Is it better to get a domain name that is generic i.e. smallbusiness.com or something that is catchy like google.com?

That all depends on what you are trying to do. You either want to "sell" with the name (cheese.com = Charlie's Cheese Wholesale) or establish an image to complement your existing business. I have personally never really cared for the businesses that use something other than their business name for the domain. It works in some areas (like the domain business, or shoes.com, etc.) but I have always thought the business name should be a business name, not some catchynameforadomain.com sake. Just my opinion.

I agree when a catchy name takes it works well eg google however most times it does not and people just get confused over the name

I think a great domain name does both, it is catchy but it is related to your business.

I agree but good luck finding them now all of the .com good names were taken years ago

The best thing you can do when choosing a domain name is to be able to sell your business somehow at the same time. There are a few different things to think about when choosing your domain name other than just being "catchy." This article provides some good tips on what to do/think about as your are deciding what you want your domain name to be:
Tips for Selecting a Domain Name for Your Online Business

I hope you find this helpful!

Thanks for the article!

May be best of all is to get a few domain names / web sites. One with your business name dedicated for presentation of your business unit. One or more additional domain names with catchy names to advertise particular products or services you offer.

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its definitely hard to find generic domain now. You may add some catchy word too like for example: domaindot.com or domainsite.com

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