The report is the third installment of results from the Small Business Success Index report sponsored by Network Solutions and the University of Maryland’s Smith Business School.

One out of five businesses uses social media daily; this includes blogs and Facebook. For new small businesses, it can be difficult to develop a customer base. That is precisely why social media’s expanded use is especially good news for small business owners and new franchisees.

“Tough market conditions mandate small businesses to think and act creatively to sustain themselves,” Connie Steele, director at Network Solutions, said.

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In business as in life, learning from our mistakes and successes is the best way to improve. As marketing consultants, the most informative feedback comes from our clients. That’s why formal project reviews are one of the best ways for marketing consultants to get better at what they do.

Post-project reviews (PPRs) also give your clients an opportunity to share their perspectives on what went right and what went wrong over the course of a project. Every client wants to be heard, and a client who knows that you value his or her feedback is more likely to appreciate your professionalism and recommend you to peers.

While it’s important to hear from your clients, you’ll also want to take an objective, internal look at your own performance and that of your team members.

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How to Jump Into the Wonderful World of Bouncy Party Rentals

Whether it’s a birthday, special occasion, or just a festive holiday, bouncer parties for children have become a very popular offering. You can start your own bouncer party rental business to provide portable jumper fun in your area.

Inflatable bouncer toys come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from enclosed bouncy rooms to slides, bouncing games, and more. These easily transportable, inflatable toys can offer you a great part time business opportunity as a bouncer party rental business.

Skills Required: Networking and marketing savvy, keen business sense.

Becoming a part time bouncer party rental business does not require special training.

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Scrap metal dealers on Wednesday opposed a government plan to ban the export of lead.

Mr Philip Mwabe, the chairman of the Kenya Iron and Scrap Metal Association, said the Ministry of Industrialisation had not consulted his office before announcing its intention to effect the ban.

“We have several lead smelting factories in the country and if the government gazettes the ban, it will affect thousands of people,” said Mr Mwabe during a scrap metal dealers’ meeting at Sapphire Hotel in Mombasa.

The unionist said lead exports bring in a large amount of foreign exchange and that the ban would be punitive.

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The big homebuilders are lining up for their tax refund, thanks to an expansion of stimulus legislation. Toll Brothers announced that it will be receiving a 2009 tax refund of $162 million. Lennar estimates a whopping $320 million anticipated tax refund!

But here’s the good news for your business — you don’t need to be a massive corporation with a powerful Washington DC lobby to get your own little bailout package! If your once flourishing business has taken a hit in 2008 and 2009, you might not need to see red anymore.

Last year, we discussed the the net operating loss carryback rules when they were available only to businesses with gross receipts under $15 million.

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