Entrepreneur Magazine: January 2005

E-Tail Therapy
If you're getting sick of the same old business ideas, then it's time to go online. The robust e-commerce market is hotter than ever, and it just may be the cure for what ails you.

Word on the Street
Scandal-ridden investment houses are leaving gaps in the financial market, and savvy entrepreneurs are jumping at the chance to fill them. How will this trend shape the new face of Wall Street?

It's All in Your Head
Feeling optimistic or pessimistic about the state of the economy? Uncertain times like these can really mess with your mind. Here's what other entrepreneurs are doing to keep it together--and keep moving ahead.



Franchise 500®
26th Annual Franchise 500
Who hit #1 in our Franchise 500 this year? Read on to find out.

All the Rage
Wondering what everyone will be crazy about in the coming year? Take a sneak peek at the hottest franchising trends for 2005.

An American Icon
Some things just say "America," like baseball, apple pie and . . . franchises. Here are 5 big ways franchising has affected our nation.

Get in the Game
Think owning and operating is the only way to get involved in a franchise? Well, we can think of 5 strategies you can use to play the franchising game. Read on to find the one that fits you best.

The Inside Scoop
What's it really like to buy a franchise? One entrepreneur dishes up all the details of her journey to open a Cold Stone Creamery.

View From the Top
Subway takes the title of the #1 franchise for the 13th time. So what's it really like to wear the crown?

Would You Like a Franchise With That?
You've decided to buy a franchise. Now comes the real choice--which one? We'll help you narrow down the menu so you can have it your way.

Almost Famous
Bucking Convention
Challenging the industry standard of costly cosmetics, e.l.f. says, "The buck stops here."

Editor's Note
Bigger Fish


Feedback
Feedback 01/05


Resources
Resources 01/05
Websites, organizations, events and more to grow your business

Legal
The Name Game
You can shield your trade name from being ripped off by a larger company--if it's distinctive enough.

Management Buzz
Management Buzz 01/05
Keep up to do with COBRA, stop fearing exporting and more

Real Deal
Up in Arms
Prepare for litigation with these weapons of mass discussion.

Smart Moves
Falling Flat?
How flat is too flat when it comes to management? You'd better find out before it's too late.

Staff Smarts
Peering In
Peer-to-peer interviews give you a closer look at how prospective employees will get along with your staff--but be careful whom you introduce them to.

Ad Wisdom
Duck Season
What the AFLAC duck can teach you about getting your message into the minds of prospects

Ask the Expert
Smart Money
Where to spend your marketing dollars when a product isn't selling

Marketing Buzz
Marketing Buzz 01/05
Partnering with the big guys, Yellow Page searches and more

Net Sales
Sign of the Times
Are you missing out on this simple, inexpensive marketing tool?

Retail Register
The Fast Lane
A new concept in retail is popping up all over.

Sales Force
Making Your Case
Think client testimonials are just icing on the cake? Think again. Case studies can be powerful sales vehicles for your company.

Sales Success
No Surrender
Learning to see "no" as valuable feedback can take your sales efforts to the next level.

Tactics
Say It Again
To get the attention of multitasking consumers, position your ad message in multiple media.

Dollar Signs
Fantastic Plastic
Reap rewards automatically when you use credit--or debit--cards to pay recurring bills.

Funds
Basket Case
A lesson in eggs, baskets and diversification

Insurance
Little Extras
Get more from your insurance company than just coverage.

Money Buzz
Money Buzz 01/05
The American dream, losing on outsourcing and more

Personal Finance
The Home Stretch
If you're looking for cash to buy a house, your retirement account could open the door.

Raising Money
Take It for Granted
Need cash to develop your latest high-tech product? There's probably an SBIR grant for you.

Tax Talk
Tax-Free Bill of Health
Health-care accounts with tax benefits

Biz Travel
What a Deal!
You can keep hotel costs down--if you know what to look for.

Books
Get Tough
No more Mr. Nice Guy. If you want to stay competitive, you've got to play hardball.

Capitol Issues
Take a Peek
What does Congress have in mind for 2005? Go back to the future to find out.

It Figures
It Figures 01/05
Entrepreneurial cities, hiring plans and more

Smarts Features
Eminent Danger
Cash-strapped cities use entrepreneurs' property to lure big businesses.

In the Jeans
Everyone's mad about premium jeans--and entrepreneurs are making crazy profits.

Tech, Please
"Next-generation CIOs" offer more than just tech advice.

What's the Plan?
How President Bush's second term agenda will affect you

Taming of the Crew
What lion tamers teach us about team management

VoIP Lessons
Learn how to get around potential problems.

Share the Health
When encouraging healthy living, you've got to walk the walk.

In the Lap of Luxury
The luxury RV market is revved up and rarin' to go. Ready to jump aboard?

Key Bored?
Innovative alternatives to the old qwerty keyboard

Snapshot
Snapshot 01/05
Rosie Herman, 42, founder of One Minute Manicure in Houston

Wheels
Enter the Wagon
Station wagons aren't just for families anymore. They're making a comeback--and packing a serious punch.

Women
Meeting of the Minds
Women-specific conferences have a lot to offer.

Buyer's Guide
Come Together
Is it time to combine your voice and data networks? We've got the latest buzz on IP-PBX phone systems.

Connections
United Front
Don't look now--you may soon be able to have all types of messages coming into a single inbox.

Digital Edge
Opting Out?
Don't want to stick with Microsoft's default browser applications? Here's how to explore your options.

Gear
Gear 01/05
Internet sharing solutions and handheld PCs

Hot Disks
Hot Disks 01/05
Digital sketch pad, personalized fonts and more

Net Profits
Dare to Compare
Will listing your products on comparison-shopping sites boost business?

Tech Buzz
Tech Buzz 01/05
Desktop search systems, the new generation Apple and more

Wireless
Wall-to-Wall
Wireless jacks are the "in" thing for networking.

Half Pints
Wireless routers have the size advantage.