Entrepreneur's 10 Most Helpful Stories of 2012 Richard Branson on why we need more women at the top, how to avoid home business snafus, a rubric for networking, Google versus Apple, and more.

By Hiten Samtani

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

When perusing a story on Entrepreneur.com, readers can tell us whether it was helpful to them by voting at the bottom of each page.

After tallying the votes this year, our readers found the most value in stories that were inspiring, while also shepherding them through the challenges of running a business. From cold-calling strategies to tips for being happier and stress-free, business leaders shared invaluable advice, and often their personal experiences, with our readers.

Here is a countdown of Entrepreneur's most helpful stories of 2012.

10: 12 Powerfully Inspiring Quotes From Zig Ziglar
The famous salesman is gone, but the message to which he dedicated his life will continue to
have an impact.

9: 5 Ways Social Media Can Ruin Your Reputation
From unflattering photos to leaving commentators hanging, here's how you could be damaging your reputation on social media and not even know it.

8: 7 Effective Ways to Promote Free Shipping
Free shipping can help get customers to buy and boost the size of their orders. Here's how to make sure they're aware of your offer.

7: 6 Simple Solutions for Getting Rid of Stress
Quick tips for easing stress in your day-to-day interactions.

6: 5 Ways You Can Be Happier at Work Right Now
A handy guide to improving your mood and performance.

5: Secrets to Cold Calling Success
Many business owners dread picking up the phone to reach potential customers or investors for the first time. Here are seven tips to overcome your fears and prepare to win.

4: Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Business From Home
Owners of home-based businesses often fail to establish proper boundaries between their work and personal lives. Here's how to get it right the first time.

3: 7 Key Habits of Super Networkers
How to focus, follow-up and other tips to develop and nurture valuable business relationships.

2: 12 Surprising Signs You Could Be an Entrepreneur
The traits and circumstances many people might consider a liability may actually just be the perfect entrepreneurial fuel. Here's why.

1: Scary Online Security Mistakes to Avoid
Tips for protecting your sensitive information from hackers.

Hiten Samtani is an editorial intern and contributing writer for Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This 30-Year-Old's $6,000-a-Month Side Hustle Started Making Money 'Immediately' — But He's Not Quitting His Day Job

Derrick Mathy works in orthopedic surgical device sales and is on a mission to bring people together in real life.

Leadership

How Uniting Industry Stakeholders Transformed My Business

There is power in bringing industry stakeholders together. Each conversation ignites a spark, and if you nurture that spark, it can become the driving force that propels your business and the entire industry to new heights.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Employee Experience & Recruiting

Newsflash: Barbara Corcoran Doesn't Fly First-Class, and Neither Should Your Executive Team

Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran doesn't fly first class, and for a good reason. Business decision-makers, take notes!

Business Solutions

ChatGPT Isn't Cutting It for Busy Professionals Anymore

Find out where they're turning instead.