News & Resources

Is there a right time to become an entrepreneur?

By Steven StraussQuestion: Hi Steve – 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 …

March 5, 2013

Great articles coming up in the March issue of SBAM’s Focus on Small Business magazine!

Supporting Members of SBAM get a yearly subscription to SBAM’s award-winning Focus on Small Business magazine as part of their membership benefits.See what’s coming up in the March issue:SBAM members rank the areas that challenge …

March 4, 2013

Communicate your way to small business success! Today on Business Next

Tune in today at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.On today’s Business Next, communications consultant Diane Booher talks about her tips for crafting a great elevator pitch, the importance of …

March 1, 2013

How you can participate in Lemonade Day and connect young entrepreneurs with your small business. Details today on Business Next!

Tune in today at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.Today on Business Next, learn more about how your small business can participate in the SBAM co-sponsored Lemonade Day project. Also …

February 27, 2013

Help your employees be more creative and innovative. Insights today on Business Next!

Tune in today at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.Today on Business Next, How to spur creativity and innovation in your small business workplace. Suggestions from Marlene Caroselli, Ed.D., who …

February 27, 2013

Some factors in employee retention are not really new

Article courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASEBy Joe DeSantis In the words of the old song, Everything Old is New Again. But the results of a recent survey from CareerBuilder about employee attitudes suggest that …

February 26, 2013

Scam Targets Corporations; LARA alerts Michigan businesses of scheme collecting $125 fee to prepare annual minutes

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Director Steve Arwood today warns Michigan corporations of a non-governmental entity called "Corporate Records Service" trying to collect a $125 fee to prepare corporate meeting minutes. The …

February 25, 2013

Is Your Customer a “Large” Employer or a “Small” Employer?

By Scott Lyon, Senior Vice PresidentUp until recently, as a business owner, your customers got to make that decision for themselves and it would be based on any number of factors. Unfortunately, the Affordable Care …

February 22, 2013

Signs you are a good leader

By Steven StraussPresident’s Day served as a reminder that, like small business owners, not all presidents are great leaders. It’s ironic of course given that the highest political office in the land is one where …

February 22, 2013

Improve company culture in your small business. Today on Business Next!

Tune in today at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network. How to build a strong and productive company culture. Tips from business coach Tim Kuppler of AdviCoach.

February 21, 2013

Ways and Means organizes bipartisan tax reform ‘working groups’

Article courtesy of NSBAOn Feb. 13, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) and ranking member Sander Levin (D-Mich.) announced the formation of 11 bipartisan Tax Reform Working Groups.In a press release, Camp …

February 18, 2013

Does crude behavior in the workplace hurt employers?

Article courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASEBy Cheryl Kuch, Linda Yesh-McMasterHas it become the norm, rather than the exception, to be uncivil to each other? Has the frequency of colleagues making petty accusations, spreading rumors, …

February 15, 2013

Creating viral content

Question: I notice that some folks seem very good at getting their posts and blogs and videos to go viral, as they say. But I can’t do it. I create what I think is good …

February 11, 2013

Hear SBAM’s Rob Fowler in webcast today at 4 p.m.: Lessons about Health Care Reform from Business Leaders

SBAM President and CEO Rob Fowler is part of a panel at a conference today in Ann Arbor that will be presented live at the University of Michigan and simultaneously webcast. The Center for Healthcare …

February 11, 2013

Lemonade Day and Small Business Association of Michigan connect business owners with youth entrepreneurs

Lemonade Day Detroit and the Small Business Association of Michigan are joining forces to connect small business owners with budding entrepreneurs across the state. The partnership will promote businesses who host youth lemonade stands June …

February 6, 2013

Michigan State University’s College of Law has a new free program to help start-ups protect their intellectual property. Details today on Business Next.

Tune in at 3pm (repeat at 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.Today on Business Next: Adam Candeub, Director, IP & Communications Law Program at Michigan State University, talks about the new Intellectual Property Start-Up Project; …

February 5, 2013

The No. 1 mistake businesses make when writing headlines

By Steven StraussDid 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 …

February 4, 2013

New Effective Date and Lead Time Requirements

Beginning with April 1, 2013, effective dates, the following underwriting polices will be implemented for all 1 – 49 BCBSM and BCN new business groups. The group’s rate renewal year and plan year must be aligned …