Social, Mobile, Content, Healthcare... Top SMB Trends for 2014

USA Today contributor Steve Straus continued his Annual Trend series on Jan 8 with this look ahead for the year in small business. No argument from us on some of his suggested trends, since many of us are seeing it already.

Worth a few minutes to read and assess your positions now, rather than being steamrolled in August when you're zigging in the face of everyone's zag!

"One 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 a savvy entrepreneur now, but you better be a life-long learner as well if you are going to stay in business.

Back in the day, a businessperson could be just that. Know your products and customers, be good at marketing and have a few other tricks up your sleeve and you were good to go. Not so now. In today's world you have to be a jack-of-all-trades, and then some. Business, technology, social media, marketing, SEO, outsourcing -- it all comes into play now... (jump to full article)"

Unintended Conseqeunce of Affordable Care Act Boon for Young Entrepreneurs?

With all of the debate about the Affordable Care Act and all the back and forth yet to happen during implementation, there does appear to be at least one bright spot for entrepreneurs. It's a bright spot shining specifically on young entrepreneurs, the result of coverage extension through age 26.

It used to be, back in the day, like way back in 2010, you went to college and were covered under your parents' healthcare until receiving your sheepskin. Once you graduated, you were now looking at no coverage or bridge policies available in select states only for college grads. The clock was ticking to find a job for many reasons, and among the most compelling of them was health coverage.

Now, fast forward to 2011. It's no secret recent grads are facing a depressed job market. What they also are facing, however, are evolving opinions of entrepreneurship by younger citizens. This generation has been raised among software, devices, social media platforms, and products generated by the youngest of business moguls. Huge brands like Apple and Facebook are communication lifelines to them, not "new-tech" gadgets. Just as these products are perfectly natural to them for everyday use, so is the notion of a young person with a great idea launching a business. And now, one of the largest concerns of every entrepreneur, affordable healthcare coverage, appears to be within reach... at least until 26.Many are seizing the opportunity to strike out on their own.

For more background on how this legislative policy may reshape the age range of small business start ups, check out BusinessNewsDaily.com.

If you could ask SBA one thing, what would it?

If you could ask the SBA one question, what would it be?

Well, here's your chance! OED will be hosting it's Small Business Symposium 2011 this June 9th. Cohosted by the NJSBDC, we'll be hosting a TownHall style panel discussion and workshops for entrepreneurs. We'll be separating fact from fiction re: health care legislation's impact on small business, the do's and don'ts of Social Media as a business AND as an employer, changes to 1099 reporting requirements, and more.

To get the ball rolling, we've asked our Twon hall Panelists to respond to the most-buzzed about questions from our members, friends, and followers. So.... what do  you want to know? Email outreach@oedglobal.org now through June 1st!