Entrepreneur Magazine: August 2003

Top Secrets
Psst! Think you know everything about sales? Here's the inside scoop on mastering one of the most important skills you'll ever need.

Crowd Control
Having trouble finding the ideal system for managing your customer relationships? We've got advice to get you moving in the right direction.



Be Your Own Boss Features
Cart Blanche
Think retailing is strictly a brick-and-mortar opportunity? Not so. The sky's the limit with a kiosk as your venue.

Guiding Light
Feeling a little lost at the helm of your business? Don't worry: A peer group can help you find your way out of the darkness.

Biz 101
Natural Instinct
Have a feeling the organic market's got a lot to offer? You're not the only one.

Winning Ways
Meet the winners of the Wharton Business Plan Competition.

Got Some ID?
The SBA's new online form saves entrepreneurs time and money.

Innovations
Less Is More
Believe it or not, setting your sights a little lower could be the key to marketing your new product.

Opportunities
Worth His Weight
With a growing chain of weight-loss center locations, this franchisee proves he's got what it takes to succeed.

What's New 08/03
Hey, sometimes the big boss needs a little coaching, too.

Real Life
To the Rescue
Jack and Diane* aren't left to bail out their sinking land deal alone. Their franchisor throws them a lifesaver in the nick of time.

Smart Ideas
Clothes-Minded
Fed up with traditional outfits, one mom takes baby clothes to a whole new level.

Success Coach
I Did It My Way
When it comes to starting a business, you can dive right in or test the waters first--whatever works for you.

What's Your Problem?
On the Hunt
Finding health-care coverage that's just the right fit for you

Almost Famous
What's for Dinner?
Two entrepreneurs have put this question on ice with do-it-yourself frozen entrees.

Editor's Note
Word to the Wise


Feedback
Feedback 08/03
Letters from our readers

Resources
Resources 08/03
Web sites, organizations, events and more to grow your business

Creative Zone
Under Pressure
Ease tension and get the creative juices up and running again.

Insurance
On the Job
Is that independent hire insured? If not, then you'd better be.

Legal
Hand in Hand
If you negotiate well, joining forces with a big firm can be the smart way to get your new product to market.

Management Buzz
Management Buzz 08/03
Evaluating your company's chances of getting on a "best of" list; putting your company under the microscope

Real Deal
Deals Unplugged
Don't know when to cut your losses and leave the negotiating table? Look for these telltale signs.

Smart Moves
Owning Up
To buy or not to buy? That's the hot-button question if you're renting your business location.

Staff Smarts
Hold On Tight
Better work on keeping your top-notch talent now--while it's still an employers' job market.

A+ Ads
A Hard Sell
How can you convince your tradition-bound prospects to make the switch to e-commerce?

Breakthrough
By Special Request
Pleasing one client pays off in the long run.

Marketing Buzz
Marketing Buzz 08/03
Giving out free samples to attract more business

Net Sales
It's That Time of Season
Sure, it may be summer, but now's a great time to plan for winter sales.

Retail Register
A Matter of Opinion
Generating customer feedback

Sales Force
Perk Avenue
There are plenty of ways to motivate reps to stay on the path to success, even on a budget.

Sales Success
Target Practice
Sometimes, the key to landing a sale lies in clearing away the obstacles that can make you miss the mark.

Tactics
Sweet Rewards
Win over your existing patrons with a customer loyalty program, and watch sales reach new heights.

Dollar Signs
Falling Behind
The dollar's running weaker against other currencies. Will your business feel the pinch?

Funds
Down to a Science
New inventions make for healthy returns with this worldwide fund.

Money Buzz
Money Buzz 08/03
Setting up an emergency fund, the impropriety of mutual fund fees and more

Personal Finance
A Tax Act
What does the latest tax cut mean for your bottom line?

Raising Money
Give 'Em Credit
They're not just for car loans and home mortgages. Now credit unions are making business loans.

Tax Talk
What a Relief!
Thanks to a recently enacted tax law, you may be able to deduct 100 percent of your equipment costs.

Biz Travel
It's on Us
On your next trip, let your hotel pick up the tab for extras.

Books
Reality Check
Even the best execs can blow it when they lose touch.

Capitol Issues
Just a Mirage?
Proposed legislation may expand SBIC financing—someday.

Hot Seat
Threat Level: Low
This CEO doesn't worry about cyberterrorism—and he says you shouldn't, either.

It Figures
It Figures 08/03
Entrepreneurial personalities, 10 top cities for wireless Internet accessibility and more

Smarts Features
Up to Speed?
Wireless could be just what the lagging tech market needs to get moving again.

Urban Legend
Do 90 percent of start-ups really fail to make it past their first year?

Now You See It...
Payroll tax is likely the tax you most want to have cut, but will it ever happen?

I Spy . . .
Workplace surveillance is coming to small and midsized businesses.

Not Your Arena?
When it comes to new sports venues, entrepreneurs may be on the outside looking in.

Northern Exposure
American entrepreneurs are finding success by heading for the border.

End of the Road
Budget cuts mean program cuts, but these two programs are ones you may not miss.

Desperate Measures
Resume, schmesume. These days, job candidates are resorting to more creative methods.

Snapshot
Richard Rhodes
42, founder and CEO of Rhodes Architectural Stone in Seattle

Tech Toy
Total Tote
Time to get your hands on this notebook carrying case with a built-in charger

What's the Point?
Of One Mind
Keep employees by getting on the same page from the get-go.

Wheels
A Click Away
Automotive Web sites are revved up and ready to help you buy.

Women
A Man's World?
That hasn't stopped these women from making inroads in male-dominated industries.

Buyer's Guide
True Blue
Are Bluetooth hardware add-ons worth it? Take a bite from each one, and see for yourself.

Digital Edge
Out With the Old?
When it's time for a new server, which upgrade path will you choose?

Gear
Gear 08/03
Small server delivers big power; get connected fast with a high-speed cable modem

Hot Disks
Hot Disks 08/03
By Liane Cassavoy

Net Profits
The Ratings Game
Many sites allow visitors to review and rate the products they're selling. Should you follow suit?

Solutions
Personal Decision
With the sheer number of combo PDAs to choose from, here are some things to think about.

Tech Buzz
Tech Buzz 08/03
The latest news on scanners; keeping an eye out for "spyware"

Wireless
Phone, Camera, Action!
Get your 10 seconds of phone fame.

Look for a Sign
Downloading on the go? Then get into the zone.