January 2003

Entrepreneur's 24th Annual Franchise 500
A closer look at this year's ranking of the top 500 franchises
Get the Picture?
Portrait of a branding artist: how to market your products by marketing yourself first
Housing Crunch
How would a real estate downturn affect you? Well, it starts with your bank . . .
Microsoft Is No Softy
It looks like Gates and Co. are playing hardball with Licensing 6.0. Is it worth it?

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All Good Things . . .
. . . must be taxed. Europe has busted through the Internet taxation barrier.
First Family
California has made paid family leave law. Will the rest of the nation follow?
Should You Hire Your Spouse?
Looking for qualified hires? Your significant other may be just what you're after.
Small Wonders
Desktop computers may be shrinking in size, but certainly not in long-term savings.
Caught in the Web of Lies
With Internet fraud reports on the rise, is there any way for legitimate e-tailers to avoid a bad rap?
Tech Buzz 1/03
Wouldn't it be great to have just one password for all your online transactions?
Dare to Compare
Put your product to the test with comparison ads and earn top grades from your target audience.
Need a Lift?
How to retain employees when pay raises and job security are but a memory
Remember When
These are the milestones you'll remember 2003 by. Hope you take advantage.
Fancy Footwork
An orthopedic surgeon-turned-entrepreneur proves to the world she can stand tall on her own.
Enron But Not Forgotten
Being a former Enron employee doesn't necessarily leave you out in the cold in the business community--not for entrepreneurs with the guts to restake their names on ventures of their own.
Upward Mobility
This is the year wireless takes off. Are you along for the ride or letting your competitors get off to a huge start?
Explore Your Auctions
Once the domain of small sellers, eBay has become a valued resource for entrepreneurs.
Your Weaknesses
With our expert's help, you can follow these entrepreneurs' examples and turn your weak points into problems solved.
4th Annual Million-Dollar Ideas
We've got 11 New Year's resolutions for you. Good news: You only need to pick one--and it could just be your dream business.
Do the Math
Subway is the No. 1 franchise in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. . . for the 11th time. That translates to more than 17,000 locations in 75 countries. Are you impressed yet? We are.
Stick to the Path
Get your trip down franchise-buying lane off on the right foot with a little how-to help.
Have You Heard the Latest?
Want to build a hot business in 2003? These areas of franchising may be your best shots at getting there.
Seeking Counsel
Closing on a big deal and need an attorney? Here's how to find a deal-maker, not a deal-breaker.
Do It Yourself
When corporate benefits are layoffs and cutbacks, why not buy a franchise?
Instant Mess
Grab the spackle. Instant messaging is the latest crack in your security.
Management Buzz 1/03
Why you may want to have your lawyer give your company the once-over; the consequences of firing your CEO
An Ounce of Prevention . . .
May be worth its weight in gold when it comes to cutting insurance costs.
It's a Gamble
The cost of being underinsured might just defeat the purpose of insurance.
Asking for a Fight
You have to get tough with transgressors if you want to protect your intellectual property.
Never Seen Anything Like It
This IHOP owner was international enough, but what's a pancake?
Training Day
Coaching your reps on pushing a new product can help them play the selling game better.
Rise and Shine
Drifted into a sales slump? It's time to wake up and sell your way back to the top.
The Keyword to Success
Search engine marketing can open the door to growing your business.
Evolution Theory
Your customers' tastes are always changing. Question is, are your marketing efforts doing the same?
Minority Matters
Pick a resource and get all the help you need to overcome your obstacles.
Creative Endeavors
Just because you bought into a franchise system that has everything thought out for you doesn't mean you should stop thinking for yourself.
One Big, Happy Family
These days, franchise systems seem to be irresistibly attracted to each other. But consolidation doesn't have to turn into a family feud.
You Bought What on eBay?!
Need an even simpler solution to the franchise buying process? How does an online auction sound?
Is That New?
To prove you deserve an R&D credit, when the IRS says "Jump," you'll say "Which hoop?"
Our Little Angels
Angel investors haven't left us; they're just scaling back their operations.
Money Buzz 1/03
The VC arena for family businesses, Nasdaq's new trading platform and more
Plastic Rap
The pros and cons of the latest trend--using credit cards to finance your business
Pretty in Ink
Which color printer is the fairest of them all? Depending on your business needs and your budget, the possibilities are endless.
Tech Mates
Tearing your hair out over your computer equipment? You need professional help.
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