THE 100

More than half of all small businesses fail within the first five years. Starting and running a small business is hard work, and many entrepreneurs feel they must do whatever it takes to succeed, at the expense of their family, friends, and health. Yet, if done correctly, small-business ownership can—and should—balance profitable operations with personal fulfillment. According to author Tom Salonek—founder and CEO of Intertech, a Minnesota-based technology consulting and training firm—this balance is actually the secret to success.

Salonek believes that your business should "give life, not take it," a philosophy that has helped him grow his own venture every year since its inception in 1991. In THE 100, Salonek shares his secrets to business success in the form of 100 concise, nuts-and-bolts lessons for achieving the ideal work-life balance for maximum success.

Written in clear, direct prose, these lessons are packed with actionable ideas and practical advice for using communication, collaboration, and technology to help small-business owners cultivate the best qualities not only in themselves, but in their employees as well.

Tom Salonek is the founder and CEO of Intertech, a Minnesota-based technology consulting and training firm. He has completed executive education at the Harvard School of Business and MIT. He and his company have earned more than 45 awards for growth, innovation, and being a best place to work.