9 rules every business leader should live by

There are nine key lessons that every chief executive must master if they're to grow their company without tripping themselves up, writes Janine Popick, CEO and founder of VerticalResponse, in this two-part article. High on Popick's list: Hire an amazing lawyer and an even better accountant -- and sack people who fall short sooner rather than later. "There's something to be said for trying to help employees who aren't up to snuff, but at some point you have to let go," she notes. Inc.com