Let’s start with a little honesty: If you’re a small business, then in many ways, you are the brand. In other words, your customers aren’t just purchasing your service or product—they’re making an investment in your energy, reputation, and the many other components that make your business what it is.
And while you may not have a marketing team, what you do have is something that big companies can’t fake: a story. A real one—and that’s your power.
Whether you’re a self-employed hustler, a micro business owner working out of your garage, or a family business that’s been around for years, your personal brand is your edge. It’s how you gain trust, reel in your ideal clients, and achieve sustained success.
Posted on
Nov 12, 2025
David D’Arcangelo is the Founder and President of Arc Angel Communications LLC (Arc Angel), as well as Angel Buttons LLC, both nationally certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBE). Legally blind since childhood, David has forged a distinguished career at the intersection of public service, policy, and entrepreneurship. His leadership includes service as a Presidential appointee to the National Council on Disability, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, and Director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability. He also brings national nonprofit governance experience through his role on the Board of Directors of the National Industries for the Blind, the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States of America.
Posted on
Nov 12, 2025
The government shutdown continues into another week with no clear resolution in sight. October 31st, is the 1-month mark of the shutdown. The Senate adjourned for the week yesterday and will not return until Monday, November 10, extending the government shutdown until at least its 34th day, which would match the longest funding lapse in U.S. history.
Posted on
Nov 12, 2025
Running a small business demands everything you’ve got—creativity, time, energy, and determination. While your passion may fuel long hours and dedication, even the most motivated entrepreneurs aren’t immune to burnout. According to a 2022 study by Capital One, 48% of small business owners reported experiencing burnout, with inflation, cash flow, and low sales cited as top challenges.1 Fortunately, implementing strategic self-care practices can help you sustain your well-being and business success.
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Oct 30, 2025
Jennifer Sarrett, PhD is a NASE Member and the Founder & CEO of Disruptive Inclusion located in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Sarrett is a medical anthropologist turned business consultant who helps healthcare and science organizations build high-performing teams through what she calls Organizational Culture Design™. Unlike traditional approaches that fix problems after they occur, she helps organizations prevent costly culture crises by proactively and intentionally designing policies and practices. With a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary studies and international research experience, she’s guided organizational transformations for clients ranging from medical research institutes to healthcare systems to media companies. Her methodology focuses on the invisible systems that either accelerate or undermine team performance—especially in high-stakes situations where effective collaboration saves lives.
Posted on
Oct 30, 2025
As the current government shutdown extends into weeks, many self-employed individuals and micro-business owners wonder what it really means for them. Unlike larger corporations with deep reserves or teams of financial analysts, independent business owners often feel the effects of uncertainty immediately — in delayed payments, paused contracts, or shaken consumer confidence.
While it’s impossible to control government gridlock, there are practical steps you can take now to protect your livelihood and maintain stability during a shutdown. Below are five essential tips to help self-employed professionals and micro-business owners prepare both financially and operationally for what could be a challenging few weeks or even months.
Posted on
Oct 30, 2025
As the start of health insurance open enrollment approaches on Saturday, November 1st, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)—the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community—is urging millions of small business owners and entrepreneurs to take advantage of available tools and resources to select the right health care plan.
Posted on
Oct 28, 2025
In this challenging economic climate, it is critical that you view repeat customers as strategic to your long-term success. You need to think about client retention as part of your sales and delivery strategy. There are four customer voices that you need to consider when developing your strategy. Listening and responding to these four voices can create trusted relationships that will result in repeat buyers and increase the customer’s lifetime value.
Posted on
Sep 19, 2025
Since taking office in January of 2025, President Trump has implemented a sweeping and evolving tariff regime. His “Liberation Day” addresses in early April kicked off a wave of “reciprocal tariffs”—a baseline 10% applied broadly, with bespoke rates ranging from 11% to 50% on countries with significant trade deficits with the U.S.
As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge with over 20 million new business applications over the last four years, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, announced today $28,000 in Growth Grants to seven local small businesses for the second quarter of 2025, including three sponsored by AARP.
Posted on
Sep 08, 2025