Cover Story
Fever PitchPull out your thermometers, 'cause things are heating up! Here's our annual roundup of the newest trends, hottest markets and business ideas that promise to sizzle in 2005.
Features
Hit the RoadItching to throw your business into high gear? We have everything you need to get your business fleet up to speed in our 2005 guide to commercial vehicles
Be Your Own Boss
Be Your Own Boss FeaturesOut With the OldGet 2005 off to a fresh start with one of these new franchises.
Turning the TablesYou worked for them, and now you want them to "work" for you. Find out what you need to know to land your former employer as your startup's first client.
Biz 101Try AgainBusiness fell flat? No use whining about it. Here's how you can bounce back.
The Write StuffWhat does it take to launch a brand-new product?
Lease LessonsFollow these 6 tips when negotiating your first commercial lease.
Magic MarketsThe experts use marketing mojo on our tech makeover winner.
Biz UBig Biz on CampusClass is now in session for college entrepreneurs. Are you ready to enroll?
InnovationsTaking LicenseIt pays to do your homework before signing a licensing agreement.
OpportunitiesGroom to GrowAnimal grooming is more than a pet project for a former HR executive.
No Place Like HomeOne couple makes it their business to care for homebound clients.
What's New 12/04Stretch your limits
Smart IdeasSmart Ideas 12/04No slip headbands, online used-car sales and more
Success CoachSurvival of the FittestAs your business grows, so do the challenges. Meet them with confidence.
What's Your Problem?Full Disclosure?When to tell customers you work from your home
In Every Issue
Almost FamousJava EnabledFor this former film student, the road to Hollywood--and business success--is paved with coffee beans.
Editor's NoteLeaving Their MarkFeedbackFeedback 12/04ResourcesResources 12/04Websites, organizations, events and more to grow your business
Management
LegalGood Libations?Not if you give employees too much to drink at the company holiday party. Consider these sobering facts.
Management BuzzManagement Buzz 12/04Rewarding top-rung employees, the work/life balance and more
Real DealSay What?Decipher common contract legalese.
Smart MovesThis Is a TestDon't be tempted to use ROI analyses the wrong way, or you risk creating a formula for disaster.
Staff SmartsBy DegreesYou can show highly educated employees the corporate ropes--but you'd better do it step by step.
Marketing
A+ AdsTwin PicksDare your audience to compare, and your product is sure to get a lot of attention. Here's how to pull off a great side-by-side comparison ad.
Ask the ExpertPatriot ActsShould you play up the "Made in the USA" angle?
Marketing BuzzMarketing Buzz 12/04Mints for Santa, net service at Sam's Club and more
Net SalesHot on Their TrailHow to use the net to track offline customers
Retail RegisterWhat's It Worth?Get your prices right, or it'll cost you.
Sales ForceRemote ControlAllowing sales reps to work off-site definitely has its perks, but before you try it, be sure telecommuting makes sense for your business.
Sales SuccessReaching OutFinding good leads takes more than just making a few phone calls. Use a creative prospecting strategy to get yourself out there.
TacticsWhat's the Plan?Need a marketing plan? Here are strategies to fit penny pinchers, big spenders and everyone in between.
Money
Dollar SignsA Class ActWhether in an MBA program or an online course, hitting the books can help you stay on top.
FundsBlack GoldOil is key to the success of this Russian fund.
InsuranceLive Long and ProsperNew life insurance policies offer refunds.
Money BuzzMoney Buzz 12/04Informal investments, independent investment research and more
Personal FinanceWrap It Up RightLike your holiday packages, year-end finances are all about presentation--and planning.
Raising MoneyComing Up ShortShort-term financing could help your company overcome temporary setbacks or cash-flow issues.
Tax TalkThink FastTake advantage of faster depreciation.
Smarts
Biz TravelKeep In Touch. . . even in the air. These new tech features are ready for takeoff.
BooksA Work of ArtCreating a business masterpiece takes a palette of different ideas.
Capitol IssuesWhat's Cookin'?The FTC is serving up a new and improved franchise rule, but is it what small-business owners ordered?
It FiguresIt Figures 12/04Teenage business ambitions, working at home and more
Smarts FeaturesShell Shock?New rules are driving small firms into shells, where they could get a nasty surprise.
Not Lost in TranslationMarketing tactics from abroad can work just as well here, too.
Working ItA surge in part-time workers can pay off for your business.
Bar NoneYou'd better get in compliance with the new bar code rules before time runs out.
Make a List, Check It TwiceEver wonder what's on other entrepreneurs' to-do lists?
Bald AmbitionHell-bent on getting attention? Try a zany marketing stunt.
Crisis ModeA personal crisis needn't spell disaster for your business--not if you prepare for it.
Blogger's BlockSick of blogging? Here's how to deal with business blog burnout.
SnapshotSnapshot 12/04Michael and Meredith Wickliffe, 40 and 38, founders of Wick's Pizza Parlor and Pub in Louisville, Kentucky
Tech ToyHere Comes the SunStay on time with this self-calibrating watch
WheelsExtra SpecialWhy settle for the ordinary when you've got these special-edition vehicles to choose from?
WomenGoing GlobalInternational business tips make a world of difference.
Tech
Buyer's GuideFeel the BurnIf you've been making do without a DVD burner, now's the time to take advantage of recent advancements and upgrade your hardware.
ConnectionsTall OrderCellular carriers have been busy improving call quality, but will it last?
Digital EdgeColor-Blind?They're practically giving away color laser printers, but watch out for those toner prices.
GearGear 12/04Wireless networks for travelers and big VoIP functions for small companies
Hot DisksHot Disks 12/04Password protection, publishing made easy and more
Net ProfitsAll Systems GoSure, integrating your front- and back-end systems might be a headache--but it's well-worth the effort.
Tech BuzzTech Buzz 12/04Linux for laptops, news gathering services and more
WirelessWhat's Next?Harware that can straddle wireless LANs and cellular networks
Cut the CordPresentations don't have to be a hassle.