community
February 2011
COVER STORY
In Norway, Start-ups Say Ja to Socialism
We venture to the very heart of the hell that is Scandinavian socialism—and find out that it’s not so bad.
FEATURES
Case Study: How to Raise Prices
They never anticipated the pushback they received when they changed their pricing model. Was it the right move?
How Great Entrepreneurs Think
Here's a look inside the (restless, curious, eager) minds of highly accomplished company builders.
Hollywood Innovations Made Real
Meet the entrepreneurs who are making Hollywood's futuristic gadgets a reality.
How I Did It: Eileen Gittins, Founder of Blurb
With the world embracing digital platforms, Eileen Gittins proposed a move in the opposite direction. And it worked.
Creating a Company Vision
Do you have a vision of where your company will be in three years? In five? 10? Here’s a sure-fire way to get clear about the future you want.
The Way I Work: Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk spends every free second tweeting his heart out. Tune in to his talk at this week's Inc. 5000 Conference.
COLUMNS
Street Smarts | Norm Brodsky
Sales Strategy Checkup
Columnist Norm Brodsky offers his advice on how to make customers realize they need your product.
Street Smarts | Norm Brodsky
Understanding Your Company
When winging it is no longer enough to build your company, Norm Brodsky says it's time to master your numbers.
Street Smarts | Norm Brodsky
Planning to Exit
According to Norm Brodsky, you should always build a business as if it's going to be sold—even if you never intend to sell it.
Get Real | Jason Fried
How to Turn Disaster Into Gold
When one of his products malfunctioned, customers erupted in fury—and it made his company stronger than ever.
THE GOODS
5 Fun Desk Accessories
If you're looking for some new accessories, these fun (and mostly functional) items will spruce up any workspace.
4 New Windows Phones
Windows smartphones haven't been taken seriously—until now. We tested four new Windows 7 Phone models. Here are the results.
My Favorite Tool for Making Presentations
Entrepreneur Maureen Carroll explains how she uses Prezi to make presentations.
Daily Deals for Businesses
OfficeArrow sends out daily e-mails with discounts of 50 percent to 90 percent on business products and services.
Things I Can't Live Without: Gina Stern of d_parture Spa
Stern's favorite things include pocket flip-flops and homeopathic stress-relief spray.
A New Way to Text in Flight
The Line2 Professional iPhone app lets you send and receive text messages on an airplane using Wi-Fi.
The Story Behind the Alex Bottle
A reusable bottle that's eco-friendly and easy to clean.
4 Cool New Video Game Devices
Tired of playing the same old games? We tested four new add-ons to see if they're worthy of a spot in your den.
A Stylish New Speaker
The sleek Jawbone Jambox sounds as good as it looks.
3 Tax-Preparation Apps
These mobile apps are designed to help you estimate your tax bill or refund, organize receipts, and find answers to tough tax questions.
PASSIONS
CEO Passions: Roller Derby
An exciting outlet for working off stress, NeighborGoods.net CEO Micki Krimmel laces up to let loose, playing roller derby.
INNOVATION
Innovation: A Plant That Can Handle Salt
Ceres has developed a genetic trait that allows certain plants to tolerate high levels of salt.
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STRATEGY
Rebranding on the Internet
Action Envelope learned the hard way that rebranding in the age of Google is not as easy as it once was.
Support Groups for Start-ups
Here's how events like Pokin’ Holes and companies like The Hatchery are helping entrepreneurs gett ahead.
Elevator Pitch: Lifesta
Lifesta lets people resell their unused Groupon coupons. Can it raise $1.5 million for national marketing?
Should You Consider an International Franchise?
Dlush opened its first international location in the Middle East after a visit from a wealthy Kuwaiti family.
The Art of The Pivot
Lean startup guru Eric Ries recommends that start-ups refine their business models through small tweaks—or pivots.
BEHIND THE SCENES
The Business of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Here's a look at the companies that provide the concession equipment, trapeze rigging, elephant headpieces and food for the animals as you enjoy the greatest show on Earth.
LAUNCH
Oregon's Electric Car Revolution
Oregon is becoming the electric-car manufacturing hub with it's tech know-how and ready consumers.
Forget About the Competition
The smart strategy is to just do your best, writes Fred Wilson, VC and principal of Union Square Ventures.
Entrepreneurs in the News
The latest news on Jessica Jackley, Grubhub, and Paula Abdul.
Profits vs. Wages
The latest stats on business sentiment, salaries, profits and more.
Book Review: The Price of Everything
There is a price behind each choice that we make, writes Eduardo Porter in this book on the psychology of perceived value.
A Fair-Trade Valentine
Countless entrepreneurs have tapped into the craze for artisanal chocolates, but far fewer have combined quality with socially conscious methods. Here's a look at those that do.
Damning With Praise
Note to women: Beware of the glowing letter of recommendation because even the most upbeat reference could work against you.
LEGACY
Obiturary: Antonio ("Tony") Moreno, 1944-2010
A larger-than-life figure in Latin music.
VIEWS & OPINIONS
Rewriting the Rules of Credit
In his new book, A Call for Judgment, economist and Tufts University professor Amar Bhidé talks about getting banks to lend again.
Editor's Letter: Northern Exposure
Exploring the link between entrepreneurship and high taxes
Reader Mail: February 2011
Responses to recent stories, including Jason Fried’s column about raising prices and Meg Hirshberg’s column about entrepreneurship and divorce.
A Sustainability Pioneer
Sustainability is a popular buzzword these days, but it has been part of Wendi Goldsmith's vocabulary since she founded Bioengineering Group in 1992. Her 2009 revenue: $9.1 million.
