December 14, 2012

If You Ask Me: After New Year’s Day, What?

By Debra Baker, editor

It’s the time of year when we’re all making some sort of list and checking it twice. December seems to be the month we all move into panic mode, and only a little of that can be contributed to the holidays. Operators and vendors of all kinds are ...More

Inside The Beltway Earlier today, the American Cable Association, the Competitive Carriers Association, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, DISH Network, EchoStar and ViaSat co-signed a letter to the FCC regarding its proposed continuing Phase 1 rules for the Connect America Fund...More

Deals Of The Day Looking to own the whole shebang, majority shareholder Sprint Nextel is offering $2.1 billion ($2.90 per share) to buy the 49 percent of Clearwire’s stock it doesn’t already own...More

New Stuff Comcast added a new capability to its Xfinity TV Player app that lets customers download Internet content directly to their mobile devices. Programming from SHOWTIME, STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX is featured. In addition, Comcast and Verizon Wireless will...More

Stack't Facts 

10 Actions SMBs Can Take To Stay Competitive

>> Do your research and get educated. While 88 percent remain up to date and knowledgeable about their businesses and industries, they also pay attention to market changes.
>> Work hard, be diligent and do what needs to get done.  Perhaps one of the easiest identifiers of a business owner is a sense of dedication and willingness to dig into all aspects of the business; 53 percent didn’t take a vacation last summer.
>> Update or upgrade technology. Nearly 70 percent of respondents updated or upgraded their computer systems, with 51 percent proclaim “a major technology change” to their business operations.
>> Know your clients. 67 percent say they increased face time with customers to keep their business thriving in today’s economy.
>> Keep a close eye on cash and budgets. Most small business owners (73 percent) handle their own cash management and feel like they have it under control.
>> Be involved. Small business owners understand the value of investing time in the community.
>> Be prepared. If the economy were to face another downturn, 80 percent feel prepared to weather market weakness, including reducing costs, renegotiating contracts and operating leaner.
>> Plan ahead. 27 percent can predict their cash standings four to six months into the future.
>> Stick with your aspirations. Statistically, 63 percent say they are living their dream, and 75 percent would do it all over again, despite the challenges.
>> Market, market, market. 53 percent have increased their own social media and online advertising in the past year; 54 percent invested in Web-site improvements and search-engine presence.

Source: Citibank Small Business Pulse

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