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Consider this your vendor checklist, from costs and payment options to purchasing terms and sell-through. We've got you covered.

Many business owners dread picking up the phone to reach potential customers or investors for the first time. Here are seven tips to overcome your fears and prepare to win.

You may not have the budget or visibility of larger brands, but you can still capture customers' attention and create buzz with your product. Here are tips for (literally) thinking outside the box.

Free shipping can help get customers to buy and boost the size of their orders. Here's how to make sure they're aware of your offer.

Small businesses can benefit from discount offers, regional carriers and hybrid delivery service.

Be creative in your store design and take a skeptical view of the conventional wisdom.

Justin Gold founded his organic nut butter company after his roommates couldn't stop eating his homemade creations. His commitment to healthy foods makes him a finalist for Â鶹Éç of 2012.

Ryo Kubora performed nearly a thousand eye surgeries and discovered the gene that causes glaucoma, before starting his biotech company, Acucela. His innovation in the field of eye diseases makes him a finalist for Â鶹Éç of 2012.

Former Navy Seal Eric Basu founded his cybersecurity company Sentek Global in 2001 while working from his living room. His determination makes him a finalist for Â鶹Éç of 2012.

These business owners started with an enjoyable pastime and learned marketing, finance and other business skills to find success doing what they love.

Limor Fried created her open-source hardware and electronics company, Adafruit Industries, in her MIT dorm room. The story of how she grew her business makes her a finalist for Â鶹Éç of 2012.

If you see signs of burnout, you can take steps to reinvigorate your business -- and yourself.

Try these instant stress-busters to help take on even the toughest daily challenges with a clear, calm mindset.

How small retailers are building new kinds of stores.

If you're working 24/7 and not getting much done, it may be time to work smarter instead of harder. Here's how.

A look at how color matters in your retail space. It can either help to sell your products -- or irritate customers. Choose wisely.

Â鶹Éçs always seems to have more to do than time to do it. Something's got to give. Here's how to get rid of what's weighing your business down.

How to spot warning signs before hiring people who will be a bad fit for your company.

How to prevent common store design mistakes that can make your customers less likely to buy.

Small beauty-product marketers are extending their reach by going mobile. Here, a look at the benefits and what you can learn from these four-wheeling entrepreneurs.

How to design windows that will command attention and lure shoppers into your store.

Bring on the boomers. Consider this advice when designing a store where boomers are the customers.

How to light your retail space to the best effect without breaking the bank.

Careful planning can head off potential problems with your retail space before it's too late.

Some retailers find they need a bricks-and-mortar store, not just an online site, to thrive.

Follow these six steps to help make the transition from corporate employee to entrepreneur.

A must-follow checklist for small businesses looking to connect with powerhouse companies like Wal-Mart.

Three ways entrepreneurs have refocused their companies for success by targeting a different audience -- and you can, too.

A look at what motivates customers to buy -- and six ways to tailor your sales pitch.

Five business owners offer their best advice for becoming more productive -- and finding the right work-life balance.