For extroverts, the workplace can be a social playground. But for other more retiring souls, it's a minefield of awkwardness.

Q: We export about 60 per cent of our product to Europe, but given their dire economic situation, need to look to diversify to other markets. We have a good idea as to which countries would take our product and have been in discussion with importers. Anything else we should be doing?

Making jewellery out of broken crockery was little more than a hobby for two Wellington mums. Then the Canterbury earthquakes changed everything.

Wellington teenager Michael Moore-Jones has a grand vision for New Zealand's future.

Kiwi clothing label I Love Ugly are to supply European online retail giant ASOS.com.

Kim Kiyosaki is an entrepreneur, author and passionate about financial education - particularly among women

OPINION: Money drives startups, but entrepreneurs should know its place.

Start-up 8interactive has gone hi-tech to inspire in children the age-old love of reading.

OPINION: Are committees, team-building games, brainstorming sessions and meetings really that useful?

The Smashburger chain is a small player in the US but appears to have perfected a model that translates to different customers.

KAT PICKFORD - The Marlborough Express

Driving an army tank over the filing cabinet seems a dramatic way of going paper-free at work.

OPINION: Barely a day goes by without another story of impending job losses.

Q: I'm putting together a business plan for a product I want to market and have forecast my initial sales from an internet survey. But how do I forecast what the market penetration will be in the following years?

Vinyl Heaven owner Adrian Roberts says being an "analogue guy in a digital world" works for his music retail business, in spite of, not because of the ubiquity of the world wide web.

With an ageing population in many of our main tourism markets, travellers in the older age groups will become even more significant in the future.

MICHAEL BERRY - © Fairfax NZ News

Being a former farmer, Mike Kerr is better prepared for the wrath of the earth than are most antiques dealers.

TAMLYN STEWART - © Fairfax NZ News

Say "biltong" to a South African and most will start salivating, but the cured, air-dried beef snack is not an easy product to introduce to a new market.

An Auckland man, who made a racist remark online, will keep his job but has learned his lesson.

OPINION: In a competitive job market, some applicants may be tempted to embellish or even lie outright about their experience.

Dreaming of running your own business? Make sure you're prepared.