Communications
Storytelling Tips from Salesforce's Marc Benioff
The co-founder and CEO of the $1 billion company offers advice on how to shape and articulate your vision for your own brand
Getting Started
Lessons from Entrepreneurs Who Beat the Odds
Most businesses don't last more than a few years. Meet three scrappy entrepreneurs who describe how they reached three-, five-, and 10-year benchmarks
Viewpoint
Don't Bet on a Return to a 'Normal' IPO Market
Equity investors and people running fast-growth companies hope to see IPO levels of the 1990s. Scott Shane explains why that's unlikely
Getting Started
The Rise of the 'Homepreneur'
New research shows the economic importance of home-based businesses: They account for more than half of all U.S. businesses and employ more people than venture-backed companies
Getting Started
Gary Vaynerchuk's Startup Advice
In his new book, Crush It!, the wine guru describes how he created a successful business through passion, "hustle," and the Internet
Getting Started
The Profits and Perils of Supplying to Wal-Mart
The world's biggest retailer works with thousands of small suppliers on a regular basis. But landing a contract comes with downsides worth considering before applying
Small Business Financing
Perform Due Diligence on Potential Investors
Entrepreneurs ought to vet angel investors and venture capitalists using a "reverse" due-diligence process. Here's how to do it
Small Business Financing
An Entrepreneur Prepares to Pass the Torch
First-time entrepreneur Michelle White created a company with big potential. The next step is to bring in an experienced management team and raise venture capital
Sales & Marketing
How to Cut Credit-Card Fees
The cost of accepting credit cards is a sore point for merchants. As Washington mulls regulation, here's some advice on negotiating lower rates now
Sales & Marketing
Make Smarter Marketing Bets in 2010
Columnist Steve McKee explains why it's worth strategizing now for three different economic scenarios next year
Viewpoint
Negate Competition by 'Owning' Your Space
Rules to help entrepreneurs with specialized visions become unique providers—and rule their turf as long as they care enough to maintain it
Leadership
How Resilient Leaders Manage Anxiety
To transform a troubled company, Keith McFarland urges managers to quickly communicate a plan, help employees turn paralyzing anxiety into action, and maintain a sense of humor
Leadership
To Survive a Crisis, Embrace the 'Bounce'
Strong companies demonstrate resilience, an ability to embrace the challenges presented by adversity and use them for growth
Leadership
When Sister Is Your Business Partner
Sibling Cakegirls Brenda and Mary Maher have built a booming family confectionary business in Chicago with hard, thoughtful work
Policy
Obama's New Push to Help Small Business Get Loans
The President announces plans to raise the maximum size of the SBA's flagship loans and increase community lenders' access to bailout money
Sales & Marketing
Credit-Card Fee Reform Stays on the Back Burner
Store owners are pressing to have "interchange" fees reined in, but so far banks and card companies have prevailed
Policy
Small Employers Struggle to Offer Health Insurance
Faced with skyrocketing premiums, only 43% of small businesses still offer health coverage, compared with 96% of companies with at least 50 employees
Health-Care Reform
The Self-Employed Push to Repeal the 'Health-Care Tax'
Nine million self-employed workers essentially pay a tax on health-insurance premiums. It's a relatively simple fix, but it amounts to billions in federal revenue
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