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
STREET SMARTS 
Norm Brodsky
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
Learning From Mistakes
A failed start-up has taught me (at least) two important things. Read story
The Sales Commission Dilemma
There's a better way to reward salespeople. Read story
Viva La Revolución!
Cuba may have a new revolution -- an entrepreneurial one. Read story
Yes, a Borrower Be, but ...
Manage your loan carefully or you may pay a terrible price. Read story
The Path to the Top
Are you an agent of change, or will you be a victim of change? Read story
Smoke and Mirrors
Where do you draw the line between perception and deception? Read story
The Employee Mentality
Learning to accept that people have a life outside the business. Read story
StreetSmarts: Peripheral Vision
Most entrepreneurs are compelled to beat the odds, to disprove the naysayers. They don't always succeed, but when they do, the experience is tremendously sat... Read story
Peripheral Vision
Most entrepreneurs are compelled to beat the odds, to disprove the naysayers. They don't always succeed, but when they do, the experience is tremendously sat... Read story
