January 2005
26th Annual Franchise 500
Who hit #1 in our Franchise 500 this year? Read on to find out.
What's the Plan?
How President Bush's second term agenda will affect you
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Tax-Free Bill of Health
Health-care accounts with tax benefits
The Home Stretch
If you're looking for cash to buy a house, your retirement account could open the door.
Little Extras
Get more from your insurance company than just coverage.
Eminent Danger
Cash-strapped cities use entrepreneurs' property to lure big businesses.
In the Jeans
Everyone's mad about premium jeans--and entrepreneurs are making crazy profits.
Tech, Please
"Next-generation CIOs" offer more than just tech advice.
Take It for Granted
Need cash to develop your latest high-tech product? There's probably an SBIR grant for you.
Taming of the Crew
What lion tamers teach us about team management
VoIP Lessons
Learn how to get around potential problems.
Share the Health
When encouraging healthy living, you've got to walk the walk.
In the Lap of Luxury
The luxury RV market is revved up and rarin' to go. Ready to jump aboard?
Meeting of the Minds
Women-specific conferences have a lot to offer.
Catering to Comparison-Shoppers
Will listing your products on comparison-shopping sites boost business?
United Front
Don't look now--you may soon be able to have all types of messages coming into a single inbox.
Bigger Fish
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Extending Your Media Reach
To get the attention of multitasking consumers, position your ad message in multiple media.
Smart Money
Where to spend your marketing dollars when a product isn't selling
The Fast Lane
A new concept in retail is popping up all over.
The Name Game
You can shield your trade name from being ripped off by a larger company--if it's distinctive enough.
Peering In
Peer-to-peer interviews give you a closer look at how prospective employees will get along with your staff--but be careful whom you introduce them to.
Up in Arms
Prepare for litigation with these weapons of mass discussion.
Falling Flat?
How flat is too flat when it comes to management? You'd better find out before it's too late.
Bucking Convention
Challenging the industry standard of costly cosmetics, e.l.f. says, "The buck stops here."
Would You Like a Franchise With That?
You've decided to buy a franchise. Now comes the real choice--which one? We'll help you narrow down the menu so you can have it your way.
View From the Top
Subway takes the title of the #1 franchise for the 13th time. So what's it really like to wear the crown?
The Inside Scoop
What's it really like to buy a franchise? One entrepreneur dishes up all the details of her journey to open a Cold Stone Creamery.
Get in the Game
Think owning and operating is the only way to get involved in a franchise? Well, we can think of 5 strategies you can use to play the franchising game. Read on to find the one that fits you best.
An American Icon
Some things just say "America," like baseball, apple pie and . . . franchises. Here are 5 big ways franchising has affected our nation.
All the Rage
Wondering what everyone will be crazy about in the coming year? Take a sneak peek at the hottest franchising trends for 2005.
Money Buzz 01/05
The American dream, losing on outsourcing and more
Word on the Street
Scandal-ridden investment houses are leaving gaps in the financial market, and savvy entrepreneurs are jumping at the chance to fill them. How will this trend shape the new face of Wall Street?
Taking Your Business to the Net
If you're getting sick of the same old business ideas, then it's time to go online. The robust e-commerce market is hotter than ever, and it just may be the cure for what ails you.
Resources 01/05
Websites, organizations, events and more to grow your business
Management Buzz 01/05
Keep up to do with COBRA, stop fearing exporting and more
Duck Season
What the AFLAC duck can teach you about getting your message into the minds of prospects
Making Your Case
Think client testimonials are just icing on the cake? Think again. Case studies can be powerful sales vehicles for your company.
No Surrender
Learning to see "no" as valuable feedback can take your sales efforts to the next level.
Marketing Buzz 01/05
Partnering with the big guys, Yellow Page searches and more
It's All in Your Head
Feeling optimistic or pessimistic about the state of the economy? Uncertain times like these can really mess with your mind. Here's what other entrepreneurs are doing to keep it together--and keep moving ahead.
Tech Buzz 01/05
Desktop search systems, the new generation Apple and more
Gear 01/05
Internet sharing solutions and handheld PCs
Hot Disks 01/05
Digital sketch pad, personalized fonts and more
Come Together
Is it time to combine your voice and data networks? We've got the latest buzz on IP-PBX phone systems.
Half Pints
Wireless routers have the size advantage.
Wall-to-Wall
Wireless jacks are the "in" thing for networking.
Opting Out?
Don't want to stick with Microsoft's default browser applications? Here's how to explore your options.
It Figures 01/05
Entrepreneurial cities, hiring plans and more
Get Tough
No more Mr. Nice Guy. If you want to stay competitive, you've got to play hardball.
Take a Peek
What does Congress have in mind for 2005? Go back to the future to find out.
Key Bored?
Innovative alternatives to the old qwerty keyboard
Enter the Wagon
Station wagons aren't just for families anymore. They're making a comeback--and packing a serious punch.
What a Deal!
You can keep hotel costs down--if you know what to look for.
Snapshot 01/05
Rosie Herman, 42, founder of One Minute Manicure in Houston
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