OWNER'S MANUAL  

Jeff Haden


How I Built a Lifestyle Business I Love

Most people wish they could say they do what they love. Here's how one business owner actually made it happen.  Read story

4 Rewards That Are More Powerful Than Money

They reinforce positive behaviors, boost motivation, and build employees' self-esteem. Bonus: They won't cost you anything.  Read story

How to Be Small and Scrappy — and Win

When you're up against some of the biggest competitors in the industry, you need to learn to play the game differently.  Read story

The 10 Worst Things to Say When You Fire Someone

Firing someone is hard -- but getting fired is always harder. Don't make it worse by putting your foot in your mouth.  Read story

Negotiating for Wimps

How to ask for what you want -- and get it. Eleven tips for the confrontation-shy.  Read story

8 Things Your Employees Need Most

Forget about raises and better benefits. Those are important -- but this is what your staff really wants.  Read story

7 Undeniable Truths of Employee Pay

To you, their salaries are just a line item in the budget. To your employees, they're much more.  Read story

The Only Way to Become a Business Rock Star

Natural talent only takes you so far. This is what carries you the rest of the way.  Read story

The Right Way to Increase Your Klout Score

It's not really about your score; it's about expanding your network and extending your reach. Here are 7 ways to do it.  Read story

How to Land a Great Columnist Gig

Have a lot of war stories from your start-up days? Here's how to get a byline in a high-profile publication -- no experience required.  Read story

4 Ways to Turn Less into More

Money, time, connections -- you need more of everything, right? Stop whining and start using your contraints to your advantage.  Read story

5 Tricks for Twitter Power Users

Leo Widrich, co-founder of the social media management tool Buffer, on how to get more out of your Tweets.  Read story

If This Isn’t How You Recruit, You’re Doing It Wrong

The six steps every business owner must follow to find better talent.  Read story

Why Your Hiring Process Is Fatally Flawed

You ask a ton of questions. Your process is exhaustive -- and exhausting. And that might be your problem.  Read story

4 Ways to Sell Unsexy Products

Got a great product that's all steak and no sizzle? Road ID co-founder Edward Wimmer on how to craft the killer pitch.  Read story

Sh*t Entrepreneurs Say

Maybe you don't say any of these things... but you know people who do.  Read story

The 6 Biggest Reasons You’ll Fail

Can you set out to fail? Yes, in fact, you can -- if you do one of the following things.  Read story

When Did Being Nice Get So Complicated?

Giving back to the community is harder than it looks. What would you do in a situation like this?  Read story

Start a Killer Restaurant: 6 Tips

Advice from a white guy in Texas who became an award-winning sushi chef and restaurant owner.  Read story

How Google Made Its Money

Google earned nearly $38 billion in 2011 revenue. Here's how -- and why you should care.  Read story

How to Excel at Anything

Hit a performance wall? Here are four ways to break through it.  Read story

How Much Success Tax Do You Pay?

And how much should you want to pay? The answer: More.  Read story

Ask Inc.: Can a New Hire Sign a Non-Compete Later?

Inc.com columnist Jeff Haden is taking your start-up questions. Up this week: How to handle an employee who won't agree to a non-compete.  Read story

7 Things Your Employees Never Want to Hear

Sometimes, what you say can and will work against you.  Read story

7 Simple Ways to Decrease Shopping Cart Abandonment

You got your customers this far. Don't lose them.  Read story

Why You’re Not Happy

Starting a business can be rewarding but it's hardly the road to happiness. Seven reasons why you're still unhappy.  Read story

7 Must-Have Qualities to Look for in Employees

The smaller your business, the more crucial it is to get every new hire right. If you find someone with these 7 traits, make an offer -- quick.  Read story

The One Decision Every Great Entrepreneur Makes

Good founders benefit from vision and courage. But great founders know their success hinges on this one crucial decision.  Read story

Top 6 Hidden Costs of Daily Deals

Daily deal programs provide a quick influx of cash--but what happens after that? Here's what you need to know.  Read story

Your Feelings? Surprisingly, They’re Based on Math

Next time you’re feeling down or anxious, stop feeling hopeless and do some math. Seriously.  Read story

5 Healthy Habits You Can Work Into Any Schedule

Too busy to work out? Think again. Check out these easy ways to get your health back on track.  Read story

6 Phrases You Should Never Say Again

Love catchy business speak? Before your next meeting or presentation, make sure you aren't guilty of one of these useless (& annoying) verbal tics.  Read story

5 Tips From an Accidental Entrepreneur

Joe Hill never planned to be an entrepreneur. But once he stumbled upon a great iPad app idea for his kids, he didn't look back.  Read story

9 Ways to Ruin a Performance Review

It's that time of year again. What seems to be another chore to you is hugely important to your employees -- so don't blow it.  Read story

How to Pitch: 6 Things You Must Know

Rule No. 1? Your story is never unique. So don't even try to pitch it as such. Inc.com columnist Jeff Haden on what it takes to get his attention.  Read story

7 Things Your Employees Will Never Tell You

What your employees won't say could be what you most need to hear.  Read story

5 Reasons Your Hiring Process Stinks

Let's face it: When you're small, every hire counts. Make sure you aren't making one of these common hiring mistakes.  Read story

9 Things Business Owners Should Never Say

It's time for some tough love. Here's why the most important conversations are the ones you have with yourself.  Read story

What Would You Do About This Facebook Post?

An employee's questionable Facebook post leaves one CEO wondering how to react. Experts weigh in on how to handle this social media pickle.  Read story

7 Steps to Incredible Personal Productivity

Practical advice to turn an average workday into an incredibly productive day.  Read story