Inc. (1-year)

I especially enjoy reading the Inc. 500 issue which features 500 of the fastest growing businesses in America. A few of the top revenue growth companies are featured. For each company the revenue growth over the last five years is given. A profit margin range is given for each company as well as the growth in employee count.

Because I'm obsessed with revenue/employee as a measure of the viability of a company, it's interesting to have that data available for a range of private companies. For example, taking Company Number 300, Parker Compound Bow which makes archery bows, we see they generated $5.17 million in revenue (that's a lot of bows) and had 30 employees in 2001. Revenue per employee about $172,000. Their stated profit margin range was 16% or more.

Another company claims to have $10 million revenue per employee for consulting services to the energy industry. That seems rather high. I've never known one consulting company that could generate anywhere near that. In fact, when Enron crashed, many were looking at revenue/employee numbers that were totally out of whack with reality. If it appears to be too good to be true... it probably is. Or, at least it demands further research before you invest. (Angel investors might enjoy reading Inc. Magazine to see potential IPO candidates in their areas of interest.)

Many IT/software companies always make the list as do a range of other unique companies, such as one that imports and sells blue crab meat. Another (Scooter Store) sells power wheelchairs. About $200,000 revenue per employee, $169 million revenue. So, if you're in the bow business, blue crab meat business, or power wheelchair biz, you'll have an idea of revenue per employee for some of your growing competition.

The regular issue of Inc. always has something interesting to read also. As with most magazines, there are quite a few ads and quite a bit of fluff, but you can flip through that quickly to find the one to three stories or columns that interest you.

Peter Hupalo, Author of "Thinking Like An Entrepreneur: How To Make Intelligent Business Decisions That Will Lead To Success In Building And Growing Your Own Company."


Inc is a great magazine   May 9, 2004
Donna Jumper
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

As a female entrepreneur, I love Inc. magazine. It is so up to date. So complete. It's ideal for small and mid sized businesses, contains many success stories with powerful content.

I have found that the companies featured have helped me make competent decisions for my company.

Overall, Inc is a great magazine and one that I look forward to read each and every month.


one fine small-business read   October 28, 2006
David A. Baer (Indianapolis, IN USA)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

This self-described 'Handbook of the American Entrepeneur' is one fine piece of work. I read it cover to cover upon arrival.

INC. is the kind of practical brain food with just the right touch of attitude that keeps ideas spinning and feeds the pragmatic lobe of the brain with excellent practical tips.

When compared to FAST COMPANY, its main competitor, INC. is the more conventional entrepeneur's read. It is to the entrepeneur what MONEY magazine is to the personal investor.

When you run your own company, you get a little uppity. Everybody who wastes your time is stealing your money. Every vacuous pontification robs your time. INC. communicates that kind of I'm-responsible-for-this-gig-so-don't-waste-my-time attitude without posing.

Some great editing makes for innovative article selection, like the October 2006 ranking of state governor's according to what they've done for the entrepeneurial climate in their realm.

Don't think twice. Go for INC.


Great past, Brighter future   July 21, 2005
Charles Winkler (Princeton, NJ USA)
4 out of 8 found this review helpful

I subscribe to Inc.. Although I am not a business owner, yet, I find the articles to be informative and the magazine a useful resource. As an accomplished song writer and aspiring song seller, the article on (...)-May 2005- made me aware of a resource that I did know was available. Check that one out.
With Joe Mansueto, CEO of Morningstar and self-confessed fan of Inc., acquiring the magazine I can only imagine the great things ahead. The full-page N.Y. Times ad reinforces Mansueto's commitment to growing the brand. Can't wait for future issues.


My husband's favorite!   July 13, 2002
3 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is my husband's favorite magazine. We don't own our own business or anything like that, but he has an interest in the business world in general and these articles are easy for him to read/understand.