Business

Ben Yoskovitz lists the 10 common questions investors will ask. Whether you're a startup or needing working capital to grow your business, knowing the answers to these questions will help you stay focused and be prepared to talk with a financial institution. However, we rephrased the questions for the company that needs working capital -- not startups:

Margaret Heffernan's How She Does It shows that successful women entrepreneurs have one thing in common: money isn't the main driver for running their business. Many do it for the passion. However, this doesn't mean they shun spreadsheets and ignore the numbers. They do the opposite -- women owners know their numbers as well as any other executive.

This Dallas Morning News article (may require free registration) confirms the trend that many businesses look beyond banks for loans. The article features a business that wants to expand its inventory after four years of steady business. The owner says that he tried going to banks, but they don't pay attention to a business' success.

Small businesses don't always have the luxury or resources to build a strong sales team that can outrun competitors. They don't have the resources to treat prospects to sporting events and fancy dinners. But they can get customers to say, "Yes." The Wall Street Journal writes about three small businesses that succeeded in getting to yes.