Cover Story
Drab to FabTake a long, hard look at your business. Is it looking a little worn around the edges? With our office, tech, marketing, personal finance and money-raising makeover strategies, it'll be worthy of snaps in no time.
Features
Secure HorizonsAre worries about spam, viruses and hackers keeping you up at night? Our Internet security guide will help you protect the future of your business so you can sleep soundly.
Flying HighWhen it comes to offering the most bang for your buck, the winners of this year's 11th Annual Business Travel Awards soar above the rest.
Be Your Own Boss
Be Your Own Boss FeaturesSimply the BestPresenting the top 111 industry-leading companies from our 2004 Franchise 500 listing
Puttin' on the GlitzDreaming of starting a glamorous business? Take a behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to be a fashion designer, a restaurateur and more.
Biz 101Put It to the TestWant to see if your product will be a hit? A trial run on eBay can shed some light on the subject.
Nice to Meet YouThese entrepreneurs proved you can find business partners in the strangest places.
For Sanity's Sake!All work and no play makes you a dull entrepreneur, so find a healthy balance between your life and your business.
Pinch Those PenniesHow do you start a business on a budget? One author shares his thoughts on the subject.
InnovationsSky's the LimitThink your product has limited appeal? It may have more potential than you know.
OpportunitiesSister ActWorking together is helping these women build a healthy franchise.
A Brew AttitudeIt takes more than your average Joe to go up against the likes of Starbucks.
What's New 04/04Just released...
Real LifeOn the Right TrackWondering what the first year of startup is like? Get an insider's view as we follow one entrepreneur's journey.
Smart IdeasSmart Ideas 04/04Multicultural wallpaper, post-prom events and more
Success CoachFollow Your LeaderMove forward faster by learning from the experience of a mentor.
What's Your Problem?Have I Chosen a Stable Business?No worries—medical billing is still a viable business.
In Every Issue
Almost FamousEye CandyLife is sweet for two visionaries who mix sugary treats with style.
Editor's NoteMakeover ManiaFeedbackFeedback 4/04Letters from our readers
ResourcesResources 04/04Web sites, organizations, events and more to grow your business
Management
InsuranceExtra SpecialEverybody wins with supplemental insurance.
LegalThe Name GameWant to expand your trademark globally? Watch your stepor you'll be putting your name on the line.
Management BuzzManagement Buzz 4/04Covering expenses for employees on active duty, calculating employee loyalty and more
Real DealWhat's Your Hurry?Don't rush into a deal you might regret. Slow down, step back and climb high to get the big picture first.
Smart MovesTell and ShowRFID chips revolutionize the way you get info about products, even before you open the box.
Staff SmartsOut With the "In"If you want happy, harmonious employees, it's time to kick those workplace cliques to the curb.
Marketing
A+ AdsQuick StudyWhen you need to capture your prospects' attention in the blink of an eye, remember: less is more.
Ask the ExpertGood GracesGet the word out to people in the right places.
Marketing BuzzMarketing Buzz 04/04Sponsored weddings and boosting customer interaction
Net SalesSurf's UpUse Web analytics to help your site work smarter, not harder.
Retail RegisterFeed the NeedCan serving up food and drink improve your sales?
Sales ForceFighting MadIs infighting among your sales reps sidelining your business? Try these tips to get back on track.
Sales SuccessAll Ears?In business and in life, learning to listen is one of the most important skills you can develop.
TacticsIn the MixIf your marketing efforts don't already include ethnic and minority media, now is the time to start.
Money
Dollar SignsGive 'Em CreditExtending credit to your customers can be a boon to your business, but only if you do it wisely.
FundsRiding It OutThis telecom fund has major staying power.
Money BuzzMoney Buzz 4/04Tracking insider selling and recover tax overpayments
Personal FinanceBrace YourselfWant to avoid getting hit by the IRS? Plan ahead.
Raising MoneyBranching OutAn employee stock ownership plan is more than just a great way to boost morale—it's also a cheap source of growth capital.
Tax TalkHey, Give a Little!. . . or a lot, if you like. Either way, charitable donations are still a smart idea.
Smarts
Biz TravelWinner's CircleKudos to these Web sites for offering terrific travel tips.
BooksLiving LargeWant to expand your business? Then make the most of what you've got, one step at a time.
Capitol IssuesHigh and Dry?A new federal contract program may not be an oasis after all.
It FiguresIt Figures 04/04Online retail sales increasing, our love-hate relationship with the cell phone and more
Smarts FeaturesAge RageYounger employees are crying age discrimination.
Carb Your EnthusiasmHere's the skinny on how to tap into the hot low-carb market.
Tuning In?The used-digital-music market could be fertile ground for pioneering entrepreneurs.
Game On!Game-makers are definitely not sleeping in Seattle.
Fridge WarsEmployees duking it out in the kitchen? Stop the madness!
Just Woo ItIt's possible to flirt with success after all.
New World OrderThe European Union will soon be a bigger cash cow.
Status WoeContractors' illegal workers could put you in a legal pickle.
Do We Have Lift-Off?VoIP is a bottle rocket, but red tape could ground it.
Quick FixDo SBA express loans really shortchange entrepreneurs?
SnapshotSnapshot 04/04Leo Rivera, 33, founder of Bishops Barbershop in Portland, Oregon
Tech ToyEar and FarStay in touch and stay connected with this cell phone accessory.
WheelsLet’s Do LaunchFord and Mercury debut new and upgraded business-friendly vehicles.
WomenLet's Talk About SexismDo sexist attitudes still exist in business? Women sound off.
Tech
Buyer's GuideFeeling Insecure?If so, wireless surveillance cameras could help you make your business environment safer.
ConnectionsGot It Handled?If your business needs to take call handling to the next level, an IP telephony system could be the answer.
Digital EdgeYou've Got Mail . . .. . . Too much mail, that is. Tame your inbox—and get more from messaging—with an integrated system.
GearGear 04/04Scanners get thinner and Macs get stronger
Hot DisksHot Disks 04/04Accounting software grows with your business, IM'ing with Lotus and more
Net ProfitsPublic Image?With Internet companies back on the IPO map and VCs becoming interested again, should you follow the pack?
Tech BuzzTech Buzz 4/04Recycling hardware, 3-D desktops and more
WirelessMaking a PassCredit card purchases without the swiping?
Two BirdsYou can have your Wi-Fi and extra memory, too.