Philippe Matthews Show Guru Advice, Author Reviews, Tech Reviews, Entertainment News

Traditionally, new product marketing assumes first-time purchases arise from an orderly chain of events. The effective commercial starts the engine turning by generating brand awareness, which begets interest, desire, and finally consumer action, with planned purchases popping out the other end.

We are living in a new age of austerity . Environmentalism is no longer just a crunchy cause, but also a corporate mandate .

Sure, Congress is ineffective, the Fed can't help you, and optimism is still weak. But there are plenty of reasons to feel good about being a small business owner. At first glance, today's small business optimism index released by the National Federation of Independent Businesses might make you a little depressed: More than a quarter of small businesses indicated that sales were lower this month than last, and borrowing activity is at a 38-year low.

Forecasts predict modest growth this Christmas. Retail strategist Alison Levy recommends how independent retailers can stand out. The holidays are expected to bring only a modest cheer to business owners this year

Their work cut out for them, small businesses turn to customer service and experiences to differentiate this holiday shopping season. Holiday retail projections are upbeat, but what's a small business to do with competition from deep-discounting big-box stores and consumers who are focused on seizing deals? The National Retail Federation expects retail sales to increase 2.8 percent this year.

Want to get in on the action at fashion week? Here's a look at how some small businesses are using the event to market their brands

A pair of apps try to remake the experience of shopping. Are they the game-changers they think they are? Two new apps--one for the iPad, the other for the iPhone--intend to remake the way we shop