Smart Answers for Entrepreneurs

July 20, 2010

Beware High Fees for Help Raising Capital

Before signing a deal with a consultant, talk to former clients and find a lawyer to help you negotiate the contract

July 16, 2010

Focus on Business This Summer

Employees may want to check out, but small businesses can get ahead during the dog days, says author Tom Hall

July 13, 2010

Sorting Fact from Fiction on Health-Care Reform

While much of the health-care overhaul won't take effect for years, business owners have concerns about the new rules. Here are four of their biggest issues

July 09, 2010

Pick the Best Web Designer

First check credentials, gauge experience, and examine previous work. Then make sure the contract contains a few important elements

July 06, 2010

Time for Price Hikes and Rebates

Raise prices on less-visible products and services and use rebates to "deflect requests for discounts," says consultant Anne Graham

July 02, 2010

Nell Merlino on What Holds Women Entrepreneurs Back

The founder of Make Mine a Million $ Business explains why her effort to get 1 million women-owned companies to $1 million in annual revenue by 2010 didn't pan out

June 29, 2010

Legal Advice for Doing Business in Nigeria

Get referrals from businesses that have used law firms with expertise related to your situation. Then turn to U.S. government resources that can help

June 25, 2010

Turning Small Business Owners into Lobbyists

Don't be intimidated by government officials, says New Jersey State Assemblywoman Amy H. Handlin, who explains how to establish relationships effectively

June 22, 2010

Stop Making These Startup Mistakes

A volunteer who helps nascent entrepreneurs says most try to raise money too soon and neglect to show that a market exists for their product or service

June 18, 2010

Tactics for Landing Government Contracts

Forging a partnership with an experienced contractor and redesigning a website brought two small businesses work with the federal government

June 15, 2010

Doing More Business in the World's Poorest Places

As technology upends tired notions of Third World entrepreneurship, says Marty Anderson, Westerners will find competitors, partners, and workers

June 11, 2010

America's Love Affair with Small Business

Tom Hanks gives praise; BofA pledges more loans. But it's unclear if all the goodwill is improving conditions for entrepreneurs still reeling from the recession

June 08, 2010

Stop Wasting Time on Social Media

BNI.com's Ivan Misner explains why small business owners aren't getting the most out of such tools as Facebook and Twitter, then offers tips

June 01, 2010

Finding a Manufacturer vs. Licensing the Design

To stock more product with a big distributor, a home-based jewelry designer wants to try contract manufacturing. Experts offer advice

May 28, 2010

Business Innovation 'Made Us Human' and Moves Us Forward

Despite a common perception that humankind is in a period of decline, Matt Ridley argues the reverse. He says progress is accelerating, thanks to entrepreneurs

May 25, 2010

Don't Overlook the Jobs Bill's Tax Incentives

Few small businesses are taking advantage of the HIRE Act's 2010 payroll exemption and 2011 credit, says tax-credit consultant Brandon Edwards

May 21, 2010

Questions About Tax Deductions for Travel

Costs may be eligible, but that doesn't mean they're a valid write-off, says one expert. Others offer advice about per diem allowance

May 18, 2010

What Motivates Business Advisors to Help

Many seasoned professionals are eager to lend expertise to small businesses. Determining what they want in exchange helps ensure a good fit

May 14, 2010

Pitch an Event to a Middle-Aged Crowd

It's a huge audience, so the first step is to segment the types of people who would pay to attend. Then put a marketing plan in place and keep social media in mind

May 11, 2010