MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER

For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.

Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?

We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.

He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales

When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.

How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller

After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.

How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You

There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.

Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.

Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

There's no one way to market a small business. So how do you get the word out? Experts say you must experiment...and really stick with it.

HOW DAVID BEATS OUT GOLIATH

Can mom-and-pop shops truly compete against big-box behemoths and e-commerce giants? Yes, experts say - but they have to think and act truly local.

MAKING PEOPLE COMFORTABLE DOESN'T HAVE TO COST A FORTUNE

Just ask the couple who built a basically unmarked bar that, within three years, has become one of the most beloved mom-and-pop shops in the country.

If at First You Don't Get Clients...

Try, try again? That's the lesson of Facet, an innovative financial planning startup that tried everything to get its first customers.

When It's Time to Go All In

Do you have a side hustle? Do you want to make it a full-time hustle, and escape your 9-to-5 job? Blavity founder Morgan DeBaun has some advice: Do it carefully, but steadily.

Your Small Business Is About to Get Bigger

That's what this issue is all about. Read on!

How to Build a Side Hustle That Works For You

If you've been hearing a lot about side hustles lately, you're not alone. The term has slipped into our common consciousness in recent years-so much so that Merriam-Webster added it to its dictionary in 2022. \"Side-hustle is a word on the move,\" the entry says.

What Should Your Brand Look Like?

Every brand needs a look—but how do you create an eye-catching design that’s true to your company’s purpose? Here, six business leaders explain how they did it.

Your Next Recruit Could Be a Robot

Across the franchise industry, brands are putting AI to use in all kinds of novel ways. From customer service to better marketing and quality control, here's how brands are taking the leap into automation.

My 'Office Space' Revolt

In the '90s, I got my first management job in the public accounting department at Deloitte.

THE UNIVERSAL FORMULA TO FRANCHISEE SUCCESS

Why do some franchisees flourish while some flounder, even as they operate under the same brand? I've narrowed it down to three critical factors.

What Management Style Are You?

The fastest way to improve your team's performance is to take a hard look at your own leadership methods. But first you need to know what management style you lean toward, so you can bend in the right direction.

How To SURVIVE Being A LEADER in 2024

We've done the pandemic. Survived the fallout. But don't get comfortable, experts say: There's turbulence ahead. Here's how to prep for this year's worst-case scenarios.

Who's Stealing Your Time?

Do you have less time for the things you love? You might be blaming the wrong people.

Get Things Done!

Gear expert and two-time Emmy Award winner Mario Armstrong recommends design-forward tech that keeps you hitting deadlines without sacrificing aesthetics.

What Terrible Bosses Can Teach You

Sometimes the best insights come from the worst experiences. Here, six founders dish on their awful former bosses-and how they learned to do better.

Everything Is About to Change

Are you ready to adapt quickly? Billionaire tech investor Thomas Tull says you should be because these days, there's no other choice.

Going for the Gold

After competing in two Olympics, this swimmer dove headfirst into her second career-and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.

This Is the 'Ultimate Measure of a Good Leader'

When the founder of a fast-growing North Carolina biscuit franchise passed away abruptly the company discovered the true value of founding principles.

Spotlight on JAPAN

UPGRADING CAPITALISM BY EQUIPPING TODAY'S BUSINESSES WITH TOMORROW'S TECHNOLOGIES

Why 'Buy Green' Fails

As more companies become eco-friendly, they're often struggling to connect with consumers. Why? Because their communications are all wrong.

What Were You Wrong About?

Sometimes, a shift in perspective can change everything. But how do you trigger a revelation? Here, six leaders talk about what helped them see things clearly.

What's Up? (And What's Down?)

Want to know what’s really happening in franchising? We crunched five years’ worth of data—and found trends you might have missed.

Where Did Your Brand Voice Come From?

Every company has a personality and a communication style. Here, the founders of six companies share how they figured out what their business should sound like.