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Startup Basics

So You Want to Start a Business?
Here's smart advice for taking your idea and turning it into the business of a lifetime.

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3 Honest Ways to Raise Startup Money
Create a healthy foundation for your business by combining enthusiasm with honesty.

Customize Your Referral Strategies
To optimize sales, learn to tailor your networking approach to different personality types and occasions.

What Inspires People to Startup?
These 6 entrepreneurs dropped it all for the prospect of making a difference and fulfilling a personal dream.

Getting the Most From Trade Shows
Don't show up empty-handed. Make sure you're fully prepared to maximize your time at this annual event.


Starting How-Tos
Research Your Business Idea
Your brilliant idea may indeed be brilliant--or it may need some work. Here's how to find out whether you're ready for startup.
More Starting How-Tos:

Choosing a Legal Structure for Your Business
Business Structure Basics
Choosing a structure for your business can be a confusing jumble of legalese and acronyms. But with this basic guide, you'll be able to select the structure that will serve your business best at tax time.
More Choosing a Legal Structure for Your Business:
More Articles
Masters of Life Style Content
Being young in the city that never sleeps helps these entrepreneurs paint the town read.

Sell Yourself Right
If you do it right, a pitch show can mean a wealth of opportunity for your new business.

Look Good Online
The only way to control what people say about your company is to be part of the conversation.

3 Ways to Kill a Deal in India
Sometimes cultural barriers can undo any multimillion dollar deal. Make sure the barrier isn't you.

Find a Home for Your Business
The world is your playground. Use the Global Competitiveness Index to learn which country is easiest for your company to do business in.

A Step Down That's a Step Up
No matter how high up you are on the corporate ladder, it's never too late to start your own business--even if you're heading into a different industry.

3 Ways to Kill a Deal in China
Why should you fight over the bill during a Chinese business dinner? Read on to find out.

The Basics of Greening Your Business
Run a more eco-friendly company with these 5 easy and cost-effective tips.

Keep Up Appearances
The right attitude can mean the difference between failure and success.

Virtual Help for Real Entrepreneurs
Learn the many roles a virtual staff can fill to help grow your business.

Moon Cakes Are Big Business in China
American pastry shops and other suppliers have discovered Chinese moon cakes as a new profit center. For other businesses, the pastries are great networking tools.

What's in a Name? Everything
Good company monikers suggest rather than describe; great ones have the flexibility to survive unforeseen changes or expansion.





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75 Startup Secrets
Learn the top secrets for handing all the details of your new business, including:
Avoid These 7 Partnership Killers
Pitfalls abound when entrepreneurs decide to become partners. Know what they are ahead of time so you can set up guidelines that allow people to walk away if things go wrong.

Free Startup Forms
These forms will help you gather data, calculate costs, and brainstorm the ideas you need to get your new business off to a good start.

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