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ShopTalk: Small business help
Welcome to ShopTalk, where the Observer tells you about small businesses and local entrepreneurs who have solved a problem, met a challenge or carved a unique niche. Follow us here each day, and in our Wednesday printed edition.

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Local appliance store learns tough lessons from a tight spot

Nearly one year ago, Queen City Audio, Video & Appliances started its 60th anniversary year in a precarious position: Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Flu season puts businesses and employees in a bind
By Matthew Perrone | Associated Press | January 11, 2013
The flu season that has struck early and hard across the U.S. is putting businesses and employees alike in a bind. In this shaky economy, many Americans are reluctant to call in sick, something that can backfire for their employers.
Small businesses basing pay more on performance
By Joyce M. Rosenberg | Associated Press | January 9, 2013
SmallBiz Small Talk

Yearly pay raises that workers at small businesses used to count on have become a casualty of the weak economy. They’re increasingly based on performance – not just an employee’s performance, but the entire company’s.

Your fresh start is their business
By Caroline McMillan | E-mail | January 8, 2013
SHOPTALK_GRAUE

South Charlotte personal trainers Holly and Geoff Graue help clients keep their workout resolutions year round.

MORE»
ShopTalk Poll 01.09.13: Protecting against identity theft?

Is your company taking steps to protect against identity theft?

ShopTalk »
What small businesses want from Washington

Calling all small business owners and entrepreneurs: What do you want from Washington?We know the...

ShopTalk
TURNING POINT»
Spa with healing touch got Black Friday debut
First-time small-business man Martin Snell holds staff meetings that could be nicknamed “Lessons I’ve learned.”

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MY FAVORITE TITLES»
My Favorite Titles
Ron Shiffler, dean of the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte, shares his recommended reads.

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NETWORKING EVENTS»
Business Calendar
Networking events and classes of interest to the small business community

Glenn Burkins»
Time to hire a business manager?
ASK THE EXPERT»
SBA offers wealth of resources
Cassius Butts, region IV administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, spoke with Shop Talk about how to get the most from the SBA’s services and products.

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Henry Hutcheson»
Prepare children to run the company
Jennie Wong»
How to let go of your worst customers
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