Inside the December 2003 Issue
Features
Hot Stuff
Want to know what's hot for 2004? We've got the businesses, markets and trends you shouldn't miss out on.
Columns
Be Your Own Boss Features
Get geared up for 2004 with today's freshest franchising concepts.
Be Your Own Boss Features
All wound up about what kind of business to start? Then take a hint from the millions of Americans looking to break away from the daily grind--head to a day spa.
Biz 101
Want to start an artistic business? A creative incubator could be just what you need to come out of your shell.
Biz 101
Fed up with working for others, one couple decided to take a standa barbecue stand, that is.
Biz 101
Finding an investor is great. But finding an investor who's also a mentor? Now you're talking.
Biz 101
Need a dose of inspiration? These stories about young, successful entrepreneurs will fire you up.
Innovations
How you can revolutionize a stagnant product on a limited budget and still win over your target market
Opportunities
What do you do when your company decides to go the franchising route? Join in on the fun, of course.
Real Life
Jack and Diane find a few surprises waiting for them as they move closer to realizing their goal.
Smart Ideas
When it comes to designing quality collegiate purses, it looks like these sisters-in-law have bagged a winner.
Success Coach
Can't seem to cut that monstrous to-do list down to size? Maybe it's time to relax, step back and regroup.
Almost Famous
With a fresh, funky twist on a familiar product, one candyman gets a taste of small-business success.
Legal
It may be tempting to sue when someone bashes your company online, but free speech has the upper hand.
Management Buzz
Determining who's an employee and who's not; hiring vets might be your best bet
Real Deal
Everyone strikes a bad deal at one time or another. The key is to learn from your mistakes.
Smart Moves
Profitability management helped PC maker Dell pull off a turnaround. Can it help you do the same?
Staff Smarts
Managing your creative employees can be a challenge, but doing it well is crucial to your business.
A+ Ads
Side-by-side comparison ads can persuade prospects to buy in the blink of an eye.
Sales Force
The year's almost over, but it's no time to let your guard down. What can you do to keep sales from going into hibernation?
Sales Success
Want to pump up sales? Then think like a stellar sales champion, and watch your business shoot through the roof.
Tactics
Didn't get the results you wanted from your marketing this year? You can get a fresh start in 2004.
Dollar Signs
For companies tired of taking a beating in the market, deregistration may be a temporary shelter in the storm.
Money Buzz
The state of VC investments in minority-owned firms, the rising cost of audits and accounting, and more
Raising Money
Buying an existing business may get lenders on your side faster than building from scratch.
Tax Talk
Want to take advantage of the cut in dividend taxes? You'll need to strike while the iron's hot.
Point-Counterpoint
Congressional representatives discuss the state of small business in today's economy.
Smarts Features
Experts weigh in on whether 2004 will be the year the economy turns around.
Smarts Features
It's more important than ever to show customers you'll keep their information private.
Smarts Features
The office of tomorrow might look the same, but it sure acts different.
Smarts Features
Making your business the star of the big screen could mean big bucks and local exposure.
Whats the Point
Make the most of your family business by managing these five resources.
Women
Mothers and daughters discuss the impact of entrepreneurship on their relationships.
Buyers Guide
Sure, they're a little pricey. But it's plain to see that oversize flat-panel displays can be great investments for your business.
Digital Edge
Is Linux really ready to be plugged in to the desktop? The answer is at your fingertips.
Hot Topic
Small businesses are zipping past bigger companies on the tech-investment track.
Net Profits
In spite of the risks, there are lots of great reasons to start thinking about going global.
Solutions
Keep your business secure even when you're awaytry a wireless surveillance device on for size.
Spotlight
With a few tricks up their sleeves, two brothers take PC design to a whole new level.
Tech Buzz
Improving your business's Web search status; a full office suite for next-to-nothing






