This overview on economic indicators contains insightful information for business owners of]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Celebrate National Small Business Week]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/celebrate-national-small-business-week</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/celebrate-national-small-business-week</guid><pubDate>2011-05-16 21:43:46</pubDate><description><![CDATA[National Small Business Week 2011
May 16-20 Washington, DC
Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America. As part of National Sm]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Home Office Deduction Simplification Bill Introduced by Congress Today]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/home-office-deduction-simplification-bill-introduced-by-congress-today</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/home-office-deduction-simplification-bill-introduced-by-congress-today</guid><pubDate>2011-05-13 18:40:26</pubDate><description><![CDATA[
Bill Would Create Optional Standard Deduction

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is thrilled to lend support to legislation introduced today by Congressmen Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Ron Kind (D-WI) which would simplify taxes for millions of small busin]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Building Organizational Culture]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/building-organizational-culture</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/building-organizational-culture</guid><pubDate>2011-05-03 21:37:56</pubDate><description><![CDATA[As leaders of organizations, it’s our job to use our understanding of cultural diversity to help our workplaces be productive environments for all employees.

As part of my own self-guided tour of cultural perspectives, I met with a gentleman originally from Nigeria. He ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Alerus Entrepreneurship Challenge]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/alerus-entrepreneurship-challenge</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/alerus-entrepreneurship-challenge</guid><pubDate>2011-03-08 23:28:17</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Alerus Financial in partnership with the Department of Entrepreneurship at the University of North Dakota have developed the first ever state-wide/regional business plan competition.
The 2011 Alerus Entrepreneurship Challenge, will be held on the UND Campus in Grand Forks, ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Tax Time: Deducting The Business Use Of Your Automobile ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/tax-time-deducting-the-business-use-of-your-automobile</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/tax-time-deducting-the-business-use-of-your-automobile</guid><pubDate>2011-03-04 17:17:20</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Small Biz Owners Often Overlook This Important Deduction
 
Business expenses come with the territory when you are an entrepreneur. Some expenses, however, can be easy to miss come tax time because they do not show up in your business checkbook. Use of your car for driving]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[IRS Explains New Tax Incentives Available in 2010 for Small Businesses ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/irs-explains-new-tax-incentives-available-in-2010-for-small-businesses</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/irs-explains-new-tax-incentives-available-in-2010-for-small-businesses</guid><pubDate>2011-01-06 21:30:00</pubDate><description><![CDATA[



The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released the 2010 Tax Changes for Small Businesses fact sheet this week.  Last year, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, along with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, provided key tax incentives for small businesses and s]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Move over, Black Friday. Watch out, Cyber Monday. ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/move-over-black-friday-watch-out-cyber-monday</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/move-over-black-friday-watch-out-cyber-monday</guid><pubDate>2010-11-23 07:30:31</pubDate><description><![CDATA[

Do you know what this Saturday is? Yes, as in the Saturday after Black Friday and before Cyber Monday. It’s the first-ever Small Business Saturday.

First-ever what? First-ever Small Business Saturday. So what’s it all about?

Well, Saturday, November 27th is a d]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Living Your Strongest Life Now]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/living-your-strongest-life-now</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/living-your-strongest-life-now</guid><pubDate>2010-11-04 16:56:50</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Confucius said, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Great advice, but some of us have no clue what that job is because we don’t know our strengths or what we are passionate about.

Here are a few questions to help you put your strengths]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[FREE Focus Interactive Summit today]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/free-focus-interactive-summit-tomorrow</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/free-focus-interactive-summit-tomorrow</guid><pubDate>2010-10-27 22:13:53</pubDate><description><![CDATA[

All Things Small and Mid-Size Business
Thursday, October 28, 2010 -- 8AM to 3PM PT / 11AM to 6PM ET/10 AM to 5 PM CT

It’s finally here: one place where small and medium-sized business owners and entrepreneurs can receive expert and peer advice on how to run a bus]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Landrieu Supports Increasing Federal Contracts to Women-Owned Small Businesses]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/landrieu-supports-increasing-federal-contracts-to-women-owned-small-businesses</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/landrieu-supports-increasing-federal-contracts-to-women-owned-small-businesses</guid><pubDate>2010-10-15 23:00:02</pubDate><description><![CDATA[SBA releases final rule to expand contracting opportunities


WASHINGTON – The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) began implementing the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) contracting program earlier this month after publication of the program’s final ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Background on the Small Business Bill Signing Today]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/background-on-the-small-business-bill-signing-today</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/background-on-the-small-business-bill-signing-today</guid><pubDate>2010-09-27 21:22:32</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Today, President Obama will sign the Small Business Jobs Act, a bill that will give our nation’s small businesses support and incentives to help them grow and hire.  The bill includes a series of small business proposals that the President put forth earlier this year, and]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Affordable Care Act of 2010 To Benefit 30 Million Women]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/affordable-care-act-of-2010-to-benefit-30-million-women</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/affordable-care-act-of-2010-to-benefit-30-million-women</guid><pubDate>2010-09-22 22:37:38</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Commonwealth Fund recently released a study which explains how 15 million uninsured women and 14.5 million insured women will benefit from the implementation of the health reform law (The Affordable Care Act of 2010). The report, “Realizing Health Reform’s Potential:]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Senate Passes Landmark Small Business Jobs Creation Bill]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/senate-passes-landmark-small-business-jobs-creation-bill</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/senate-passes-landmark-small-business-jobs-creation-bill</guid><pubDate>2010-09-17 22:05:00</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Landrieu-sponsored legislation will increase access to capital to America's small businesses.


WASHINGTON – The United States Senate yesterday passed a landmark small business jobs bill that aims to boost billions of dollars of lending and investment to America’s ent]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Senate Votes to End Debate on Small Business Job Creation Package]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/senate-votes-to-end-debate-on-small-business-job-creation-package</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/senate-votes-to-end-debate-on-small-business-job-creation-package</guid><pubDate>2010-09-15 21:59:35</pubDate><description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON – The United States Senate yesterday voted to end debate on the Small Business Job Creation Package after months of partisan wrangling that stalled support to America’s more than 27 million small businesses. Senators George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and George LeMieu]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Innovate ND award winner Clean Republic]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-winners-circle-innovate-nd-award-winner-clean-republic</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/the-winners-circle-innovate-nd-award-winner-clean-republic</guid><pubDate>2010-09-08 15:48:18</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Small Business Connect highlights regional entrepreneurs and small business owners who have been recognized by area Chamber of Commerce organizations and/or the State of North Dakota for their achievements. This week’s post contains excerpts from our conversation with Mich]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Traditional and Digital Media Living in Harmony]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/traditional-and-digital-media-living-in-harmony</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/traditional-and-digital-media-living-in-harmony</guid><pubDate>2010-08-30 08:30:16</pubDate><description><![CDATA[To print or not to print? That is the question.

I had an interesting conversation with a client last week regarding a very successful digital campaign. Successful and measurable. Bonus.

We started talking ROI, future campaign budgeting, and the hazards of completely mo]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[SBA Home-Based Business Champion of the Year]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/sba-home-based-business-champion-of-the-year</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/sba-home-based-business-champion-of-the-year</guid><pubDate>2010-08-27 20:49:40</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Small Business Connect highlights regional entrepreneurs and small business owners who have been recognized by area Chamber of Commerce organizations and/or the State of North Dakota for their achievements. This week’s post contains excerpts from our conversation with Boyd]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Innovate ND award winner DogIDs]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/innovate-nd-award-winner-dogids</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/innovate-nd-award-winner-dogids</guid><pubDate>2010-08-18 21:00:42</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Small Business Connect highlights regional entrepreneurs and small business owners who have been recognized by area Chamber of Commerce organizations and/or the State of North Dakota for their achievements. This week’s post contains excerpts from our conversation with Clin]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Get Your Social Media Operations Act Together]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/get-your-social-media-operations-act-together</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/get-your-social-media-operations-act-together</guid><pubDate>2010-08-09 14:00:02</pubDate><description><![CDATA[When it comes to creating a social media strategy, there is one, often overlooked piece of the puzzle that falls through the cracks. The who is doing what piece of the puzzle.

I work with clients to create communication plans and digital strategies that usually include so]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Brands: Stand up. Stand for something.]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/brands-stand-up-stand-for-something</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/brands-stand-up-stand-for-something</guid><pubDate>2010-07-24 08:30:13</pubDate><description><![CDATA[I encountered a billboard posted by a reputable national insurance company that said, “For all your insurance needs.” My immediate thought: “Really, that’s the best you can do?”

The statement, “For all your [insert term here] needs” is overused, ignored, and]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Referral Engine]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/referral-engine</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/referral-engine</guid><pubDate>2010-07-16 08:45:14</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve – You often mention word-of-mouth advertising. Is there a way to ensure that you get it on a consistent basis? If so, how?

Jen

A: Word of mouth, often called referrals, is a special marketing niche because it is in fact so powerful. Referrals are great becau]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[HHS Web Portal With Health Information For Consumers]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hhs-web-portal-with-health-information-for-consumers</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hhs-web-portal-with-health-information-for-consumers</guid><pubDate>2010-07-15 21:37:06</pubDate><description><![CDATA[As required by the health reform law, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a web portal, HealthCare.gov, to help consumers sort through the health insurance options available to them.

HealthCare.gov will allow individuals and small businesses to hav]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Micro-Businesses Want A National Energy Policy]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/micro-businesses-want-a-national-energy-policy</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/micro-businesses-want-a-national-energy-policy</guid><pubDate>2010-07-07 16:53:14</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Cite Tax Credits And Reducing Oil Dependency As Top Priorities
 


Despite a challenging economic climate, saving on energy costs remains a priority for many small business owners. Fifty percent of micro-business owners have made efforts to reduce their energy costs by ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Top Ten Tips for Professional Email Etiquette]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/top-ten-tips-for-professional-email-etiquette</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/top-ten-tips-for-professional-email-etiquette</guid><pubDate>2010-07-02 19:25:40</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Email is one of the most frequently used forms of communication in the business world. The more we use it, the more it seems we stray from formal writing. The following list includes tips to writing more professional and effective emails. Feel free to add your own tips to th]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[“25 Million Jobs And Billions To The Economy Is Not So ‘Bunny’”]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/%e2%80%9c25-million-jobs-and-billions-to-the-economy-is-not-so-%e2%80%98bunny%e2%80%99%e2%80%9d</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/%e2%80%9c25-million-jobs-and-billions-to-the-economy-is-not-so-%e2%80%98bunny%e2%80%99%e2%80%9d</guid><pubDate>2010-06-18 21:55:11</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) launched a digital advertising campaign this week that seeks to raise awareness of the policy priorities of the self-employed and micro-businesses while combating the stereotype that the nation's smallest businesses  do ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Mirror mirror on the wall, do I have the worst company culture of them all?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall-do-i-have-the-worst-company-culture-of-them-all</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall-do-i-have-the-worst-company-culture-of-them-all</guid><pubDate>2010-05-24 21:29:24</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Long before I was seduced by marketing’s vivacious curves, I spent the better half of my academic years studying organizational communication and culture.  I had the pleasure of rekindling this crush at the Silverpop Client Summit where the CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh, gave]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Do you know an aspiring student entrepreneur?]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/do-you-know-an-aspiring-student-entrepreneur</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/do-you-know-an-aspiring-student-entrepreneur</guid><pubDate>2010-05-12 16:15:40</pubDate><description><![CDATA[NDSU Research &amp; Technology Park 

Entrepreneurship Academy

June 6-11, 2010

A five-day program for 11th and 12th Grade Students

(2010-2011 School Year)

Aspiring entrepreneurs will learn to identify a possible business, develop a product or service, create a]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Eight Ways to Wow Your Customers]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/eight-ways-to-wow-your-customers</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/eight-ways-to-wow-your-customers</guid><pubDate>2010-05-07 19:49:19</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Forget about satisfying your customers. Instead, focus on turning your happy customers into raving fans by creating WOW! experiences.

Below are eight strategies that will help you exceed customer expectations. They’re all based on a mindset, so that’s where we’ll be]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[What to do if your business is sued]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-business-is-sued</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-business-is-sued</guid><pubDate>2010-04-30 17:01:31</pubDate><description><![CDATA[[caption id="attachment_129" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Peter Zuger"][/caption]

You receive notification that your business is the subject of a lawsuit. What would you do?  While your first instinct might be to panic, there are two courses of action that are]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Hook, line, and sinker? I don’t think so. Tough luck, phisherman. ]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hook-line-and-sinker-i-don%e2%80%99t-think-so-tough-luck-phisherman</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/hook-line-and-sinker-i-don%e2%80%99t-think-so-tough-luck-phisherman</guid><pubDate>2010-04-22 16:24:49</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Over the last couple months, it seems like my inbox has had more than its fair share of junk and spam mail. You know the type of messages I’m talking about: certain prescriptions available for ridiculously low prices; highly successful businessmen from far-away lands telli]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Grow your employees and your business grows too]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/grow-your-employees-and-your-business-grows-too</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/grow-your-employees-and-your-business-grows-too</guid><pubDate>2010-04-07 22:38:00</pubDate><description><![CDATA[It’s that time of year again. Not tax time. Employee performance review time. As a business owner or manager, reviews are a powerful step to protect and grow your most important assets: your employees.

Using performance reviews to acknowledge, reward and motivate your e]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Mr. AllBiz weighs in on the health care reform bill]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/mr-allbiz-weighs-in-on-the-health-care-reform-bill</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/mr-allbiz-weighs-in-on-the-health-care-reform-bill</guid><pubDate>2010-03-26 18:53:44</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Q: Steve: What do you think of this health care reform bill? I think it stinks. 

Sam

A: I agree it stinks, but do you know what stinks worse? What we have right now.

Of course watching this bill wind its way towards law has been an unappealing sight, and yes, it was]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Prepare to Prosper in 2010]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/prepare-to-prosper-in-2010</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/prepare-to-prosper-in-2010</guid><pubDate>2010-03-02 00:01:10</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Small businesses endured financial declines during 2009 while stock market investors, who chose wisely earlier in the year, profited handsomely. Don’t allow market happy-talkers to disillusion you into believing the economy has recovered and you’re behind the curve. Inst]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Marketing 2.0 – The Extreme Makeover Edition]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/marketing-2-0-%e2%80%93-the-extreme-makeover-edition</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/marketing-2-0-%e2%80%93-the-extreme-makeover-edition</guid><pubDate>2010-03-01 23:48:29</pubDate><description><![CDATA[One of my favorite SNL characters is Stuart Smalley, portrayed by Senator Al Franken. He used to look in the mirror and say, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!”  A humorous yet inspirational daily affirmation that reminds us that we ]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Strategic Planning: It’s All About Buying Audiences]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/strategic-planning-it%e2%80%99s-all-about-buying-audiences</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/strategic-planning-it%e2%80%99s-all-about-buying-audiences</guid><pubDate>2009-12-22 15:56:20</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Remember when Superman flew around the world at warp speed? That’s a little bit how the world of communications feels right now. Things are moving and changing so fast; it’s difficult to keep up.  Having a solid strategy in place is more important – and more complicat]]></description>                        </item>
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                        <title><![CDATA[Web Content: It's Not About You]]></title><link>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/web-content-its-not-about-you</link><guid>http://www.alerussbc.com/blog/web-content-its-not-about-you</guid><pubDate>2009-11-25 20:40:32</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The web changes everything!

The most shocking thing about this idea is that it shocks at all. People in general are comfortable on the web. Interacting online is ordinary. Buying online isn’t new or unusual.

It’s the sellers among us who can’t seem to move on. We]]></description>                        </item>
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