Inside the October 2001 Issue
Features
Get in the Ring
A weak economy can make you strong-if you've got the guts to go in for the kill.
Adjust Your Focus
You've tried the vertical hold. You've messed with your brightness settings. But there's only one thing to do when those late-'90s management mantras don't offer you a clear picture.
Is SBA S.O.L.?
With a general lack of respect from lawmakers and entrepreneurs alike, some say the agency has outlived its usefulness. Can the SBA be saved?
How to Lay Off Employees
The old adage "It's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it" couldn't be more true when it comes to laying off employees. Here's how to do it properly.
Slicker Cities
When not just any metropolitan area will do, seek out one of these best cities for entrepreneurship.
Columns
Be Your Own Boss Features
91 opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to buy a franchise without coughing up franchise-type dollars
Be Your Own Boss Features
There's plenty of room, no matter how crowded the market. You'll just have to use your elbows.
Biz 101
When it comes to financing, bigger isn't always better. Have you tried an SBA microloan on for size?
Innovations
No, no, it's not a bad thing! The baby-products market is the perfect place for brand-new inventors to take their first steps.
Opportunities
A son uses a franchise to follow in his father's jewelry-fixing footsteps.
Smart Ideas
She designs 'em. Amish women hand-stitch 'em. And each of these quilts goes for more than $2,000.
Whats Your Problem
Home is where the heart is, but do you want to hang your corporation's hat there?
Almost Famous
Hopping from product to product, Leap Frog's founder makes learning lighthearted and lands his toys on store shelves everywhere.
Legal
Making promises to employees and then giving them the boot? They'll be back--carrying lawsuits that could damage your company.
Smart Moves
As providers jack up health-care costs, there are options that won't leave your employees out in the cold and flu season.
Marketing Buzz
Making the most of industry awards and tightening the restrictions on cold calling
Sales Success
Next time you go on a sales call, don't pocket your personality at the door.
Money Buzz
What to do to protect yourself from check fraud, the ins and outs of variable rate credit cards and more
Raising Money
Regardless of whether your investors' intentions are honorable, you can make sure their letter of intent is.
Biz Travel
Get your accommodations to accommodate with our guide to effective complaining.
Flash
Geek sports get popular, the latest in funeral services and the comfort food craze
It Figures
The financial worries of small-business owners, celebrating Halloween and more
Smarts Features
Think tech was the end-all of booms? Ever heard of something called energy?
Smarts Features
Nasdaq looks to test the market for markets--and fund its global expansion.
Smarts Features
These are the voyages of the starship Entrepreneur- boldly doing business in space.
Smarts Features
You can save your company without laying off all your employees. Try these options.
Smarts Features
The SBA's got a new leader. Now all it needs is a decent budget...support...focus...
Smarts Features
Cell phones, 24/7 e-mail-now it takes a special day just to think for a second.
Smarts Features
When does owning too much of your own company get to be a conflict of interest?
Smarts Features
Is it time for your product to stop playing supporting roles and steal the show?
Tech Toy
Trying to go completely wireless? Check out the Mobile Assistant V strap-on headset.
Women
Boys don't have cooties, so don't be afraid to mingle at mixed-gender functions.
Buyers Guide
Get an uninterruptible power supply, and never fear electricity problems again.
Cool Clicks
Free labor law posters to keep you in compliance and insider information on small businesses from D&B
Digital Edge
A feature drive . . . starring your PC backup and graphic-heavy presentations
Gear
Transferring handwritten notes to your handheld and backing up your hard drive through photography
Hot Disks
Building an online storefront, preventing disk crashes before they happen and more
Net Profits
Dig deep and answer the eternal question: "What do my customers want?"
Tech Buzz
How to offer your Web site visitors ad-free pages, the latest on wireless access and more
Magazine Resources
