By BRUCE FREEMAN, Scripps Howard News Service

Dear Professor Bruce: I'm a small business owner and have a great opportunity to work on a project with a large technology leader. They want a confidentiality agreement; but, I hate contracts and am afraid that if I try to negotiate I'll lose the deal. What should I do?

Dear Professor Bruce:As a small business owner trying to find ways to "save" during this recession, I am interested in tools that will help me stay organized. Do you have any free products or services available that will help me run my business?

Dear Professor Bruce:Q: I am a small business owner in a service business. I feel that when I am dealing with my clients and my vendors I am at a disadvantage because I have never had any formal training in how to negotiate. Can you give me a few tips that will help me become a better negotiator?

Dear Professor Bruce:Q: I have a small public relations firm and I am trying to get increased exposure for my clients. I have been successful in getting them local press, but need to push for national exposure. Any suggestions?

Dear Professor Bruce: I am about to open my own small computer repair and consulting business. I could use some advice to set the business up the right way, but I have limited resources. Do I need an attorney right away? What steps should I take before I hire one?Answer:

Dear Professor Bruce: I'm opening a small retail business With all the start-up expenses of a business, my funds are very limited ? However, I realize how important it is to look professional and attract customers. I have done some research and found that prices for signage can be outrageous. What do I really need and how can I keep the costs down?Answer:

Dear Professor Bruce: When I left the corporate world and began my own business, I had no idea how many details I would have to deal with. What are some ways to manage my time and the stress that comes as a result of being pulled in a thousand directions at once?

Dear Professor Bruce: I am trying to promote my products and services to newspaper, radio and TV folks in the hopes of getting mentioned and not paying expensive advertising costs. There are so many ways to communicate my message that I don't know which way to go. Any suggestions?

Dear Professor Bruce: My small technology company is growing out of my small town home office and I am looking for some space and a new location. The major areas for growing technology companies have traditionally been areas like San Francisco and Boston due to the excellent resources. Frankly, the costs of living in those areas are probably too expensive for me. What do you recommend?

Dear Professor Bruce: I'm tired of having meetings in coffee shops and my clients are starting to wonder if I'm operating a fly-by-night operation. I can't afford to rent an office, so what can I do?Answer: Here are four places you may want to reconsider with respect to holding meetings with potential clients.1. Coffee houses