Entrepreneur Magazine: January 2008

By the Numbers
Use our exclusive Business Performance Dashboard to find out how your company compares to others in your industry.



Almost Famous
Sea Potential
The active baby boomer market provides a swell of opportunity for one entrepreneur.

Business 411
Back in Action
Recover your data without a hitch using drivesavers.

Doing Good
It's in the Bag
You'll never catch Andy Keller answering "plastic" to the "Paper or plastic?" question at the grocery store. As a matter of fact, you won't hear him answering "paper," either.

Edge Features
A Look Ahead
If you made it through 2007, you'll make it through 2008--or so say economic forecasters asked to describe the near-term environment for entrepreneurs.

Control Your Emoticons
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, what's an emoticon worth? Something as simple as a :-), :-( or ;-) can be complicated, especially when you're talking about business e-mails.

Cloaked Room
Virtual meetings are keeping quieter employees plugged in.

City Savvy
If you can make it there, you'll make it anywhere. Never before has this popular saying rung more true. For ages, New York City's charm has been encapsulated in the efforts of enterprising entrepreneurs.

Rise of the Robots
Robots are well on their way from the pages of science fiction to your front door. In fact, advanced humanoid robots could arrive on your doorstep as early as 10 years from now.

Listen Here!
Giving your site a bit of sound? Royalty rates might change your tune.

Travel
Fly Better
Tips to getting yourself to the upper class.

Wheels
Fast and Furious
The 2008 BMW M5 is getting entrepreneurs where they need to go.

Women
The Boys' Club
Women entrepreneurs are creating a formula for success.

Women In Charge
Bold Moves
With culturally inspired chocolates and a focus on going green, our Woman of the Year is taking taste to a whole new level.

Know-How
You've read about our winner; now discover some other top entrants' best success tips.

Take Control
Your business's finances are in good shape--but what about your own?

Step On Up
Women business leaders have the power to change the world. Sharon Hadary is showing them how.

Open to Advice
Ready to push profits through the roof? All you need is a little help.

Franchise 500®
It's Here!
Dig in to the 29th annual Franchise 500® to find the best business for you.

Understanding the Rankings
A look inside on how the Franchise 500® list was compiled.

Ready Reference Listings
As an additional research tool, we have broken out franchise data from the Franchise 500® listings into the following quick-reference sections.

Keys To Success
The Journey Begins
Are you ready for franchise ownership? Our expert gives you an inside look.

Profile
Outward Bound
It works in Phoenix, but will it fly in Toledo? Learn the here and there of expanding a regional concept.

Running Start
There's no easy button for starting a franchise, but there are dozens of programs to lend a helping hand.

Research
He Said, She Said
Our experts weigh in on the ups and downs of buying a franchise fresh out of college.

Super Sleuthing
Doing your due diligence before buying a franchise involves some detective work. Here's how to uncover what you need to know.

Rich Returns
What's to Come
Fasten your seat belts and hold on tight--the 2008 economy is going to be a bumpy ride.

TheStreet.Com
Investor's Cut
Get your shot at the silver screen without setting a foot in Hollywood.

View
Risky Biz
Get your employees taking chances and learning from their experiences.

Wise Guy
Garnering Angels
Sure, you may have ventured for VC, but raising angel capital takes a different kind of skill.

Advisor
Give Me a Tax Break
Our business consulting expert gives insight into business and tax dollars.

Currency
Time Bomb
Late-paying customers can put your business in jeopardy. Get organized--and get paid on time.

Money Buzz
Small Towns, Big Money
Looking for capital? a new study shows that small towns might just be a VC paradise.

A Loan But Not Alone
Businesses give hope to third world entrepreneurs.

Get By With Help From the IRS
The IRS' small-business site just got a whole lot easier to use.

Portfolio
World View
As the dollar declines, set your sights on diversification.

Raising Money
Dare to Venture
Need a cash infusion? Try Venture merchant bank financing to get your business back on track.

Snapshot
Big Deal
Organizing multimillion-dollar investments is all in a day's work for this software company.

Best Practices
Can You Compete?
Chinese manufacturers aren't just making your stuff--they're making their own, too.

Books
Get Inspired
Usher in a new year and new ideas with these stimulating reads.

Clicks
New Entry
Your company's arrived. Now let everyone know by getting on Wikipedia.

Global
Get With the Program
Trade treaties give you an edge--so don't let their advantages pass you by.

Marketing
Booster Shot
It's a new year--the perfect time to revive your marketing with fresh tactics.

Sell
As Easy as 1-2-3
Sales calls are simple when you know what to do before, during and after.

Snapshot
Creative Genius
There's nothing like a little fantasy to get imaginations--and business--moving.

Strategy Buzz
New Directions
Success stories from 3 entrepreneurs who rebranded.

Chill Out, Man!
As an entrepreneur, you're bound to feel tense. Learn to relax for the sake of your business.

Work Force
Start Their Engines
Offering inventive incentives can have a big impact on your bottom line.

Buyer's Guide
Do You Copy?
In the market for a new copier? Consider a multifunction printer.

Connections
Dial Away
Long distance for one flat fee? Call it a deal.

Digital Edge
Get Out of the Office
For basic business applications, think outside the software box.

Editor's Pick
Touch and Go
Quick, secure login is at your fingertip.

Mobility
Take It With You
Don't let business cards and important documents get lost in the shuffle.

Snapshot
The Road Less Traveled
With so much traffic in cyberspace, it's about time someone blazed a direct trail to the internet.

Tech Buzz
Traveling Companions
Yes, you can pack light when hitting the road and still get it all done.

Scale It Down
Want your website to reach more people? Make it ready to move.

Buena Vista?
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 cometh. Is it time for your business to give it a try?

Web Sight
Tell It to Me Straight
Your online community can help fine-tune your products.

Wireless
In iControl
Go online to keep your company under lock and key.