dropcard.com - business news

FSB's resident psychoanalyst analyzes how an entrepreneur turned blindness to his advantage in business.

A look at small companies with a big presence at the recent Toy Fair extravaganza.

Two years ago on labor day I stumbled onto Bikram yoga in a studio on West 72nd Street in New York City and was hooked within a week. Now it's an integral part of how I run my business.

When we last met the end records ("Squeezing Money From Music," March 2007), the music label had just taken a double whammy.

There are two proven paths to building wealth: You can increase the amount of money you make, or you can increase the amount of money you keep.

Dear FSB: My uncle would like me to take over the family commercial caulking business, and right now, I am working with the caulkers in the field, learning the job and making sure they do not drag their feet. Unfortunately, the workers, who are paid by the hour, do just that. They are in no rush to get the job done, and though we profit-share at the end of the year, it seems like that is not enough motivation. What are alternative wage methods that other businesses like mine use to pay their employees and increase production?

Dear FSB: What's the best way to obtain new customers for a local commercial sign installation business? Do direct mail campaigns work with commercial customers?

Dear FSB: I manufacture custom gable-end vents and am experiencing a lot of down time with the housing slump. I'm looking for a business idea that will offset my lost business. I've toyed with the idea of building small craft crates with scrap wood from my vents. I've also considered starting a coffee shop or deli, but don't know where to begin and don't see much need for one in the town where I live.

Be it a sizable payout, a fancy car or even a discount at Wal-Mart, company honchos can't seem to resist getting something extra. Here's a sample of 2007's juiciest handouts.

Gaiam has capitalized on the trend toward a cleaner, healthier lifestyle, but its stock gets just one of five stars in our CAPS rating system. That means many investors think the run won't last. I agree

If your marriage is breaking up, here's one more thing to think about: The major effect it'll have on your employer-sponsored retirement plan.

IBM's big stock buyback and earnings guidance give most techs a boost. Google falls on an analyst downgrade. Crude oil and the euro both hit new highs after producer prices show a gain. Despite lousy housing news, home-builder shares jump.

International stocks can offer compelling yields, and the MSN CAPS rating system helps investors evaluate which companies hold the most promise.   

Next month, eBay intends to implement a controversial new policy that will entail holding payments sent through PayPal for up to 21 days for certain "high-risk transactions."

Dear FSB: I have a business on the side. Everything is done from my apartment. I use a computer and audio-editing software to produce commercials for radio stations, and send them via MP3 files. I work alone and have no employees. Do I need a business license for this type of operation?