Cover Story
After the FloodWith the flow of VC funding slowed to a trickle, let our list of the top 100 VC funds be your divining rod.
Features
Turn It Up a NotchWhen more money starts pouring into the economy, is it time to pour more money into your business?
The Worst That Could HappenIt's time to face your worst business nightmares. Don't cover your ears and cringe until you hear how you can prepare yourself.
Be Your Own Boss
Be Your Own Boss FeaturesCorporate ClimbersWhat do you do when the next rung of the corporate ladder isn't enough motivation for you? These entrepreneurs transferred their climb to the world of franchising.
How's Your Health?When health care is healthy, it's the industry to be in--and the current chaos in the sector may be the opening you need.
Biz 101Examine Your Co-Op(tions)Feeling small and inconsequential? Get some small and inconsequential friends together, and you can be big.
InnovationsLook What I Found!Make the most of the opportunities everybody else has overlooked.
OpportunitiesIf the Shoe Fits...Need a change? Put your best foot forward and take on a new franchise.
The Way of the SamuraiAn ex-football pro packs in the profits, Asian-style.
What's New 07/02Set up shop by wiring the homes of the future.
Smart IdeasNovel IdeaTwo writers followed their passion for romance . . . and ended up with a love story of their own.
What's Your Problem?Keeping It LegalI've got the knowledge and experience. Do I really need a piece of paper?
In Every Issue
Almost FamousCrystal GaleWhen the winds of change started blowing, this entrepreneur escaped the jewelry game and entered the world of bejeweled décor.
Editor's NoteSIFE Lessons
Management
InsuranceAre You Surety?You don't have to eat the loss when a supplier screw-up hurts your business.
LegalFire ProofA thorough investigation is the only way to build a case against problem employees.
Management BuzzManagement Buzz 07/02Why you need to spend quality time with your employees
Smart Moves"Self" RespectYou can't deny consumers their desire to do everything themselves.
Staff SmartsCan You Believe It?How to tell the difference between a resume con and a typical dotcom
Marketing
A+ AdsFear FactorPush people's panic buttons with these techniques for an alarmingly effective ad.
BreakthroughBag LadyIt's a Hollywood story for this stylin' designer.
Marketing BuzzMarketing Buzz 07/02A retail lab to figure out how shoppes shop and saving money after the postal rate hike
Real DealLet's Talk About ItIn negotiation, it helps to know which questions work--and which don't.
Sales ForceHold It, Buddy!What to do when your best sales rep flies the coop and tries to take your clients along for the ride
Sales SuccessSeeing the LightYour customer says he's too broke to buy your product? Show him another way of thinking.
TacticsRide the Sold TrainNo matter your budget, you can create retail marketing that screams "Hey, check me out!"
Money
Dollar SignsOut of ReachCould proposed 401(k) overhauls put small-business owners in over their heads?
FundsBalancing ActFunds that combine the best of both worlds
Money BuzzBuzz 07/02The experts' take on the euro overhaul, why the SEC is setting up fake sites and more
Raising MoneyAttacking a Loan7 knock-'em-dead strategies to use when negotiating with hard-nosed commercial bankers
Tax TalkKeep It SimpleWill the feds succeed in untangling tax laws?
Smarts
Biz TravelIn Your SitesGot a computer? Then you have everything you need to take on the travel industry.
BooksOn Your OwnerThe argument for giving employees a piece of the pie
Brand AidPopular MechanicsOnly employees can keep a company running like a well-oiled machine.
Capitol IssuesBargain HuntersThey've found your source of cheap consulting, and they're turning off the tap.
Hot SeatCall for HelpDoesn't funneling all your cash into business growth get a little old after a while?
It FiguresIt Figures 07/02Who's planning on investing in technology, what entrepreneurs use the Internet for and more
Smarts FeaturesAnswering the CallTrust corporations to know when the VC game is ready for new players.
Sleeper HitWearing pajamas isn't just for bedtime and escaped mental patients anymore.
Go, Team!Prior to team-building, we didn't really have a word we could put after "Go . . ."
Send a CardCredit card debt got you down? If only you could get an SBA-backed loan . . .
Space CaseNeed a technology partner? NASA might've come up with a thing or two you can use.
Second GigSome entrepreneurs have to weigh the needs of the brand againist the needs of the band.
SnapshotJordan Weisman42, founder and CEO of WizKids LLC in Bellevue, Washington
Tech ToySecure SightA video camera that's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand
WheelsTrucked CompanyWho said the company car had to be a car?
WomenWild, Wild WestWhat's going on out West? Women-owned businesses are growing out of control.
Tech
Buyer's GuideIt's Got Teeth!Bluetooth is here--now figure out what you want it to do for you.
Cool ClicksCool Clicks 07/02Sites that help you check your security on the Net and find the best search tools
Digital EdgeThe Pull for PullICANN is tightening its grip on uncontested control over Internet domains.
GearGear 07/02Keep your broadband communications safe; BlackBerry gets a voice.
Hot DisksHot Disks 07/02CPR for PC problems, a fish that hunts for information and more
Net ProfitsRelationship IssuesIs it time for your growing business to spring for a sophisticated CRM solution?
Tech BuzzTech Buzz 07/02Get a gold seal of approval for your e-mail marketing messages; the skinny on the recently formed Organization for Internet Safety
WirelessWhere Are the Customers?The answer is on the way via wireless.
Wide Open?Ultra-wideband awaits its big debut.