Share business ideas and experience by tapping the accumulated knowledge of PROFIT-Xtra readers.(If you haven't done so already, subscribe to PROFIT-Xtra now). To do so, send us your nagging business problems. We'll publish one question every two weeks and turn to our readers for their answers, perspectives and potential resources. It's a great way to learn from others' experiences, and it's safe, fast, free and confidential.

Current question: When life partners become business partners

Exporting Is there advice on seamlessly crossing into the U.S.? Any advice on incorporating in the U.S.? How can I start a cost-effective export program?

Financing The Bank of Mom Should I put my house on the line? How to win over your banker More Peer-to-Peer questions... R&D grants and development loans What is factor financing? How to make a company attractive to bankers

Human resources What's in a good HR system? My employees have no passion How to stay connected to your team More Peer-to-Peer questions... I can't fire my disengaged staff "Manager by day, buddy by night" My senior executive is dying To catch a thief Fun ways to encourage staff interaction Should I use a headhunter? How to handle an arrogant employee? Overcoming a culture of lateness Employee negativity 360-degree feedback When is it safe to hire? How do I motivate my staff? Get your staff to tell you the truth Recruiter-proof your company Stopping Web wasters Office romance remedies Incorporating more "experienced" employees How to craft the perfect exit interview How can I stay connected with my staff? Alternative employee searches Criteria for appointing company officers How to structure profit-sharing plans Are bonuses a good motivator?

Managing "When your staff covet your company" Should I fire a major customer? Suckered by my partners More Peer-to-Peer questions... When an employee becomes a competitor Should we merge to grow our company further? Should I make the opening offer? Can I use a bankrupt firm's client list? Who do CEOs turn to for advice? How to form an advisory board Funding for disabled entrepreneurs Building a long-term business plan How do I find a business broker? How to coach/mentor someone? What to do when a business partner leaves? How to manage employees when relocating

Marketing Promo products that don't look cheap Creating buzz on the cheap How can I get media coverage of a product launch? More Peer-to-Peer questions... How to market online without looking like a spammer How to see eye-to-eye with the marketing agency

Operations Any advice on reducing the pain of moving? How to structure a filing system How to raise the down payment for a building More Peer-to-Peer questions... Should we move to an open-concept office layout?

Personal development Cope with all those calls and e-mails When work takes over Concentrate in an open-concept office More Peer-to-Peer questions... I can't find time to exercise How to form an association How to manage stress How to stay motivated working from home

Personal Finance How to protect your home and family from business losses

Sales Marketing makeover Make a splash for a new product Background checks for sales reps More Peer-to-Peer questions... Overcoming the dreaded sales slump The best sales rep to crack a market Solutions to sales fluctuations Closing more sales Where have all the good(sales)men gone? Mark-up from wholesaler to retailer? How can I obtain a protected sales territory?

Startups Where to find a good business for sale How to secure funding for a restaurant Resources for information on retail startups? More Peer-to-Peer questions... Motivation and the wannabe entrepreneur What could I market on the Internet? Legalities of competing with my employer

Technology How do we help our clients not get burned by identity thieves? Can anyone recommend practical, cost-effective ways to obtain new hardware? Do I need unified messaging?