News & Resources

Top Small Business Trends (Part II)

By: Steven StraussOne of the best things about being in business today (or worst, I suppose, depending upon your point of view) is that it is always changing; not only do you need to be …

January 8, 2014

A proper at-will policy still prevails in Michigan courts

Article courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASEBy Michael J. Burns For many years now Michigan courts have generally upheld an employer’s at-will policies. Still, plaintiffs continue to bring expensive wrongful discharge lawsuits, generally arguing that …

January 8, 2014

Get recognition for your healthy workplace! Learn how today on Business Next.

Today on Business Next, learn how your small business can apply for the Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Health Workplace Award (entries due Jan. 10.) Also on today’s show, fringe marketing, prospect management and other small business …

January 7, 2014

Injuries at work no accident

Nearly every workplace injury has a definable, preventable cause. This means workplace injuries don't result from "accidents." Nearly every workplace injury has a preventable cause. For tips to prevent accidents, continue reading.There is almost no …

January 6, 2014

In 2014, learn how to get more done with a “12 Week Year.” Lessons today on Business Next

Michael Rogers talks with Michigan author Brian Moran. He wrote a book called the 12 Week Year that promises to teach how you can get more done in 12 weeks than others do in 12 …

January 3, 2014

IRS announces standard mileage rates for 2014

Businesses and individuals who rely on the IRS's standard mileage rates to calculate deductible vehicle expenses will see a slight decrease in the deduction next year. The cents-per-mile rate is based on the costs of …

January 3, 2014

Creatively transform your business and your life. Advice today on Business Next.

Interview with Donna Hartney, a Ph.D. performance consultant and the author of a new book called The AHA! Handbook: How to spark the insights that will transform your life and career.Listen Friday at 10-11 a.m. …

January 2, 2014

Data security

Article courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner VeracityThe recent data breach at Target stores, where credit and debit card data for about 40 million customers was accessed, has banks and processors reemphasizing the all-important aspect of …

December 30, 2013

Steven Strauss – Top Trends for 2014 (Part 1)

By Steven StraussMerry Christmas, happy holidays, Happy New Year, and all other appropriate greetings and huzzahs! It is that time of year when no one is working except your intrepid small business columnist. And it …

December 30, 2013

Be a lease-negotiating ninja! Lessons today on Business Next

Michael talks with Dale Willerton, The Lease Coach. Dale is a Professional Lease Consultant, coach, recognized speaker and author of Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals For Dummies.Listen Monday at 10-11 a.m. ET (replay at 3 …

December 27, 2013

Get and keep the best workers. Advice today on Business Next

Learn how to combat brain drain and attract top talent to your small business. Interview with journalist Joanne Cleaver, author of The Career Lattice. Listen Friday at 10-11 a.m. ET (replay at 3 p.m., 8 …

December 23, 2013

Profit from international trade. Insights today on Business Next

How to “go global” to boost your opportunities for international trade and small business success. Interview with business consultant and author Patrick Dine.Listen Monday at 10-11 a.m. ET (replay at 3 p.m., 8 p.m. and …

December 20, 2013

New SBAM survey finds small business health insurance rates rise, employees being asked to share in cost hike burden

Fifty-eight percent of small business owners in a recent Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) survey said their company health insurance rates went up this year, compared to just four percent who said that their …

December 20, 2013

Hot tech trends for small business! Today on Business Next

Tony Merlo, owner of SmarterPhones.net and a member of SBAM’s Leadership Council, talks about the results of Black Friday online sales, the Coin credit card storage device, the Bitcoin cyber currency, Amazon’s drone delivery service, …

December 19, 2013

Employer holiday gifting is back — but it doesn’t have to be all about the loot

Article courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASEBy Dan Van SlambrookContemplating a holiday bonus or gift for your employees this year? Coming up short on ideas for something more creative than the traditional (and ill-advised) fruitcake …

December 18, 2013

Great small business leaders share lessons of success! Today on Business Next.

On Wednesday’s show, profiles of two members of SBAM’s Leadership Council: Sue LaBonville of AIM in Midland and Jeff Padden of Public Policy Associates in Lansing.Listen Wednesday at 10-11 a.m. ET (replay at 3 p.m., …

December 16, 2013

Tips for conducting and participating in a successful business holiday party. Today on Business Next.

Learn how to successfully navigate business holiday parties and events. Plus, the week’s small business legislative update with SBAM’s Director of Government Relations Dave Jessup.Listen Monday at 10-11 a.m. ET (replay at 3 p.m., 8 …

December 13, 2013

Pure Michigan Business Connect matchmaking summit

Pure Michigan Business Connect will be hosting an invite-only supplier matchmaking summit featuring KUKA North America and The Boeing Company on February 6th, 2014 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The KUKA and Boeing supply chain teams have …