AOL Small Business http://smallbusiness.aol.com AOL Small Business http://smallbusiness.aol.com/media/feedlogo.gif AOL Small Business http://smallbusiness.aol.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Should Bosses Crack Down on Office Romances?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/08/02/should-bosses-crack-down-on-office-romances/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/08/02/should-bosses-crack-down-on-office-romances/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/08/02/should-bosses-crack-down-on-office-romances/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The majority of people admit to dating a co-worker at some point. But are these cubicle courtships a inevitable reality of office life or a recipe for disaster? We asked our Board of Directors to play Cupid.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsClint GreenleafGary WhitehillJJ Rambergoffice datingoffice dating statisticsoffice relationshipsPhil TownRichard BransonRieva LesonskyRob AdamsRob Dyrdeksexual harrassmentTate ChalkTom SkazyWarren BrownRod Kurtz2011-08-02T18:30:00+00:00Are We Headed for a Double-Dip Recession?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/06/22/are-we-headed-for-a-double-dip-recession/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/06/22/are-we-headed-for-a-double-dip-recession/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/06/22/are-we-headed-for-a-double-dip-recession/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Whether they choose to slap an official label on it or not, our usually bullish Board of Directors has some serious concerns about the economy. So is the worst really over?

 

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]]>BernankeBoard of DirectorsBob ParsonsBusch Frey Mott JankiewiczClint Greenleafdollardouble-dip recessioneconomic recoveryFedJennifer HillKen YanceyObamaPhil TownrecoveryRieva Lesonskysmall business recessionTate ChalkRod Kurtz2011-06-22T16:30:00+00:00What We Can Learn from Recession -- and How It Can Help Us Prosperhttp://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/06/22/what-we-can-learn-from-recession-and-how-it-can-help-us-prosp/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/06/22/what-we-can-learn-from-recession-and-how-it-can-help-us-prosp/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/06/22/what-we-can-learn-from-recession-and-how-it-can-help-us-prosp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jennifer Hill, an attorney, entrepreneurial advocate and member of our Board of Directors, offers lessons from past recessions -- including the recent Great Recession -- that will propel us to growth in the future.

 

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]]>Jennifer HillJennifer Hill2011-06-22T16:00:00+00:00Is There a Right Way to Fire Someone?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/06/08/is-there-a-right-way-to-fire-someone/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/06/08/is-there-a-right-way-to-fire-someone/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/06/08/is-there-a-right-way-to-fire-someone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sooner or later, every entrepreneur has to let employees go. But the tough task can also serve as a learning experience. Our Board of Directors weighs in.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsBob ParsonsDanielle and Jodie SnyderElizabeth Buschfiring employeeshow to fire an employeeHRhuman resourcesJennifer HilllayoffsPhil TownTom SzakyWarren BrownRod Kurtz2011-06-08T15:00:00+00:00Questioning the SBAhttp://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/26/questioning-the-sba/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/26/questioning-the-sba/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/26/questioning-the-sba/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Armed with questions from our Board of Directors, we recently sat down with Karen Mills, administrator of the Small Business Administration, for a wide-ranging conversation about the agency and its work on behalf of entrepreneurs.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsBusch Frey Mott JankiewiczJennifer HillJJ RambergKaren MillsKaren Mills SBALawrence GelburdObamaObama small businessPhil TownRieva LesonskyRob AdamsSmall Business AdministrationTate ChalkRod Kurtz2011-05-26T17:30:00+00:00Writing a Business Plan? Better Talk to This Guy Firsthttp://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/17/writing-a-business-plan-better-talk-to-this-guy-first/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/17/writing-a-business-plan-better-talk-to-this-guy-first/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/17/writing-a-business-plan-better-talk-to-this-guy-first/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Texas Venture Labs Investment Competition is one of the nation's best. Rob Adams, the competition's director and a member of our Board of Directors, shares lessons learned from this year's installment -- and a career spent catching companies on the rise.

 

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]]>angel investorsBoard of Directorsbusiness plansbusiness presentationsfinding investorsinvestment competitionsinvestorsMoot CorpRob Adamsstarting a businessTexas Venture Labs Investment CompetitionUniversity of Texasventure capitalRod Kurtz2011-05-17T14:00:00+00:00You've Got... Rob Dyrdekhttp://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/13/youve-got-rob-dyrdek/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/13/youve-got-rob-dyrdek/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/13/youve-got-rob-dyrdek/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Rob Dyrdek, a professional skateboarder, serial entrepreneur, MTV star and member of our Board of Directors, shares the secret to his entrepreneurial success.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsDTADyrdek EnterprisesFantasy FactoryMTVRob and BigRob DyrdekRob Dyrdeks Fantasy FactoryRogue StatusskateboardingStreet LeagueStreet League SkateboardingWild GrindersRod Kurtz2011-05-13T13:00:00+00:00How Do You Stay Positive?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/10/how-do-you-stay-positive/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/10/how-do-you-stay-positive/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/10/how-do-you-stay-positive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Being an entrepreneur brings many ups and downs. Our Board of Directors, with a little help from the Dalai Lama, shares their advice for staying positive.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsBob ParsonsCenter for Living PeaceDalai LamaDylan LaurenEric RyanJennifer HillLawrence GelburdLexy FunkmanagementPhil TownRieva LesonskyRob AdamsRob Dyrdekstarting a businessstaying positivestressTate ChalkTom SkazyRod Kurtz2011-05-10T19:00:00+00:005 Things You Can Learn from Warren Buffetthttp://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/06/5-things-you-can-learn-from-warren-buffett/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/06/5-things-you-can-learn-from-warren-buffett/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/05/06/5-things-you-can-learn-from-warren-buffett/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The "Oracle of Omaha" has plenty of advice to impart to entrepreneurs and investors alike. Clint Greenleaf, the founder and CEO of Greenleaf Book Group and a member of our Board of Directors, shares some takeaways from the annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting.

 

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]]>Berkshire HathawayBerkshire Hathaway meetingBoard of DirectorsCharlie MungerClint GreenleafDavid Sokolinvestinginvestment tipsWarren Buffett investingClint Greenleaf2011-05-06T13:00:00+00:00Should Companies Have Dress Codes?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/04/20/should-companies-have-dress-codes/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/04/20/should-companies-have-dress-codes/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/04/20/should-companies-have-dress-codes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The American workplace has become increasingly casual over the years. But does comfort foster creativity or reduce productivity? Our always-stylish Board of Directors weighs in.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsBob Parsonsbusiness attirebusiness casualClint Greenleafcompany dress codesemployeesGary WhitehillHRJennifer HillJodie and Elle SnyderKen YanceyLexy FunkmanagementPhil TownRob DyrdekTate ChalkTom SkazyWarren Brownworkplaceworkplace rulesRod Kurtz2011-04-20T18:00:00+00:00What Is the Most Important Quality an Entrepreneur Should Possess?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/04/07/what-is-the-most-important-quality-an-entrepreneur-should-posses/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/04/07/what-is-the-most-important-quality-an-entrepreneur-should-posses/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/04/07/what-is-the-most-important-quality-an-entrepreneur-should-posses/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nothing guarantees success, but unwavering determination, authenticity and optimism can carry you a long way in business and in life, according to our Board of Directors.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsBob ParsonsBusch Frey Mott Jankiewiczbusiness advicebusiness tipsClint GreenleafDylan LaurenentrepreneurshipEric RyanGary WhitehillJJ RambergJulie JumonvillemanagementPhil TownRieva LesonskyRob Adamsstarting a businessstartupSteve StrausssuccessTate ChalkTom SkazyRod Kurtz2011-04-07T20:30:00+00:00Go Daddy's Bob Parsons Brushes Off Criticism Over Elephant Killinghttp://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/31/go-daddys-bob-parsons-brushes-off-criticism-over-elephant-killi/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/31/go-daddys-bob-parsons-brushes-off-criticism-over-elephant-killi/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/31/go-daddys-bob-parsons-brushes-off-criticism-over-elephant-killi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The outspoken entrepreneur and member of the AOL Small Business Board of Directors has been branded "Scummiest CEO of the Year" by PETA, over a hunt he says helped African villagers. He plans to hang the certificate in his office.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsBob ParsonsBob Parsons controversyBob Parsons elephantGo DaddyGo Daddy elephantPETAPETA Bob ParsonsRod Kurtz2011-03-31T20:00:00+00:00What Advice Would You Give Young Entrepreneurs?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/17/what-advice-would-you-give-young-entrepreneurs/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/17/what-advice-would-you-give-young-entrepreneurs/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/17/what-advice-would-you-give-young-entrepreneurs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Some of the most successful entrepreneurs got their starts mowing lawns and selling lemonade. With Girl Scout Cookies season in full swing, our Board of Directors offers some advice for little kids with big business dreams.

 

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]]>advice for kidsbest business ideas for kidsbest business ideas for teensBoard of DirectorsBob ParsonsBusch Frey Mott JankiewiczClint GreenleafDylan LaurenEric RyanGary WhitehillGirl Scout CookiesJulie Jumonvillekidtrepreneurslemonad standsPhil TownRob AdamsRod KurtzTate ChalkTom Skazywhere to buy Girl Scout Cookiesyoung entrepreneursRod Kurtz2011-03-17T19:30:00+00:00How Would You Deal with Charlie Sheen (and Other Problem Employees)?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/01/how-would-you-deal-with-charlie-sheen-and-other-problem-employe/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/01/how-would-you-deal-with-charlie-sheen-and-other-problem-employe/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/01/how-would-you-deal-with-charlie-sheen-and-other-problem-employe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The embattled star of Two and a Half Men, who has embarked on a full-fledged media assault after CBS shelved his show for the season, insists he is "winning." Our Board of Directors enters the Sober Valley Lodge.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsBob ParsonsBusch Frey Mott JankiewiczCBSCharlie Sheen CBSCharlie Sheen interviewCharlie Sheen winningChristian DiorChuck LorreClint GreenleafGary WhitehillJodie and Elle SnyderJohn GallianoJulie JumonvillePhil TownRob AdamsSober Valley LodgeTwo and a Half MenTwo and a Half Men canceledRod Kurtz2011-03-01T23:45:00+00:00Who Are Your Role Models?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/01/who-are-your-role-models/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/01/who-are-your-role-models/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/01/who-are-your-role-models/#commentsFiled under:

From their parents to strip club pioneers to Richard Branson, the members of our Board of Directors reveal the people who help inspire their success. (But wait, if he's already on the list, who does Sir Richard look up to?)

 

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]]>best entrepreneursBoard of DirectorsBob ParsonsBusch Frey Mott JankiewiczClint GreenleafEllen DegeneresEric Ryanfinding a mentorGary Whitehillgreatest entrepreneursJohn MackeyJulie JumonvilleKen BlockLawrence GelburdmentorsPhil TownRichard BransonRob AdamsRob Dyrdekstarting a businessSteve JobsSteve StraussTate ChalkTom SkazyWarren BrownWarren BuffettRod Kurtz2011-03-01T17:00:00+00:00What Are Your Favorite Apps?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/02/14/what-are-your-favorite-apps/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/02/14/what-are-your-favorite-apps/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/02/14/what-are-your-favorite-apps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The proliferation of fun and helpful apps have supercharged our smartphones. But with literally hundreds of thousands on the market, how do you choose the best ones? Our Board of Directors reveal their favorites.

 

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]]>Android appsAngry Birdsapp marketplaceapp storeappsbest appsBlackBerry appsBoard of DirectorsBob ParsonsBusch Frey Mott JankiewiczClint GreenleafEric RyanFlipbookGary WhitehilliPhone appsJennifer HillJodie and Elle SnyderLawrence GelburdPhil TownRob AdamsRod KurtzSteve StraussTate ChalkTom SkazyTweetDeckUberTwitterWarren BrownRod Kurtz2011-02-14T15:30:00+00:00We Don't Need No Education: Meet the Millionaire Dropoutshttp://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/02/09/we-dont-need-no-education-meet-the-millionaire-dropouts/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/02/09/we-dont-need-no-education-meet-the-millionaire-dropouts/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/02/09/we-dont-need-no-education-meet-the-millionaire-dropouts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Sir Richard Branson are self-made entrepreneurs who earned millions (and later billions) without earning college degrees. So who are the next great college dropouts to watch?

 

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]]>AutomatticBill GatesBoard of DirectorsBusiness TrendsCameron Johnsoncollege dropoutsfamous college dropoutsJeri EllsworthMatt MullenwegMichael Dellmillionaire college dropoutsRichard BransonSteve JobsTerraCycleTom Szakyworlds richest peopleyoung millionairesyoungest millionairesLauren Drell2011-02-09T23:30:00+00:00Richard Branson Challenges Entrepreneurs to Be a 'Force for Good'http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/02/02/richard-branson-challenges-entrepreneurs-to-be-a-force-for-good/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/02/02/richard-branson-challenges-entrepreneurs-to-be-a-force-for-good/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/02/02/richard-branson-challenges-entrepreneurs-to-be-a-force-for-good/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The billionaire founder of Virgin was joined by Rob Dyrdek, a fellow member of the AOL Small Business Board of Directors, and VIPs from the worlds of business and philanthropy at a recent charity benefit in Irvine, Calif.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsBranson Centre for EntrepreneurshipCenter for Living PeaceDyrdek EnterprisesDyrdek FoundationLiving Peace SeriesRichard BransonRob DyrdekRob Dyrdek charityRod KurtzUC IrvineUniversity of CaliforniaVirginVirgin UniteLauren Drell and Rod Kurtz2011-02-02T18:00:00+00:00A Letter from the Editor (You Know, That Guy from Ask Rod)http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/01/19/a-letter-from-the-editor-you-know-that-guy-from-ask-rod/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/01/19/a-letter-from-the-editor-you-know-that-guy-from-ask-rod/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/01/19/a-letter-from-the-editor-you-know-that-guy-from-ask-rod/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Exactly one year into his tenure at AOL Small Business, Executive Editor Rod Kurtz reflects on entrepreneurial lessons learned -- and renews our commitment to entrepreneurs everywhere.

 

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]]>AOL Small BusinessBoard of DirectorsRod Kurtzstarting a businessRod Kurtz2011-01-19T23:55:00+00:00Is Facebook Really Worth $50 Billion?http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/01/05/is-facebook-really-worth-50-billion/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/01/05/is-facebook-really-worth-50-billion/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/01/05/is-facebook-really-worth-50-billion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Facebook may have hundreds of millions of friends, but members of our Board of Directors are split on whether Mark Zuckerberg's social network is really as valuable as Goldman Sachs seems to think.

 

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]]>Board of DirectorsClint GreenleafFacebookFacebook 50 billionFacebook GoldmanFacebook Goldman dealFacebook valuationFacebook valueGoldmanGoldman SachsJennifer HillJulie JumonvilleMark ZuckerbergMark Zuckerberg FacebookPhil TownSteve StraussTate ChalkRod Kurtz2011-01-05T20:00:00+00:00