Inside the December 2004 Issue
Features
Fever Pitch
Pull out your thermometers, 'cause things are heating up! Here's our annual roundup of the newest trends, hottest markets and business ideas that promise to sizzle in 2005.
Columns
Be Your Own Boss Features
Get 2005 off to a fresh start with one of these new franchises.
Be Your Own Boss Features
You worked for them, and now you want them to "work" for you. Find out what you need to know to land your former employer as your startup's first client.
Biz 101
Follow these 6 tips when negotiating your first commercial lease.
Success Coach
As your business grows, so do the challenges. Meet them with confidence.
Almost Famous
For this former film student, the road to Hollywood--and business success--is paved with coffee beans.
Legal
Not if you give employees too much to drink at the company holiday party. Consider these sobering facts.
Smart Moves
Don't be tempted to use ROI analyses the wrong way, or you risk creating a formula for disaster.
Staff Smarts
You can show highly educated employees the corporate ropes--but you'd better do it step by step.
A+ Ads
Dare your audience to compare, and your product is sure to get a lot of attention. Here's how to pull off a great side-by-side comparison ad.
Sales Force
Allowing sales reps to work off-site definitely has its perks, but before you try it, be sure telecommuting makes sense for your business.
Sales Success
Finding good leads takes more than just making a few phone calls. Use a creative prospecting strategy to get yourself out there.
Tactics
Need a marketing plan? Here are strategies to fit penny pinchers, big spenders and everyone in between.
Dollar Signs
Whether in an MBA program or an online course, hitting the books can help you stay on top.
Personal Finance
Like your holiday packages, year-end finances are all about presentation--and planning.
Raising Money
Short-term financing could help your company overcome temporary setbacks or cash-flow issues.
Capitol Issues
The FTC is serving up a new and improved franchise rule, but is it what small-business owners ordered?
Smarts Features
New rules are driving small firms into shells, where they could get a nasty surprise.
Smarts Features
Marketing tactics from abroad can work just as well here, too.
Smarts Features
You'd better get in compliance with the new bar code rules before time runs out.
Smarts Features
A personal crisis needn't spell disaster for your business--not if you prepare for it.
Snapshot
Michael and Meredith Wickliffe, 40 and 38, founders of Wick's Pizza Parlor and Pub in Louisville, Kentucky
Wheels
Why settle for the ordinary when you've got these special-edition vehicles to choose from?
Buyers Guide
If you've been making do without a DVD burner, now's the time to take advantage of recent advancements and upgrade your hardware.
Digital Edge
They're practically giving away color laser printers, but watch out for those toner prices.
Net Profits
Sure, integrating your front- and back-end systems might be a headache--but it's well-worth the effort.
Magazine Resources
