en-ushttp://www.bizheat.com/BizHeat Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:39:01 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Total_ecommerce_acceptance_virtual_terminal_internet_online_detail_wirelessBest Source for ecommerce virtual credit debit cards processing payment gate ways merchant accounts service provider.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Total_ecommerce_acceptance_virtual_terminal_internet_online_detail_wirelessMon, 18 Aug 2008 09:21:18 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_Customer_Is_The_Boss___Profile_on_Sam_Walton_from_WalmartFrom a farm boy living in the outskirts of Oklahoma to becoming the richest man in America in the 1980s and revolutionizing the way the country did business, Sam Walton’s legacy continues to live on. By the time he passed away in 1992, Sam Walton had amassed a fortune in excess of $25 billion and today, his brainchild Wal-Mart continues to bring in revenues of over $300 billion, making it the world’s largest retailer.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_Customer_Is_The_Boss___Profile_on_Sam_Walton_from_WalmartMon, 18 Aug 2008 09:21:18 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Olympic_Lessons_For_EntrepreneursHave you been watching the Olympics. Athletes have trained for years to be at the top of their games all for the chance to compete on the world stage for that gold medal. What can you learn from today’s Olympic stars?http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Olympic_Lessons_For_EntrepreneursMon, 18 Aug 2008 09:21:18 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Top_25_Visionaries_of_all_timeThe top 25 visionaries who created empires from virtually nothing. The top 5 were: (Keep reading!)http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Top_25_Visionaries_of_all_timeFri, 04 Jul 2008 22:24:09 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/MyCampFriendscom_Success_StoryIn Seinfeld parlance, T.J. Shanoff and Brad Spirrison were winter friends. While attending Chicago's Latin School, the two hung out together. But every summer they split up to go to separate camps in Wisconsin to be with their summer friends. Now they've teamed up to create a Web site, MyCampFriends.com, where everyone can be year-round friends. Since its start last September, 2,500 camp alums have registered, most to find old pals, though some have used it to organize reunions. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/MyCampFriendscom_Success_StoryFri, 04 Jul 2008 22:16:21 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/You_have_to_live_up_to_your_own_expectations___Wolfgang_PuckWolfgang Puck’s signature catch phrase is: “Live, love, eat!” For the past 25 years, Puck has been experiencing the sweet taste of success by doing just that. He was ranked 89th on Forbes’ Top 100 Celebrities in 2006 and has created an empire worth almost $500 million, which includes everything from restaurants to catering to frozen foods to kitchenware.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/You_have_to_live_up_to_your_own_expectations___Wolfgang_PuckFri, 04 Jul 2008 22:16:10 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Clothing_rental_for_size_changing_dietersFor dieters working to lose weight, maintaining a decent wardrobe of clothes that fit can be an ongoing—and expensive—challenge on the way to a target size. With just that situation in mind, Transitional Sizes rents out name-brand clothing for temporary use while the pounds come off.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Clothing_rental_for_size_changing_dietersSun, 15 Jun 2008 21:50:31 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Who_Are_You___Profile_on_an_Entrepreneur_Kodak_Founder_George_EastmanGeorge Eastman came from a poor family and dropped out of high school after being deemed “not especially gifted,” but that did not stop him from creating what would become one of the most successful imaging companies in the world.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Who_Are_You___Profile_on_an_Entrepreneur_Kodak_Founder_George_EastmanTue, 10 Jun 2008 08:38:50 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_to_Start_a_Bed_and_BreakfastIf you're thinking of turning your home into an inn, start here to learn about pricing, costs, employees and more. Whether you want to start a B&B to escape the rat race, to supplement your income, to create a business out of a historic home that you love, or to indulge your love of being a host or hostess, you'll want to know the profit factor. What revenues can you expect as a bed and breakfast host?http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_to_Start_a_Bed_and_BreakfastMon, 09 Jun 2008 20:21:04 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Just_Junk_Success_StoryWith how popular yard sales are, you’d think that people would realize the full potential of ‘junk’. Mike Thorne was able to see the profit available in the junk business as well. The idea for Just Junk came to him one day at work. When asked to remove old office equipment from the building he was in, he searched for a removal company and came up empty handed. This realization was strong enough to motivate him to leave his job and move back to his home town in St.Catharines, Ontario.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Just_Junk_Success_StoryThu, 05 Jun 2008 09:33:59 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_Dov_Charney_Started_American_ApparelDov Charney is one of the most outrageous entrepreneurs that we’ve ever profiled here at YoungEntrepreneur.com. The founder of American Apparel has earned praise for his promotion of fair wage practices and keeping manufacturing jobs in America.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_Dov_Charney_Started_American_ApparelSat, 31 May 2008 11:54:35 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/4_Ways_To_Effectively_Use_LinkedIn_To_Build_Your_Business“When you consider that LinkedIn has nearly 10 million users hailing from over 150 industries around the world, it is surprising that B2B websites aren’t paying more attention. There are, though, several methods your website could be employing in order to improve your exposure within the business oriented social network, while also potentially improving your search engine visibility." http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/4_Ways_To_Effectively_Use_LinkedIn_To_Build_Your_BusinessMon, 26 May 2008 10:24:24 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/A_Classroom_Path_to_EntrepreneurshipAs college courses in how to start small businesses are becoming as ubiquitous as Economics 101. The college campus, it turns out, can be an ideal incubator for hatching small businesses. Nanina’s Gourmet Sauce, a pasta sauce company based in N.J., was started, for instance, in 2005 by students taking an entrepreneurship course at Monmouth University. Nanina’s products are now sold in nearly 400 supermarkets and gourmet shops in New Jersey and Manhattan. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/A_Classroom_Path_to_EntrepreneurshipSat, 24 May 2008 09:01:49 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/99_Free_Online_Classes_on_Business_and_EntrepreneurshipAre you looking to take business and entrepreneurship classes but are worried about the money and time availability? The courses below are all free and can be taken at your own leisure. They're recommended to anyone starting an online business. Browse through courses from MIT and other reputable schools across six categories - Marketing and Sales, Management, Legal, Finance and Technology/Product. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/99_Free_Online_Classes_on_Business_and_EntrepreneurshipThu, 22 May 2008 21:17:18 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/7_Deadly_Design_Sins_That_Can_Kill_Your_ConversionsDon't let design flaws scare away your online customers.There's a big difference between a well-designed website and a great-looking one. A well-designed site is one that sells! It leads visitors through the sales process without getting in their way. If it's pretty on top of that, fine. That's gravy. But don't confuse the two. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/7_Deadly_Design_Sins_That_Can_Kill_Your_ConversionsTue, 20 May 2008 23:08:05 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Web_EntrepreneursUndeterred by the dot-com bust, these visionaries of Silicon Valley created such businesses as Facebook, Digg, and Twitter, and in the process revived the promise of the Web. Here's a look at where each is headed.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Web_EntrepreneursSun, 18 May 2008 08:46:07 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Three_Easy_Ways_to_Cut_CostsSmall business owners are always looking to cut expenses where they can. Start by taking a fresh inventory of your fixed assets. Then try to use more e-mail and less gasoline. Here are some tips to get started.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Three_Easy_Ways_to_Cut_CostsTue, 13 May 2008 21:34:18 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Interview_with_Wei_Yang_from_EasyAutoSales_Entrepreneur_interviewWei Yang accepted to make an interview about EasyAutoSales, Georgia’s fastest growing web 2.0 automotive startup that he thinks it will change the way cars are offered on the web. He Co-founded EasyAutoSales.com, together with some local entrepreneurs and started with no outside investments. The site launched its beta in March and garnered a million cars within just one month.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Interview_with_Wei_Yang_from_EasyAutoSales_Entrepreneur_interviewMon, 12 May 2008 21:59:42 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/101_Great_Ideas_To_Start_Your_Business_TodayEnrepreneur.com - What are you waiting for? Use our 101 great ideas to start your business today. - 1. Bring Luxury to the Masses: With his interior design firm, Pret-a-Habiter, Carl Bradford Stibolt is...http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/101_Great_Ideas_To_Start_Your_Business_TodaySat, 10 May 2008 23:25:55 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Win_10000_from_Martha_StewardIf you have turned a hobby into a startup business or nonprofit, you could have a chance to win $10,000 from Martha Stewart in her “Dreamers into Doers” contest. All you have to do, according to the rules on her Web site is write a 250-word essay about how you turned a dream or hobby into a career. The winner gets $10,000 towards business expansion costs and a vacation at a Wyndham resort. And, of course, the winner also gets a trip to New York and an appearance on the Martha Stewart Show.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Win_10000_from_Martha_StewardFri, 09 May 2008 22:56:32 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/5_Fatal_Mistakes_for_Small_Retailing"In today's fast-moving and ever-changing business environment, mistakes can be fatal. Even at best, statistics show that about half of small businesses last less than two years. My 20-plus years of successfully operating several retail stores have made me a keen observer of the retail scene, and more important, the mistakes made by many retailers that have, in many cases, caused their demise."http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/5_Fatal_Mistakes_for_Small_RetailingFri, 09 May 2008 08:30:33 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_I_Did_It_Reed_Hastings___Netflix_StoryIn 1997, Reed Hastings saw a way to combine Americans' love of movies with their love of not getting off the sofa even to go to the video store. Netflix launched its Internet-based subscription service in 1999 and signed up 239,000 movie lovers in the first year. Today it has nearly four million subscribers. Reed Hastings, The founder of Netflix talks on developing a passion brand, and sustaining it as passions change.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_I_Did_It_Reed_Hastings___Netflix_StoryFri, 09 May 2008 08:29:58 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Ten_things_to_make_you_a_successful_networker"Networking can be an effective tool  when done properly.  As I have gone to several marketing events I have noticed what causes people to gravitate towards others.  Follow these tips and your networking will be a success!"http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Ten_things_to_make_you_a_successful_networkerWed, 07 May 2008 23:25:48 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Be_Yourself___Thomas_Watson_Founder_of_IBMyoungentrepreneur.com — Your success will be determined by the manner in which you use the tools you have been given to work with. When practicing the art of selling use all your talents. Put everything you have into your efforts; above all put your personality into them. Never copy anybody. Be yourself.”http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Be_Yourself___Thomas_Watson_Founder_of_IBMTue, 06 May 2008 22:30:51 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Up_Running_in_30_daysCan you really start your business in 30 days flat? While it depends on the type of business you want to launch, Entrepreneur.com experts say you should be able to get at least one aspect of your business up and running within a month, whether it's an e-commerce website or a signed contract with your first customer. Follow these steps to get going in less than a month.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Up_Running_in_30_daysTue, 06 May 2008 22:28:38 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_I_Did_It_Bob_Williamson___Horizon_SoftwareOnce a homeless drug abuser, he's now king of the cafeteria. When Bob Williamson left home at 17, he lived on the streets and did time for heroin possession. But he pulled himself together, got a job, and eventually began his own business as a manufacturer of art supplies. In 1993, Williamson started a company to develop software for cafeterias. Today Horizon Software International supplies more than 15,000 schools, colleges, and universities and has sales of $26 million. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_I_Did_It_Bob_Williamson___Horizon_SoftwareMon, 05 May 2008 23:12:31 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/HubPages_7_Things_We_Did_to_Beat_SquidooHubPages is an online publishing ecosystem where authors submit useful, informative articles on topics they know and love, and then earn royalties for their contributions through Google AdSense, eBay Partner Network or Amazon Associates. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/HubPages_7_Things_We_Did_to_Beat_SquidooMon, 05 May 2008 11:12:56 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_Top_20_Startup_Mistakes___YoungEntrepreneurcom_Poll_ResultsAfter polling Entrepreneurial readers, here is a list of the top 20 mistakes that startups make when creating a new business.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_Top_20_Startup_Mistakes___YoungEntrepreneurcom_Poll_ResultsSun, 04 May 2008 08:30:27 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Think_Big___Donald_TrumpTrump has earned a reputation as a ruthless, cunning and suave businessman who can spot a business opportunity a mile away. He has turned the deal-making process into an art form and he has demonstrated that he can come back swinging after even the hardest of challenges to wind up again on top. Estimated to be worth over $2 billion, Trump has secured his name as one of the greatest entrepreneurs of the 20th century.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Think_Big___Donald_TrumpSat, 03 May 2008 12:45:34 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Ebay_Founder_Pierre_Omidyar_Pursue_Your_Passion“I started eBay as an experiment, as a side hobby basically, while I had my day job,” recalls Pierre Omidyar. An unexpected success, that side hobby has today become the world’s largest personal online trading community.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Ebay_Founder_Pierre_Omidyar_Pursue_Your_PassionFri, 02 May 2008 21:54:09 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/You_Dont_Have_to_Ditch_the_Day_JobHere are seven tips on how to launch a successful Internet outfit without leaving your desk. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/You_Dont_Have_to_Ditch_the_Day_JobTue, 22 Apr 2008 19:45:34 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Unleash_Your_Inner_IntrapreneurStarting a new venture within an established company can satisfy the entrepreneurial itch — without the risks of going solo. Learn how “intrapreneurship” can give your career, and your company, a boost. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Unleash_Your_Inner_IntrapreneurMon, 21 Apr 2008 20:48:13 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_Art_of_PartneringPartnering is an art, so make sure everyone sees eye to eye with these 8 tips. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_Art_of_PartneringFri, 18 Apr 2008 23:12:49 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/10_Critical_Reminders_for_a_Successful_Business_Start_UpStarting a business without a doubt is scary. Some plan ahead of time and some just jump into the scene. But if you want to succeed and start a business that will hit home run in the long run, careful planning is a must. So if you are planning on starting a business here are 10 reminders that will help you prepare yourself and your business from the worst, while giving you an idea of what it might be like down the road.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/10_Critical_Reminders_for_a_Successful_Business_Start_UpFri, 18 Apr 2008 10:17:14 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Techs_Best_Young_EntrepreneursBusinessWeek's roundup of the tech industry's most promising entrepreneurs aged 30 and under. This year's list has been assembled with input from venture capitalists, BusinessWeek readers, and BusinessWeek editorial staff. Whose ideas and innovations are likely to make the biggest impact on technology in the coming years? The full list follows.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Techs_Best_Young_EntrepreneursMon, 14 Apr 2008 20:31:07 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Detroit_School_Of_Rock_Success_StoryBased in Royal Oak, Mich., The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music is Gittinger's dream business come true. The newfangled music school promises to eliminate much of the drudgery of learning to play an instrument. Instead of traditional music lessons, Gittinger's for-profit school immerses students in an actual five-member band of similarly skilled wannabes who jam together regularly, supplemented by practice sessions with a "music mentor."http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Detroit_School_Of_Rock_Success_StorySat, 12 Apr 2008 23:56:44 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/5_E_business_TurbochargersBusinesses that are launched in hard times are better equipped to survive than the ones that grow bloated and fat during times of surplus spending. But in order to thrive during an economic slowdown, you need to know how to do things the smart way, and not waste money you don't have on strategies that won't work.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/5_E_business_TurbochargersFri, 04 Apr 2008 10:46:50 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Enter_to_win_a_makeover_for_your_small_businessThis sounds interesting. Worth having a look: "Looking to grow your small business? Put the “Your Business” team to work with a personal biz makeover! Enter now for a chance to have our team come to your business and help you reach your goals while capturing every moment for an upcoming episode of “Your Business” on MSNBC cable. Add an image or video if you like."http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Enter_to_win_a_makeover_for_your_small_businessWed, 26 Mar 2008 08:02:31 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/A_Method_to_Their_MadnessRooting for the underdog? Read how these formerly small businesses rose to the top. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/A_Method_to_Their_MadnessWed, 26 Mar 2008 08:02:15 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/7_Insanely_Helpful_Websites_for_Venture_Start_UpsHave you started a new business but don’t have the time to sort through all the websites online to find the best and most relevant information? Look no further. Here is a list of 7 insanely helpful websites for venture start-ups. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/7_Insanely_Helpful_Websites_for_Venture_Start_UpsWed, 19 Mar 2008 22:38:25 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Do_You_Have_What_it_Takes_to_be_an_EntrepreneurHaving a good idea doesn’t make you an entrepreneur. Neither does a business degree. Entrepreneurs come from a wide range of backgrounds, challenges and influences. Unfortunately, many businesses are started and then dissolved, not because they didn’t have a workable idea, but because the entrepreneur lacked certain skills. Often times many hardships must be experienced before this reality can be seen.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Do_You_Have_What_it_Takes_to_be_an_EntrepreneurMon, 17 Mar 2008 15:52:51 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Small_Ideas_Big_Results_How_Twitter_Came_To_BeEvan Williams's first little idea shifted the culture. You can thank him for the ubiquity of blogging. His new business, called Twitter, will be entering your consciousness right...about...now. Why does this stuff happen? Because he lets it. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Small_Ideas_Big_Results_How_Twitter_Came_To_BeFri, 14 Mar 2008 12:22:51 MDThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Top_10_Ways_To_Save_Money_When_Starting_UpJason Calacanis who rose to fame when he sold his company Weblogs to America Online in 2005 for millions of dollars shares his top 10 ways to save money when starting a business. There are some interesthing suggestions you wouldn't think about.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Top_10_Ways_To_Save_Money_When_Starting_UpTue, 04 Mar 2008 16:56:55 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_10_Biggest_Business_Plan_Mistakes2Former venture capitalist and angel investor Christine Comaford-Lynch has reviewed hundreds of business plans. She explains where many entrepreneurs go wrong:http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_10_Biggest_Business_Plan_Mistakes2Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:08:18 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Creating_a_Useful_Business_PlanYou must have a business plan to succeed. It’s a no-brainer in the world of small business. A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your company’s resume. But more than that, your business plan should have a way for you to track progress and to identify tactical steps to that your plan is more than just words on paper, it is actually a document that is a part of your living, breathing business.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Creating_a_Useful_Business_PlanMon, 25 Feb 2008 11:01:12 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Get_Funding_For_Your_BusinessFundingUniverse is a website that makes it easy for you to find the right investor for your company. It offers a 13-lesson Funding Boot Camp that utilizes multimedia presentations and webinars to answer your questions about raising investment capital. They also provide you with templates for your business plan and financial statements. Worth checking out if you need funding and want to meet with different angel firms. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Get_Funding_For_Your_BusinessFri, 22 Feb 2008 11:03:15 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Finding_Targeted_Small_Markets_Can_Be_Key_to_SuccessLess could be more in this business climate, and business schools are helping their students understand how to spot the smaller, but hot, niche markets. Niche markets enable small companies to compete with the giants. Combine the targeted products with quality service and you have a winning formula. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Finding_Targeted_Small_Markets_Can_Be_Key_to_SuccessFri, 22 Feb 2008 10:57:28 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_Questions_Every_Entrepreneur_Must_AnswerOf the hundreds of thousands of business ventures launched each year, many never get off the ground. Others fizzle after spectacular rocket starts. Why such dismal odds? Entrepreneurs—with their bias for action—often ignore ingredients essential to business success. These include a clear strategy, the right workforce talent, and organizational controls that spur performance without stifling employees' initiative.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/The_Questions_Every_Entrepreneur_Must_AnswerWed, 20 Feb 2008 19:58:00 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Angel_InvestorsWhen you're in search of financing, the idea of an angel -- an individual investor with money to invest in early-stage or start-up companies -- can seem nothing short of enchanting. But where do you find an angel? With Inc.com's Angel Investor Directory you may find help. These national and local groups of angels discuss deals and new business opportunities. The other resources below may also aid in finding and working with angel investors.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Angel_InvestorsWed, 20 Feb 2008 19:54:13 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Mom_starts_online_toy_rental_serviceIf you can rent movies, video games and even handbags online, she thought, why not toys? That’s the idea behind Baby Plays, a Web-based company Pope launched in October that allows parents to receive four or six toys in the mail every month, assembled and ready for playtime.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Mom_starts_online_toy_rental_serviceThu, 07 Feb 2008 09:11:20 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Top_10_Reasons_for_Buying_a_FranchiseJeff Elgin from Entrepreneur tells us the top 10 reasons to select a franchise opportunity if you want to own your own business. Here's how franchises can offer you a jumpstart toward owning your own business in 2008.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Top_10_Reasons_for_Buying_a_FranchiseTue, 29 Jan 2008 12:19:23 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Jack_Ma_Chinas_Hottest_Internet_TycoonJack Ma hit pay dirt when his Chinese business-to-business start-up, Alibaba.com, went public, in November. The offering raised more than $1.5 billion and gave the company a valuation of $26 billion.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Jack_Ma_Chinas_Hottest_Internet_TycoonSun, 27 Jan 2008 21:58:40 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/TheSushiGirlcom_Success_StoryThrowing a party isn’t what it used to be and, in the process, it’s even been spiced up, thanks to Nikki Gilbert. She throws sushi-making parties and provides catering for corporate and private functions.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/TheSushiGirlcom_Success_StorySun, 20 Jan 2008 22:37:49 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Million_Dollars_with_Action_Figures___HappyWorkercom_Success_StoryHow did husband and wife Kris Schantz, 31, and Shirley Yee, 32, manage to find a toy market with lots of potential and not much competition? By focusing on toys for adults--specifically, action figures with a twist.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Million_Dollars_with_Action_Figures___HappyWorkercom_Success_StoryTue, 15 Jan 2008 08:38:05 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Second_Life_Success_Story"Second Life was just unfundable," says the man who dreamed up this virtual world. Funny how things change when you give people the ability to fly. Now everyone, including businesses of all sizes, wants a piece.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Second_Life_Success_StoryThu, 03 Jan 2008 22:43:45 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Making_Millions_with_no_VC___VideoVenture Summit Panel led by Guy Kawasaki, Fark founder Drew Curtis described how he became a millionaire with a 4-person staff. Blake Commagere, who created the Vampires Facebook application and founded Mogad, explained that IM is for grandfathers, and outlined the online behaviors that have replaced it.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Making_Millions_with_no_VC___VideoWed, 02 Jan 2008 13:14:08 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/For_TreeGiverscom_Money_Does_Grow_On_TreesIn a town in northern New England a small group was gathered for a memorial service for a family member. It was suggested that a tree should be planted as a living memorial for the deceased. That is how it started in 1981. Known as Lofty Oaks Association, the company grew rapidly representing the funeral industry nation wide. Shortly more and more companies and individuals alike were asking to have trees planted on their behalf for special occasions.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/For_TreeGiverscom_Money_Does_Grow_On_TreesTue, 01 Jan 2008 16:43:35 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/VCs_New_Math___Do_Less_Get_MoreThree years ago, Peter Thiel, who runs a small venture-capital concern called Founders Fund, plowed $500,000 into a little-known social-networking Web site called Facebook Inc. Later on, his company invested a bit more. That was a good call. The paper value of Mr. Thiel's initial stake has increased more than 50 times. Facebook now ranks among the hottest online properties, with some 59 million users and investors such as Microsoft Corp. piling in.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/VCs_New_Math___Do_Less_Get_MoreMon, 31 Dec 2007 18:20:01 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/21_Ways_to_Promote_Your_Startup_BusinessWhether you’re running a bricks and mortar business or something online, you can promote your business in both worlds. Here are a few methods that have worked for others. Keep in mind that not all of them will work for you, as some options lend themselves better to certain types of businesses. This list is intended as a convenient resource, and even a reminder of some promotional methods you may have forgotten about.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/21_Ways_to_Promote_Your_Startup_BusinessMon, 31 Dec 2007 17:35:21 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Ask_a_Ninja_is_a_Million_Dollars_BusinessAsk a Ninja, the online video comedy show, a brainchild of Kent Nichols and Douglas Sarine, is taking in over $100,000 per month in advertising revenue and getting a staggering 2.7 million monthly views, according to a report out today in TV Week.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Ask_a_Ninja_is_a_Million_Dollars_BusinessMon, 31 Dec 2007 16:00:24 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/36_Startup_Tips_From_Software_Engineering_to_PR_and_MoreThis is a collection of startup tips covering software engineering, infrastructure, PR, conferences, legal and finance. They describe best practices for an early-stage startup. We hope that you will find these tips useful, but also please remember that they are based on subjective experiences and not all of them will be applicable to your company.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/36_Startup_Tips_From_Software_Engineering_to_PR_and_MoreMon, 31 Dec 2007 14:46:08 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Escape_from_Cubicle_HellWe've all heard the legend about wildly successful entrepreneurs who got their start tinkering in their basements, ultimately creating the next big thing. But these days, it's not all that surprising to find entrepreneurs who are starting businesses out of their homes -- and staying there, even as the businesses begin to grow.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/Escape_from_Cubicle_HellSun, 30 Dec 2007 15:54:44 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/GiftTRAP_Board_Game_Success_Story"I was trying to think of board games and my daughter Freya, who was six at the time, asked, 'How does Santa decide what to give children?'" Kellet said yesterday. "It was like, 'Wow, that's a brilliant idea.' I did some research and I discovered there wasn't a single game about giving gifts." Kelowna entrepreneur Nick Kellet hopes next year will see him break even on his investment of between $150,000 and $200,000 on GiftTRAP.http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/GiftTRAP_Board_Game_Success_StorySun, 30 Dec 2007 15:22:10 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/With_Millions_in_Sales_Life_Really_is_GoodMr. Jacobs is the 42-year-old co-founder of Life is good, a popular apparel brand based in Boston that is on track to break $100 million in sales this year. This is rarefied air for Mr. Jacobs, who a dozen years ago was selling T-shirts out of a battered van on the streets of Boston with his brother John, now 39. http://www.bizheat.com/Startup/With_Millions_in_Sales_Life_Really_is_GoodSun, 30 Dec 2007 14:59:36 MSThttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_do_you_talk_to_an_angelSure, you may have ventured for VC, but raising angel capital takes a different kind of skill. Make no mistake about it, there's an art to raising angel capital. It's not harder or easier than raising venture capital--it's simply different. Learn how from Guy Kawasakihttp://www.bizheat.com/Startup/How_do_you_talk_to_an_angel