Inside the March 2004 Issue
Features
Battle of the Brand
Is image really everything when it comes to your business? Listen as entrepreneurs and experts sound off about whether branding is crucial for success, then decide for yourself.
Columns
Be Your Own Boss Features
Are you ready to plant the seeds of a new business? Start by reaping the harvest of these 101 homebased franchises.
Be Your Own Boss Features
Get off the sidelines and into the game! Starting a business based on professional sports could put you in the big leagues.
Biz 101
Are you dreaming of explosive growth during your first year of business? Be careful what you wish for.
Biz 101
Finding a great mentor is crucial, but it takes a lot of legwork. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Biz 101
Weighed down by a ton of duties? Maybe it's time to outsource some of that work.
Biz 101
Special events don't have to be few and far between. Keep things exciting by having them regularly.
Innovations
Or is it? Keep manufacturing costs in check so you can compete with the big names.
Opportunities
Real estate franchising gets a fresh twist from one seasoned veteran.
Real Life
It's been a rocky road, but Jack and Diane are finally nearing their destination: franchise ownership.
Success Coach
When it comes to achieving success in your business, compromise doesn't have to mean surrender.
Almost Famous
With high fashion at low prices, this clothes-minded dynamo's store is right on target with young women.
Management Buzz
Insuring international expansion, office socializing breeds productivity, and more
Real Deal
To protect and control your interests, keep these tips in mind when negotiating with consultants.
Smart Moves
The road to expansion is open, even if your business is built around your own specialized skills.
Staff Smarts
Get blase employees motivated about their jobs, and they'll really take care of business.
A+ Ads
To grab attention in a crowded marketplace, try breaking away from the pack with an understated ad.
Sales Success
Is talking to certain prospects like talking to a brick wall? It may be time to cut your losses and walk.
Tactics
Talk is cheap; failed marketing programs aren't. To get results, get sales and marketing teams working together.
Dollar Signs
Convertible bonds are still in vogue, but proceed with caution around the bend.
Raising Money
When a merger goes awry and you want to buy your company back, there are plenty of ways to do it.
Tax Talk
A new IRS regulation makes it a snap to calculate and report company vehicle deductions on your next tax return.
Biz Travel
Hotels say hello to high-speed Internet access-and goodbye to high usage fees.
Point-Counterpoint
The debate rages on about the cure for America's rising health insurance costs.
Smarts Features
Maternity leave is a hot issue. Find out how to handle it without ruffling any feathers.
Smarts Features
Is California driving away businesses--or setting an example for other states?
Smarts Features
Is a revival on the horizon for Japan's economy? That may be good news for you.
Smarts Features
As the economy improves, how can you keep your employees in the fold?
Snapshot
Steve Appelbaum, 44, founder of Animal Behavior & Training Associates Inc. (ABTA) in Los Angeles
Whats the Point
Simply having a desire won't cut it if you want to make your dream of business expansion a reality.
Buyers Guide
Time to upgrade your color printer? Think about your production needs and budget before choosing.
Connections
Software that turns your wi-fi connection into a "phone line"? You bet, and it could save you big bucks.
Digital Edge
VoIP promises a slew of fresh messaging options to boost your productivity--and save you money.
Net Profits
Spam concerns have forced many e-tailers to rethink their e-mail marketing programs. Should you?
Spotlight
Before DVDs became big business, this pair of entrepreneurs saw the chance to get in on the ground floor.
Magazine Resources
