Problem Solving

Growing a Business

This Serial Founder on Why It's Cheaper Than Ever to Start a Business — and Other Surprising Insights

Brian Lee cofounded companies like LegalZoom and ShoeDazzle — and he believes many beliefs about business these days are nonsense. Sure, it's harder to raise capital. But it's actually cheaper than ever to start a company.

Leadership

Most Problems Fall Into 1 of 3 Layers — Here's How to Effectively Approach Each One

In entrepreneurship, not all problems are created equal. I've found that there are three layers of problems, and each one requires its own type of solution — here's what they are and how to approach each one.

Growing a Business

7 Founders On Their Simple AI Fixes For Common Business Problems

AI can be used to streamline and supplement all kinds of processes that have long frustrated business owners. Here are a few examples.

Growing a Business

Stanford Professors On the Counterintuitive Strategy That Helps Google Hire Top Talent

We assume that the best processes are seamless, but a little friction can go a long way.

Side Hustle

4 Simple Mistakes That Can Crush Your Creative Side Hustle, From an Expert Who Raised $45 Million to Support Independent Workers

Ben Huffman, CEO and co-founder of Contra, became a "power user" on Elance and Odesk (now Upwork) and realized freelancers needed more support.

Growing a Business

She 'Reverse-Engineered' Her First Company's Failure Into a Sober-Curious Brand Making $25 Million a Year

Shizu Okusa ran her first company for eight years but never made enough money. When she founded Apothékary, she knew what she had to do differently.

Starting a Business

These Four Words Can Change The Way You Approach Every Impossible Task

When a door closes, this is the question that opens a window.

Franchise

The Truth About the Support Franchisees Will Get After Opening for Business

Make sure your expectations for support from the franchisor don't exceed the scope of what's in the franchise agreement.

Franchise

How to Stay Calm and Get Clarity During Stressful Times

Mental discipline is essential for good leadership. It's also the key to becoming a wealthy franchisee.

Franchise

The Most Common Problems Franchisees Face — And How Smart Leaders Deal With Them

All franchises will face similar issues. Successful operators find the right solutions by having the right mindset.

Growing a Business

Want More Customers? Use This Simple 5-Step Process to Create an Irresistible Pitch

It's not hard to get customers to "yes" if you know what they need.

Growing a Business

Why Problems Are More Powerful Than Products

Companies spend big budgets on promoting products, but sales come from focusing on what really drives decisions.

Thought Leaders

The Question Every Business Owner Needs to Ask Themselves (But Doesn't).

Stack resources behind what is going right in your business to unlock new levels of success.