Entrepreneur Magazine: May 2004

It's a Small World After All
Don't let size fool you. As these entrepreneurs prove, small business is still a force to be reckoned with.

Planet of the Apps
With so many software options out there, we can't blame you for feeling overwhelmed. So where do you begin when choosing the best ones for your business? Our 2004 Complete Guide to Software can make a world of difference.

Extra Credit
Entrepreneurship education is coming of age in America's classrooms. Find out which schools make the grade in our 2nd Annual Top 100 Entrepreneurial Colleges and Universities.



Be Your Own Boss Features
Breaking News
These top 50 franchises are already making waves--be the first to find out all about them.

Go With the Low
Hear everyone talking about the low-carb revolution, but think it's too late to get in the game? Don't worry--there's still plenty of opportunity to profit from America's newest obsession.

Biz 101
Sowing the Seeds
These business plan competition winners show they've got what it takes to make their startup ideas bloom.

The Sure Thing
Are existing franchise systems always a better bet than startups?

Innovations
Make Your Mark
Want to break into a market overrun with competitors? No matter how crowded the field, you can still come out in front.

Opportunities
Bright Idea
When this couple noticed a lack of outdoor illumination options, they decided to make light of the situation.

What's New 05/04
The skinny On TLC

Real Life
In the Money?
Financing your startup can be tricky. Learn the steps this entrepreneur took to polish his image for investors.

Smart Ideas
Smart Ideas 05/04
Decorator urn covers, prepaid debit cards and more

Success Coach
Restart Your Engine
Feeling low on fuel? Turn your bad mood around, and get back on the fast track to success.

What's Your Problem?
Starting a Homebased Food Business on a Sweet Note
Make sure to follow state regulations when selling

Almost Famous
Fitting In
With his own denim clothing company, this rock 'n' roll fan is wearing the pants--and designing them, too.

Editor's Note
The Blame Game


Feedback
Feedback 05/04
Letters from our readers

Resources
Resources 05/04
Web sites, organizations, events and more to grow your business

Insurance
Time It Right
Change your insurance policy renewal date so it works best for you.

Legal
The Jig Is Up
Be sure you're not hoodwinking your customers--or you might risk a nasty run-in with the FTC.

Management Buzz
Management Buzz 05/04
Welcoming overweight customers, employing international students and more

Real Deal
Keep 'Em Coming
A deal that goes smoothly just might lead to future opportunities. Here's how to pave the way.

Smart Moves
Watch Your Back
You'd better be careful--your company's e-mail messages could come back to haunt you in court.

Staff Smarts
Talent Scouting
Employees' hidden star qualities might be just the thing to put your business's name in lights.

A+ Ads
Double Play
Combining print with streaming video could be the hook you need to make your online ads more effective.

Ask the Expert
Class Project
Boost your business by offering a class.

Marketing Buzz
Marketing Buzz 05/04
New market sectors, renting marketing pros and more

Net Sales
Stopped in Your Tracks?
We've got 5 tips to make sure your e-mails don't get tagged as spam.

Retail Register
In Tandem
Stop credit card fraud by pairing solid policies with new technology.

Sales Force
Leading the Pack
Have you got what it takes to lead your sales team to success? Find out which qualities our experts picked as must-haves for sales management.

Sales Success
Natural-Born Sellers?
Whether you're a natural at sales or not, here's how to take the talent you've got to the next level.

Tactics
Hot on the Trail
Learn three easy ways to track your advertising results, and find out if you're really getting the most for your money.

Dollar Signs
Ready, Set, Flow
Optimistic entrepreneurs are testing the VC waters now that the market's future looks brighter.

Funds
Soft Money
Gumby's got nothing on this flexible fund.

Money Buzz
Money Buzz 05/04
Prepaid credit cards, fully-insured CDs and more

Personal Finance
Trust Me
One way to cover your assets when creditors come knocking

Raising Money
All in the Delivery
Having trouble finding investors? The way you sell your investment opportunity could be to blame.

Tax Talk
Hangin' Tough
Look sharp--the IRS is beefing up its enforcement tactics and cracking down on tax cheaters.

Biz Travel
Star Treatment
Why settle for a ho-hum room? Here's how to get the best.

Books
Think Fast
There's no such thing as a surprise--not if you're paying attention.

Capitol Issues
Feeling the Pinch
A new proposal seeks to get the SBA's 7(a) loan program back on its feet. But what could it mean for you?

Flash
No Lease on Life
Why business owners are opting to buy

It Figures
It Figures 05/04
What we buy online, why we eat what we do and more

Smarts Features
Go to Town
Be good to your city, and it will be good to you.

This Just In
RSS can do more for you than give you the latest headlines.

In Return
Returning reservists may require special handling.

Urban Legends
As entrepreneurs, hip-hop artists seem unstoppable. What's their edge?

Get a Move On!
New videophones are fast-forwarding to the future.

401 OK?
Tech-driven 401(k) providers offer big savings.

The Next Generation
They're your customers and maybe even your employees. Meet the millenials.

Consign of the Times
EBay drop-off stores could be the next big thing.

Snapshot
Snapshot 05/04
Doug C. Smith, 33, founder of Dean Miller Surf Sheets in Santa Ana, California

Tech Toy
Vested Interest
A fashionable way to tote and charge your mobile must-haves.

Wheels
Go for the Gold
These powerful, stylish luxury sedans have the midas touch.

Women
Star Qualities
How celebrity role models have inspired us

Buyer's Guide
Lighten the Load
We've got the skinny on the newest lightweight projectors for entrepreneurs on the go.

Connections
All You Can Eat
Say goodbye to per-minute long-distance charges and hello to bundled services.

Digital Edge
The Fast Lane
Greater speed and better performance, but who in your company really needs the new Pentium 4 PC?

Gear
Gear 05/04
Wireless printing and networking

Hot Disks
Hot Disks 05/04
Searching e-mail, file management and more

Net Profits
That's Rich!
With faster Internet connections, rich media is making a comeback. Should you add it to your Web site?

Tech Buzz
Tech Buzz 05/04
Online spending, vendor upgrades and more

Wireless
The Mesh Pit
Taking wireless networks to the next level

Where Am I?
With GPS, you'll never have to wonder again.