By Rieva Lesonsky

Have you missed any of my blog posts this week? Check out what I’m writing around the Internet:

At the recent IFA conference, franchisors were cautiously optimistic for the first time in years–read all about it in my column on AllBusiness.com.

The SBA has made some major changes to its 8(a) set-aside program for small businesses. Get the scoop in my post on Anita Campbell’s Small Business Trends.

CEOs around the world are feeling optimistic about the economy. Find out more in my post on Network Solutions’ GrowSmartBusiness blog. What’s more, small business owners in general are seeing more signs of recovery–learn about that in my AOL Small Business “Survey Says” column.

What’s the secret to motivating employees? Try getting personal. Check out my post on the SCORE Success Blog for the details.

Maybe you need help motivating yourself. Learn my secrets to ditching the business-owner blahs in my post on American Express OPEN Forum.