by Jen Hickey. To get some ideas on how small business owners can motivate workers when cash is in short supply, business writer Jen Hickey spoke with Cindy Ventrice, the author of Make Their Day: Employee Recognition that Works and president of Potential Unlimited, which offers consulting, speaking and training to help companies create a positive work environment. JH: How do “recognition” and “reward” function in the workplace? CV: Recognition is an act between two people. It’s a one-on-one...

Small businesses have gone through quite an evolution when it comes to payment methods they accept. Gone is the cash-only small business. Even sandwich trucks and garment district clothing outlets have embraced the electronic age. Point-of-sale retail locations are increasingly moving toward the latest technologies that allow credit card readers to be plugged into smart phones. And, if you’re doing business on the Internet, online payments and shopping cart services have become de rigeur....