Jane Porter
Jane Porter is an associate editor at Entrepreneur.com in New York City. Her stories have appeared in publications including BusinessWeek Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Men's Health and The Chronicle of Higher Education. She has a bachelor's degree in English from Brown University as well as a masters of fine arts in creative writing from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, N.C.
10 Questions to Ask Before Family and Friends Become Business Partners
Thinking about bringing loved ones into your business? Before you take that leap, here's what you need to know to protect your relationships and your company.
Unlocking Business Ideas Hidden in the Natural World
A look at how the growing field of biomimicry has led to innovations inspired by nature.
3 Bad Sleep Habits You Need to Break
If you think you've got better things to do than worry about your sleep routine, think again. You may be unwittingly sabotaging your snooze time -- and your productivity. Here's how to snap out of it.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Small-Business Attorney
A quick guide to finding a legal professional that is the right fit for your business.
Debunking 5 Common Myths About Sleep
Burning the midnight oil is common among entrepreneurs trying to get their companies off the ground. If you think you can squeak by with a few less hours of shuteye, think again. Here's why.
10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Testing a Business Idea
Need help trying to figure out if that great idea you're passionate about could become a successful business? Here's how to evaluate a potential winner.
3 Things You May Not Know About Sustainable Packaging, But Should
When it comes to product packaging, making eco-friendly decision are not as cut and dry as many entrepreneurs may think. Here's what you need to know to make the best decision for your business.
5 Ways to Stop Stress Before It Starts
What science tells us about stress and how entrepreneurs can nip it in the bud.
3 Ways to Optimize Packaging to Protect Your Products
A look at how to best protect your products so they arrive at your customer's door intact, without going overboard and wasting money and materials.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a PR Firm
From measuring success to costs and services, here's what you need to know before turning to a public relations firm.
8 Ways to Come Up With a Business Idea
If you're planning to start a business, you first need to figure out a winning concept. Consider these strategies to help get your creative juices flowing.
4 Ways to Improve Your Ecommerce Customer-Return Policy
For many ecommerce companies, customer-return policies can be just as important as the price or the product.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tax Accountant
While you may think of accountants as numbers people, a good accountant does more than just crunch the numbers. Here's what to ask to find the best one.
6 Things About Money You May Not Think About -- But Should
One of the common mistakes entrepreneurs make is losing sight of their personal finances when trying to grow their business. Here's how to avoid falling into that trap.
10 Questions to Answer Before Pitching Investors
Preparation can mean the difference between securing funding and being left high and dry. Here's how to make sure you've covered all your bases.
10 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Business
Doing your due diligence before buying a company will earn you bargaining power and help you avoid unforeseen problems. Here's what you need to know.
7 Steps to Regaining Your Focus
If you're prone to distraction, these techniques can help you refocus in as little as 60 seconds.
5 Mistakes to Avoid With Free Shipping
Free shipping can entice customers to buy your product, but make sure it doesn't lead you awry. Here are common mishaps to be aware of.
10 Questions Every Entrepreneur Needs to Ask Suppliers
Consider this your vendor checklist, from costs and payment options to purchasing terms and sell-through. We've got you covered.
Seven Secrets to Cold Calling Success
Many business owners dread picking up the phone to reach potential customers or investors for the first time. Here are seven tips to overcome your fears and prepare to win.
5 Creative Packaging Ideas to Delight Your Customers
You may not have the budget or visibility of larger brands, but you can still capture customers' attention and create buzz with your product. Here are tips for (literally) thinking outside the box.
7 Effective Ways to Promote Free Shipping
Free shipping can help get customers to buy and boost the size of their orders. Here's how to make sure they're aware of your offer.
10 Ways to Trim Shipping Costs
Small businesses can benefit from discount offers, regional carriers and hybrid delivery service.
Five Retail Design Myths Debunked
Be creative in your store design and take a skeptical view of the conventional wisdom.
Spotlight: Justin's Nut Butter's Justin Gold, Entrepreneur of 2012 Finalist
Justin Gold founded his organic nut butter company after his roommates couldn't stop eating his homemade creations. His commitment to healthy foods makes him a finalist for Entrepreneur of 2012.
Spotlight: Acucela's Ryo Kubota, Entrepreneur of 2012 Finalist
Ryo Kubora performed nearly a thousand eye surgeries and discovered the gene that causes glaucoma, before starting his biotech company, Acucela. His innovation in the field of eye diseases makes him a
Spotlight: Sentek Global's Eric Basu, Entrepreneur of 2012 Finalist
Former Navy Seal Eric Basu founded his cybersecurity company Sentek Global in 2001 while working from his living room. His determination makes him a finalist for Entrepreneur of 2012.
Entrepreneurs Who Turned Hobbies into Million-Dollar Businesses
These business owners started with an enjoyable pastime and learned marketing, finance and other business skills to find success doing what they love.
Spotlight: Adafruit Industries' Limor Fried, Entrepreneur of 2012 Finalist
Limor Fried created her open-source hardware and electronics company, Adafruit Industries, in her MIT dorm room. The story of how she grew her business makes her a finalist for Entrepreneur of 2012.
5 Ways to Rekindle the Passion for Your Business
If you see signs of burnout, you can take steps to reinvigorate your business -- and yourself.Most Popular
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