Entrepreneur magazine
December 2004
December 2004

Fever Pitch
Pull out your thermometers, 'cause things are heating up! Here's our annual roundup of the newest trends, hottest markets and business ideas that promise to sizzle in 2005.
It Figures 12/04
Teenage business ambitions, working at home and more
Coming Up Short
Short-term financing could help your company overcome temporary setbacks or cash-flow issues.

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Think Fast
Take advantage of faster depreciation.
Money Buzz 12/04
Informal investments, independent investment research and more
Black Gold
Oil is key to the success of this Russian fund.
A Class Act
Whether in an MBA program or an online course, hitting the books can help you stay on top.
Tall Order
Cellular carriers have been busy improving call quality, but will it last?
Gear 12/04
Wireless networks for travelers and big VoIP functions for small companies
Tech Buzz 12/04
Linux for laptops, news gathering services and more
Feel the Burn
If you've been making do without a DVD burner, now's the time to take advantage of recent advancements and upgrade your hardware.
Hot Disks 12/04
Password protection, publishing made easy and more
All Systems Go
Sure, integrating your front- and back-end systems might be a headache--but it's well-worth the effort.
Cut the Cord
Presentations don't have to be a hassle.
What's Next?
Harware that can straddle wireless LANs and cellular networks
Color-Blind?
They're practically giving away color laser printers, but watch out for those toner prices.
Wrap It Up Right
Like your holiday packages, year-end finances are all about presentation--and planning.
Going Global
International business tips make a world of difference.
Blogger's Block
Sick of blogging? Here's how to deal with business blog burnout.
Crisis Mode
A personal crisis needn't spell disaster for your business--not if you prepare for it.
What's Cookin'?
The FTC is serving up a new and improved franchise rule, but is it what small-business owners ordered?
Bald Ambition
Hell-bent on getting attention? Try a zany marketing stunt.
Extra Special
Why settle for the ordinary when you've got these special-edition vehicles to choose from?
Make a List, Check It Twice
Ever wonder what's on other entrepreneurs' to-do lists?
A Work of Art
Creating a business masterpiece takes a palette of different ideas.
Bar None
You'd better get in compliance with the new bar code rules before time runs out.
Working It
A surge in part-time workers can pay off for your business.
Keep In Touch
. . . even in the air. These new tech features are ready for takeoff.
Snapshot 12/04
Michael and Meredith Wickliffe, 40 and 38, founders of Wick's Pizza Parlor and Pub in Louisville, Kentucky
Not Lost in Translation
Marketing tactics from abroad can work just as well here, too.
Here Comes the Sun
Stay on time with this self-calibrating watch
Shell Shock?
New rules are driving small firms into shells, where they could get a nasty surprise.
Magic Markets
The experts use marketing mojo on our tech makeover winner.
Turning the Tables
You worked for them, and now you want them to "work" for you. Find out what you need to know to land your former employer as your startup's first client.
Out With the Old
Get 2005 off to a fresh start with one of these new franchises.
Resources 12/04
Websites, organizations, events and more to grow your business
Leaving Their Mark
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Java Enabled
For this former film student, the road to Hollywood--and business success--is paved with coffee beans.
Taking License
It pays to do your homework before signing a licensing agreement.
Survival of the Fittest
As your business grows, so do the challenges. Meet them with confidence.
Big Biz on Campus
Class is now in session for college entrepreneurs. Are you ready to enroll?
Smart Ideas 12/04
No slip headbands, online used-car sales and more
Full Disclosure?
When to tell customers you work from your home
What's New 12/04
Stretch your limits
Hit the Road
Itching to throw your business into high gear? We have everything you need to get your business fleet up to speed in our 2005 guide to commercial vehicles
Smart Tips for Lease Negotiations
Follow these 6 tips when negotiating your first commercial lease.
The Write Stuff
What does it take to launch a brand-new product?
Try Again
Business fell flat? No use whining about it. Here's how you can bounce back.
Good Libations?
Not if you give employees too much to drink at the company holiday party. Consider these sobering facts.
By Degrees
You can show highly educated employees the corporate ropes--but you'd better do it step by step.
Management Buzz 12/04
Rewarding top-rung employees, the work/life balance and more
Twin Picks
Dare your audience to compare, and your product is sure to get a lot of attention. Here's how to pull off a great side-by-side comparison ad.
What's the Plan?
Need a marketing plan? Here are strategies to fit penny pinchers, big spenders and everyone in between.
Hot on Their Trail
How to use the net to track offline customers
Patriot Acts
Should you play up the "Made in the USA" angle?
Remote Control
Allowing sales reps to work off-site definitely has its perks, but before you try it, be sure telecommuting makes sense for your business.
What's It Worth?
Get your prices right, or it'll cost you.
Marketing Buzz 12/04
Mints for Santa, net service at Sam's Club and more
Reaching Out
Finding good leads takes more than just making a few phone calls. Use a creative prospecting strategy to get yourself out there.
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