Answers such questions as Why invest in training? Who should be responsible for it? When is training not the solution? How are training needs assessed? How should effective, low-cost programs be designed? and How should training programs be evaluated? (SK)

Offers a four-step process to close the gaps between the ideal and the actual in the way staff, customers, and vendors are treated: (1) conducting a self-examination; (2) making a commitment; (3) developing a code of ethics; and (4) continuing the process. Includes a list of resources and an ethics questionnaire with responses of 240 small…

Guidelines for selecting and working with computer consultants include the following: contract or hire?; select consultant; analyze system requirements; design system; implement system; make the system operational; and maintain the system. (JOW)

Distinguishes between marketing (analysis and strategies with which to position a business) and sales (implementation of marketing ideas). Identifies pitfalls of equating the two, such as sales plans without a marketing foundation and failure to structure sales tactics around customer needs. (SK)

Compares counseling theories and styles advocated by Turner, Rogers, Adler, Ellis, Thorne, and others. Illustrates counseling for entrepreneurs with case studies based on the various theories. (SK)

Explains how business owners can determine when to involve employees and when to make decisions alone. Reviews problem-solving and decision-making methods, obstacles to overcome, and meeting management techniques. (SK)

Six experts respond to a case study of a small business in transition by explaining their vision of leadership for organizing a small business and managing employees. (SK)

Addresses the following myths: manufacturers are all large businesses; services are the wave of the future; all manufacturers use new technologies; manufacturing jobs are low skill; manufacturing is unionized; manufacturers are resistant to change and care only about production. Suggests that advisors can help small businesses by serving as a…

Responses from 367 small businesses were used to formulate a four-step process audit: (1) business owner questionnaire; (2) interviews with owners and key personnel; (3) intensive observation; and (4) presentation of a detailed report. The process identifies areas of effectiveness/success and areas needing immediate or long-term action. (SK)

Compares the professional development programs developed by the Small Business Development Centers in Michigan and Florida. Looks at the staffing, needs assessment methods, program structure, training methods and materials, competency measurement methods, and program evaluation of the two programs. Provides a checklist for creating professional…

Seven small business owners, professors, and leaders answered the question of whether academia can help small business owners. In the opinion of a small business owner, academia offers too much theory and too few real skills. According to the president of the National Federation of Independent Business, academia can play a role in the development…