There's no way around it: investors (big and small) are experiencing real pain in the US stock market. To successfully navigate today's uncertain stock markets, it's important to approach investing cautiously. Here's why.

Marketing, to a large degree, is why people have an increasingly tough time trusting corporations. Broken promises, exaggerated claims, poor excuses. All of these contribute to a lack of faith on the part of the public. But marketing is also a positive contributor to any successful business.

There are two deadly words in marketing: "by committee". When you start inviting commentary in the development stage of any plan, you risk undermining your chances of success in business.

Starting a new business? Then be sure to include a business lawyer in your planning. Business attorneys provide an essential service that touches on almost every part of your business, from human resources, to bylaw compliance, to incorporation documents, to dealing with lawsuits and understanding liability.