How do large companies decide where to hold meetings in a big city like NYC? There are hundreds of options if not more. Has anyone participated in this process and can you please shed some insight?
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posted by brynnwood
on May 16, 2011 -
12 answers
I have an idea for a gift registry. What are the nuts and bolts of bringing it to fruition?
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posted by semacd
on May 12, 2011 -
6 answers
If I wanted to make the laminated bard codes that supermarkets and other locations give out for their customers, How would I go about that?
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posted by Rubbstone
on May 12, 2011 -
3 answers
Nolo is a great source for books when one is looking to deal with the legal aspects of running a small or medium business. Is there a publisher that specializes in accounting / bookkeeping / finances books?
posted by mmdei
on May 11, 2011 -
1 answer
I'm patenting a product and looking into funding options. I have money coming in from the product, but attorney and patent fees are expensive. Other than a small business loan (in this economy?) are there other options? Thinking about grants, but I was always under the impression that it takes a long time to get the money if you win the grant. advice?
posted by secretsecret
on May 9, 2011 -
7 answers
Is the relationship between QA and programmers naturally antagonistic? If not, what can you do to get the QA or QC engineers and software engineers to work together rather than try to tear each other apart?
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posted by anonymous
on May 8, 2011 -
21 answers
For small business owners, freelancers, and finance managers in small enterprises, what financial data is important to have easy access to?
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posted by pallen123
on May 3, 2011 -
5 answers
How do you deal with people that don't answer the questions you ask, and speak too long about semi-unrelated subjects?
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posted by Cool Papa Bell
on May 3, 2011 -
36 answers
What is the name of that website that visually mapped or linked names of people and/or executives from various companies? Seems like I remember it gave the person's name, their current company, and a little "map" of how they were linked to the other companies and people.
posted by sandra194
on May 1, 2011 -
6 answers
Are there any sites with ideas for new web services? I'm in an entrepreneurial slump and ideas are a dime a dozen--so where are all the ideas? Trying to find inspiration for creating a new consumer web service.
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posted by Elminster24
on Apr 24, 2011 -
13 answers
The site that I'm valeting at right now has plenty of foot traffic. Almost every time I'm at work, I get asked if there's an ATM machine around. I tell them that it's a half-mile away, and they just give up. I thought it would be a great opportunity to put up an ATM machine nearby.
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posted by RaDeuX
on Apr 24, 2011 -
14 answers
I need to understand the Japanese cultural importance of "saving face" with respect to business, and how I can make myself less frustrated with an ongoing business negotiation I'm involved in.
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 20, 2011 -
10 answers
Any suggestions for a guide to business development for a European in Japan?
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posted by punilux
on Apr 15, 2011 -
2 answers
Do I need a CRM, or does something else exist for IT clients? Focus on managing existing subscription services, rather than sales leads.
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posted by Wossname
on Apr 13, 2011 -
6 answers
I'm headed into Taiwan in a short while. Not to be indelicate, but I want to know what carry-on luggage-sized items I could bring to sell for a couple of bucks.
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posted by seansbrain
on Apr 12, 2011 -
7 answers
My company is hosting a private convention for clients next week, and my assigned tasks are to 1) attend all sessions and 2) chat up clients as much as possible. I could use some pointers on how to do the latter.
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posted by anderjen
on Apr 6, 2011 -
7 answers
Need help finding manufacturer abroad to produce a product. I'm struggling finding companies that are still interested when I tell them I am a small business startup (with a great idea!). I understand that telling manufacturers that I'm not going to put in a huge order they are less interested but a girl needs to start somewhere!
There are so many people that read this site I thought someone might have an idea or experience doing this.
Thank you very much!
posted by femmme
on Apr 4, 2011 -
5 answers
I have a dream of opening a little pub in a sleepy little British village, but I have zero experience. How can I learn to be an tavern-keeper?
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posted by Pastor of Muppets
on Apr 4, 2011 -
16 answers
Let's say you run a business without an online / social media presence. A professional firm offers to get your business on Facebook, Twitter, etc. - how much is it worth to pay someone to set it up - especially if you can't be bothered to learn and do it yourself?
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posted by chrisinseoul
on Apr 4, 2011 -
30 answers
Did anyone claim that "Enron couldn't happen in the UK"?
I'm looking for actual examples of politicians/commentators/business leaders stating that an Enron-style collapse couldn't happen in the UK due to stronger corporate governance culture here than in the US.
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posted by jonnyploy
on Mar 27, 2011 -
4 answers
Finishing a Ph.D. in the sciences and want to leave the bench behind for something that’s more “big picture” (i.e. has some elements of business, strategy, or product development). Things are getting a little time-sensitive. Looking for input from people who have made a similar switch and/or work in a related area (i.e. consulting or the business end of industrial R&D).
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posted by noted industrialist
on Mar 22, 2011 -
5 answers
Sadly, someone I thought I could trust screwed me on a small business project they invited me to work on with them over a year ago. It was a bummer at the time, but that's about it.
They continue to seek out regular interaction with me at my primary place of business. It's a little sick. I'd like them to move on. I need insight and ideas for handling this graciously.
Have you been in these shoes? How did you handle it??
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 15, 2011 -
17 answers
I have a small business and sold items on consignment through a local studio. The owner/instructor was my friend, until she attacked me personally and said we couldn’t be friends. I waited for the right time to tell her I was leaving consignment sales. Recently I told her, and due to a conflict she packed up my inventory for me early and is strongly suggesting that I take a break from her classes. I might be banned from her business. I need advice.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 14, 2011 -
13 answers
I'm trying to come up with some creative ways to use QR codes to generate business or buzz or whatever I can do to promote my business.
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posted by pinkbungalow
on Mar 12, 2011 -
5 answers
Could you direct me towards information about what it takes to make a US software product available and work in countries like Mexico, Brazil, Argentina?
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posted by rmless
on Mar 8, 2011 -
10 answers
I art direct/design a magazine. I want out. What are the legal/ethical concerns with putting that work in my online portfolio? (BONUS: am i being treated unfairly?)
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posted by Senor Cardgage
on Mar 8, 2011 -
12 answers
Looking to pick up Mandarin for business people, aka with a heavy dose of how to do corporate speak.
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posted by Phire
on Mar 8, 2011 -
6 answers
My (soon to be) former employer wants me to maintain their website (that I built during my time there) as an outside contractor. How much should I charge them?
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posted by Geppp
on Mar 7, 2011 -
11 answers
I'm doing market research and am looking for companies like Gore Tex and eVent, developers of functional textiles for outdoor apparel. Where can I find such information?
posted by pakoothefakoo
on Feb 28, 2011 -
5 answers
In business - Is it true that if you pay sales tax on your materials you do not have to charge to your customers?
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posted by Snackpants
on Feb 26, 2011 -
8 answers
How to deal with rejection when marketing myself via email in the entertainment industry? And how can I have more success?
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posted by ljs30
on Feb 25, 2011 -
6 answers
Can I convert my Facebook personal account into a business account (not a page)?
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posted by IzzeYum
on Feb 24, 2011 -
9 answers
A husband-wife freelancing team has decided to become "official" in the eyes of Uncle Sam.
It's just that the poor old guy doesn't make sense some times. Any mefites out there familiar with starting a business with their significant other?
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posted by shiggins
on Feb 20, 2011 -
11 answers
I travel frequently for work (at least one week/month domestic, plus regular international trips of up to 10 days and other short haul domestic trips, which often results in being away every second week). I am well set up for what I need on the road, but would welcome tips and hacks for preparing my home for while I am away and having it set up for my return.
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posted by AnnaRat
on Feb 19, 2011 -
15 answers
Is there an Atul Gawande of business writing? Recommend some good business writers!
posted by shotgunbooty
on Feb 16, 2011 -
10 answers
What are the regulations around being a medical device or not for product sales in Canada and the US?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 15, 2011 -
3 answers
Could you please recommend a reliable email hosting provider (non-Exchange) that provides excellent customer support? This will be for a business in the US with about 25 users, and we'd be switching over the mail server for an existing domain. We've looked into Google Apps for Business, but the support area comes up short. Here's a list of the things we're looking for...
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posted by macguffin
on Feb 14, 2011 -
6 answers
