Having good perspective is an important quality for small business owners. Small business people must see opportunities at the same time they keep a practical realistic view. They must be optimistic while being realistic and most importantly they must be able to see the forest despite the trees not distracted from seeing the big picture because of the many small details that go into running their business. For April 20, Small Business Trends looks at the blogs and news sources that follow the unique perspective of the small business owner and the entrepreneurial journey.

Strategy

That big picture thing. “It’s easy to forget you’re working on a car when your head is under the hood… ” Sometimes Internet marketers can get everything technically right and still miss the mark. Small Business CEO

So what is the real purpose of your business? You may think you know, but you may want to think again. The wrong answer may threaten your future. The Loft Group

Don’t have a Facebook fan page? You may be overlooking a HUGE opportunity to promote your business.  Albany Insurance Professional

Book Shelf

Marketing to the African American consumer. Pierre DeBois reviews Black is The New Green. Small Business Trends

Eco Trends

How green is your office? Watch this brief video survey of the latest eco friendly products that are good for the environment and even save you money. Open Forum Innovation

Operations

No new hires. Why, even with signs the economy may be rebounding, many small business owners may be reluctant to bring on additional staff. CFO Wise

Social media will change the way you run your company. It’s time to get into conversation mode and that means always responding. Flying Pig Communications

Sales

Five steps to endless prospecting. How to keep your business focused on always getting new clients. Sales Tip A Day

Looking for more customers in tough economic times? Uncle Sam may not be your best bet these days, according to one recent news report. WSJ

How selling your idea is like stand-up comedy. Here’s a great look at the perfect sales pitch…from a slightly cockeyed perspective. Right Ideas/Bright Ideas

Policy

What is the VAT or Value Added Tax? And why is it bad for both small business and America? Jim Blasingame

Forget Goldman Sachs. The government is scrutinizing small mom and pops instead. A study shows that despite pledges to crack down on big business excesses, the agency is targeting small business instead. NYTimes.com

Startups

Putting landlords and small business together. How one business is helping others find each other in the largest city on Earth. Is this the pattern for success elsewhere? WSJ

There are new rules for funding startups. After the financial crisis, investors will likely be writing smaller checks for smaller ventures. BusinessWeek

Events

How can small business use social media? What if you had at least one new prospect looking at your Website every day? The SmallBiz Social Media Summit will show you how, sponsored by both Small Business Trends and BizSugar.com. BizSugar Blog

From Small Business Trends

Small Business News: Seeing The Forest Despite The Trees