Entrepreneur Magazine: February 2006

Up to the Challenge?
Are you ready to take the next big step? Meet 3 entrepreneurs who got the chance of a lifetime to push past their problems and make their businesses boom.

For the People
Landing government contracts is tough--but it can be done. Learn from these entrepreneurs and Uncle Sam could become your biggest client.



Biz Travel
Wi-Fi, Where Are You?
Where to find the nearest free hot spot

Books
Master Class
Learn from the best to be the best.

Forward Features
The New China?
Open and ready for business, Vietnam may prove to be Asia's new up-and-comer.

You Must Be Crazy
When making investment decisions, your gut isn't always your best guide.

Primal Need
This author knows just how consumers bond with brands.

Opposites Attract
A look behind the seemingly random world of acquisitions

Your #1 Fan
No, it's not your mom--it's a customer who just can't get enough of your company.

Make the Cut?
Know your options for bringing your phone system up-to-date.

The New School
Microsoft's "school of the future" makes big promises.

Life Is What You Make It
An entrepreneur basks in his newfound freedom by building an ATM empire.

Wheels
Sedan Savvy
The newest sedans are hardly middle-of-the-road.

Hot Trend
Burst of Energy
Forward-thinking entrepreneurs are making leaps and bounds in the field of renewable clean energy. How can you get involved?

Innovation Snapshot
Different Stripes
Going against the grain in the clothing industry paid off for these entrepreneurs.

Global Village
American Outcast
Get ahead, even if it feels like the world's against you.

Lead Snapshot
Change, of Course
This travel company triumphed over tough times by blazing a brand-new business trail.

Legal
Shh...It's a Secret
Keep the lid on your confidential information.

Smart Moves
Help Wanted
Independent companies seek experienced execs to foster new growth.

Staff Smarts
Paying in Kind
How can you ensure employees give service with a smile?

Dollar Signs
Know Thy Worth
If you want to get the right valuation for your business, be sure to find the right valuation expert for the job.

Funds
Strike a Balance
A balanced fund will help keep you on steady ground.

Insurance
Furry Friends
More companies are offering health insurance for pets.

Money Snapshot
Focused Fundraising
Not getting much attention from VC firms? Be choosy about who you're trying to attract.

Personal Finance
Over the Wall
China holds a host of investment possibilities. If you're thinking of making the leap, here are some smart ways to get started.

Raising Money
On Good Terms
With short-term interest rates going up, now's the time to trim financing costs by cutting back on adjustable-rate loans.

Rich Returns
Fear Factor
Think big, and muscle your way into success on a grand scale.

Tax Talk
Warning Signs
To avoid trouble, stay away from these tax shelters.

Net Sales
Feeding Frenzy
Want to make sure your marketing message doesn't end up in your customers' spam folders? Get the word out with an RSS feed.

Real Deal
Outgunned?
How to contend with a more experienced opponent

Retail Register
Better Off Red
Market to sweethearts, and see green this February.

Sales Force
By the Book
To make the most of your sales team, read up.

Sales Success
Catch the Carrot
The truth about selling: You can't succeed if you're not motivated. Hit your sweet spot by determining why--and how--you sell best.

Sell Snapshot
What Ales You?
Focusing on the craft-beer niche helped this pub thrive while others dried up.

Tactics
Riding the Airwaves
A radio tour can help you spread your message coast to coast without spending a fortune. So are you ready to take the mic?

Biz 101
Keep It Up!
Need some motivation? Someone to show you the ropes? A business coach can help you push your startup to its limits.

Priced to Sell
Should your product's price point be its major selling point, too?

Tough Talk
Keep your cool and be heard in even the toughest conversations.

Biz U
Global Trade
Get the skinny on how you can start an international business in college.

eBay Entrepreneur
eBay Fever
Why now could be the perfect time to jump on the eBay-business bandwagon.

Opportunities
Stress Relief
An enterprising entrepreneur makes rest and relaxation her business.

Building Permitted
Constructing a new life from the ground up

Smart Ideas
Smart Ideas 02/06
Online dating for the HIV/AIDS community, fashionable diaper bags and more

StartUp Features
Flip the Switch
If starting a business is on your mind, but you're still waiting for that light-bulb moment, read on to find out how others got their million-dollar ideas--and how you can come up with one, too.

Catch 'Em If You Can
These 100 franchises are experiencing runaway growth. Think you can keep up?

Success Coach
Personality Test
Creating the business personality that leaves a lasting impression

What's Your Problem?
Paying Yourself with Credit Cards
Should you use low-interest credit cards to fund your homebased startup? Our experts weigh in.

Buyer's Guide
Ode to a Server
Give this crucial piece of business equipment the attention it deserves.

Connections
I Want My Cell TV
The video iPod screen may be tiny, but it invites big productions.

Digital Edge
Put It in Drive
Keep your business rolling by making your car an office on wheels.

Net Profits
The Bill's In the Mail
Offer customers flexibility with a "Bill Me Later" payment option.

Time to Collect?
Tacking taxes onto internet sales could soon become mandatory.

Tech Snapshot
One-Track Mind
Tracking data and providing feedback helps this software-maker solve problems.

Wireless
Listen Up!
Get the scoop on bluetooth headsets with this guide.