Features

Full-length feature articles from America’s Best.

In This Issue

Previous Articles
At Your Service
At Your Service
Tighten up your customer focus
Have the edge over big businesses with customer service »

2009 Nov/Dec by Cheryl Sowa

On Target
On Target
Hit the nail on the head with your marketing
Explore different marketing strategies »

2009 Nov/Dec by Cheryl Sowa

Fix Your Finances
Fix Your Finances
Determine which areas could use some adjustment
Each penny counts »

2009 Nov/Dec by Cornerstone Financial Partners, LLC

4 Ideas to Reeingeer Your Human Resources Practices
4 Ideas to Reeingeer Your Human Resources Practices
Innovative and unique ways to do more with less
Be leaner, stronger, smarter, and faster »

2009 Nov/Dec by Kelly Jackson

Top 10 Sales Blunders
Top 10 Sales Blunders
Even the most seasoned professional makes mistakes from time to time. If you avoid these common sales killers, you'll increase the likelihood of closing the deal.
What is killing your sale? »

2009 Sept/Oct by Charles M. Cooper

Social Climbing
Social Climbing
Incorporating social media into your business can help take your sales to new heights.
Grasp the power of the social media movement »

2009 Sept/Oct by Kim Fenolio

The Need for Speed
The Need for Speed
What to do when you need sales fast.
Think rationally »

2009 Sept/Oct by Cheryl Sowa

Accelerate Into the Fast Lane
Accelerate Into the Fast Lane
Sooner or later, the recession will end and when that happens speed will give you a huge head start over your competitors who have been hiding, with their heads down in the trenches.
Reazlie the need for speed »

2009 Sept/Oct by Jeb Blount

Opportunity Knocks
Opportunity Knocks
Growing your business requires an ongoing effort to bring new customers to your door.
Attract new customers »

2009 Sept/Oct by Frances Foley

Saving the Day: One Repair at a Time
Saving the Day: One Repair at a Time
The weak economy is prompting many consumers to cut back on spending; leading to an increase in the number of people having items repaired rather than buying new ones.
Fix It, Don't Ditch It »

2009 July/August by Charles M. Cooper

Six Degrees of Separation
Six Degrees of Separation
Most everyone has heard the saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Now more than ever, networking can play a critical role in the success of a small business.
Connect and Create Business Relationships »

2009 July/August by Frances Foley

Wanted: Reputation Killer - Negative Word-Of-Mouth
Wanted: Reputation Killer - Negative Word-Of-Mouth
You can’t please every customer all of the time. But you can take action and make sure the unhappy ones don’t hurt your business with negative word-of-mouth. By Cheryl Sowa
Learn How to Control the Damage »

2009 July/August by Cheryl Sowa

Small Town USA
Small Town USA
What do places like Pratt's Country Store and Tony's Hardware have in common? They are part of the mom and pop type shops that make up more than 70 percent of all businesses nationally.
Entrepreneurs Across America »

2009 July/August by Lynn Celmer

Take Me to Your Leader
Take Me to Your Leader
For most small business owners, it takes an acquired skill set to become an effective manager.
Become a Leader »

2009 July/August by Charles M. Cooper

Smooth Sailing
Smooth Sailing
A cash flow crunch could cause a wave of problems for your business. Making finances a top priority will help to ensure that you don’t capsize. By Lynn Celmer
Maintain finances and cash flow »

2009 May/June by Lynn Celmer

Stretching Your Travel $
Stretching Your Travel $
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, you can go away without going broke. By Meghan McClure
Save on your travels »

2009 May/June by Megan McClure

Affordable Healthcare Alternative
Affordable Healthcare Alternative
Members of America’s Best Companies now have access to Careington International Corporation – a leading provider of medical, health, and prescription discount plans.
Save with health care discount plans »

2009 May/June by Lynn Celmer

Against the Wind
Against the Wind
If you have a great business idea, there’s no need to wait for the economic storm to die down. The recession may be the perfect opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to start a business. By Charles Cooper
Take a chance and start a business »

2009 May/June by Charles M. Cooper

The Domain Game
The Domain Game
Selecting the right domain name for your business website can be a difficult task. Following these tips can help you avoid some common pitfalls.
What's in a name? »

2009 May/June by Dave Cosper

Survivor Innovation Island
Survivor Innovation Island
Small businesses that want to have a chance at surviving the recession have to make innovation an integral part of their business strategies.
Adapt to change by innovating »

2009 May/June by Lynn Celmer

What Lies Ahead for Small Business?
What Lies Ahead for Small Business?
Unemployment, healthcare, and taxes are just some of the issues facing small business owners. Entrepreneurs across the country hope to receive their fair share of economic stimulus.
Change is in the future »

2009 March/April by Charles M. Cooper

Tax Changes on The Way
Tax Changes on The Way
Don’t be confused this tax-filing season. We’ve got all the proposed tax changes that could affect your business.
Tax talk »

2009 March/April by Charles M. Cooper

Tweet Talk
Tweet Talk
The lowdown on the Twitter Phenomenon and how it can work wonders for your business.
The utlimate Twitter guide »

2009 March/April by Kim Fenolio

Women in Small Business
Women in Small Business
These five exceptional women serve as an example for all women as they followed their passions and created their own successful companies.
Fearless female entrepreneurs »

2009 March/April by Cheryl Sowa

Goals! Goals! Goals!
Goals! Goals! Goals!
One of the most important things that any business regardless of size needs to do is to set goals.
Increase business success by setting goals. »

2009 March/April by James J. Tracy

A Dozen Easy Ways to Increase Business
A Dozen Easy Ways to Increase Business
To help curb the effects of the downturning economy, here’s a helpful list of cash generating ideas for your small business.
Steps you can take today »

2009 Jan/Feb by James J. Tracy

Constantly Promoting your Business
Constantly Promoting your Business
Stay ahead of the game and promote your business at all times.
Keep your business in business »

2009 Jan/Feb by Cheryl Sowa

The Giving Plan
The Giving Plan
Preparing for charitable donations ahead of time can ensure you're not giving away the farm.
How much you can afford to give away? »

2009 Jan/Feb by Margaret Kaner

Become a Mentor
Become a Mentor
Mentoring is an easy way for small business owners to give something back without costing a fortune.
Give advice »

2009 Jan/Feb by Lynn Celmer

Get a Grip on Finances
Get a Grip on Finances
By taking advantage of programs available to you, you could increase your sales and also cut down on your overhead.
Manage your money »

2009 Jan/Feb by Vinai Shreenivas

Home Field Advantage
Home Field Advantage
The NFL’s Emerging Business Program helps bring economic success to minority- and woman-owned small businesses in Super Bowl host cities.
Minority and women-owned businesses offered huge opportunity »

2009 Jan/Feb by Lynn Celmer

Reduce Stress
Reduce Stress
The Stress Doc offers many tips on how businesses can reduce stress in the workplace.
Learn to relax »

2009 Jan/Feb by Cheryl Sowa

Bring Balance and Fun to Your Life
Bring Balance and Fun to Your Life
It is important to take time out to relax if you want to continue to stay healthy and energized.
Balance life and work »

2009 Jan/Feb by Lynn Celmer

Define your Success
Define your Success
The most important ingredient to success is taking action.
Don't quit »

2009 Jan/Feb by Charles M. Cooper

Make Business Planning a Priority
Make Business Planning a Priority
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Stay ahead of the game »

2009 Jan/Feb by Lynn Celmer

Upgrade Your Technology
Upgrade Your Technology
Technologies that can be integrated into small businesses in the most interesting ways.
Keep your small business up to date »

2009 Jan/Feb by Matthew Frisch

10 Resolutions to Keep in 2009
10 Resolutions to Keep in 2009
The start of the new year brings a golden opportunity for small business owners to build upon their business success or turn thri struggling business around. Read our top ten New Year resolutions for small business owners and write down the one that jump out at you.
Start the year off right »

2009 Jan/Feb

My Generation
My Generation
Knowing the demographics, influences, and ways to reach each generation within your target market could prove beneficial to your bottom line.
Multi-generational marketing could help your business »

2009 Jan/Feb by Janelle Mascarenas

Think Strategically - Get Creative
Think Strategically - Get Creative
Doing the research, developing a solid strategy, and executing creative tactics can do wonders for your business by opening the door to the goals you have set for yourself.
Create a path to reach your goals »

2009 Jan/Feb by Charles M. Cooper

Focus on What Works
Focus on What Works
Concentrate on the things you do best.
Be guided by experience »

2009 Jan/Feb by Charles M. Cooper

365 Ways to Improve 2009
365 Ways to Improve 2009
The end of the year is a time of rejuvenation and a time to make small adjustments to improve both your business and personal life. Here are 365 ideas to set you in the right direction to make 2009 the best year ever!
Start the year off right »

2008 Nov/Dec

Show Me The Money
Show Me The Money
Guard against counterfeiters by knowing how to spot phony currency.
Know your money »

2008 Nov/Dec by Charles M. Cooper

He Means Business
He Means Business
Bill Rancic is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurs, the challenges they face and what it takes to make it in business. Before winning the first season of The Apprentice, Rancic launched a successful online cigar company and started his own small business to help pay for college. He talks about his new gig, hosting A&E’s “’We Mean Business” and what he thinks it takes to be successful.
Bill Rancic gets personal »

2008 Nov/Dec by Lynn Celmer

If You Build It, They Will Come
If You Build It, They Will Come
For most businesses, the Internet is a place to communicate with customers, advertise with banner or text ads, and a place to sell products and services. With the rise of Web 2.0 and the growth of social media, however, many companies are discovering whole new ways of taking advantage of what the Internet has to offer. One strategy is to use online communities to maximize the Web’s potential benefit for your business.
Advantages of an online community »

2008 Nov/Dec by Charles M. Cooper

Ensuring Success
Ensuring Success
Fourth quarter publicity equals first quarter prosperity. By Todd Brabender
Get the results you need »

2008 Nov/Dec by Todd Brabender

Eye of the Tiger
Eye of the Tiger
Owners of seasonal small businesses must rise up to the challenges and go the distance if they want a chance at survival.
Surviving a seasonal business »

2008 Nov/Dec by Cheryl Sowa

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
There are ways to turn even your most difficult customers into raving fans.
Dealing with difficult customers »

2008 Sep/Oct by Lynn Celmer

Going Above and Beyond
Going Above and Beyond
Good customer service involves more than just setting high standards and being friendly with customers.
Create legendary customer experiences »

2008 Sep/Oct by Cheryl Sowa

The Psychology of Customer Service
The Psychology of Customer Service
The more you understand how your customers’ minds work, the easier it will be to achieve your business goals.
Confidently handle any situation »

2008 Sep/Oct by Lynn Celmer

Delivering an Experience
Delivering an Experience
For many businesses, the only way to stand out is by creating a unique experience for their customers.
Pay attention to the little things »

2008 Sep/Oct by Charles M. Cooper

Small Budget Big Results
Small Budget Big Results
You don’t have to break the bank to make your business stand out from the competition.
Ways to bypass expensive advertising »

2008 July/August by Lynn Celmer

Business in the Wilderness
Business in the Wilderness
Entrepreneurs in early America set the stage for business models of today.
Learn about entrepreneurs of the past »

2008 July/August by Charles M. Cooper

Commercial Success
Commercial Success
The Super Bowl isn’t the only time of year to catch unforgettable commercials—some of the most memorable moments in television advertising come from small business commercials aired in local markets every day. Learn how these ad campaigns led to a major boost in business and name recognition for these companies.
Memorable local television commercials »

2008 July/August by Lisa Doyle

Branding Your Business
Branding Your Business
It’s not enough to just have a name and logo for your business—you need to create a brand that incorporates your whole identity. Our experts share how to establish your business as a successful, brand-name company.
Make your small business a big name »

2008 July/August by Lynn Celmer

Build Up The Buzz
Build Up The Buzz
The top small—and almost free—ways to leave a big impact on your customers.
Leave your mark »

2008 July/August by Cheryl Sowa

Hot List 2008
Hot List 2008
Some new, some tried-and-true—here’s our list of the best tips, trends and tomes for the year.
Our list of the best tips, trends and tomes for the year »

2008 June

Finding Your Funding
Finding Your Funding
Launching a new business usually requires borrowing the money needed for start-up costs. Here's how to find the right amount of money from the right lenders.
How to find the best small business financing »

2008 June by Charles M. Cooper

Setting a Strategy
Setting a Strategy
Need to write a business plan? We offer comprehensive guidelines to creating a plan that will organize your company and convince potential lenders.
How to organize your business plan on the path to success »

2008 June by Charles M. Cooper

Women in Small Business
Women in Small Business
Who says it’s a man’s world? Today’s female entrepreneurs are shaking up the small business scene like never before.
Make way for these female entrepreneurs. »

2008 April

Reel Business
Reel Business
Lights, camera, startup! From used record shops to ghost exterminators, we bring you the best of small business on the silver screen.
We give our picks for best small biz flicks. »

2008 April by Jeremiah Leif Johnson

Small Businesses Around the World
Small Businesses Around the World
Around the country and around the globe, find out what small businesses share in common and how they differ.
Take a tour around the world. »

2008 April by Lynn Celmer

Learn Something New
Learn Something New
Whatever you do, your business's industry is constantly changing and evolving. By learning something new about your field, you can stay ahead of your competition.
The world is constantly changing, stay on top of things. »

2008 February by Mickey Hendrickson

Motivate Your Employees
Motivate Your Employees
Creating a dedicated and motivated workplace isn't just about giving raises. Learn how the best employers bring the best out of their employees.
Motivation comes down to one work, respect. »

2008 February by Vinai Shreenivas

Stay in Shape at Work
Stay in Shape at Work
It's not difficult to stay in shape at your business. Learn how the editor of America's Best dropped some pounds without visiting the gym.
It's not difficult to stay in shape at your business. »

2008 February by Jeremiah Leif Johnson

Give Your Business a Makeover
Give Your Business a Makeover
Toss out those old signs and 1970s decor. With a few simple touches, you could completely reinvent your business in 2008.
Easy tips to reinvent your business in 2008. »

2008 February by Dave Cosper

Take Control of Your Credit
Take Control of Your Credit
Good credit can help your business when you need it the most. Learn how to keep your business's credit as credible as possible.
Keep your business's credit as credible as possible. »

2008 February by Dave Cosper

Market Your Business on the Web
Market Your Business on the Web
Web marketing isn't just about buying ads anymore. Learn how social networking and blogging can bring the world to your doorstep.
Social networking and blogging can bring the world to you. »

2008 February by Lynn Celmer

Go Green at Work
Go Green at Work
If you use our simple tips for making your office greener, saving the world can be a reasonable resolution
Go green, save money, and save the world this year. »

2008 February by Dale Dambek

Get Involved in a Charity
Get Involved in a Charity
Your community is the foundation of your small business. Giving back to it can be rewarding for both your spirit and your community.
Give back to the community, the foundation of small business »

2008 February by Lynn Celmer

Save Your Business Money
Save Your Business Money
Employing a few simple practices can often make the difference of several thousands of dollars per year. Are you spending more money than you need to?
Simple tips for saving your thousands of dollars per year. »

2008 February by Jorge Cordova

Take a Vacation
Take a Vacation
Are you hurting both yourself and your business by not taking some time off? Taking a vacation could be one of the healthiest activities you do this year.
Don't hurt yourself or your business, take a vacation. »

2008 February by James J. Tracy

Ten Resolutions to Keep in 2008
Ten Resolutions to Keep in 2008
With resolutions focusing on topics from human resource development to extracurricular programs and better business investments, our resolution guide will help you make 2008 the year when you accomplish your goals.
Resolutions that will improve you, your business and more. »

2008 February

PayPal: Using the Web's Best Billfold
PayPal: Using the Web's Best Billfold
Of the masses of eBay sellers and budding online entrepreneurs, there is one factor that many of them have in common. They all accept PayPal.
The ins and outs on the world's best online wallet. »

2007 Fall by James J. Tracy

10 Ways to Protect your Business from Credit Card Fraud
10 Ways to Protect your Business from Credit Card Fraud
The vice president of national credit card processor National Translink Corporation on credit card fraud.
Don't put yourself at risk. »

2007 Fall by David Borosak

Success Runs in the Family for these Entrepreneurs
Success Runs in the Family for these Entrepreneurs
Some members of America's Best Companies show that the most fruitful ventures seldom fall far from the family tree.
We interview six families who work, play, and live together. »

2007 Fall by Dave Cosper

eBay Made Easy
eBay Made Easy
America's worst computer user proves that anyone can become an elite seller on eBay.
Step-by-step Guide to eBay »

2007 Fall by James J. Tracy

Three Little Letters That Can Protect Your Business
Three Little Letters That Can Protect Your Business
Climbing your way to success often isn't easy. Learn how incorporating your business can help minimize your risk.
Small Business, Inc. »

2007 Fall by Lynn Celmer

The Rossi Family Shares Their Business Secrets
The Rossi Family Shares Their Business Secrets
Dominic Rossi on surviving the influx of big box furniture companies.
Business secrets of the Rossi family. »

2007 Summer by Jeremiah Leif Johnson

Putting Your Business on the Internet can be as Easy as 1...2...3
Putting Your Business on the Internet can be as Easy as 1...2...3
Create a Website in 15 minutes or less.
An introduction to myABCspace.com »

2007 Summer by Dave Cosper

10 Ways to Make More Money
10 Ways to Make More Money
Easy strategies for improving sales.
Easy strategies for improving sales. »

2007 Summer by James J. Tracy

Choosing the Right Logo Can Give Your Business a Jumpstart
Choosing the Right Logo Can Give Your Business a Jumpstart
By having a professional logo, your company can make that all-important first impression.
Taking your company's logo seriously. »

2007 Summer by Noelle Bates

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