Smart Answers for Entrepreneurs

May 14, 2008

Three Easy Ways to Cut Costs

Start by taking a fresh inventory of your fixed assets. Then try to use more e-mail and less gasoline. Here are some tips to get started.

May 12, 2008

Getting Your Share of Rebate Spending

How can you convince your customers to spend some of their "federal economic stimulus" money at your small business?.

May 07, 2008

Employers Can't Ignore Workplace Bullies

A recent court ruling has implications for business. Adopting an anti-bullying policy can improve morale and help avoid legal trouble.

April 30, 2008

A Better Way to Handle Layoffs

To ensure objectivity and avoid wrongful termination suits, employers must have a valid reason and document it before approaching employees.

April 28, 2008

Attracting Publicity for Your Business

Get to know the publications that are most likely to write about you or your company. Then position yourself as an expert with something new to say.

April 23, 2008

Small Employers Cope with Immigration Crackdowns

Immigration attorney Bill Flynn talks about how small business owners can comply with the new reality of tougher enforcement.

April 21, 2008

How to Set Up an Incentive Program

A program that rewards staffers for new ideas can boost your business, but it's important to make it as transparent as possible.

April 16, 2008

Figuring What Your Company Is Worth

Appraiser Bruce B. Bingham explains what a valuation measures, how much it costs, and why your business might benefit from one.

April 14, 2008

Why Loan Scams Are Increasing

Scammers are taking advantage of the credit crunch to entice small business owners with fake loans. Here's how to identify the warning signs.

April 09, 2008

What Surveys Say About Recession

Are small business owners reeling from the effects of the credit crunch and the overall downturn or brushing them off? Depends on whom you ask.

April 07, 2008

Securing Insurance in Risky Industries

For self-employed people who work in fields perceived to be high-risk, we offer expert advice on worker's comp, disability, and health insurance.

April 02, 2008

Selling Your Products in Europe

The strong euro makes Europe a draw for U.S. manufacturers, but the area's complexity means you may have to change how you deal with distributors.

March 31, 2008

How to Choose a Business Partner

Evaluate based on skills and personality, not emotional ties. Then define roles and formalize the agreement with the help of a lawyer.

March 28, 2008

Tax Tips for Procrastinators

With time running out to prepare 2007 returns, experts offer entrepreneurs advice on increasing deductions and reducing liability.

March 24, 2008

Finding the Perfect Location

A restaurant's nationwide expansion offers entrepreneurs in other industries lessons on how to determine the right place for their own businesses.

March 19, 2008

Starting a Skin-Care Product Line

First, familiarize yourself with FDA regulations. Then consider these more general resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.

March 12, 2008

Do You Really Need a Business Plan?

Even if you aren't planning to borrow money or seek investors right away, there are good reasons to sit down and write a plan.

March 05, 2008

How To Open a Small Town Store

Yes, location matters. Experts suggest aspiring retailers find a highly trafficked spot, and offer more tips for getting started.

March 03, 2008

Scanning for Scammers Before You Buy In

Entrepreneurs take note: In its work for the government, Staffcentrix has developed techniques to ferret out fraudulent business opportunities.

February 27, 2008

Selling Your Book Online

Your plan is to generate buzz for your business with your new book. Here's how to sell it on the Web.

February 25, 2008

A Checklist for Your New Business

Use this list to get a handle on free resources, take care of procedural items, and decide on a business structure.

February 20, 2008

Starting the Licensing Process

For a tech company with plans to license its software, the toughest part at first can be finding the individuals in organizations who make buying decisions.

February 13, 2008

Paying Back Private Investors

Start by assessing the expectations of each individual. Then modify commercial practices to fit your company's needs.

February 11, 2008

The Martha Stewart Boost

A maker of allergy-free foods finds out what happens to a small company after a positive appearance on a celebrity's TV show.

February 06, 2008

How to Establish a Mentor Program

Tips for small businesses looking to enhance employee development and performance with formal—or informal—mentoring.