Reality Check: Page 3

Starting a Business

The Art and Craft of Listening to Your Critics

Scathing feedback from experts is a staple of many a reality TV show. More business owners could benefit from hearing the brutal truth -- if they act on it.

Starting a Business

Reality TV Show May Hit Too Close to Home in Silicon Valley

A new Bravo show that follows startups through their growing pains is riling the high-tech hotbed. A look at what may be behind all the griping.

Starting a Business

6 Low-Cost Ideas for an Interior-Design Makeover

Does your restaurant or store need a face-lift? Consider these budget-minded tactics from a recent episode of 'Restaurant Impossible.'

Marketing

Gordon Ramsay's Lessons for Motivating a Sales Team

The celebrity chef knows how to rev up his staff to perform at their best. Here are seven lessons from the season premiere of Fox's 'MasterChef.'

Money & Finance

The Barter Kings' Guide to Building a Business Without Cash

More business owners are looking to barter for what they need. Here are seven tips for negotiating favorable trades.

Fundraising

Shark Tank vs. KickStarter: How One Startup Used Both to Launch

When deals fall apart, it can often be for the best. For this business owner, the upside of losing angel funding was retaining equity and control over his company.

Culture

Tabatha's Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Business Culture

The Bravo show about a brutally frank salon consultant has a lot to teach business owners from all fields.

Money & Finance

Angels, Equity and a Shark of One's Own

Many small-business owners who hope to land angel funding have expectations that are wildly unrealistic. Here's a reality check.

Marketing

An Inside Look at How Teams Create Great Business Ideas When Subway Meets 'Mad Men' in AMC's 'The Pitch'

Subway takes a star turn in a reality TV series about ad agencies competing for a big account. Viewers get a peek at how creatives brainstorm and what makes big companies tick.

Starting a Business

Could You Charge 70% More With a Better Business Name?

Is your small business stuck charging low prices for your products or services? The problem might not be what you're selling. Here's how one business raised prices by changing its name.

Money & Finance

Do You Know What Your Business Is Really Worth?

If you found an investor for your business right now, would you know how to value a stake in your business? A recent 'Shark Tank' episode highlighted how important it is to be realistic about valuation.

Growing a Business

Could You Fix Your Failing Business With Just $10,000?

On 'Restaurant Impossible,' top chef Robert Irvine swoops into town with a $10,000 materials budget and remakes failing restaurants. Here's why sometimes, even this splash of TV publicity and a quick fix-up isn't enough.

Buying / Investing in Business

Are You Ready to Pitch Your Product to Investors?

Inventors and entrepreneurs made their case on the debut episode of PBS's "Everyday Edisons" new season, but not all of them seemed quite ready to do so.

Growing a Business

Do You Know the Best Way to Grow Your Business?

Once your business launches, it's time to grow. But it's important to grow smart. Here's a look at why the Shark Tank investors passed on one great company after taking a look at its growth plan.

Science & Technology

The 'Fashion Star' Guide to Connecting the Dots for Customers

The new shopping reality-TV hybrid shows designers and retailers the right way to get customers jazzed about products.