Inc. Magazine: January 1, 2001

The Failure Myth

Every new entrepreneur has likely heard the warning, "Four out of every five new businesses fail." There's just one problem -- it's not true. Here are few simple steps you can take to make sure your business avoids a premature death.

Letters

Readers respond to the November Inc. columns by Andrew Raskin, who stepped down as CEO of his start-up, and Norm Brodsky, who wrote about the difficulty of being friends with those who call you boss.

Upstarts: Dry Cleaning

An all-starch cast hopes to bring new-economy practices to the grubby business of cleaning people's clothes.

Street Smarts: Your Good Name

There's nothing more important than having a good business reputation. And the best people to help you get one are your competitors, Norm Brodsky argues.

Obit: Auto-Shop Roll-Up Wrecked in Rush

A founder's rush to capitalize on a Wall Street penchant for industry roll-ups may have brought CARA Collision and Glass to a screeching halt.

Office Politicking

In last year's election Bush took Ohio and Gore claimed Oregon. Could a pair of Inc. 500 CEOs have been responsible for that?

Your Way

The best way to build a business is on your own terms, as demonstrated by this issue's profile of eight very different paths to entrepreneurship. Part 1 of the Start-Up Issue.

The Rationalist: The Death of Gut Instinct

An increasing number of entrepreneurs have turned against intuition when it comes to deciding what kind of business to start.

The Copycat: The Next Starbucks

Not only is imitation the sincerest form of flattery, but it may also be the easiest way to make a buck.

The Spin-Off: Hiding in Plain Sight

Sometimes the best ideas for new businesses are just waiting to be discovered inside old ones.

The Soloist: Balancing Act

"The Foot Nurse" of Silicon Valley has a growing one-woman business and time for a home life to boot.

The Idealist: Into the Frying Pan

After nearly three decades at one of the country's most prestigious business schools, Eric van Merkensteijn tried managing in the real world.

The Zealot: Mission Critical

Sometimes the fastest way to get a job done is to start your own company.

The Pro: The Rules

Mix seasoned, unsentimental management skills with an industry that hasn't encountered them.

The Accidental Entrepreneur: Field of Dreams

For Paul Breaux, what started out as a lark has turned into a business.

Big Plans

Catch up with some of the companies profiled in our Anatomy of a Start-Up series, and here's what you'll discover: Plans are one thing, executing them is another.

Year One

In a January 2000 cover story called "The Start-Up Diaries," Inc. began following five fledgling businesses for twelve months. In this final installment of the diaries, the founders we've followed tell us what they think you should know.

My So-Called Life

In its January 2000 issue, Inc. began following five fledgling businesses. The founder of one, edu.com, shares some lessons and insights.

Suspended Animation

In the magazine's January 2000 issue, Inc. began following five fledgling businesses for twelve months. The founder of one, Inca Quality Foods, reveals his lessons and insights.

Unsentimental Education

In the January 2000 issue, Inc. began following five fledgling businesses for twelve months. The CEO and cofounder of one, Fuxito Worldwide Inc., reveals his lessons and insights.

That Was Then

In its January 2000 issue, Inc. began following five fledgling businesses for twelve months. The chief operating officer and cofounder of one, 10 Minute Manicure, reveals her lessons and insights.

Confidence Man

In its January 2000 issue, Inc. began following five fledgling businesses over a twelve-month period. The founder of one, Application Technologies, reveals his lessons and insights.

Book Value: Managing Creativity

Inc.'s reviewer looks at several books on topics related to creativity in your business.

Best of the Web: Casing Cybermarts for Office Furniture

Several Web purveyors specialize in such goods as office desks and computer tables. Fourteen CEOs rate the online dealers.

Index

A comprehensive guide to companies, organizations, and individuals featured in the January 2001 issue of Inc. magazine.

Business for Sale: Midwestern Outdoor-Advertising Company

Here's an eye-catching opportunity: A Midwestern outdoor-advertising company, complete with profitability and growth potential. But like Eva Gabor in Green Acres, you need to forgo that big-city lifestyle.

Breaking Up the Kitchen Cabinet

Despite guiding their company through a major turnaround, IVPcare's leaders decided to trickle decision-making power down to middle managers.

Hot Tips

Get a national trademark on your business ideas; cut back on your workload.

Carlos Alvarez: My Biggest Mistake

The chairman and CEO of the Gambrinus Co. -- an importer of beer -- reveals his biggest business mistake: overconfidence in his brand's ability to sell without market research.

Wisdom for First-Time Founders

Valerie Lichman, owner of a marketing and PR firm, offers this advice: Don't bend over backward for clients when you don't have to.

In Praise of the Six-Hour Day

Author John Izzo believes that employees will continue to push for more flexible hours.

Forgo the Trade Shows?

Some entrepreneurs who sell their products to big retailers have decided to forgo more generic trade shows.

In a Former Life: James L. Pate

The chairman of the board of Pennzoil-Quaker State Co. used to serve as assistant secretary of commerce under President Ford.