Research and Development


Recent Research and Development Articles

How to Validate Your Start-up Idea

Will that brilliant business idea really take off? Here are five ways to test it-- before you invest too much time and money.  Read more

Confessions of a Bad Delegator

If you want to make sure something gets done, do you do it yourself? Read on, fellow micro-managers: It's time to get a little help.  Read more

Dramatically Increase Your Revenue: 6 Tips

Want to find hidden opportunities? Ask your customers these questions--but only after you've made the sale.  Read more

3 Ways You Need to Give Up Control

C'mon, control freaks: Your start-up needs fresh and innovative ideas. To get them, you're going to need to let go of the reins a bit.  Read more

Contest: Tell Us Your Bright Idea

How creative are you? Come up with an elegant solution to this real world problem and you could win a spot in Inc. Magazine  Read more

Want to Improve Your Business? Talk to Your Vendors

I find some of the best new ideas come from the companies I already work with.  Read more

Why Web Companies Have Trouble Making Money

Why can't some of the most popular start-ups on the Web translate users into dollars?  Read more

The Next 3 Biggest Things in Tech

The president of VC firm Intel Capital reveals the three biggest areas for growth and innovation in the technology industry.  Read more

An App to Bring the Supply Chain into the 21st Century

It's a simple idea: a 3D search tool for industrial parts. But it could have huge implications for a process that has been costly, inefficient, and opaque.  Read more

Why Going 'Green' Won't Be Optional in the Future

The Honest Company co-founder Christopher Gavigan explains why cleaner, greener products won't be a competitive edge--they'll be the cost of entry soon.  Read more

8 Ways to Nip Procrastination in the Bud

Putting things off is career hampering, stressful and bad for your health. Here's how to get working.  Read more

The Secret to Getting More (and Better) Sleep

What if you could make better decisions, remember more, and get more done? It's possible, but you need more sleep. Here's how to get it.  Read more

Eric Ries: Whatever You Do, Make the Customer King

The Lean Startup author weighs in on the best ways to build momentum for a new company--and improve your product in the process.  Read more

8 Takeaways From Entrepreneurs at SXSW

A group of entrepreneurs share their insights from SXSW.  Read more

5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Co-founder

To head off problems down the road, any prospective partner must bring a lot more than talent to the table. Here's what else to look for.  Read more

The 1 Percent Fallacy

You've probably heard this one before: Your start-up needs only 1 percent of the market, and you're golden. If only that were so easy.  Read more

Most Important Task You're Ignoring

Answering emails, putting out fires--those are important. But one founder suggests something else should take up at least 25 percent of your day.  Read more

8 Business Principles That Never Go Out of Style

Want trendy, flavor-of-the-month management ideas? You won't find 'em on this list.  Read more

Best Way to Start, Well, Anything

The road to success starts with asking--and answering--one simple question.  Read more

How to Have a Meaningful Conversation

Here are four simple ways to ensure that every business conversation is productive.  Read more

Paradox of Real-Time Data: No Time Left for Business

Up-to-the-minute updates were supposed to make you more efficient. What the heck happened?  Read more

The Makings of a Great Start-up Name: 6 Tips

A killer company name isn't just about finding something that sounds right. Here are six things to keep in mind.  Read more

VCs Bet $1.4 Billion on Big Data in 2012

According to a new report, total investment dollars went down last year, but the number of deals and exits soared.  Read more

Want to Expand into China? Read This First

Heading to China isn't right for every company--and even if it is for yours, it won't be easy. Here are three things to remember.  Read more

Better Collaboration in 3 Steps

Engineers use the Agile method to build software more efficiently. You can use it to run your company more efficiently.  Read more

Unexpected Key to This Start-up's Success: Southwest Airlines

In Confirmation.com's early days, the start-up made an unusual decision about how to grow: It went where Southwest flew. Here's why it worked.  Read more

What Nepalese Mountaineers Can Teach You About Business

Sherpas are famous for trekking to the summit of Mount Everest. But one entrepreneur says they have much to teach the business world.  Read more

Innovation, Ninja-Style

Consumer Electronics Association head Gary Shapiro says small tech companies, when they're at their best, act like ninjas.  Read more

Business in Trouble? Tell Your Customers

When this café ran into financial trouble, the owners did the only thing they could: They asked customers for help--and help they did.  Read more

24 Rejuvenating Ways to Spend Your Lunch Break

Eating a cold sandwich at your desk while you surf Facebook doesn't count. Shake things up with one of these energy boosters.  Read more

11 Life-Changing Questions You Must Ask Yourself

Ask yourself these questions every day. Without fail. And then, based on your answers, take action.  Read more

Office Gear to Last a Lifetime

Tired of low-end office gear that can't make it through the year? Make a better investment in these innovative products designed for maximum durability.  View slideshow

An Acquisition Without the Acrimony?

Lots of acquisitions lead to redundancies, lay-offs, and ultimately unhappy marriages. But they don't have to be that way.  Read more

Need an Idea? Try Reinventing the Obvious

There's a better way to pay for dinner--at least according to this start-up. The founders explain the origins of the idea.  Read more

Jerry Maguire Was Right

Two business owners decided to stop seeking wealth for its own sake and start putting their clients first. Here's what happened.  Read more