We usually think of the beauty industry as a field that’s big on heart and technical artistry, but hardly a leader when it comes to technology. That’s why we were surprised to learn that industry consultant YBN is one of the top 10 finalists in the fifth-annual Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence Award program. The award recognizes small business owners that show how they have used technology in an innovative way to better serve their customers.

“YBN provides our clients with easy-to-use, cost-effective online tools like client relationship management, e-marketing, online appointment booking, and business builder resources, “ says YBN’s CEO Bert Carder. “What’s innovative from a technological aspect is that the service is completely customizable to meet the specific needs of each individual business.” YBN has a database of more than 400 articles, more than 200 tele-classes, and more than 230 business forms/tools. “This amount of information can be overwhelming,” acknowledges Carder. “The technology is applied when our clients either select their biggest business challenge from a list or type in key words and a results list is displayed showing the tools, resources, and products that are applicable to their specific business challenge.”

He points to the YBN Career Hub, an employment finder, as another unique use of technology. “We created an automated ‘match system’ that pairs candidates and available positions based on practical criteria,” says Carder. “Employers complete a questionnaire asking detailed questions not only about their business and the position they want filled, but about qualities and personality traits they are looking for in their ideal candidate. On the job seeker side, we ask candidates what they are looking for in their dream job.”

The U.S. winner will be announced June 9, at the 2008 NFIB Summit in Washington, D.C.

— Judy