Lessons from the Great Recession in 2008

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"Flexibility — both in product lines and operational structure — will help vulnerable businesses survive," says Michael Chow, lead data analyst and economist at the National Federation of Independent Business (N.F.I.B.). The key is listening to customers and anticipating their needs, both today and after the pandemic.

Now is the time to scale up in the spirit of collaboration.

Read more about how small businesses today must focus on adaptability and prepare for timid consumers going forward.

Dear President Obama

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From the Director of Economic Research at the United States Small Business Administration:

In sum, the 27 million small businesses in the United States play a vital role in the economic well-being of our nation. the Office of Advocacy's research contributes to the understanding of the importance of small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit in generating economic growth, hiring and training new workers, and creating innovative products and services that will strengthen America's competitiveness in an increasingly global economy.

Immediate download of the The 2008 Small Business Economy Report (366 pages -- including chapters focusing on financing, procurement, international trade, small business training and development, tax policy, business creation, and regulation) can be obtained here.

The Magnificent Seven: Global Business Books in 2008 Worth a Read

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A couple of noteworthy global business books that were published in 2008:

1. A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World

2. Global Business Leadership

3. Globality: Competing With Everyone From Everywhere For Everything

4. globalization: n. the irrational fear that someone in China will take your job

5. New Frontiers in Free Trade: Globalization's Future and Asia's Rising Role

6. Street Smarts for Global Business

7. The New Age of Innovation: Driving Co-Created Value Through Global Networks (CK is one of my favorite authors -- book pictured above)

We will be making the adjustment to Borderbuster on Squidoo soon.