OWNER'S MANUAL  

Jeff Haden


11 Tips to Write Your Own Story

These storytelling basics from a Pixar artist apply just as well to business--and life.  Read story

The Decline and Fall of a Mom-and-Pop Shop

He never made it big and never made any magazine covers. But this owner's story has its own significance.  Read story

Silence: The Surprising Way to Achieve a Goal

Have big plans? Here's an easy way to boost your odds for success: Try keeping those plans to yourself.  Read story

How to Take a Stress-Free Vacation

The best way to disconnect from work? Stop trying--it will only make you anxious. Instead, try this plan for minimum stress and maximum relaxation.  Read story

Are You Using Social Media as a Management Crutch?

A new study reveals that managers think connecting online is a great way to build company culture. Employees aren't so sure.  Read story

The Only Management Strategy You'll Ever Need

Great leaders don't need to struggle to motivate, inspire, and lead their employees. Here's why.  Read story

15 Worst Excuses Not to Be an Entrepreneur

Think you don't have enough time? Nice try. Here are the most common reasons people don't take the plunge--and why they don't hold up.  Read story

Be Graceful Under Pressure: 7 Tips

Why do some choke, while others stay cool and calm? It's all about you how prepare.  Read story

Forget Big Changes. Just Take One Small Step

If your goal--in life or in business--is so big that you risk never reaching it, scale back your strategy.  Read story

Best Way to Learn to Be an Entrepreneur?

Should you work for a big company first, or stay as far away from them as possible? Read the debate and weigh in.  Read story

10 Ways You Should Never Describe Yourself

When other people use these words to describe your talents, it's OK. When you do it, you just sound like a pompous jerk.  Read story

Secret Weapon: Your Lucky Underwear?

Maybe it's not such a crazy idea to wear your lucky undies to your next investor pitch. Turns out, they really work.  Read story

Why Your Employees Think You're a Jerk

One employee behaving badly is enough to turn a solid business into a mess. And that's especially true when that one employee is you.  Read story

The Best Way to Make a Decision

Ask yourself this one question... and then forget about what everyone else thinks you should do.  Read story

5 Reasons You Aren't a Great Boss

These common blind spots could be preventing you from being the manager you need to be.  Read story

Is Technology Killing Your Company?

The common high-tech trap many businesses fall into--and how to steer clear of it.  Read story

5 Best Reasons to Be an Entrepreneur

Sure, being your own boss comes with the territory. But here are some other perks you probably haven't thought of.  Read story

8 Snap Interview Decisions Every Boss Makes

You might interview a job candidate for an hour, but sometimes it's over in minutes.  Read story

The Monty Python Guide to Running a Business

Because a little humor never hurts: 10 Monty Python quotes every business owner should know... and use!  Read story

8 Great Twitter Tools You Aren't Using

If you aren't getting the results you want from Twitter, the problem might not be Twitter; it might be you. These tools can help.  Read story

9 Business Clichés to Retire Forever

They've been used, misused, and abused. It's time to eliminate these buzz phrases from your speech entirely.  Read story

4 Company Programs Your Employees Hate

Surprise: They secretly despise that employee-of-the-month award. Find out what else your staff hates--and what to offer instead.  Read story

Do You Have an Image Problem?

Be honest: Do you look the same in your professional and social media photos? If not, you have a branding problem.  Read story

5 Things to Un-Learn From School

You spent a lot of time getting an education. But if you want to make it as an entrepreneur, it's time to forget some of what you learned.  Read story

Be Rich or Be Happy: Which Would You Choose?

Sorry, entrepreneurs: You're not likely to achieve both. Here's why.  Read story

The Biggest Hiring Mistake You Will Ever Make

Let a good one get away? That's a bad mistake but not the worst. Here's the one that trumps all the rest.  Read story

Your Most Powerful Leadership Tool

Forget the pep talks, the reviews, and the carrots and sticks. Here's the one thing that you're probably not doing--but need to.  Read story

How to Motivate Employees? The Best Answer Ever

Effective motivation comes down to one surprising word... which might be why so many leaders fail to do it right.  Read story

6 Ways to Give Back

Success isn't just a reward; it's a responsibility. Celebrity chef Eric Ripert shares six ways any business can make a difference by giving back.  Read story

5 Traits Remote Employees Must Have

Managing far-flung employees is always a challenge. (What are they doing, anyway?) Make it easier by hiring the right people first.  Read story

How to Get a Job at a Small Business

Working for an entrepreneur is the perfect training ground for would-be founders. Here's how to get hired.  Read story

6 Tips to Boost Your Web Presence

If these tactics worked for LanceArmstrong.com, they can work for your business.  Read story

6 Habits of Truly Memorable People

How to stick out in the minds of your colleagues and customers--no gimmicks required.  Read story

The Best (and Hardest) Way to Start a Company

How to live the entrepreneurial dream while minimizing your risks and maximizing your success. (Warning: This ain't easy.)  Read story

9 Qualities of Remarkable Entrepreneurs

What separates the best from everyone else? (Hint: It's not about the money.)  Read story

Friday Fail: Worst Bosses

Tired of success stories? Every Friday on Inc.com we bring you epic tales of failure and embarrassment. This week: Your worst bosses.  Read story

One Surprising Way Apple and Google Excel

Sure, they create innovative products. But these companies outdo their competitors in another, very important way.  Read story

5 Laws of Business You’ve Never Heard Of

If Isaac Newton had studied companies, he would have discovered these principles that govern how managers work.  Read story

25 Signs Your Ego Is Out of Control

A healthy dose of self-confidence is a very good thing for an entrepreneur... until it's not.  Read story

7 Fatal Interviewer Mistakes

Job candidates aren't the only ones who screw up interviews. Here are seven blunders interviewers make--and how to avoid them.  Read story