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Small Biz Survival

Practical ideas for small town business and community builders

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Small Biz Survival

The small town and rural business resource
  • QR code with caption, "scan for video instructions on how to use wood chips."
    marketing | mistakes | rural | social media

    An almost-useful QR code

    ByBecky McCray April 15, 2013August 27, 2014

    QR codes continue to expand in popularity, but most still suffer from fatal mistakes. Here’s one that get close, at least with its description. This is a retail package that includes barbecue accessories including a bag of wood chips. Some customers who use gas grills may not be sure how to use those special wood…

    Read More An almost-useful QR codeContinue

  • Baskets full of colorful lobed tomato-like fruits
    brag basket

    Put your good news in the Brag Basket to let it ripen

    BySmall Biz Survival April 12, 2013December 15, 2014

    The Brag Basket is our tradition of sharing. The basket is always free and open all weekend, this one April 12-14, 2013. What good news will you add to the brag basket? Don’t hold back because of that word, “brag.” When you hold back, you hide your good news and accomplishments that might inspire others….

    Read More Put your good news in the Brag Basket to let it ripenContinue

  • SmallTownRules

    Heidi Thorne uses two Small Town Rules

    BySmall Town Rules April 11, 2013August 11, 2022

    As we celebrate the one year anniversary of Small Town Rules and winning a 2013 Small Business Book Award, we’ve asked a few friends to share the rules that are a part of their business every day. Today, Heidi Thorne shares two examples from her business: “The most important Small Town Rules for me have…

    Read More Heidi Thorne uses two Small Town RulesContinue

  • Fairfield Inn promotes their “small town cool”
    SmallTownRules

    Fairfield Inn promotes their “small town cool”

    BySmall Town Rules April 11, 2013August 11, 2022

    Lobby sign in the Fairfield Inn in Hutchinson, Kansas. Fairfield Inn, a Marriott brand, is promoting its small town cool roots. This sign from the lobby of the Fairfield Inn in Hutchinson, Kansas, lays out the rural connection, right down to the horseback photo and cowboy hat. “Fairfield Farm was J. Willard Marriott’s favorite vacation…

    Read More Fairfield Inn promotes their “small town cool”Continue

  • What’s fascinating about Sam Adams and their small town approach
    SmallTownRules

    What’s fascinating about Sam Adams and their small town approach

    BySmall Town Rules April 11, 2013August 11, 2022

    My friend Rob Zazueta shares a weekly newsletter that he describes as Fascinating. You never know what topics he’ll tackle. When I read this story about Sam Adams, it was such a perfect fit for Small Town Rules, I just had to share it. –Becky  Beer Me To know me is to know I love…

    Read More What’s fascinating about Sam Adams and their small town approachContinue

  • SmallTownRules

    2013 Small Business Book Awards

    BySmall Town Rules April 11, 2013November 16, 2025

    Two big awards for Small Town Rules 1. Named one of the Best Small Business Books Published in 2012 by the National Federation of Independent Business.   2. Named a Winner in the 2013 Small Business Book Awards: Cleveland, OH, April 2, 2013 – Small Town Rules has been named a Winner in the 2013 Small…

    Read More 2013 Small Business Book AwardsContinue

  • Farm family loading hay bales on a trailer.
    entrepreneurship

    Blending Business and Family

    ByGlenn Muske April 10, 2013August 27, 2014

    If you operate a small business of any type–product or service, home-based, Main Street, on the outskirts or outside of town, new or old–you have a common bond with all other small business owners. Your common bond is the close linkages between your family and your business. Actions taken in one easily can affect the…

    Read More Blending Business and FamilyContinue

  • A boardwalk trail winds beside a rock face.
    rural | social media | tourism

    More photos for your tourism promotions

    ByBecky McCray April 9, 2013August 27, 2014

    Photos are key for tourism promotion, so you can never have too many great photos to use online. However, most photos you find online are NOT public domain, so you do not have the right to use them. One great resource that brings together many different types of images that you are allowed to re-use…

    Read More More photos for your tourism promotionsContinue

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Since 2006, this site has been helping people like you in small towns move forward without waiting on outside experts, big budgets, or perfect plans. You don’t need any of that to get started.

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