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The first time Simon Gongora saw a videoconference over the Internet, he was hooked. He was running a business that hired out medical translators to hospitals so that non-English-speaking patients could converse with doctors. With Internet video, he realized, his translators could work remotely with a far wider range of hospitals - giving him an edge over competitors.

Compared with many U.S construction firms, Premium Stone Surfaces has had a decent 2008. Owners Terry and Lora Mullins have nearly doubled their residential-repair business so far this year, even though their commercial contracts have cratered from 20 in 2007 to two today. But expenses have skyrocketed, and they've had to look far beyond their base in Craigsville, W.Va., to find those residential flooring jobs.

A volatile market forces a flight to sell stops and limit order. And several new reports in the coming days may provide even more chilling news.

The recent snap-back rally is a great lesson for the poor investors who pay too much attention to the media. Armageddon has been officially postponed.

Don't expect the US economy to burst out of its sharp downturn anytime soon. Here's why, and how investors can deal with a protracted slump.

For retailers, this year's Christmas season could be the worst in nearly 2 decades. But investors can still find ways to win with retail stocks. Here's how.

More people are declining employer health coverage in favor of saving on their own. If you are considering taking this potentially deadly risk, keep 5 strategies in mind.

Just in time for Halloween come these true tales of financial terror -- from a disappearing deposit to zombie bank checks and from a disembodied 'yes' to a savings-eating mortgage.

Take advantage of event crowds by getting people off the street and into your store.

Can a small fish survive in a big pond? Yes--even in this economy, big franchises are seeking single-unit franchisees just like you.

Break the rules. It's OK. You're not writing for your high school English teacher. Present your copy in a casual but professional way.

As more people connect to global networks via their mobile phones, the ability to reach potential customers at almost any time grows exponentially.

You like marketing; he likes accounting. You enjoy designing new products; she's a sales guru. Finding a business partner with complementary skills can be the best thing you do for your business--and yourself.

Every person has a little magnetism already inside him. Learn how to leverage it to draw in more business.

Stocks rally at the close on hopes for more rate cuts. A government report showing a shrinking economy is better than expected. ExxonMobil posts a record profit. American Express and Motorola announce big job cuts.