Inc.com Daily | Entrepreneur News

Expert Insight, the Microsoft-Skype acquisition, five reasons not to buy a business, VF buys Timberland, and what else you need to know today.

Need business advice? Rent an expert. That's the idea behind Expert Insight, a new start-up that Slate calls a "fascinating new business that allows you to buy personal advice from a Nobel Prize-winning economist or a poker champion."

What the Skype/Microsoft deal means for business. Gene Marks at Forbes believes Microsoft's acquisition of Skype was the company's smartest decision ever. Here's why.

Five reasons not to buy a business. Buying an existing business can be a harrowing journey for an investor, especially if the company is a dud. 

When did tech companies get so boring? A must-read for any tech entrepreneur: Sarah Lacy calls big tech companies as dull as banks in TechCrunch today.

Maintaining company culture after getting bought out. Timberland was acquired by retail-giant VF today, but the company's CEO plans to keep Timberland's culture intact. Here's how he plans to do it.

A fertilizer company shifts focus. The lede in The Wall Street Journal says it all: "Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. has long sold weed killer. Now, it's hoping to help people grow killer weed." More on the medical marijuana industry here.

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Eric Markowitz reports on start-ups, entrepreneurs, and issues that affect small businesses. Previously, he worked at Vanity Fair. He lives in New York City. @EricMarkowitz