Inside the March 2008 Issue
Features
The Influencers
What forces will affect your business in the coming year? Here are the 25 people, trends and events you can't afford to ignore.
Columns
Almost Famous
Stacey Bendet definitely has a knack for designing, but she credits her team with being the brains behind her business.
Business 411
Keep tabs on the competition--and track your own reputation--with these resources.
Business 411
Uncle Sam wants you -- or at least your product.
Business 411
Yes, prospective customers really do want to hear from you--so follow up.
Doing Good
If you're looking for funding, try browsing the blogosphere. A small but growing number of VC managers have blogs, which can help entrepreneurs easily research and connect with funders.
Doing Good
Bruce Poon Tip has a basic motto for people interested in booking a vacation with his company: "If you want to travel and have all the comforts of home, I suggest you stay at home."
Edge Features
For Gen Yers, birds of a feather truly do flock together. As the group migrates into the work force and baby boomers retire, more companies are seeing the benefits of hiring groups of Gen Y friends.
Edge Features
Circulation numbers are down at many large daily newspapers. But if Norb Garrett's experience is any indication, the community newspaper niche offers good news for creative entrepreneurs.
Edge Features
Though extreme sports surfaced years ago with activities like skydiving and surfing, these nontraditional sports--typically involving high levels of speed, height and danger--have yet to reach NFL proportions.
Moving On
There are two ways to look at cost of living: from your viewpoint as a business owner or from the perspective of your employees. If you are relocating or expanding your operation, you need to take both into consideration.
Security Alert
Data retention can be a major gray area for growing businesses. Your data is your life-blood, whether it's employee information, customer payment numbers, internal files or the reams of e-mails you send and receive.
Travel
Bed-and-breakfasts are well-known among the romantically inclined. But now their charm is reaching road warriors as well.
Women
The latest buzz about alpha males has spawned workshops and books geared toward both women and men who want to become more "alpha" in business. How can being more alpha help female entrepreneurs?
Rich Returns
Numbers that are tracked and reported are numbers that grow. How does your business measure up?
TheStreet.com
Though tax liens won't get you rich quick, they can be a good investment option.
Wise Guy
Here are 5 ways to be not just a better entrepreneur, but also a better person.
Advisor
You don't have to be Coke, McDonald's or Nike to borrow against your company's patents, trademarks or copyrights.
Currency
With traditional bank loans hard to come by, try these quick fixes to get your business the capital it needs.
Portfolio
The AMT is in limbo, but you don't have to be. Start planning now to avoid tax season surprises.
Snapshot
When it comes to maximizing the savings in energy-saving, Steve Gossett is on top of the trend--and he's making bank, too.
First
You may have a brilliant invention, but it doesn't mean anything if you can't get it off the ground. These companies can help.
First
Tenacity is the key to building business relationships--just don't come on too strong.
Money Matters
Because an impressive fico score won't guarantee a loan, you'll have to balance out the equation.
Net Profits
Building a kidcentric online startup? Here's what you should know.
Opportunities
The kids may keep them busy, but these franchisees make sure they're hands-on owners.
Smart Ideas
Ricky Dennis was born into the sport of auto racing, and now he's making money doing what he loves.
Smart Ideas
Lesley Hatfield got her idea for moisture-wicking sleep garments after talking to a client.
Startup Features
With hundreds of resources at your fingertips, starting a business on eBay is as easy as point and click.
Success Coach
Your most powerful business tool is the ability to learn from your mistakes.
Best Practices
Frazzled employees are no good for business. Stop their stress before it starts.
Books
This month's book selections take a look at business in the Far East and businesses that hit it big without venture capital.
Sell
When the going gets tough, the tough keep selling. Here's how to stay in the right frame of mind.
Snapshot
Blending her passions for adventure and business, Alison Levine helps clients scale new heights.
Buyers Guide
The latest GPS devices take the guesswork out of getting anywhere.
Digital Edge
Prepare to fall hard for a Google-based OS--and the computers that run on it.
Snapshot
Thanks to this dynamic duo, it's never been easier to put one face to all your online personalities.
Tech Buzz
High-tech heavyweights may reign supreme, but some newbies have their eyes on the throne.
Web Sight
Tired of trying to round up new customers on your own? Go online and start yelping for referrals.
Magazine Resources
