BusinessWeek -- Smart Answers

Not everyone is naturally good at sales and self-promotion. Nancy Ancowitz, author of "Self-Promotion for Introverts," talks about how introverts can rely on strengths such as writing, listening, and research to sell themselves and their businesses

John C. Lauderdale III helped win more than $10 billion in government contracts for big and small companies. Here, the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Government Contracts offers advice on selling to the federal government

Setting up a food company is more difficult-and more expensive-than you might think. Rachel Kruse, founder of Organicville Foods, lets us in on how she launched her signature salad dressings nationwide and how she did years of research beforehand.

Startup CEOs are well informed about their markets, but as their businesses grow they may lose touch with larger trends and opportunities, says Seena Sharp, principal of Sharp Market Intelligence. She offers advice to help them stay on top of their games

An "elevator" introduction is not meant to be a sales pitch, says Sam Horn, communication consultant and author of "Pop! Stand Out in Any Crowd." The best way to capture interest in your small business is to ask an engaging, relevant question, she says.

Growing family businesses must implement organizational culture and invest in employee training and team-building, says Frank Hoy, business professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He discusses developing loyalty by sharing the company's startup story

Automating processes such as collections and follow-up on sales prospects can help small companies cut costs and increase revenues. But automation must be done thoughtfully, so that relationships aren't undermined, says Clate Mask, CEO of Infusionsoft

As online business expands from text to include graphics and video, small business owners must go beyond logos and letterheads, says Juliet Huck, CEO of TheHuckGroup in Los Angeles. She urges them to use visual elements to inform and persuade readers

Management guru Michael McGrath, whose new book is called "Business Decisions", says that decision-making is more challenging for startups than their larger counterparts. He explains how learning to manage risk and to make bold moves can help

Clara Villarosa, founder of the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem, has written a book emphasizing the finance basics she learned as a banker in the 1980s. She shares entrepreneurial startup tips about developing realistic business ideas, finding funding, and analyzing competitors' marketing plans