Cover Story
9/11 CallWhen crisis hit, business owners answered.bargains that will make your business better
Be Your Own Boss
Be Your Own Boss FeaturesStump the SlumpA recession is only as barren and lifeless as you make it. Work the downturn, and watch as your new business takes off.
Bet the FranchiseWhat does the future hold for international franchising? Don't let the economy's naysayers dissuade you--our money's on growth.
A New HopeWill one of these top 50 newcomers to franchising be the answer to your entrepreneurial dreams?
Biz 101Behind the VeilBrides, grooms and their wedding parties are frantically busy and need help fast . . . hey, that's your cue.
InnovationsFarmers' MarketLike good gardeners, manufacturers' reps know the landscape and can help yield you a large cash crop.
OpportunitiesPay It ForwardA couple finds an underestimated real-estate opportunity in the agents.
Every Day's Like RecessDancing and tumbling, this franchisee helps kids get healthy.
What's New - 02/02The doughnut industry can make room for one more.
Smart IdeasRah-Rah RidesA new take on hubcaps helps rabid sports fans cheer their alma maters anywhere they spin their wheels.
What's Your Problem?How Independent Are You?You think you're freelancing. Your client thinks you're freelancing. But does the IRS?
In Every Issue
Almost FamousFeeling His OatsWhen this college gymnastics coach wanted to raise funds for his team, he took the concept of a bake sale to a whole new level.
Editor's NoteWe, the Entrepreneurs
Management
InsuranceUps & DownsGet your insurance rates on the same track as the economy.
LegalService With a SmileRespecting the rights of employees serving in the uniformed services is more than a patriotic duty: It's a legal obligation.
Management BuzzManagement Buzz 02/02The benefits of direct deposit, the secrets of creative firms and how to lure high-level execs to your company
Smart MovesTo Say the LeasedOwnership is overrated. Could leasing be the answer to the tough economy?
Staff SmartsWorst-Case ScenarioHow would your business take a September 11-level tragedy? Only the best preparation can ensure it rises from the rubble.
Marketing
A+ AdsIn Your EyesTake it from American Express: The right visual cues draw readers into your ad.
BreakthroughComic GeniusPow! He sold his comic online. Bang! He made $100,000 a week.
Marketing BuzzMarketing Buzz 02/02Interim marketing managers, new online ad counting standards
Real DealAsk Yourself ThisPose some creative questions before the deal, and you may find a new way to clinch it.
Sales ForceThe Right CarrotIs your compensation plan keeping your salespeople motivated?
Sales Success"Works Great!"Using testimonials to unleash the power of the second opinion
TacticsAs Seen on TVThe time may be right for direct response TV ads, but are they right for you?
Money
Dollar SignsCash CrunchDon't let investors and lenders use that old "it's the economy" line as justification to put the squeeze on your business.
FundsUse the IndexThe scoop on fully tradable ETFs
Money BuzzMoney Buzz 02/02Start-up veterans attracting VCs, security checks on your business partners and financial news searches from Bloomberg
Raising MoneyHidden TreasureYour search for capital should start in the nooks, crannies, equipment and real estate your business already has.
Tax TalkWanna Trade?IRS goes a little bit easier on like-kind exchanges.
Smarts
Biz TravelSleep TightHotels wanna get you into bed.
BooksDecisions, DecisionsThis book lets you be the judge.
Brand AidDot Your EyesWe spotted a hot branding idea.
Capitol IssuesBreak It Up!Will Congress finally take a swing at contract bundling?
Hot SeatEconomy2Wrap your brain around Nathan Myhrvold's theory of the exponential economy.
It FiguresIt Figures 02/02The significance of consumer spending, the expense of outfitting an office, online scams and more
Smarts FeaturesCard TricksInternet retailers face a struggle when it comes to chargebacks and fraud.
Fire FightU.S. workers are complaining about immigrant labor--this time, it's technology layoffs.
Sci-FinanceNo money for the national science foundation means fewer business innovations.
Wholesale ChangesMom-and-pop stores are so passe. It's time to give your store that warehouse feel.
European TheaterEntrepreneurship is finally getting the rave reviews it deserves across the pond.
Out of Control?Has individualized investing come and gone? It may be back to the brokers for investors.
Tollhouses & CookiesIs W3C's proposal to allow fees for Internet standards a recipe for Web disaster?
Laugh TrackCould a hearty chuckle be the key ingredient in the success of your business?
SnapshotLaurel Touby"Thirtysomething" founder of Mediabistro.com in New York City
Tech ToyShady BusinessThe future's so bright, your monitor's in your shades.
WheelsThe ThinkerWatch out! Your car may be getting smarter than you.
WomenBig PlansToday's generation of women entrepreneurs displays a newfound love of growth.
Tech
Buyer's GuideBright LightsToday's midrange portable projectors can make your presentations shine.
Cool ClicksCool Clicks 02/02Solve disputes without going to court
Digital EdgeBad ReceptionEmployees' PDAs and portables pluck information off your wireless network all the time--now it's the hackers' turn.
GearGear 02/02Talk long-distance in your own warehouse and add a keyboard to your PDA
Hot DisksHot Disks 02/02Organize your e-mail, automate PC repair and take Adobe Acrobat to the next level
Net ProfitsWho Pays to Get It There?Your site's shipping and handling charges can make or break an online sale.
Tech BuzzTech Buzz 02/02Cheap laser printers vs. inkjet printers and the FTC's new stance on consumer privacy
WirelessBandleader108Mbps—Do you need it?