May 2004

Ready to Rumble?
Today's economy is in a turnaround, but we need entrepreneurs to keep the momentum going. Get your company geared up to take on the challenge.
No Lease on Life
Why business owners are opting to buy
Star Treatment
Why settle for a ho-hum room? Here's how to get the best.
Urban Legends
As entrepreneurs, hip-hop artists seem unstoppable. What's their edge?

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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.
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?
Think Fast
There's no such thing as a surprise--not if you're paying attention.
Consign of the Times
EBay drop-off stores could be the next big thing.
In Return
Returning reservists may require special handling.
Star Qualities
How celebrity role models have inspired us
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.
Ready, Set, Flow
Optimistic entrepreneurs are testing the VC waters now that the market's future looks brighter.
Marketing Buzz 05/04
New market sectors, renting marketing pros and more
In Tandem
Stop credit card fraud by pairing solid policies with new technology.
How to Present Your Invention to Investors
Having trouble finding investors? The way you sell your investment opportunity could be to blame.
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.
Snapshot 05/04
Doug C. Smith, 33, founder of Dean Miller Surf Sheets in Santa Ana, California
This Just In
RSS can do more for you than give you the latest headlines.
Go for the Gold
These powerful, stylish luxury sedans have the midas touch.
Vested Interest
A fashionable way to tote and charge your mobile must-haves.
Go to Town
Be good to your city, and it will be good to you.
Fitting In
With his own denim clothing company, this rock 'n' roll fan is wearing the pants--and designing them, too.
Resources 05/04
Web sites, organizations, events and more to grow your business
Feedback 05/04
Letters from our readers
The Blame Game
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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.
Breaking News
These top 50 franchises are already making waves--be the first to find out all about them.
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.
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.
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.
That's Rich!
With faster Internet connections, rich media is making a comeback. Should you add it to your Web site?
It Figures 05/04
What we buy online, why we eat what we do and more
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.
Hot Disks 05/04
Searching e-mail, file management and more
Restart Your Engine
Feeling low on fuel? Turn your bad mood around, and get back on the fast track to success.
Tech Buzz 05/04
Online spending, vendor upgrades and more
Smart Ideas 05/04
Decorator urn covers, prepaid debit cards and more
Gear 05/04
Wireless printing and networking
In the Money?
Financing your startup can be tricky. Learn the steps this entrepreneur took to polish his image for investors.
All You Can Eat
Say goodbye to per-minute long-distance charges and hello to bundled services.
What's New 05/04
The skinny On TLC
Bright Idea
When this couple noticed a lack of outdoor illumination options, they decided to make light of the situation.
Starting a Homebased Food Business on a Sweet Note
Make sure to follow state regulations when selling
Sowing the Seeds
These business plan competition winners show they've got what it takes to make their startup ideas bloom.
Management Buzz 05/04
Welcoming overweight customers, employing international students and more
Lighten the Load
We've got the skinny on the newest lightweight projectors for entrepreneurs on the go.
The Sure Thing
Are existing franchise systems always a better bet than startups?
Double Play
Combining print with streaming video could be the hook you need to make your online ads more effective.
Where Am I?
With GPS, you'll never have to wonder again.
Keep 'Em Coming
A deal that goes smoothly just might lead to future opportunities. Here's how to pave the way.
The Jig Is Up
Be sure you're not hoodwinking your customers--or you might risk a nasty run-in with the FTC.
The Mesh Pit
Taking wireless networks to the next level
Talent Scouting
Employees' hidden star qualities might be just the thing to put your business's name in lights.
The Fast Lane
Greater speed and better performance, but who in your company really needs the new Pentium 4 PC?
Watch Your Back
You'd better be careful--your company's e-mail messages could come back to haunt you in court.
Money Buzz 05/04
Prepaid credit cards, fully-insured CDs and more
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.
5 Ways to Stay Clear of Spam Filters
We've got 5 tips to make sure your e-mails don't get tagged as spam.
Soft Money
Gumby's got nothing on this flexible fund.
Class Project
Boost your business by offering a class.
Hangin' Tough
Look sharp--the IRS is beefing up its enforcement tactics and cracking down on tax cheaters.
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