I know the beginning of the year is the most popular time to set goals because it's like having a clean slate, a fresh start. But any day can be your January 1. You can start over right now with a new set of goals to get to where you want to be.

One of the biggest challenges for many goal setters is staying consistent. It's not always easy to work forward-moving action steps into your daily activity, and it can be equally difficult to track your progress. This where goal setting and tracking software can help.

Today's feature article highlights seven goal setting and tracking tools that you can start using today to identify where you are trying to go and begin to craft a plan for getting there. And make sure you read the additional articles below for even more goal setting help.

Feature Article:
Goal Setting and Tracking Software

More Goal Setting Resources:

• Getting Started with Goal Setting
• SMART Goal Setting 101
• Backward Goal Setting

Screenshot © Lifetick

Communication is one of the most underestimated skills a small business owner can have in his or her toolbox. And while it's assumed that everyone is able to communicate to some extent, small business owners who do it more effectively tend to be more likely to succeed.

Think about it. Communication is the common thread that runs through every part of your business -- pitching investors and getting capital, hiring and managing your team, promoting your products or services, providing exceptional customer service, etc. If there is one skill we can all benefit from improving, it's communication.

Today's feature article looks at seven simple communication tactics that you probably already know about but may not be utilizing in your business. These tips are easy to implement, yet they can have a huge impact when it comes to effective communication.

Feature Article:
7 Ways to Communicate More Effectively in Your Small Business

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A bookkeeper can be an integral member of your small business team. He or she can manage your books, oversee payroll, follow up with late payments, prepare your annual files for your accountant, and a lot more. Whether you have a one-person shop or a fully staffed business, having a bookkeeper on your team and save you a significant amount of time when it comes to your operations.

Like all relationships, though, it takes an effort to outsource a part of your business and then work efficiently together. Miscommunication, lack of collaboration and mistrust can not only ruin the relationship with your bookkeeper, but you could also end up damaging your business in the process.

Today's feature article provides 10 tips for finding and working successfully with a bookkeeper, so you can become more productive and improve your ongoing financial processes.

Feature Article:
10 Things You Need To Do To Build a Successful Relationship with Your Bookkeeper

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If you are a small business owner who isn't completely confident that you will have a solid retirement savings to carry you through your golden years, you are not the minority. Unfortunately, most small business owners don't take the necessary steps to secure their financial future.

This happens for many reasons, the biggest being that most small business owners, especially in the early stages of business, are financially strapped. There simply isn't an excess of money that can be easily rolled into savings. But this doesn't mean retirement planning should wait. The opposite, in fact, is true. Now is the time to start thinking about your financial future, even if it is decades away.

The best thing you can do when it comes to retirement planning is talk with a financial planner who can advise you on the actions you can take right now to get the ball rolling. But the second part of the equation involves changing the way you think about retirement planning and saving. Today's feature article addresses both of these challenges and provides some tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Feature Article:
How to Plan for Retirement as a Small Business Owner

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Social media isn't for every small business owner, but there are certainly many who are benefitting from the communication and engagement that is happening constantly on various social media platforms.

If you have been dabbling on a social network or two, if you're brand new to social media, or even if you have a relatively established social media presence on one network but are ready to expand, today's feature article will give you some tips that will help you effectively integrate social media into your marketing strategy.

Feature Article:
The Ultimate Guide to Using Social Media for Small Business

More Social Media Resources:

• 5 Tips for Getting Started with Twitter in Your Small Business
• 7 Ways to Use Pinterest in Your Small Business
• A Guide to Using Facebook for Business

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If you are a small business owner who is ready to get started with social media, you may be considering Twitter  as a way to promote your products and services and find new customers.

There are a lot of reasons to use Twitter to expand your reach and grow your business, but it's not something you can expect to be successful at overnight. In fact, it usually takes some trial and error before you find your comfort zone on Twitter, or any social network.

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

Logo © Twitter

The month of April is all about the Earth, so many environmentally-conscious and aspiring entrepreneurs find it the perfect time to start a green business. A green business is one that puts the Earth first, and often focuses on a product or service that has been created to improve the environment.

If you're interested in learning more, today's feature article lists ten green business ideas to get you thinking. Then, if you want even more business ideas, be sure to read 101 Small Business Ideas.

Feature Article:
Top 10 Green Business Ideas

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Bartering can be a good way to accomplish more while spending less, something most small business owners would like to do. But it's not right in every situation, and a bartering arrangement shouldn't be entered into without research and planning.

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

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If you are thinking about starting a business, you may be wondering where you should start, what you should do first, and how you can make sure you take all of the necessary steps.

While the business start-up process can depend on the type of business you're starting, where you are located, your financial status, and your personal experience, there are some general steps that will help you formulate an effective plan.

In today's feature article, I list 10 steps that should be a part of any new business venture. The article also includes a number of links to how to's, resources and other tips to help you get your new business off the ground.

Feature Article:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Small Business

Photo © szajmon

Every one of us uses technology in our businesses. It's second nature; technology is so ingrained in our lives that you may not even think about it much as you go about your day-to-day responsibilities. But you would certainly notice its absence if it were to be taken away!

Technology comes with a lot of perks for small business owners -- the ability to keep costs down, reach more potential customers, streamline operations. And because it changes regularly, new ways to use technology are constantly popping up.

Today's feature article provides a collection of ways small business owners can use technology. As you review the list, brainstorm how you may be able to incorporate technology into your business to save time and money.

Feature Article:
33 Ways to Use Technology in Your Small Business

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