Cover Story
The Innovation ToolkitEven in a tough economy, there's one thing you can count on to keep your business afloat: Innovation. We asked these entrepreneurs and experts to reveal the secrets of their success-and how you can use their experiences to your advantage.
Features
Get With the Program!The cutting-edge applications in
Entrepreneur's 2003 Complete Guide to Software give new meaning to working smarter, not harder.
Be Your Own Boss
Be Your Own Boss FeaturesThink FastDon't blink, or else the 100 fastest-growing franchises for 2003 might pass you by.
Sharing the WealthNever mind the dismal economy. Escape to a world of champagne wishes and caviar dreams, where you'll find rich opportunities to start a luxury business.
Biz 101Mind Over MannersWhat you need to know to make a great impression at your next business meal
Got Game?Useful start-up moves from a popular board game
A Dream Come TrueThe ins and outs of starting your own consulting service
No Ivory TowerUniversity venture lab provides real-life entrepreneurial lessons
An Acquired TasteBefore you buy that business, don't just give it a once-over--put it under the microscope.
InnovationsJoin the ClubLaunching your first product? Get by with a little help from your friends at an inventors' group.
OpportunitiesMaking the GradeThink you have to be on personal terms with the likes of Elmo and Barney to run a preschool? Well, think again.
High Time for TeaFor one college student, brewing up international flavor is in the bag.
What's New 05/03One-stop shopping takes all the running out of errands.
Real LifeDoing the MathJack and Diane learn that finding a location they like isn't enough. They also have to crunch the numbers and see if it's one they can afford.
Smart IdeasFlower PowerHow one former guitarist gave a much-needed woman's touch to the rock 'n' roll music scene
What's Your Problem?Finding a Market for Your ServicesDoes anyone need what your business is offering? To find out, the best approach is the direct approach.
In Every Issue
Almost FamousOn the RecordAn independent entrepreneur is giving big-label music companies a run for their money.
Editor's NoteStart Helping!
Management
Creative ZoneMental ImagesUsing metaphors can get a river of creative juices flowing.
InsuranceIn DenialWhat do you do when your insurance company refuses to pay a claim?
LegalCriminal RecordsUnder the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, you'd better think twice before destroying those business documents.
Management BuzzManagement Buzz 05/03Taking advantage of child-care credits; show your gratitude and keep your employees
Real DealIt's All TalkYou don't have to tear your hair out every time you read a contract that's chock-full of legalese.
Smart MovesTake Your PickWant to keep health-care costs low and employees happy in today's economy? It's still a good idea to look into cafeteria-style flexible plans.
Staff SmartsTough ChoicesIf you want to hire fresh talent, you'll have to pay them more. But what will your existing staff say?
Marketing
A+ AdsThe Cat's MeowTo really be noticed, you've got to break the advertising mold and come up with an idea that's unique in your industry.
BreakthroughFood FairHow one caterer's soiree made her the talk of the town
Marketing BuzzMarketing Buzz 05/03When it pays to be hip; crack open these marketing books
Net SalesGet In TuneKeep your site visitors dialed in and buying.
Sales ForceDevil's AdvocateDo your sales reps know how far is too far when it comes to landing that sale?
Sales SuccessPeople Who Need PeopleFind out how to break the ice with your prospects and make that all-important customer connection a reality.
TacticsMaking a SceneYour special event won't be so special if nobody hears about it. Here's how to power up your promotions.
Money
Dollar SignsRay of Hope?VCs are optimistic about the coming year but are still holding on to their purse strings.
FundsWhere the Money IsLooking for cash? This fund is a good bet.
Money BuzzMoney Buzz 05/03Why single-use credit card numbers could stop credit card fraud, what the Dow and dogs have in common, and more
Personal FinanceOne-Stop Shop?Brokerage firms make a play for your bank business, too.
Raising MoneyTell Me No SecretsYou may be turning VCs off if you're asking them to sign a nondisclosure agreement.
Tax TalkYour Loss Is Your GainTaking a hit during hard times isn't necessarily a lose-lose situation if you're an S corporation.
Smarts
Biz TravelMiles to GoWhen an airline goes bust, do your points take flight?
BooksThe TransformersEntrepreneurs who changed the world and how they did it
Capitol IssuesFree ReinThe president's budget proposal would give the SBA's 504 loan program some kick.
FlashFlash 05/03Bye, bye floppies and analog, foods that are in--and out, and more
Hot SeatFamily MattersCould giving employees paid family leave actually leave your company stronger?
It FiguresIt Figures 05/03The rise of direct navigation on the Web, what motivates entrepreneurs and more
Smarts FeaturesLosing the RaceIs the Patent Office's slowness putting U.S. innovation at risk?
In With the NewGet your customers to get rid of your products--so they can buy more.
Balancing ActWill proposed pension plan changes help your company--or hurt your employees?
Move Over, MarthaFind out which style maven has the best shot at claiming Martha Stewart's crown.
The Mac PackSome entrepreneurs would rather switch than fight.
Kid StuffWant to light your child's entrepreneurial fire? Try a stint at a business camp.
Labor PainsIf immigration laws tighten, all entrepreneurs could feel the squeeze.
Soldiers of Fortune"Business is a battlefield" is more than just a cliche for this company.
SnapshotMalcolm Alexander44, founder of Alexander Global Promotions in Bellevue, Washington
Tech ToyTray ChicA take-along table for all you travelers
WheelsFull VroomIndulge your spring fever with a sporty new sedan.
WomenGirl PowerFor these entrepreneurs, helping other women is more than just good business.
Tech
Buyer's GuideIn This Corner . . .Weighing in at less than 4 pounds, the latest notebooks are champions of mobility.
Cool ClicksCool Clicks 05/03Comparing broadband prices; refurbished mobile phones for sale
Digital EdgePortable LiteCentrino is the new diet pill for that bulky device you've been schlepping through airports. Are you ready to lose some weight?
GearGear 05/03A network solution on the cheap; a color PDA that's just 5 ounces
Hot DisksHot Disks 05/03An all-in-one accounting system, ease your e-mail burdens and more
Net ProfitsBugged OutWorried that tracking your customers' shopping habits may come back to bite you? Not if you do it the right way.
Tech BuzzTech Buzz 05/03Survey results show what Web surfers are searching for
WirelessWi-Fi WhereverPull in, fill up, log on and download.
Bluetooth BabbleNot all wireless gadgets speak the same language.