Thursday July 3, 2008
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Cost Cutters: Ditch the Pricey Office
By Diana Ransom
If the cost of your work space is devouring your cash, here are ways to save.
Good News, Bad News as Customs Shifts Gears
The agency intends to improve trade facilitation, but enforcement could increase costs.
Starting Up: Getting Freelance Help
Businesses that can't afford full-time staff can hire freelancers or independent contractors.
The 4 People Every Business Owner Needs
Starting a business is tough, so it pays to get a little help from your friends.
Empty Nest, Full Plate
Growing (or grown) children can provide opportunity for renewed focus on your business.
Work & Life: Entrepreneurial Mates
Couples often fight over money. Spouses who run a business together are no exception.
Finding New Business Ideas
It's execution of good ideas — not the ideas themselves — that makes for successful businesses.
Starting Up: Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Social Ventures
Weighing the pros and cons of setting up a social venture as a for-profit or nonprofit.
Starting Up: Becoming a Social Entrepreneur
Want to change the world? Social entrepreneurship might be for you. Here's a primer.
Work & Life: How Business Owners Can Get Organized
Five tips for restoring order both at work and at home.
Web Sites Offer Access to Mentors
A growing number of Web sites allow prospective mentors and proteges to easily find each other.
Deprived of Sleep and Productivity
You probably aren't getting enough sleep. That could be detrimental to your health and your business.
6 Time-Management Tips for Mompreneurs
These tips on better concentration and work efficiency can bring mompreneurs much closer to the 4-hour work week.
Finding an Energy Auditor
Before hiring a private auditor to assess your company's usage, check with your utility company, which may do it for free.
Unearth Your Inner Indy
Indiana Jones' adventures have much in common with what makes entrepreneurs successful.
Time to Test Foreign Waters
More small businesses look to exporting as dollar remains weak.
Work & Life: Making Time for Class
Time-pressed entrepreneurs benefit from continuing ed.
Starting Up: Launching in Tough Times
Here's how to chase your entrepreneurial dream, even during a recession.
Do Your Homework Before Buying a Franchise
Which new franchise opportunities will be around 10 years from now, and which are somebody's make-a-quick-buck scheme?
Putting Time Into Your Product
From inventor to overnight millionaire? Not exactly. Here's the long-term solution to developing a product effectively.
Asked & Answered: Hiring Help
I need to hire my first full-time employee. Do I need to incorporate?
5 Fatal Mistakes for Small Retailing
Increase your odds of success by avoiding these potential pitfalls.
Advantages to Leasing Your Office Space
For many entrepreneurs, the question of whether to buy property or to lease office space can be a confusing issue.
5 Ways to Boost Profits
No matter how many sales you make, your business will struggle if you don't watch your margins.
Starting Up: Getting Certified
Here's how owners can get their small businesses certified as organic.
Wanted: The Green-Collar Worker
Eco-friendly businesses need green-collar workers. Here's how to recruit them.
The Inspiration of Stress
Feeling tired and uninspired? These tips can help revamp your health and your business.
Small, But Spunky
Create an inspiring and functional office when space is limited.
Running a Company From Home
Setting clear boundaries and carving out time for your work is the key to being a well-balanced home based entrepreneur.
Ten Tips on Painless Office Moves
When moving your office, advance planning, clear communication, and a willingness to live with a little chaos go a long way.
Going Green in the Workplace
These 10 eco-friendly solutions can help get your business in order.
Work & Life: Flextime for Employees
Small businesses can attract and retain talent by offering alternative schedules.
What Business Insurance Do I Need?
Having business insurance does more than just give you peace of mind; it's an integral part of an overall management strategy.
5 Books for Women Entrepreneurs
These recent page-turners aim to help women and their businesses reach their full potential.
The Guilty Mom Entrepreneur
There's no perfect way to balance business and family life, but there is a way to feel proud about your accomplishments every day.
Learning to Manage Millennials
How older bosses can build a working relationship with the text-message generation.
Picking Right Business Requires Time, Study
Avoid costly mistakes by learning about what a franchise entails before plunking down your nest egg.
The 100-Page Start-Up Plan — Don't Bother
A growing body of research suggests that some entrepreneurs spend way too long polishing giant business plans when they should be out selling their product.
Launching a Business With a Cause
Many entrepreneurs want to do good while doing well financially. Here’s how to get started.
Work & Life: Caring for Aging Parents
For business owners, it's tough to focus on work when an elderly relative needs care.
Starting Up: Protecting Your Products
Does your great invention need a patent? Here's our guide.
OK, Partner, We Better Sign a Prenup
Like many marriages, business partnerships often end in bitter divorce. Friends or relatives starting a business should be prepared.
The Green Economic Revolution
No matter what business you’re in, going green is one of the best ways to grow revenues and save money.
Finding a Business to Buy
Finding a business to purchase should be the final step in a process that begins with self-evaluation and a sound financial assessment.
Starting Up: Is B-School Worth It?
Some entrepreneurs say getting an MBA is a waste. Should you ditch the diploma?
Top 10 Tips for Writing Your Business Plan
What's the secret to a great business plan? Create a vision, don't ignore your customers, and be prepared to take risks.
Which Employees Are Exempt From Overtime Regulations?
Here's help understanding the official rules and regulations that cover overtime pay.
Q&A: A Homegrown Approach to Business Literacy
Business literacy is often an important issue for employee-owned companies.
Unstoppable Moms
Feeling afraid and overwhelmed? Let these successful women who overcame significant obstacles inspire you.
Five Tips for Starting a Business
It is critical that you find potential problems in your business model before you get started. A small business expert shares pointers on what to look for.
Work & Life: When Partners Clash
How to mend a struggling relationship and get your business back on track.
The Increasing Cost of Air Travel
Find out what you'll be paying for in 2008 and how you can minimize the effect on your bottom line.
A Fight or Flight Reaction
Frivolous litigation is a fear that strikes the heart of every business owner. Here's what you can do about it.
Work & Life: Kick the Control-Freak Habit
Letting go of micromanager ways can improve your life — and grow your company.
5 Global Business Books to Read Now
These recent releases will catch you up on what you need to know about the global marketplace.
Giving Employees a Say in Where They'll Work
When a company picks up and moves, how much say should employees have in choosing its new location?
Control Your Emoticons
Something as simple as a :-) can be complicated, especially when you're talking about business e-mails.
The Americans With Disabilities Act
Among the laws that affect small businesses across the country, none is more important than the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Stitch In a New Business Idea
Learn how to take your textile invention from idea to reality.
Business Buyers Get Picky
A lot entrepreneurs plan to sell their business for a bundle and live off the proceeds. But many may be in for a surprise when they're ready to bail.
Work & Life: Avoiding Stress Eating
Work-related stress gives many entrepreneurs the munchies. Here are five healthy eating tips for the new year.
Making Your Franchise Stand Out
Figure out what makes your franchise different — and sell that to franchise buyers.
3 Ways to Get Expert Advice
Consultants, business coaches and even seminars can nip problems in the bud.
The Gift of Hassle-Free Returns
Make returning gifts painless for your online customers with these tips.
Run Your Home Like an Office
Running a business from home isn't always as liberating as it sounds. Here are some tips from business coaches on how to pull it off successfully.
It's Time to Get Creative
Business owners can beat out rivals by taking a fresh approach. Here's how.
Ownership: The Ultimate Motivator
Encouraging employees to take ownership of their work will result in better customer service and a stronger company.
Online Retailers Get Chatty
Small online retailers are chatting up customers to get them to stick around on a site longer and buy something.
Starting Up: Bracing for Angry Customers
Entrepreneurs can take steps to limit costs when the inevitable dispute arises.
Set Boundaries When Working With Contractors
Human resource departments and legal counsel can help companies create and implement a contracting process.
Fantastic Spaces in Unusual Places
Find out how creative entrepreneurs turned unusual spaces into the perfect location for their business.
Work & Life: No Holidays for Entrepreneurs?
No holiday break for small-business owners? Here's how to take one, without losing clients.
10 Tips on Protecting Intellectual Property
Discovering a new business idea is exhilarating. But great ideas are only valuable if you can protect them.
Work & Life: 5 Tips to Boost Productivity
Don't get frustrated — get productive. These simple tips can boost your bottom line and prevent overload.
20 Palate-Pleasing Holiday Wines
Wine shops and bars from across the country recommend their favorite holiday wines for less than $20 and $100.
Are You CEO Material? Find Out With This Test
A new study by three University of Chicago business-school professors ranks the traits that define excellent CEO performance.
Finding a Female Mentor
How to find a female mentor when you don't live in a major city.
Asked & Answered: Retirement Overload?
Can a business owner contribute to both a SEP IRA and a Roth IRA?
Subway's Diet: Less Oil, More Recycling
The Subway sandwich chain is testing ways to minimize its impact on the environment.
Small Companies Put Charity Into Plan
Can you do well as a business while also doing good?
Telemarketer Bucks Turnover Trend With Caring Culture
Here's how one small company uses training and a personal touch to improve employee retention.
10 Signs That It's Time to Expand Your Office Space
Here are 10 sure-fire signs that it's time to move or expand your office.
Get on the Green
Why golf is still one of the best ways for entrepreneurs to establish business relationships.
Work & Life: Minding Two Babies
For many entrepreneurs, the business is their baby. What happens when they have a newborn?
Beat Business Trip Boredom
These 10 ideas could turn your next mundane business trip into an experience you'll never forget.
Perks Can Help Reel in Seasonal Help
Looking to beef up staff during the holidays? Here's how to secure top-notch talent.
Deals, Divorce, Downsizing
Forums, a kind of professional group therapy, are practiced by other business groups, but they've flourished among the entrepreneurial set.
Work & Life: Running Multiple Businesses
For some entrepreneurs, running just one business isn't enough. Here's how they do it.
Harness a Hiring Expert
For big-company resources at reasonable prices, call an HR consultant.
Serial Entrepreneurs Learn From Their Mistakes
Serial entrepreneurs share the lessons they've learned from their mistakes.
Three Ways to Prepare for Management Changes
Here's a look at three companies that took the time to plan for executive transitions.
Work & Life: Turning Work Trips Into Fun
Time-pressed entrepreneurs often tack vacation onto business travel.
Control in a General Partnership
When you're in business with partners, make sure your agreement covers how much control each person has.
To Protect Your Business, Take Precautions
Disasters like the California fires can wipe out a business. Here's how to lower your risk.
Mapping Out a Smooth Transition
Over the years, four members of the Leppo family have run an Ohio farm-equipment business. Here are lessons they've learned about succession planning.
Doing Well by Doing Good
For some social entrepreneurs, 'doing good' means helping others become entrepreneurs, too.
Work & Life: Eating Right
Many entrepreneurs wind up packing on the pounds as they sacrifice good eating habits for long hours at work.
When to Hire a Business Coach
At what point does a small-business owner seek outside help — and is it worth it?
Work & Life: Me Time
Entrepreneurs who don't carve out personal time risk burning out rather than building up.
Work & Life: The Power of Sleep
Many entrepreneurs are sleep deprived -- and it's likely hurting their business.
Starting Up: Learning to Pitch
For entrepreneurs starting up a new company, finding funding is all in the delivery.
Family Businesses Navigate the Generation Gap
Boomer parents and Gen Y children often clash over how the family business is run.
Asked & Answered: A Failing Franchise
I'm losing money on a struggling franchise, but have a five-year lease I can't break. Any advice?
Outside Help Can Beef Up Business
Hiring consultants can help your company grow. Here are signs your business needs outside help.
Work & Life: Finding Time For Fitness
Many frazzled entrepreneurs swap fitness for long hours at work. Here's how to carve out time.
Thinking of Retiring? First Comes Work...
When it comes to retirement, business owners have their work cut out for them.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Can one attorney handle all your needs? Here's what our expert has to say.
Planning for the Worst Saves Time, Trouble
In times of crisis, a contingency plan can guide your business through the worst.
Work & Life: Working With Your Spouse
Couples running a business need to take extra steps to not bring work home with them.
Work & Life: Running a Home-Based Business
Entrepreneurs working from home find themselves with a tough balancing act.
Shining a Spotlight on Women Entrepreneurs
Looking to grow your business? These eight organizations would like to help.
Mentors Offer Guidance to Small-Business Owners
Getting counsel from a seasoned pro can give an entrepreneur a leg up on the competition.
Protect Your Business From Fraud
From shady employees to web worms, here's how business owners can protect themselves.
Five Ways to Weed Out Potentially Bad Employees
Hiring the wrong person can hurt your business. Here's how to do your diligence.
How Budding Entrepreneurs Can Boost Odds of Success
For young people hankering to start a business, we have some advice.
Breaking Up With Your Business Partner
I started a business with a 50/50 partner, but it's not working out. How can I renegotiate?
Six Things to Consider Before You Buy a Franchise
The profits can be thrilling -- but the work can be exhausting. Here's what you need to know.
Work & Life: Taking a Vacation
Many small-business owners need to get creative to pencil in time for a vacation.
How to Stop Micromanaging
We've got tools to help small-business owners stop micromanaging.
Networking Is Key to Building Your Business
Networking is key to building any business. We'll tell you how to do it right.
Work & Life: Boomers Underestimate Stress
Many boomers misjudge the effort needed to run a small business after retirement.
Four Tips on Finding Your Ideal Business Partner
Business partner, that is. We've got tips on how to meet your entrepreneurial soul mate.
Going a Part-Time Route Is a Good Way to Start a Business
Don't quit your day job. Here's how to juggle work and a start-up.
Five Tips to Motivate Small-Business Workers
Small businesses have the flexibility to create great incentive programs for employees.
Protect Your Business From Defective Chinese Products
Defective products made overseas can wreak havoc on small firms in the U.S.
Are They Lying to You?
These 7 cues will tip you off to whether someone is being less than honest with you.
Entrepreneurs Beware: Work-at-Home Scams Abound
Make a fortune while working from home? If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Should You Use Franchise Brokers?
Franchise brokers can help you find qualified franchisees. But is hiring a broker the right choice for your franchise?
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