Table of Contents:VOL. 17, NO. 8 - October 2007 Startup
 An exclusive Zogby poll for FSB shows that a plurality of small-business voters are still undecided about the presidential election. Republican Mitt Romney had the most fans. (more)
New laws against too-soon expiration dates on gift cards hurt spas, salons, and restaurants. (more)
Local laws that limit beer tastings hurt independents. (more)
Employers can now cut insurance co-pays for workers who follow healthier lifestyles. (more)
A small business in Hawaii brings in a healthy profit by breeding and shipping more than 5,000 of these creatures a year. (more) Cover story
 Do your clients love you? Surveys show that more consumers than ever are fed up with bad service. Find out how to win and retain new accounts from fast-growing small businesses across the country. (more)
If you stumble, say you're sorry, and then scramble to make it up to the customer. (more)
Learn from these successful companies how to attract and keep clients. (more)
Meet two business owners who recovered after customer service disasters. (more)
Here's what entrepreneurs and experts advise to keep clients smiling. (more) Features
 Automation is becoming more affordable for small business owners interested in cutting manufacturing costs. (more)
With a new marketing plan and product packaging, a small fishing tackle manufacturer snags big deals. (more)
A biotech startup promises accurate prenatal tests without the risks of traditional amniocentesis. (more)
A small business owner puts three packages to the test. (more)
At his Midwestern headquarters, Bill Penzey tells FSB how home cooks fueled his seasonings empire. (more)
A small business owner gives in and files for Chapter 13 - and discovers it was the smartest decision he's ever made. (more)
I moved my firm to the mountains of Vermont after 9/11 - and changed my life for the better. (more)
A long-established foundry is losing money. While the owners think the answer is new customers, FSB's team of experts focus on solving management woes in our latest Makeover. (more)
While enjoying the world's shortest commute, I built a robust paving business. (more)
Many business owners believe a price increase will drive customers away. But those offering something unique may be surprised by their pricing power. (more)
The feds are renewing threats of jail for those who hire illegals. But while the latest rules stir fear, there's little hope for enforcement or reform. (more) Off hours
 Travel back in time on a sometimes harrowing trek inspired by the famous patriot's midnight journey. (more)
The redesigned C-class offers car nuts some fresh twists on an old favorite. (more)
Local entrepreneurs offer green places to stay, eat, and shop. (more)
A local newsstand draws Francophiles with its authentic ambiance. (more)
Forget MP3 players. This entrepreneur prefers old-school audio gear. (more)
Cool new kitchen gear from 8 small firms. (more) |
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RECENT ISSUES
FSB scoured the country for towns that combine a great business environment with alluring leisure offerings. The result: our list of the 100 Best Places to Live and Launch. ( more)
Taxes are painful. To help you reduce the bite, FSB spoke with top experts and compiled this list of tips for businesses looking to beat the taxman. ( more)
Why are more and more couples risking romance to launch a business together - and how do the successful ones make it work? Read on for their stories. ( more)
Sir Richard will help fund U.S. entrepreneurs, jetpacks will finally fly, and GPS devices will show the cheapest gas nearby - plus much more! ( more)
Scott Jones thinks up more ideas in a month than most folks do in a lifetime. Find out how he makes them pay. ( more)
FEATURES
Entrepreneurs are finding that creating eco-friendly offices costs a bit more up front but can deliver lasting benefits. |more|
More cities are requiring restaurants to tell customers how much fat is in that burger. Smart business owners are embracing the trend. |more|
At the Bitter End, some of the world's best sailors take amateurs - including many entrepreneurs - on a wild ride. |more|
FSB's makeover squad helps a shoemaking couple chart a growth plan. |more|
Facing a dwindling supply of American tech workers, employers struggle to hire skilled foreigners. |more|
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