by Iris Dorbian. When the economy nosedived in 2008, Jeff Weiner, president of Uniondale, New York-based HKM Insurance, felt an immediate effect. Because many of his clients were laying off employees, his 30-year-old firm snagged fewer premiums, leading to fewer commissions for his full-time staff of four. As the recession dragged on and customers cut back or left altogether, Weiner’s business experienced two straight years of tough times financially. “Learning how to manage that sinking...

Broadening your network of business contacts and seeking out additional referral partners is an excellent way to let your friends build your business for you. Just make sure you return the favor By Max Berry You can never have too many people in your corner. That goes double for a small business owner. Without the resources for a massive advertising campaign, an entrepreneur needs to rely on a little help from his friends to spread the word. Seeking out a fellow entrepreneur-or several-to...