business

Is Self Employment Changing in Rural America?

May 24, 2009

An estimated 25 million people in the United States call themselves ‘self employed.’ They might hold multiple jobs, run online businesses or other small shops, or function as independent contractors or ‘freelancers.’ The Promise and Peril of the Freelance Economy provides a comprehensive overview of how self-employment has changed in America, and reflects changes in [...]

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Social Media for Tourism Businesses

April 7, 2009

Social media like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and others are obviously a huge trend for all industries these days. But social media can be especially useful to tourism businesses. Hotels, restaurants, tour guides, retail outfitters, golf courses and resorts can all benefit from getting messages out to potential customers – whether they have reservations yet or [...]

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Climate Change in Appalachia

March 3, 2009

As some of you may already know, my handmade craft business is very much seasonal and tourist-based, particularly from May through October when travel on the Blue Ridge Parkway is heaviest. For those of us with tourism businesses, nature and our mountain climate can be our best friends ….or our adversaries. We watch our regional [...]

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The Mom and Pop Business Advantage

February 24, 2009

Here are two articles that address how mom and pop businesses may have an advantage over the big boys. In Customer Service is No 1 specialty shops find little things, like a friendly hello, can inspire loyalty and sales. The unique relationships that a ‘mom & pop’ or small business owner is able to build [...]

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Starting A Rural Business During Tough Times

February 18, 2009

As more people in rural America find themselves laid off or working reduced hours, the idea of starting a small rural business or expanding the one you already have is something to consider. Here are several online resources to help you think things through. In Advice for the Accidental Entrepreneur, Dr. Jeff Cornwall defines who [...]

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Telling Your Own Business Stories

February 16, 2009

Whether you’re speaking to customers, your employees or the local Rotary Club, odds are you’ve got stories to tell. Not tall tales, untrue and uninteresting. But stories that can inspire, influence, motivate and even turn negative situations around. Stories are often more memorable and more effective than just facts or directives. What are some of [...]

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Heads Up for Handmade Business Owners

January 16, 2009

In July 2008 Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. This law was created in response to dangerous levels of lead and phthalate (a chemical in plastic materials) found in toys and other children’s products. This law is scheduled to go into effect February 10, 2009. This new law poses a big problem for [...]

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Welcome to the Backroads Business Blog

January 1, 2009

Welcome to Backroads Business where we explore the challenges of creating and growing rural businesses located on the backroads of small town America.  Our areas of discussion will include home business, small business, rural business, seasonal business, mom and pop businesses, arts and craft businesses, artists, farms (agritourism) and tourism.

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