The Better Business Bureau has implemented a new approach to rating businesses. Although it was put in place early in 2009, it is just now getting noticed as its impact is beginning to be felt in the market.

The new system uses a more detailed A+ through F letter-grade, which replaces the old system that rated businesses as either “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory”.

As small businesses look to trim their budgets to survive the recession, they need to be aware of any potential impact on quality and customer satisfaction. Also, expect consumers to pay more attention to such rating reports, as they attempt to focus more on getting the most value from their spending.

The scores are calculated using a variety of measures about the specific business, such as the nature and age of the business, its complaint history, government actions against the business, its approach to advertising, and honors and recognition from its industry. To get a full explanation of its system click here and here. You can see if your business is currently graded by searching their database here.

Stratabands : The Art of Union
Stratabands is the new patterned metal wedding ring line from recognized mokume-gane artists James Binnion and Steve Midgett. These award winning designers have decades in patterned metal as masters celebrated for their fine art and specialties in mokume-gane wedding bands.

Steve and James founded XPM Corporation to develop a new industrial process to make patterned metals affordable and in combinations previously thought to be impossible. The XPM process enables new patterns and ring shapes and generates the perfect bond needed to join dissimilar metals. Most importantly, the new XPM process greatly increases the availability of designer patterned metals and dramatically reduces cost.

Buncombe Buckles
Buncombe Buckles Metalworks is a small, one woman company based in Asheville, North Carolina. Each buckle is designed, fabricated and finished by Celia Gray. Celia was trained in blacksmithing and metalwork at the Penland School of Crafts during a two year fellowship program from 2001 to 2003. She has a fine arts degree and is an exhibiting painter as well.

Celia has been making belt buckles as a side project to her artwork since she began her time at Penland in 2001. She decided to make it into a small business and Buncombe Buckles was officially named and began selling in 2006. Celia collects inspiration from repeated patterns, great color combinations, old quilts, vintage wallpaper, and weathered and worn surfaces. Each buckle is designed, made, cleaned, and finished with individual care.

“Make money: not by building an internet company, but by using the net as a tool to create value and get paid. Use the internet as a tool, not as an end. Do it when you are part of a big organization or do it as a soloist. The dramatic leverage of the net more than overcomes the downs of the current economy.

The essence is this: connect.”

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“No matter what kind of business you’re in, you are an expert in something. One powerful way to grow your business is to become
known for what you do best. Because experts are the go-to people for services and products, establishing yourself as an expert gives you
an edge over the competition, generates interest from prospects and builds loyalty with clients.”

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