| February 17, 2012 |
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- Viral-video creator turns Internet buzz into a business
The narrator of a YouTube video that has received millions of views is trying to build a business that capitalizes on that popularity. The video features National Geographic footage of an animal with new narration played over it. The narrator, known as Randall, has sold talking dolls, published a book and been featured in an advertisement. Inc.com/Owners' Manual
(2/13)     
- Build a brand that will captivate customers
Building a brand that potential customers can identify with can be difficult, but Jim Signorelli of ESW Partners has formed a six-step process to make it easier. It includes gathering information about the brand, figuring out how to reach potential customers and overcoming challenges. BusinessNewsDaily.com
(2/16)
- 6 tips for pitching to angel-investment groups
Some angel groups charge entrepreneurs to pitch to them, and it's a good idea to consider this cost when evaluating an investment group, writes Marty Zwilling of Startup Professionals. "A fair question to ask any Angel group, fee or no fee, is 'What is your track record of funded investments, versus number of pitches?'" he writes. To increase their chances of getting funded, entrepreneurs should pay attention to the feedback they receive and focus on networking, he writes. Startup Professionals Musings blog
(2/15)
- How to launch and build a successful cloud startup
Philippe Courtot is an experienced entrepreneur who has served as the CEO of the security firm Qualys for the last decade. Courtot offers eight tips for building a cloud-computing startup, including to put a good team in place before searching for funding and to be willing to overhaul your services to meet the changing needs of the marketplace. The Business Insider
(2/16)
- Innovation shouldn't cause inefficiency
Firms must learn how to excel at coming up with new ideas without sacrificing their emphasis on efficiency, Jeffrey Phillips writes. "[T]he real opportunity as innovation becomes a competitive advantage is the concept that all firms must become ambidextrous -- as good at innovation as they are at control and efficiency," he writes. Innovate on Purpose
(2/16)
- Why some franchises are doomed to fail
As many as 1 in 10 franchises shuts down every year, according to Frandata. Franchises often fail due to the troubled economy or because the market is oversaturated. This article tracks the story of Glenn Rose, who lost all of the money he put into becoming a franchisee of a computer-services franchise. SmartMoney Magazine
(2/14)
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Are you ready for tax time?
SmartBrief is writing a white paper on small-business taxes and would like to incorporate your thoughts. The results of the following poll questions will be included in the white paper, which will be available for free download after its completion.
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Has your business ever been audited?
 | Yes, by the IRS |
| Yes, by an auditor we hired |
| No |
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What category accounts for the largest portion of your deductions?
| Furniture |
| Equipment |
| Home office |
| Insurance |
| Meals |
| Office supplies |
| Software |
| Travel and entertainment |
| Transportation |
| Other |
| I don't know |
 | You can have a good idea and good technology but you need to be grounded with a customer."
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Recent SmartBrief on Entrepreneurs Issues:
- Thursday, February 16, 2012
- Wednesday, February 15, 2012
- Tuesday, February 14, 2012
- Monday, February 13, 2012
- Friday, February 10, 2012
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