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    Sales Down, Profits Up

    By Marc Tracy

    Another day, another set of bad numbers for the nation's small businesses. In the past fiscal year (October to October), sales at small businesses--defined, fairly reasonably, as private companies with annual revenues of under $10 million--saw sales drop almost 4%. And yet, as also seems to be the case, another day, another silver lining: profits at these same businesses over the same timeframe rose 6.5%. Looks like entrepreneurs have remembered that a dollar saved is a dollar earned.

    It's notable that profit margin also rose during this time--it sort would have to, of course, given that profits rose on less revenue. And where did the cuts come from? Well, overhead was down a bit. But down far more was, yes, payroll expenses. That fact might help to explain the dispiriting 10.2% unemployment figure. But it also helps to explain small businesses' continued solvency, despite all the challenges they've faced over the past year.

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    November 9, 2009 9:26 AM

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    The Purpose Linked Organization

    by Alaina Love

    On Tuesday, July 14 earn how to harness your employees' passions so that they further your own.

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