Continue writing articles. Write one a month, and post them on your Web site. You can also offer them to other Web sites to publish. You do this by joining a few article announcement lists and sending your articles to lists. To find these lists, go to Yahoo groups (http://groups.yahoo.com ) and search for "article announce". Ezine publishers and Web sites owners will pick up your articles. Suddenly, you're Google-cred goes up.

Note, that I said "information rich" articles. Some small business owners write puff pieces about themselves and their business, and guess how much credibility this builds? People search for information online, so your articles must contain useful information.

You won't suddenly get a dozen new clients directly from your online articles. You get them indirectly. For example, when someone I don't know sends me an e-mail message and I'm interested in what they say, first thing I do is Google them. In five seconds, I know whether I want to pursue relationship or not.

If you're sending out direct mail letters introducing yourself and your services, you can bet that those prospects who are interested in what you have to offer will Google you. If you're revealed as knowledgeable in your field, you're suddenly credible.

So go ahead, use Google.com to your promotional advantage. It's a powerful tool to build credibility for your business.

***Resource box: if using, please include***

Veteran multi-published author and copywriter Angela Booth crafts words for your business --- words to sell, educate or persuade. E-books and e-courses on Web site. FREE ezines for writers and small biz: http://www.digital-e.biz/

6. Deal with conflict by being upfront and honest.

Own up to your role in conflict and move toward resolution as quickly as possible. If you have been wrong, state it, followed by an extension of an apology.

7. Eliminate company gossip from your life, and keep all employee concerns confidential.

If you need support for company gossip, hire a coach who has a reputation of being trustworthy.

8. Trust your employees to make smart decisions without your interference.

Self-esteem is built by allowing others opportunity to try new things and to be successful by adding their personal touch to a project or assignment.

9. Provide work that is meaningful and that allows your employees and/or volunteers opportunity to stretch and grow, and above all, provide training necessary for implementing a change.

10. Cheer company on by announcing on a daily basis successes of previous day.

This surge of energy early in morning will increase productivity throughout day