Twitter can be an effective tool for small business owners to promote their products and services and find new customers... if it's used wisely. Like any other social media platform, there are pros and cons, and many of them depend on the type of business you have and your marketing goals.

For many businesses, though, there are a lot of reasons to use Twitter to expand your reach and grow your business. To help you get started on the right foot, today's feature article provides five essential tips for using Twitter in your small business.

Feature Article:
5 Tips for Getting Started with Twitter in Your Small Business

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Bartering in your small business can be an effective way to accomplish more while spending less. But bartering is not right in every situation, and you should make sure you take time to do the necessary research before you get started.

Today's feature article provides an introduction to bartering, including some reasons small business owners do it, ideas on how to find bartering opportunities, and tips for bartering successfully.

Feature Article:
Small Business Bartering 101

Along with business plans, marketing plans are one of the most powerful documents you will ever prepare for your business. Every business needs a marketing plan, and while some of the specifics will vary depending on your type of business and industry, there are some key sections that are universal.

Today's feature article includes a step-by-step marketing plan guide that will help you create your own plan that is relevant for your business, one that you can start using immediately. After walking through the steps, the document you create should grow with your business and become one of your most important tools that you use on a daily basis.

Feature Article:
How to Write a Small Business Marketing Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a small business owner in any stage of business, you have a lot to think about. You are ultimately responsible for every facet of your business, even if you have staff, consultants or other support to help you fill in the gaps. One area many small business owners don't think about -- or one that gets put on the bottom of the list -- is how to create a retirement plan that will protect their future.

Retirement planning is a necessary process that helps you save money for the future, and it's especially important for small business owners.

Today's feature article will help you explore your options when it comes to retirement and get started with a plan that will help you start saving for your future.

Featured Article:
Retirement Planning Tips for Small Business Owners