composite image of natalie portman, britney spears and kim kardashian
The latest news and information for entrepreneurs from across the web universe, brought to you by the Report on Small Business team. Follow us on Twitter @GlobeSmallBiz
How not to succeed in business
Gwen Stefani and L.A.M.B., Will Ferrell and Funny or Die and the Olsen twins' company Dualstar. Some people really do seem capable of doing it all.
But not every celebrity has been able to translate his or her prowess on the stage, screen or catwalk into business success. In fact, quite a few – including the esteemed Natalie Portman, who released a vegan-friendly footwear line in 2008 – failed miserably in the entrepreneurial department.
Find out which other stars couldn't cut it in business in this gallery from CNBC.
7 Chinese companies that should be on your radar
With debilitating layers of red tape, it's tough to say whether China could ever really become the next Silicon Valley. But with 138 venture-backed companies went public, raising about $21-billion, according to VentureSource, its aggressive moves in the start-up space are hard to ignore, argues the author of this post from Inc.com. Find out the seven Chinese start-ups that "every investor, entrepreneur, and small business should know about."
The pros and cons of selling a business on Facebook
Sure the "Share" button is great for spreading the listing over your social network, but Facebook also makes it hard for the owner of a business to remain anonymous, argues business broker Barbara Taylor in this post from the New York Times.
EVENTS AND KEY DATES
Meet the Entrepreneurs – Social Innovation
On Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 6 pm to 8 pm, come hear successful entrepreneurs discuss the challenges and opportunities faced in launching their organizations at MaRS Discovery District in Toronto. For more information click here.
Introduction to Developing Entrepreneurial Ideas
This class, held on Monday, Jan. 30 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, will focus over four sessions on the idea generation process and generating creative new ideas and turning entrepreneurial ideas into businesses. Find out more here.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
Entrepreneur creates own versions of Stonehenge
Franchise Bancorp's Edward Loyst has turned a hobby of rock- and stone-carving and building into a dozen installations, including three Stonehenge-inspired megalithic structures. Scroll through photos here.
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
Too hot? Too cold? Temperature wars flare at work
As it gets cold outside and heating systems are cranked up inside, the battlefield is set for fights over the office thermostat.
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Katherine Scarrow