Entrepreneur Magazine: June 2003

Most Valuable Players
Slashing prices to keep up with the big chains can spell disaster for the average entrepreneur. It's better to stick with what your business does best: Offering customers value-added services.



Be Your Own Boss Features
Franchise Country
We hit the road and went in search of the hottest trends in franchising, from the mountains to the prairies.

Fear Factor
Does the idea of starting your own business paralyze you? We've got some simple techniques to get you back in control.

Biz 101
Nab Your Niche
A specialty is essential to your success in the booming home-improvement market.

With a Little Help From My Friends
A strong support system will see you through the start-up phase and beyond.

It's Classified
Are they really contractors rather than employees? If you don't get it right, you could face steep penalties.

Howdy, Partner
Promotional partnerships can double your marketing punch.

Innovations
A Novel Dilemma
To reach potential customers with an avant-garde product, you'll need to have a few tricks up your sleeve.

Opportunities
Rolling in Dough
Do you go with original butter & salt or almond crunch? Decisions, decisions . . .

Fixin' It Up
If your house needs painting and your roof needs repairing, these franchisees have it covered.

What's New 06/03
On-demand is what's in demand.

Real Life
Show Me the Money
With a good location in sight, will Jack and Diane take the smart route to financing their land deal?

Smart Ideas
Frozen Assets
These chilly towels prove their worth in the battle against the heat.

Success Coach
Prepare for Takeoff
Fuel up your entrepreneurial spirit, and then let it take flight.

What's Your Problem?
Under Pressure
Will your marriage survive both of you working at home? Yes, if you work on your communication skills, too.

Almost Famous
Weekend Warrior
One determined entrepreneur fights for pregnant women's rights to dress in today's hottest styles.

Editor's Note
Living Legend


Creative Zone
"Windtunnel" Vision
Air out some new ideas with this technique.

Insurance
Promises, Promises
Take a better look at your protection warranty.

Legal
Word Games
Beware of ambiguous language in your contracts, and you'll avoid the headache of court battles.

Management Buzz
Management Buzz 06/03
Entrepreneurs benefit from a favorable legal decision; tracking your customer complaints

Real Deal
Friends Forever?
Business and friendship can be a very volatile combination if you're not careful.

Smart Moves
Risky Business
On the lookout for business insurance? You might have to re-evaluate your risk tolerance first.

Staff Smarts
Intern Affairs
More and more companies are hiring virtual interns. But is this a good thing for everyone involved?

A+ Ads
Talking Heads
Your prospects may be all grown-up, but comic-book-style word balloons still make them stop and stare.

Breakthrough
Through the Grapevine
E-mail newsletter has owners tasting profits.

Marketing Buzz
Marketing Buzz 06/03
Mascot marketing; improving your on-the-phone vocal skills

Net Sales
A Bad Rap
Have you been slammed as a spammer? Here's how to fight back.

Sales Force
In Their Corner
Focus your coaching efforts where they'll pack the most punch--on your top performers.

Sales Success
Getting Past "No"
How do you turn that "no" into a "yes"? We've got some breakthrough tips to get you there.

Tactics
¿Se Habla Español?
If you don't already, it's time to start. Tapping the Latino market could translate to increased sales.

Dollar Signs
Caps Off to You!
More small-business opportunities can flow freely now that the SBA has finally removed its 7(a) loan cap.

Funds
A Sure Thing?
Certain funds offer you guarantees—for a price.

Money Buzz
Money Buzz 06/03
Getting your hands on insider trading data; the benefits of medical savings accounts

Personal Finance
College Savings 101
Take notes on the pros and cons of 529 plans.

Raising Money
Cash In, Cash Out
Whether your company is flush with cash or barely hanging on by a thread, how you manage payables can help unlock its potential.

Tax Talk
Watch Your Step
Think the IRS is bluffing when it says it will crack down on small-business tax abuses? Think again.

Biz Travel
Lagging Behind?
Get ahead of jet lag before it gets the best of you.

Books
Room to Grow
Yes, even in the most stagnant economy, it's possible to expand.

Capitol Issues
To Your Health
An old health insurance bill gets a second chance at life.

Hot Seat
New Frontiers
Entrepreneurs can help lead Afghans to a better future, says this businessman.

It Figures
It Figures 06/03
Women in the workplace, top 5 destinations for paid Web content and more

Smarts Features
The Great Unknown
How can you keep your chin up in this uncertain economic landscape?

Phone Boost
Futuristic features will make tomorrow's mobile phones smarter.

Tech Towns
Which U.S. cities are today's hotbeds of technology?

The Small Picture
How does the federal deficit affect your business?

Contact Sport
Now that's how you play the networking game.

Snapshot
Brent Bannerman
36, founder of IE-Engine in Waltham, Massachusetts

Tech Toy
Walk This Way
Working out with your Palm

What's the Point?
Not So Fast!
Studies show many of you aren't looking before you leap.

Wheels
Caddy's Back!
Three new Cadillac models offer something for everyone.

Women
What Dreams May Come
Your dreams may reveal more about your business than you realize.

Buyer's Guide
A Burning Desire
Got your heart set on upgrading your CD burner? Check out the latest drives before you buy.

Digital Edge
You Can Run . . .
But you can't hide--at least you won't be able to when the world goes wireless. What will the Wi-Fi revolution mean for your business?

Gear
Gear 06/03
A multifunction machine that does the trick; make presentations easier with a wireless projector

Hot Disks
Hot Disks 06/03
Secure instant messaging, faster Web surfing and more

Net Profits
Shipping Out
If you can afford to join the fray, offering online customers free shipping may help you compete.

Solutions
Bright Ideas
Portable projectors let you travel light while still packing quality into your business presentations.

Tech Buzz
Tech Buzz 06/03
Upgrading your phone system to IPT; broadband access from your local electric company

Wireless
g Whiz!
Swimming through the alphabet soup of today's wireless standards

Early Bird
Did you jump the gun by going with the wireless standard "A"? Maybe not.