Entrepreneur Magazine: March 2005

All Systems Grow
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to grow your business. Get ready for liftoff with these 7 expansion strategies.

Health of a Nation
Entrepreneurs are sick of sky-high health insurance premiums, and the government is scrambling for reform. But can Uncle Sam save the deteriorating state of health care?

It's All Relative
Can a newcomer revitalize a family business--without igniting a family feud? Learn from 3 entrepreneurs who did just that.



Be Your Own Boss Features
Choose Your Path
Ready to start a retail business? Don't get stuck at the fork in the road--we've mapped out 3 different retail paths so you can choose the one that's right for you.

Home Run
Get in the game with one of these 105 top homebased franchises.

Biz 101
All That Glitters
Dreaming of starting your own jewelry business? Be prepared--it's more elbow grease than glitz and glamour.

Love Thine Enemy
Making friends with your rivals can help you grow--in life and in business.

Sounds Like a Plan
Find out how to make bank with a powerful business plan.

A Brand New Bag
What's next for our "Biz 101" tech makeover winner? See the exciting plans she's got in store for 2005.

Biz U
Inside Job
Turn a little style into a lot of profit by trying your hand at dorm room design.

Innovations
Brand Aid
How building your brand and expanding your line can be the key to your success

Opportunities
Teaming Up
This sports franchisee turned a love for coaching into a lucrative business.

Support System
Bringing together busy female execs can be big business.

What's New 03/05
Hone your culinary can-do with epicurian education for aspiring chefs.

Smart Ideas
Smart Ideas 03/05
Part-time job matching, hauling with your bike and more

Success Coach
A Brand New Day
Create a successful day from the start by taking these steps to get motivated.

What's Your Problem?
Go Rural
It is possible to start a business in a small community.

Biz Travel
Rental Health
Don't get taken for a ride by your rental car bill--look out for these hazards.

Books
Show and Tell
Set the scene for success in your workplace with the art of visual management.

Capitol Issues
Just the facts
The FDA doesn't want any more lies on dietary supplement labels.

Forward Features
State Your Case
Many states are luring small businesses with big promises--so what's in it for you?

Signal Strength
With stronger marketing efforts, VC firms are making sure their message gets heard.

Time's Up
From prison bars to brownie bars, what's next for Martha Stewart?

Stay on Track
GPS-equipped cell phones are the latest way to keep tabs on mobile employees.

Perfect Blend
Tired of ugly tech gadgets taking over the living room? New gear adds a homey touch.

Lucky Stars
Some entrepreneurs are turning to astrology to chart their business courses.

Touch and Go
Fingerprint readers mean better security--and no more tricky passwords.

Risky Business
Before a defective product becomes your downfall, learn how to protect yourself.

Coffee Break
Can't imagine your office without java? Take a moment to learn how it got there.

Hire Ground
Survey says hiring is up, but paychecks are down in the small-business world.

Forward Snapshot
Snapshot 03/05
Lara Merriken, 36, founder of Denver-based Humm Foods

It Figures
Figures 03/05
Tricking Uncle Sam, Bill Gates' inbox and more

Tech Toy
Keep Your Cool
This new system helps your laptop chill out.

Wheels
Take Cover
No need to panic--we've got tips to help you cut your car insurance costs.

Women
Getting Props
Awards can boost your self-esteem--and your business.

Almost Famous
Morning Glory
Tapping into a widespread passion, these entrepreneurs hope to make everyone's favorite breakfast food an all-day event.

Editor's Note
Change Is In the Air
Entrepreneur's redesign is moving us forward and giving you even more of what you want.

Feedback
Feedback 03/05


Resources
Resources 03/05
Websites, organizations, events and more to grow your business

Lead Buzz
Lead Buzz 03/05
Well-written business documents, leadership qualities and more

Lead Snapshot
Enlighten Me
One entrepreneur brings business--and spirituality--to new heights.

Legal
Lay Down the Law
A new bill aims to shoot down frivolous lawsuits.

Real Deal
You First
An opening move may make or break a deal--so step lightly.

Smart Moves
My Bad!
Playing the blame game is out. More CEOs are taking responsibility for their actions--and building stronger businesses as a result.

Staff Smarts
Parent Trap?
Keeping mom or dad busy in their retirement years may be a noble reason to hire them, but be sure you know what you're getting into first.

Dollar Signs
Foreign Affairs
Small businesses need better education, access to finances and forward thinking to begin exporting products to overseas markets.

Funds
He's Got Game
Go international with a Global Resources Fund.

Insurance
Covering Home Base
Insuring your homebased business is easier than ever.

Money Buzz
Money Buzz 03/05
Financing for rural entrepreneurs, increasing wages and more

Money Snapshot
A Run of Luck
After this entrepreneur sold his company, he gained even more business control.

Personal Finance
Charity Check
Using the internet, it's easy to do a thorough job of checking up on do-gooders to make sure your money will be helping a good cause.

Raising Money
Guardian Angels
Now called active capital, the former ACE-Net website is completely revamped and ready to help match companies with angel capital.

Tax Talk
Limited Time Only
There's still time to save on your taxes--we can show you how.

Ad Wisdom
First Impressions
An intriguing introduction keeps potential customers from skipping your ad.

Flash
Back to the Future
Tap into these resources to prepare your business for tomorrow's trends.

Net Sales
Go Live
They've got questions, you've got answers. Now you can reach out to your prospects and keep them happy with live chat on your site.

Retail Register
Whistle Shop
Turn your store into a destination by making shopping an event.

Sales Success
Nail the Sale
Need some surefire ways to seal the deal with customers? Master these 5 tips, and you'll be ready for any sales situation.

Sell Buzz
Sell Buzz 03/05
Customer feedback, loyalty programs and more

Sell Snapshot
Use Your Intuition
A keen eye for trends helps this style-setter attract all the right people to her boutique.

Tactics
Now Playing
With cinema advertising, you can reach a captive audience--and make your marketing message the feature presentation.

Buyer's Guide
Say Cheese!
With so many features and styles to choose from, these nifty digital cameras will put a smile on anybody's face.

Connections
Gold Standard
Get the best in IP phone bennies without a PBX or even a VoIP provider.

Digital Edge
The Outer Limits
With larger PC-makers struggling, why is Alienware doing so well?

Gear
Gear 03/05
Reviews of wireless routers and web-enabled cell phones for mobile warriors

Net Profits
All Access
Is your website accessible to consumers with disabilities? If not, you might be missing out on a valuable audience.

Tech Buzz
Tech Buzz 03/05
New domain options, secure ISPs and more

Tech Snapshot
We Have Contacts
Necessity was the mother of invention for these executives-turned-entrepreneurs.

Wireless
Hot Box
It's a snap to set up a hot spot with these package solutions.

Singin' the Blues
Is it the end for Bluetooth?