Are You Listening to Me?
You can if you want to--but you have to make your own decisions. Some advice on how to give, get, and take advice. Read story
STREET SMARTS 
Norm Brodsky
Keep Your Customers
It's hard to make the Inc. 500 if you're always churning clients. Read story
What Your Employees Think of You
You think you know, but you don't. Here's how to find out. Read story
Listen Up!
We all like to think we listen to our customers--but do we really hear them? Read story
Sam and Me
Sometimes, even headstrong, go-it-alone entrepreneurs need a partner. I know. Read story
What Are You Trying to Do?
When you are starting a business, it's amazing how easy it is to lose track of your real goal. Columnist Norm Brodsky explains Read story
The One Thing You Can't Delegate
Defining--and enforcing--your company's culture may be your most important job. Read story
Targeting Norm
Believe it or not, some Inc. readers have the unmitigated gall to challenge our columnist's thinking. But don't worry, Norm can take it. Read story
The Most Important Resource
Time is more valuable than money--a lesson many business owners learn too late. Read story
Be Prepared
When your contract with a longtime client expires, do you reread every word of the original contract? No? Let me tell you a story. Read story
How Much Risk Can You Take?
There are two kinds of entrepreneurs. You need to know which kind you are. Read story
The Name Game
Few things are less important to the success of a business than figuring out what to call it. Read story
Marketing for Dummies
Because only dummies would waste their money on it. Read story
The More, the Merrier
An industry isn't mature--and you can't be secure--until a lot of other people are doing what you do. Read story
Dealing With Cost Hikes
Lots of people will tell you now is the best time to raise prices. Don't follow them! Read story
How to Lose Customers
It's easy. Just convince them that they're getting a lousy deal. Read story
Let the (Political) Games Begin
What do you do when the government wants to replace your business with a big swimming pool? Read story
Firing Carlotta
If you have rules, you have to be prepared to stick with them-even when it's hard. Read story
What's Your Business Really Worth?
Before you try to sell, make sure you know what buyers want. Read story
Why the Union Can't Win
It's time for labor leaders to start thinking like business leaders. Read story
Subcontracting Made Easy
If my friends at Local 361 had done the job, I never would have met this unusual crew of ironworkers. Read story
Don't Sign Anything Yet
Beware of commitments that can doom your business from the outset. Read story
Pennies From Heaven
Simple formula: You take care of your employees, they'll take care of your company. Read story
Street Smarts: Just Say Yes
How a policy that sounds tough can turn into a lifeline for some. Read story
Presumed Guilty
Let your lawyers stick to lawyering. The business decisions should remain in your hands. Read story
Hidden Assets
When I realized my land was worth as much as my business, I really fell in love with real estate. Read story
The Myths About Niches
First you find a good market niche. Then you get ready for it to change and keep changing. Read story
Bring 'em On!
Bring 'em on! Our fearless columnist gives his readers a chance to disagree (but how could they?). Read story
Everybody Sells
Your work force can become a secret weapon for closing sales. Read story
You're Fired!
Tired of receiving poor service? Don't just sit there and whine about it. Do something! Read story
Street Smarts: What's New?
Like Inc. , columnist Brodsky is celebrating his 25th year in business, and much has changed in that time--including how Brodsky thinks about his cho... Read story
Learning From JetBlue
One day flying JetBlue, I found myself being served by David Neeleman, the airline's founder. When was the last time you met your customers and asked how you... Read story
Problems, Problems
Problems, problems. Every business owner has them. The key question is this: Are you just stopping the bleeding, or are you dealing with the root causes? Read story
The Thin Red Line
Sometimes, success--or failure--is just one decision away. Read story
The Capacity Trap II
Sometimes it's better to let your unused capacity stay unused. Read story
Ya Gotta Love it
Pure, heartfelt enthusiasm can take you a long way in business--just ask Bobby and Helene Stone about the $2.6 million business they run out of their basement. Read story
The Answer Man
What do you do when an employee starts a competing business? Nothing, says the Answer Man. Read story
The Magic Number
Every business has a magic number. By employing his, our columnist didn't overstaff this year. Read story
Your Money or Your Life
Before you develop a business plan, you need a life plan. Read story
The King and I
A visit with a king provides some unexpected business lessons. Read story
