December 2005

Hot Trends to Explore
Get fired up! Ignite your profits with our inside look at the hottest trends and best business ideas for 2006.
Complying With Government Regulations
Implementing Sarbox-style strategic governance changes can help small businesses woo---and win---more big customers.
The Coast is Clear
Security software lets you know who's on the network.

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Gear 12/05
This new iPod Nano sets the bar for MP3 players.
Is Your Website Annoying?
Your website might be annoying customers. Here's how to change that.
Review of Color Printers
Brighten up your documents with a versatile, vivid color printer.
Is Google's IM/VoIP Combo Worth It?
Find out if Google's marriage of IM and VoIP is worthy of raves.
Earners, Keepers
Two entrepreneurs pump up Puerto Rico's economy while taking advantage of its tax incentives.
Tiny Hard Drives
Keep all your essential data in the palm of your hand with today's breed of flash sticks and teeny, tiny hard drives.
What's In a Name?
There's often more to a fund than its moniker.
Hiring a Funding Advisor
If you're heading out on the fundraising trail, consider taking a guide along to keep your company on the right path.
Getting Flood Insurance
Though costs will likely go up in the wake of the recent hurricanes, flood insurance is still a life preserver worth considering.
Don't Mention It
Your reporting burden may now be a little bit lighter.
Money Buzz 12/05
Limiting investors' partnership power, shrinking health care and more
Up for Review
Now's the time to evaluate your insurance coverage.
Art of Persuasion
By making evidence come to life, this entrepreneur ensures the whole truth gets told.
Take Your Perch
Get the bird's-eye view that can help alert you to potential problems.
Pushing Forward
Is enough being done in the franchise industry to encourage diversity? An expert has his say.
It's Who You Know
If you really know how to work your connections, a successful startup is less than 6 degrees away.
Resources 12/05
Websites, organizations, events and more to grow your business
Disaster and Relief
Ready to put this year behind you? Don't forget those still in need while you're looking to the future.
Feedback 12/05
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It Figures 12/05
Negative cost-cutting, a $761 billion market and more
Close Quarters
You want to yell "Get your act together," but twentysomethings are facing more than you think.
Bound & Gagged
How will the battle over mandatory binding arbitration affect you?
Make No Mistake
The things you do--and don't do--could keep you from closing sales. Watch out for these 5 common mistakes, and learn how to avoid them.
Protect Yourself From Hackers
Build the best defense you can against hackers.
Tempting Fate
How far would you go to finance your startup?
#1 Source of Brand
The best marketing slogans of today--and all time
Back to Basics
Sick of the rat race? Embrace the simple life with a business that soothes customers' souls.
In Good Time
Make the most of your precious minutes with a time-management system that works.
Got It, Flaunt It?
Know where to draw the line between subtly sexy and sleazy.
Save the Date
An online calendar service is the next crusade for one serial software entrepreneur.
Enter the Center
Seeking stylish boutiques, malls are courting entrepreneurs.
Diary of a Startup
Follow this young entrepreneur on her way to opening a gym for teens.
Thriving In A Bad Location
Make your business succeed in a location where others have failed.
International E-tiquette
Avoid embarrassing faux pas in online global communications.
Don't Blow the Show
Make the most of your first trade show by breezing past these 5 common blunders.
Home Office Tips for Holiday Houseguests
Keep your home business running smoothly with these three tips for entertaining holiday guests.
Editor's Pick 12/05
Our favorite tech gadgets and software to keep your business running smoothly
Tech Toy 12/05
More bytes, less bark
Making Merry
This innovator really lights up a room . . .or a house, or a city.
Put a Lid on It!
An infomercial for this inventor's snappy new food containers helped her seal the deal with a large retailer.
Hire Up
The numbers don't lie--small-business hiring is still resilient.
Fighting Chance
Even a co-founder off at war couldn't hold this firm back.
Cars to Splurge On
Treat yourself to something gorgeous, sexy and lots of fun.
Defining a Dream
An entrepreneur's knack for decision making and her drive to move forward blend into the sweet smell of success.
Wheels and Deals
The 2006 vehicles hit the road with more power, better options . . . and lower prices.
All Shook Up
You can't control disruptive innovations, but you can learn to predict them--and to react to them in a positive way.
It's Better to Give
Rack up sales with a wildly generous promotion.
3 Ways to Boost Consulting Biz Sales
Want to boost your consulting practice in the new year? Power up your sales and marketing programs by following 3 key steps.
Using Cutting Edge Technology On Your Site
Your customers are all over the web, and they're not easy targets. Make sure your message hits its mark by keeping up with new technologies.
Money Talks
Motivate sales reps with the almighty dollar.
Sell Buzz 12/05
Advertising on postage stamps, cell phones and more
Leader of the Pack
A former police department pilot believes there's room for everyone to be a leader.
Lead Buzz 12/05
Conducting exit interviews, tracking work time and more
Cómo Se Dice?
Break down the language barrier between you and your employees.
Safer Passage
Get certified for security.
What Did I Say?
Be a responsible reference.
Smart Ideas 12/05
Lucky wishbones, MP3 loading services and more
Ethically Speaking
What are today's students learning about business ethics?
Forming a Business Support Group
Team up with like-minded people who can give you the push you need to meet--and surpass--your business goals.
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