January 2004

25th Annual Franchise 500®
Our comprehensive listing of the best the franchise world has to offer
Neck and Neck
Being No. 1 in the franchise race has its advantages, but there will always be others nipping at your heels.
Fair Share?
Venture fund operators cry foul over the SBA's bid to get a greater share of their investment profits.

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License to Profit
Could licensing your intellectual property provide the extra capital you've been looking for?
What's Your Type?
Buying business real estate? The legal entity you choose could make a big difference in your tax bill.
Outsourcing Your Payroll
If handling payroll by yourself has become a hassle, maybe it's time to go with an outside service.
Testing the Waters
Want to get an idea of how prospective employees may perform on the job? Use a situational interview, and take them on a test run.
Management Buzz 1/04
The current state of employee salaries, why camera phones might be a danger to your business, and more
Cloning Around
You've read about the companies in our Franchise 500. Now find out how to join them by franchising your own business.
Against Your Will
Drowning in debt? If so, you should know about a legal maneuver creditors can use to force bankruptcy.
Making Peace
If you haven't yet considered mediation as a way to resolve business disputes, here's why you should.
Claim to Fame
Is your product or service claim as provocative as it could be? Find out how to make yours unforgettable.
Give 'Em Space
A well-designed work space, that is. After all, it could make a huge difference in the way your sales team performs.
Back to Basics
Want to create a strong sales foundation? Then keep these building blocks in mind.
Promised Land
More and more American entrepreneurs are embarking on the road to Chinaand many have already found their fortunes.
From Zero to Hero
Even the best franchisor has to start somewhere. Subway king Fred DeLuca reflects on 25 years of franchise success.
Hey, Get a Clue!
Find out why the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular has been a franchisee's best friend for 25 years.
Where the Money Is
The path to financing a franchise may not be easy. But if you know what lenders are looking for, you'll be well on your way.
About Face
The face of entrepreneurship has evolved over the years, and today, it's dramatically different. But what will the entrepreneur of the future look like?
A Long Way
Reflections on 25 years of franchising from <i>Entrepreneur's</i> Editorial Director Rieva Lesonsky
Waiting in the Wings
Is the IPO market poised for a better performance in the coming year?
Out With the Old . . . ?
Chambers of commerce will have to rethink their programs-or risk losing Gen X entrepreneurs.
Military Detail
Can your business tap in to the huge market of armed forces members and their families?
Snapshot 01/04
Timothy Askew, 54, founder and CEO of Corporate Rain Inc. (CRI) in New Rochelle, New York
Yes, You Can!
How entrepreneurs stuck to the New Year's resolutions they made for their companies
Tech Buzz 1/04
Versatile mice for your employees; the next generation of portable display devices
Power House
New, powerful office technologies are moving into your home to make work a little easier.
Face Value
A cosmetics entrepreneur aims to give customers what they need--a clear complexion at an affordable price.
Need Space?
If your server is filled to the brim with data, a network-attached storage device can help make some room.
Happy Returns
Retaining your customers is a lot less expensive than getting new ones. So how do you keep them coming back for more?
Hold the Fort
Safeguard your networks and PCs from invasions by worms, viruses and other dangerous agents.
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