The Rule of One

When you try to do too much, you reach nobody. This strategy helps you focus and boost sales. Here's how it helped one entrepreneur go from $0 to $4,985 in a month.

Read This Before Meeting a Franchisor

Thinking about buying a franchise? You should meet the franchisor—and you should know exactly how to approach that meeting—to ensure you're making the right decision.

Top 10 Trends in Small Business Sales

What's the best way to drive sales today? Our experts give you the plan.

A Very Profitable Work Ethic

How do you run a brand's highest-grossing franchise location? This former cop has an answer: Get your hands dirty.

State Rocks, Minerals & Gemstones

A Collective Look at our Geosymbols

POLISH FLINT

Flint has often been used throughout history and is thought to be as old as 160 million years.

A Moon as Old as Earth? Almost!

Earth is estimated to be 4.543 billion years old, and it's believed our Moon was born from a violent collision between the newly formed Earth and another young Mars-sized protoplanet dubbed Theia not long thereafter. But how long was \"not long?\"

Finding the Phosphorus Feeding Early Life

The biomolecules fueling life on Earth are heavily dependent on phosphorus. In fact, phosphates are said to be the second-most abundant mineral in the human body.

The Color of Early Mammals

Pretty dull!

What Really Caused the Biggest Extinctions

As long as there's been life on Earth, there has been extinction.

HARDROCK GAMES

The Enduring Appeal of Mine-Drilling Contests

Exploring Oregon Beach Fossils

There's an old saying that finding fossils in Oregon is not about where to look, but where not to look.

ROCK & GEM FIELD GUIDES

Emerald is the green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes also vanadium.

Jolted Alive by Microlightning?

Ancient asteroids hold all the right organic compounds for life, and those same compounds were likely present on early planet Earth-or delivered here by impacting asteroids.

Earth's Oldest Impact Crater Yet

Scientists estimate the age of Earth at 4.543 billion years.

How to Tell Your Brand's Story

Your company does many things, but you must communicate it all in just a few words. Donald Miller does that better than anyone.

Boost Your Sales

Ready to grow your revenues and earnings? This magazine is your guide.

Confessions of a Former Retail Buyer

I used to place brands on Target shelves. Here's what founders always got wrong about retail—and how you can set yourself up for success.

A $3 Million Pool-Cleaning Business

You don't need to be an expert to be a successful franchisee. Just look at Tiffiny Consoli, a pool rookie who is now Pool Scouts' top franchisee.

Be a Doer, Not a Dreamer

How do you build a great brand? The same way you build a great body. This former championship bodybuilder (and Hotworx founder) explains.

The Simplest Growth Tool

If you want to create long-term value, start replying to everyone you hear from.

Bound by Earth, Forged by Friendship

You can't fake a real connection — and you sure can't force five women to dig side-by-side through dirt, sweat and storms unless something powerful is holding them together.

The Northern Arc of the Pacific

Geology of Alaska & the Aleutian Islands

SUNSET PEAR

By day, Julia DeLo works as an engineer in the aerospace industry and by night, she pursues her passion for cutting gemstones, applying her analytical and mechanical skills to optimize and simplify designs.

Is Earth’s Mantle More Interesting than Imagined?

Earth has been described as a layered onion with an inner core, an outer core, a mantle and a crust.

The New Moons of Saturn But are they really moons?

If you'd been asked just a couple months ago, “How many moons circle Saturn,” you would have confidently answered, “Why, 146, of course!” Well, try 274!

Deep Aquifers Aren't Easily Recharged

Recent times have seen severe drought conditions and increased reliance on groundwater aquifers to draw fresh water to meet the needs of ever-expanding populations.

Kingston New Mexico Quartz Crystals

Finding Starburst Quartz Crystals in the Black Range

THE FIREWORKS INSIDE AN OPAL

Forget waiting for the Fourth of July.

Not All Gold Is Created EQUAL

Understanding the Differences Between Colors & Alloys