Entrepreneur Magazine: August 2004

Be Your Own Boss Features
Coming of Age
Americans are hitting 50 and finding they're anything but over the hill. These entrepreneurs prove it's never too late to buy a franchise.

On Target
You need market research to hit the mark with prospects. But if costly surveys and focus groups aren't in your financial picture, try these creative, budget-friendly ways to get to know your target audience.

Biz 101
Start the Presses
Publishing a magazine may seem like a dream, but these entrepreneurs made it a reality.

New Attitude
Pursesnickety! prepares to soar with a revamped e-commerce site.

Reality Doesn't Bite
The real world has been treating our "real life" entrepreneur well.

Innovations
Flight of Fancy?
Launching a high-tech product can be a technical and financial challenge. Try these tips to get yours off the ground.

Opportunities
Hungry for More
With four food franchises on his plate, this owner reveals his recipe for success.

I Spy
One franchisee uncovers hidden potential in a private-eye business.

What's New 08/04
On the auction block

Smart Ideas
Smart Ideas 08/04
Two jerseys in one, dry-erase erasers and more

Success Coach
Asking for It
You can't always get what you want, but chances are better if you learn how to ask.

What's Your Problem?
No Such Thing as Free Money?
Will your wish for free money be granted? Don't count on it.

Almost Famous
A New Twist
A Chicago couple uses pretzel logic to build a successful business with sweet projections.

Editor's Note
Significant Others


Feedback
Feedback 08/04
Letters from our readers

Resources
Resources 08/04
Web sites, organizations, events and more to grow your business

Legal
Under Pressure
If an employee feels forced to quit, it could be trouble. Here's how to avoid a "constructive discharge" lawsuit.

Management Buzz
Management Buzz 08/04
Hiring ex-employees as consultants, Millenial workers and more

Real Deal
Hangin' Tough
How to beef up your negotiating game

Smart Moves
Just "To-Do" It
Having trouble getting organized? Start by getting a grip on your to-do list.

Staff Smarts
This Is a Test
Just how effective are puzzle interviews when it comes to singling out the best candidates for a job?

A+ Ads
Size Matters
Does your product jam a lot of benefits into a small package? Here's how to sell it.

Ask the Expert
New Territory
To get new customers, widen your ad campaign.

Marketing Buzz
Marketing Buzz 08/04
Marketing during slow news times, rich Web content for less and more

Net Sales
The Meet Market
Looking for new business leads? Networking clubs on the Web make it easy.

Retail Register
Everything in Its Place
Can the art of feng shui help you optimize your business?

Sales Force
Learn Your Lines
It takes practice to sell successfully over the phone--and you need a stellar sales pitch to capture customers. We've got 8 steps to help you create one.

Sales Success
Stress Case?
Is the pressure to "get the sale" getting to you? Keep your cool with these stress-busters.

Tactics
Young at Heart
Are you making the mistake of lumping older baby boomers with seniors in your marketing campaign?

Dollar Signs
Raise Your Voice
A new committee promises to give small businesses a say in accounting standards. But will it help?

Funds
Exchange Rate
Here's the skinny on exchange-traded funds.

Insurance
Going Separate Ways
In a lawsuit, you and an employee could be sent down different paths.

Money Buzz
Money Buzz 08/04
Tax code help, community-minded VCs and more

Personal Finance
Leave It to Them
Make sure your family gets what it needs by including a disclaimer provision in your estate plan.

Raising Money
Commercial Break
When banks can't give you the funds you need, look to commercial finance companies for help.

Tax Talk
Fun Money
Mixing business and pleasure can pay off.

Biz Travel
Work It!
Score great deals with the best-kept travel secrets around.

Books
Against the Grain
Forget big marketing budgets--it's time to think outside the (cereal) box.

Capitol Issues
Out of Sight
Stock options can stay off your balance sheet--for now.

It Figures
It Figures 08/04
The cost of phishing, consumer attitudes toward marketing and more

Smarts Features
Nobody's Fool?
Health insurance scams target entrepreneurs.

Payback Time
Mutual funds are paying the price, but will you get your fair share?

Risky Business
Wacky marketing moves put these businesses on the map.

To a Tee
Saucy shirts are a smart--and hot--statement.

Get Physical!
Former couch potatoes are jumping on a new trend: interactive video games.

Domains of the Day
A new domain could mean the dawn of a new mobile age.

Big Switch
Walk a mile in your employees' shoes--you could learn a lot.

Crisis Mode
Economic crises are trickling down to entrepreneurs. How are they fighting back?

Snapshot
Snapshot 08/04
Wayne Samiere, 42, founder of Honolulu Fish Co. in Honolulu

Tech Toy
Ground Control
A hot spot that goes where you go

Wheels
Spacing Out
There's plenty of elbow room in these cargo-friendly minivans.

Women
Under Attack?
Think another woman is out to get you? Here's how to watch your back.

Buyer's Guide
Growth Spurt
Thanks to the spread of Bluetooth, now your business can be as wireless as you want it to be.

Connections
Passing the Buck
Now you can hand off cellular calls to VoIP and save big on roaming and long-distance charges.

Digital Edge
Ka-Boom!
Looks like the economy is finally growing--and guess what's leading the way?

Gear
Gear 08/04
One-size-fits all adapters and a super smart phone

Hot Disks
Hot Disks 08/04
Do-it-yourself marketing materials, remote support and more

Net Profits
Seller's Market
Selling on eBay can help you grow your business, but is this site the right marketplace for you?

Tech Buzz
Tech Buzz 08/04
DVD burning, digital password storage and more

Wireless
Eye to Eye
Sending photos by mobile phone is getting easier.

Out in the Cold?
If Wi-Fi "cold spots" are leaving you in the lurch, try these solutions.