Playing Monopoly is fun, but at the end of the game, you’re left with a load of play money.

Still, you win and having money - even the pink and blue kind - feels great.

Taking your chances with play money is a fantastic way to practice your skills.

Not necessarily with Monopoly, but with the stock market.

Investing can be frightening. So, do a couple dry runs. Pretend.

Take a few of those gold bills (those are the ones worth $500, remember?) and start moving it.

Keep track of what would be happening to it if it were real.

If you find you’re good at what you’re doing, try some real dough. And put those colorful pieces of paper back in the box.

This week, Howie Mandel is hosting a Small Business Special on his show Deal or No Deal.

Each day a new entrepreneur is selected to play the game, with hopes of winning money to grow their businesses!

Tune in to see people just like yourselves win big.

Hey, it might not even be a bad idea to apply for a similar show yourself!

It’s a longshot but game shows are one way to make the money you need to build your business.

In any case, it’s an inspiration just knowing (and seeing) people in your shoes who, like us all, need cash.

You are most definitely not alone.

The question is: Deal?

Or…?

In Spring, we go forward. In Fall, we are told to go back.

Not in your life!

You can’t chance it. Nor do you want to.

Time might be speeding up, but that’s no reason to lay your head down early.

No hibernating here. You have too much to do.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, you’ll be busier than ever.

But just because the days are shorter doesn’t mean you should close your doors earlier.

To the contrary, it is a good idea to consider extending your hours of operation.

Staying open a few more hours in the evenings is going to help your customers get their after-work shopping in, and help you fill your till.

‘Tis the season!

Some people say there are no new ideas, and that every “unique” thought is just a recycled one with a different face.

So what if you are reinventing something that has already been made?

You’re making it better, and that’s what counts.

Why are there so many different makes and models of cars?

Because we all want something that fits us, our personality, or needs, our families and our taste.

We want to be seen as an individual, not as just another nameless part of the pack.

Recreating something that isn’t working for everyone is a great idea, as long as you aren’t crossing any patenting lines.

Do your research. Make sure your idea is not only a good one but a legal one.

And happy (re)inventing!

Remember those days? When you had to stand up in front of class and tell your classmates about your frog/picture album/little brother?

You got to bring in props and give the class a taste of who you are.

Don’t you wish things were still that simple and fun?

Perhaps it takes a little (or a lot) more effort, but they still can be.

Think of those long and arduous business meetings you attend now as an extended Show and Tell.

A simple twist in how you look at things can make a world of difference.

Have fun up there. Show them who you are and what you love.

Sometimes expressing yourself the way you used to when you were young is a good thing.

I’m not talking about pouting and giving people the silent treatment!

I’m talking about excitement and vigor.

Give it a try. Show ‘em. Tell ‘em. And sell ‘em!

Everyone is focused on getting in touch these days.

Getting in touch with nature…

Getting in touch with feelings…

Getting in touch with loved ones…

In the corporate world, getting in touch may not be quite so “touchy, feely,” but it is nonetheless one of the most important aspects of business.

You’ve got to be able to get in touch at all times. Whether by phone, email, fax or person-to-person, staying in touch is vital.

You must schedule meetings, telecommute, draft and forward emails, and constantly be available in the case of problems, mistakes and general questions.

To do this, you’ll need a variety of tools. Not having these tools can prove drastic. One missed email or phone call and your business could suffer.

Try implementing an all-in-one feature for your phone or PC, which will make communicating even easier.

Never underestimate the power of a great design.

A customer can tell the difference between a generic-looking product and a special product - one which they want to buy - all based on the colors, font, print and overall design of the packaging.

Let’s be honest, this is what they are paying for.

It is the sophisticated, unique way a product presents itself that makes us want it.

Make your product look cute, fancy or clinical - it doesn’t matter. As long as it doesn’t look cheap!

A true artist will be able to help you create that signature look you will become known for.

So, go big when it comes to design. It is not the place to scrimp, because as everyone knows, you don’t get a second chance on first impressions.

It’s not Labor Day. It’s “No Labor” day!

So, take a break already. The rest of America is.

Well, almost.

Point is: breaks are necessary to a healthy frame of mind.

You might not agree, and there’s a name for that: workaholic.

It’s okay to be dedicated. It’s a gift.

But it’s not okay to forget about taking care of yourself.

‘Cuz in the end, everyone suffers.

On this No Labor Day, practice just that. No Labor!

You’ll return to work refreshed, happy and motivated to keep up the hard work you’ve already mastered.