CATEGORIES

'You Don't Have to Shut Your Heart Down'

What does it take to be a good leader? During his 44 years as CEO of Whole Foods, John Mackey learned his answer: Serve the business, serve its people, and never abandon yourself.

Why Small Businesses Can't Afford to Grow

Big companies take a long time to pay their suppliers. Sometimes, so long that the supplier goes out of business. Two entrepreneurs wanted to find out why this system is so broken-and wound up creating a solution.

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.

Serving the Underserved

When Dennis Johnson opened a Pizza Ranch in Minnesota, he hoped to serve the nearby Native American communities in more ways than one.

When Life Is Preparation

Vanesa Ellis was no expert on mosquitoes or lawn care. But as it turns out, something else made her the perfect fit for two home-care franchise brands.

Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.

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

WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER

For mom-and-pop business owners, just as inflation calms in one area of operations, it rears its head somewhere else. The best way to stay on top of it, experts say, is to stay flexible.

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.

HOW ONE MOM & POP SHOP EXPANDED 2,700 TIMES

Jersey Mike's famously began as a single shop owned by a teenager. Now it's everywhere. How exactly does that happen?

YOU'LL ONLY FIND THIS HERE

When a local, independent business becomes known for something special - a product or service, or even just a unique vibe customers love knowing they're getting a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Here, seven mom-and-pops around the country share what helps them stand out.

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.

'People Don't Buy What They Don't Know'

This snack brand was failing. Then its founder discovered the problem: He wasn't speaking his customers' language.

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.

What's Your Ghost Job?

It's one of your five jobs. And if you want to find meaning at work, you must identify all of them.

Don't Come To My Meeting

As CEO, I've created an unusual meeting policy at my company. It helps build a culture of respect, agency - and substantial productivity, too.

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.

How to Sell a Thing Nobody Likes

Some product categories are truly dull, but that doesn’t mean their brands have to be. Tom Rinks knows that better than almost anyone.

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.

'I Won't Make That Mistake Again!'

It’s an old cliché: Failures make you stronger. But how, exactly? Here’s the way one entrepreneur put them to good use—and now drives 25 million in annual sales.

When Making Things Harder Is Better

Sometimes, adding friction to a process makes it run smoother. So how do you know when to do it? And how do you do it well?

How to Build the Next Huge Thing

Spencer Rascoff cofounded Hotwire and Zillow. Now he's an investor and serial startup founder. Here's his advice for funding and growing a giant, ambitious idea.

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.

Nobody Wants to Manage Anymore

Fewer young workers want to become managers, and that's putting companies at risk. Here's how we can fix the missing middle.