Cover Story
Talking ShopWonder what makes shoppers tick? 5 retail superstars reveal how to please customers and, more important, how to keep them coming back for more.
Features
Movin' On UpIs your business limping along on outdated computers or a network that doesn't meet your needs anymore? Here are five ways to upgrade your technology and boost your company's productivity.
Open Doors?Entrepreneurs have pushed for deregulation as a way to get a foot in the door of old, entrenched industries. But is cutting through the red tape the solution you've been waiting for?
Be Your Own Boss
Be Your Own Boss FeaturesYou're the BossThere are some things beyond your control, such as a poor job market. But that doesn't mean you can't control your future. Follow the lead of these entrepreneurs, who bought their own franchises.
Let the Bidding BeginAn eBay business could be your entry to the online marketplace. Find out how to get started today.
Biz 101Roamin' HolidayLet a vacation put you on the road to a great start-up idea.
Out of the AshesThis company faced sure disaster--but came out shining.
Full Esteem AheadAct like an executive--and get the respect you deserve.
An Office of One's OwnWhen space is at a minimum, turn your creativity to the maximum.
InnovationsSend in the ClonesWill competitors' knockoffs destroy your products' edge? Not if you don't let them.
OpportunitiesGoodwill Hunting?Then these franchises are worth a look if you need a helping hand--or want to lend one to others.
Real LifeLabor of LoveFor Jack and Diane*, the road to becoming franchisees is a waiting game.
Smart IdeasA Hand in RemarriageThese entrepreneurs help make it easier for couples to walk down the aisle as many times as they like.
Success CoachEnd of the Road?Success isn't a destination; it's simply undertaking the journey.
What's Your Problem?Name That BizThink the business-name registration process in Florida is the same as the one in California? Think again.
In Every Issue
Almost FamousBest in ShoeKnowing what's hip has helped this shoe expert build a footwear empire.
Editor's NoteGolden AgeFeedbackFeedback 09/03Letters from our readers
ResourcesResources 09/03Web sites, organizations, events and more to grow your business
Management
Creative ZoneWhat's Your Angle?Get fresh ideas when you change your perspective.
InsuranceBad Judgment?Even top execs can make mistakes. With the right coverage, it's no problem.
LegalEqual Time?Under a new ruling, you may have to let unions use your e-mail system to promote their platform.
Management BuzzManagement Buzz 09/03Why cell phones are no longer welcome at meetings; think twice before joining a city commission
Real DealA Tug of WarYou can't have it all. To negotiate successfully, you've got to master the art of give and take.
Smart MovesLosing StreamIs your business leaking profits? Find out--and get more of the revenue stream back in your company.
Staff SmartsRisky BusinessShould a prospective employee's credit history determine whether he or she gets the job?
Marketing
A+ AdsJust TeasingRefusing to give your prospects the whole story at once is a surefire way to pique their curiosity.
BreakthroughCharted TerritoryCandy crosses the border to open new doors.
Marketing BuzzMarketing Buzz 09/03Selling products related to a crisis
Retail RegisterFantastic Plastic3 ways gift cards can increase your sales
Sales ForceStraight to the OutsourceFeeling the crunch? Then it may be time to look outside your company for help.
Sales SuccessBreakthrough PerformanceFive stellar ways to steal the show from your competition
TacticsChange of FaceIs your logo losing its luster? Then maybe it's time to transform it with a new look.
Money
Dollar SignsGot Leverage?If you're ready to sell, you've got the upper hand. Large buyout firms will be looking to entrepreneurs.
FundsTake Me to Your LeadersA new research tool helps you find leading mutual funds.
Money BuzzMoney Buzz 09/03Online charitable systems for your employees; a fundamentally flawed investing strategy
Personal FinanceDo the REIT Thing?When it comes to returns on real estate, think long-term investment.
Raising MoneyNot So Fast!Seeking an investor? Slow down and take five steps to protect your company from making a bad choice.
Tax TalkPayroll Piggy Bank?The IRS is no pushover when it comes to payroll withholding taxes. So if you're tempted to misuse these funds, you'd better reconsider.
Smarts
Biz TravelYour Loss?Don't risk losing your laptop (or PDA or phone) on your next flight. Try these labeling tools.
BooksSaving the DayDoes your brand need triage? Here's something to help.
Hot SeatDoing Your Part?If it's the duty of every American to spend, then businesses must give something of value back.
It FiguresIt Figures 09/03How well employees get along with their co-workers, best U.S. locations for retail operations and more
Smarts FeaturesBack to BasicsEx-dotcommers create new beginnings through low-tech businesses.
Direct HitCan direct marketing survive a consumer backlash?
Catch-22Are small companies that buy from giant retailers sleeping with the enemy?
A Hand UpUrban, minority entrepreneurs are hotter than ever--so where is their funding?
Testing, 1-2-3Wondering if you can really get any work done at a Wi-Fi hot spot? We've got the answer.
Hired GunsIs enlisting bloggers the wave of the future in marketing?
All's Fair . . .. . . in love and business, so you may need a prenup to protect your company's assets.
SnapshotKen & Jennifer Miller43, 40, co-founders of Thousand Mile, in Vista, California
Tech ToyVideo to GoNow you can take your video capabilities on the road.
What's the Point?Now Showing . . .Win partners by letting them see what you're made of--with a "portfolio" of your patented technology.
WheelsGet Your FixPrevent a roadside emergency from sidelining your business--equip your company vehicles with the latest kits.
WomenPlaying FavoritesFind out which Web sites these entrepreneurs use to run their businesses more efficiently.
Tech
Buyer's GuideTake One Tablet . . .Give it a good look, and call us in the morning if it's right for your business.
Digital EdgeCall of the Wi-FiHeard the latest about systems that combine voice calls with wireless LANs? They're within your reach.
GearGear 09/03Blackberry's latest handheld; a souped-up flat-panel display
Hot DisksHot Disks 09/03Partitioning your hard drive, remote access software and more
Net ProfitsHelp WantedWant to hand a project to a freelancer but don't know where to start? The Internet can help.
SolutionsGoing Somewhere?Then you might want to carry one of these tiny, high-quality printers in your back pocket.
Tech BuzzTech Buzz 09/03Rebates on old handhelds; an update on IT outsourcing
WirelessLead the WayNew gadgets blaze trails for mobile workers.
Global AppealConnecting the world with the push of a button