Show Me The Money

Requests for raises in small firms has risen from 15% to 35% from 2002 to 2005 as more employees want immediate remuneration for a job well done, compared to deferred compensation and the promise of bonuses.

Franchise Fever

Franchising is an econmic behmoth in the U.S., encompassing 250,000 businesses in more than 70 industries. Everyone knows the big names--McDonalds, Blockbuster, Dairy Queen but the median size operation is tiny, just 25 units. Fastest growing: 1-800-Got-Junk, Geeks on Call, Wild Bird Center, Curves, and Homes Instead of Senior Care.

Executive Decisions: Men and Women

In a recent personality survey of 420 executive women and men Hagberg Consulting concluded that women weigh two factors in making a decision: how it will affect the team and whether or not it will achieve short-term results; men focus on competitive environment and long-term results.