Entrepreneur magazine
October 2003

The Father of Spam

Half of all e-mail sent today is spam. What does the man who started it all think of it now?

It Figures 10/03

The number of small businesses receiving SBA loans, who's simplifying their life and more

Lighten Up!

Weighed down by your portable PC? These featherweights might be just what you're looking for.

Price Is Right

350-plus franchises you can buy for less than $50,000

Shape Up!

If you want to start your own business, you'd better make sure you're in shape for it--emotionally, mentally and financially. Our three entrepreneurial fitness tests will help you see if you've got what it takes to get through the start-up phase.

Cutting Lines

Giving new meaning to the term "mobile phone"

Up in the Air

Dotcom stocks could be poised for a comeback.

Culture Club

Many e-tailers are lining up to target the growing Hispanic market. It's a good idea, <I>verdad</I>?

Gear 10/03

Additional network storage; the small, quieter desktop

Copy That

If you want to save some money and improve your productivity, maybe it's time to get an affordable copy machine of your own.

Tech Buzz 10/03

How the Value-Added Tax affects your tech purchases; a new OS for Macs

Smack Down!

Show those numbers who's boss with a new accounting software program.

Hot Disks 10/03

Diagramming made easy, turn your tablet PC into a time-saving tool and more

A Fair Trade

Find out how to barter the right way--and avoid the practices that will land you in hot water.

Money Buzz 10/03

Simple tactics for avoiding bad credit; wooing top-notch talent to your board

Mind Games

Jump-start your problem-solving skills for a better business.

Where's the Love?

You've lost that lovin' feeling for your business-but don't let it slip away. It's time to rekindle your passion and renew your commitment as an entrepreneur.

Made in America?

More and more U.S. businesses are trekking overseas to explore cheaper ways to make their products. But what does that mean for small manufacturers left behind on the home front?

Enemy Mine

Learning to live with the competitors you love to hate

Growing Up

Congress is set to increase the lending ceilings on SBA programs.

Hack Attack

. . . and other threats from the politically offended

James L. McNeil

50, founder and CEO of McNeil Technologies Inc. in Springfield, Virginia

Score Savvy

Business credit scores are on the horizon. Could your personal credit history hurt you?

Vintage Vehicles

Manufacturers' inspection programs make it worth your while to buy used.

Signs of Life?

You'll need plenty of patience to profit from m-commerce.

Eye Spy

The latest in robotic watchdogs

Highway Robbery?

You can make renting a car easier on the company budget.

The Winner Is . . .

Find out which cities topped our 10th annual list of best cities for entrepreneurs.

Hey, Get Moving!

Luck of the Draw

A windfall helps one man's small-business dream come true.

Words to the Wise

Has your marketing copy lost its punch? Kick it up a notch with these words that work.

Live Wire

Online seminars show 'em what you've got.

In Your Face

Cross your fingers, hold your breath . . . and put out ads with no holds barred.

Grape Expectations

Are you thinking about getting into the wine business? Here's a taste of what awaits you.

The Bold and the Profitable

Think you've got the guts to strike out and do something completely different?

Winners' Circle

Lessons from sports superstars help you score business success.

Becoming Your Own Boss

So you want to start a secretarial service. Where do you go from there?

All in the Delivery

It was perfect timing for this couple to take on a dry cleaning delivery franchise.

To the Letter

Testimonials lead to a world of opportunity.

What's New 10/03

A one-stop marketing shop

Getting Noticed

Our franchisees can't be wallflowers if they expect to get the help they're entitled to from their franchisor.

Good as Gold

One woman unearths a gem of a business by letting her customers create (and re-create) their own jewelry.

A Wild Ride

The twists and turns of running your own business can throw you for a loop. Try these four tips to get back on track.

Wise Up!

When it comes to inventing a successful product, experience may be your best asset.

Tee for Two

Entrepreneurs find a swingingly successful venture in arcade-style video games, such as 3-D golf.

Feedback 10/03

Letters from our readers

Resources 10/03

Web sites, organizations, events and more to grow your business

Get Over It!

Never mind what those negative voices inside your head say--you can make the sale.

Seniority Rules

Appealing to the over-65 crowd

Marketing Buzz 10/03

Can adopting a highway give your company positive exposure?

Along for the Ride

Losing touch with your reps? Regular ride-alongs can help keep the connection alive.

Nothing Personal

Winning at negotiation means learning what to bring to the table--and what to leave at home.

Asking Too Much?

Not a chance. Questions are one of the best tools for unlocking creativity.

Employee Disputes: Avoiding Court

Are you within your rights to require employees to sign a binding arbitration agreement?

Fly by Night?

Don't fall for a scam--use these tips before you buy health insurance.

Close the Loop

If you're outsourcing projects right and left, make sure the information you need is rolling back to you.

Management Buzz 10/03

Rid your company of its jargon; why closing the last week of the year might be a smart idea

At Your Service

Is your service center living up to its potential? Find out how to get all you can from yours.

If You Build It . . .

Are you overlooking significant deductions on new construction or major remodeling projects?

House of Cards?

Home-equity borrowing could be risky business as interest rates rise.

No Guts, Some Glory

Thinking short term and safety first? Here's a fund that's got both.

A Perfect Match?

If you think an intermediary service has the quick fix you need for finding investors, take a second look.