In today’s tough economy, small business owners are faced with the difficult task of doing much more with a lot less. Ed Hess reminds them that even though they might be making cuts to their prices and budgets, now is not the time to start cutting great customer service out of their business plans.

Improving working capital has become a focus for every CFO and is crucial to business growth and profitability, says David Taylor. Yet current strategies often fail to recognize the role accounts receivable can play in reducing the cost of working capital, while also having a positive impact on customer relationships and even the wider economy.

As a business leader, you can’t always get all your employees’ input on big-time decisions. Often, you have to make a decision quickly or risk losing the opportunity altogether. Michael Feuer offers advice on how to make profitable mind-to-market decisions without getting sidetracked by consensus overload.

Marcy Phelps offers some key research resources for learning about your customers and competitors.

Whether you're starting a business, introducing new products or services, or adding locations, it's always a good idea to first do your research. Informed decisions make the best decisions, and – especially when credit is tight – we often need to show that we have a solid understanding of our target markets.

Companies aiming to maximize the potential of social media need to think carefully about integrating the three pillars of people, process and technology, says Michael Brito.

Businesses in the US and the UK are paralyzed by a lack of self-confidence, says Stephen Archer. Processes and systems do not create wealth. Only organic growth through entrepreneurial innovation can do that.

We know that consumer confidence is weak and that business confidence is patchy. I have written about the dynamics of confidence on the economy in the past. However, I want to discuss a much more specific aspect of confidence and how it is holding back the US and UK economies.

George F. Brown, Jr, CEO and cofounder of strategy consulting firm Blue Canyon Partners, shares his research on the challenges executives experience in implementing business model changes.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel has been a North Carolina landmark since it opened in 1997. Following a major upgrade to full resort status it is now officially the largest entertainment complex in the state.

The new North Terminal Development (NTD) at Miami International Airport represents the biggest ever single investment in US aviation history. Program director Juan Carlos Arteaga talks to Jayne Alverca as the project nears completion.

Created under intense heat and pressure, and delivered to the earth’s surface by volcanic action, diamonds are being mined in the icy reaches of northern Canada. Gay Sutton looks at the development of the Diavik Diamond Mine, the role of the luxury jewelry brand Harry Winston, and the positive legacy it intends to leave for the Aboriginal people.