An entertainment business eyes worldwide expansion
Should this owner seek out international investors to grow his business?
Jean Luc Gaudry, Los Angeles
I have a unique music Web site on which one can find listings of shows, bands on tour, clubs and venues. I have two questions. I am looking for some investors - what are the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when they decide to add an investor to their company? Also, I want to set up a company in Europe and eventually have my Web site branch out all over the world. Is it better to have different investors on each continent? Read more…
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DiggTranslating your company around the world
Translation software may have let you down, but there are other options for crossing the language barrier.
Sid Smith, The International Art Materials Trade Association, Huntersville, N.C.
As an avid reader of Fortune Small Business, I zeroed right in on the March 2008 story “Goodbye Language Barrier?,” only to be disappointed in the answer, that current software packages are still very poor in doing electronic translations into other languages. As an association for manufacturers and retailers, we have members all over the world, and our Web site and e-mail lists are the only practical way to reach most of them. How are other companies, organizations and Web sites translating large amounts of information into several different languages? Can it be done inexpensively? Read more…
How to go global
An Indian textile business checks with Ask FSB’s experts for advice on international expansion.
Abhiram, New York City
I have a handloom and textile business in India and I would like to start an import/export business in New York City this year. Can you suggest a good book on how to get started and be profitable? I want to start with the least burden. I want insight into the problems, and also I’d like to read real-time scenarios. Read more…
How to make your Web site more accessible
Our experts suggest fixes to make a Web site usable by visually impaired Web surfers.
Linda Rhodes, Express Framing and Stained Glass
I operate a small framing and stained glass business and art studio in a rural area of West Virginia. I want my Web site to be accessible to the entire community. Recently, a severely visually impaired individual inquired about artwork in our gallery. We fall short when it comes to making our site and our gallery more friendly and accessible to the visually impaired. Please take a look at our site and give us some feedback. Read more…
What is my business worth?
Reader Claire wants to sell her piano school. Do you have any advice for Claire? Share it here.
What’s in a signature?
Fred asked FSB about protecting his wife’s artwork. What steps do you take to ensure your work is copyrighted?
Can I make money collecting oral histories?
Elaine asked FSB about figuring hourly costs for her oral history business. Do you own a similar business? How do you determine the cost for your services?
The art of deducting your charitable contributions
Cindy asked FSB about deductions when donating art to a museum. Have you claimed deductions for charitable contributions? What did you claim? Give us the details.
Looking to pitch a new cartoon idea?
John wants to know how to pitch a new cartoon idea. Have you tried to pitch a new idea to a company? Tell us about it.
Finding tenants that complement your business
Guitar store owner Shawn Winchester is thinking about subdividing his space. Have you taken on tenants? How has it worked out?
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