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Business Planning

Our business planning hub has all of the essential tools, strategies and insights needed to build and maintain a successful small business — a complete resource for starting, managing and growing your business. Discover everything you need to know at business.com.

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Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources

How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2025
Master the art of profitable restaurant hospitality with these 10 strategies to elevate your customer loyalty and overall success.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek
What Your Wheels Say: The Top 10 Cars for CEOs
Discover the ultimate guide to the best 10 vehicles for CEOs, including how each car reflects aspects of your character.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek
Open for Business: 5 Options for Setting Up an Online Store
Whether you have a new business or want to add online sales as a revenue stream, setting up an e-commerce store is easy. Here are some options to get started.
Jennifer Dublino
Jennifer Dublino
Apple vs. Apple: 6 Trademark Cases and What You Should Learn From Them 
You could be committing trademark infringement without knowing it. Here are six trademark cases to learn from.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
How Do Commercial Car Insurance Deductibles Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 03, 2025

Commercial car insurance deductibles work just like personal auto insurance deductibles. Learn about collision and comprehensive claims deductibles.

Article
Welcome to America: What Nonresidents Need to Consider When Forming a Company in the U.S.
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | June 03, 2025

Non-U.S. residents can form a business in the United States, but there are a few things they need to consider. Learn what with this guide.

Article
Turn Your Genealogy Hobby Into a Side Business
By Chad Brooks | June 02, 2025

Have you ever considered starting a genealogy business? This guide will walk you through the steps of starting a home-based genealogy business.

open plan workspace
Article
Renewable Resources: The Impact of Green Energy on the Economy
By Jennifer Dublino | June 02, 2025

Green energy boosts job creation, attracts investment and cuts long-term costs, making it a key driver of sustainable economic growth in the U.S.

Article
10 Ways Small Businesses Empower Their Communities
By Mark Fairlie | June 02, 2025

Small businesses fuel local economies by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting communities through resilience, adaptability and human connection.

Article
Can You Make a Profit and Be Socially Responsible?
By Jennifer Dublino | June 02, 2025

Social responsibility and profit aren't mutually exclusive—businesses that prioritize ethics, sustainability and transparency see stronger loyalty and growth.

Article
50 Free Websites to List Your Business
By Max Freedman | June 02, 2025

Free websites to list your business include Google, Bing, Yelp, Angi and HomeAdvisor. Directories boost exposure, build trust and can drive significant traffic.

Article
7 Stats That Will Make You Rethink Your Document Management Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | June 02, 2025

Forty-eight percent of workers struggle to find files, 45 percent of SMBs still use paper, and e-signatures can boost close rates by 28 percent or more.

Article
5 Reasons Your Business Should Have Strategic Partnerships
By Chad Brooks | June 02, 2025

Strategic partnerships help businesses expand audiences, enter new markets, reduce costs, and build brand trust through shared resources and mutual strengths.

Businesswoman walking through an airport
Article
International Business Etiquette From Around the World
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | June 02, 2025

Master international business by learning key etiquette tips from countries like Japan, Germany, and Brazil—from greetings to gift-giving to meeting protocols.

Article
The Management Theory of Henri Fayol
By Sean Peek | June 02, 2025

Henri Fayol’s management theory outlines 14 principles and 5 key functions that shaped modern leadership, from planning and organizing to controlling.

Article
What Is Coinsurance in Business?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | May 30, 2025

Coinsurance for small businesses helps cover property and business assets, so the insurer knows there's adequate coverage. Here's how it works.

mentor consulting an intern
Article
What Is Risk in Business Insurance?
By Mark Fairlie | May 30, 2025

Insurance risk is the probability of an adverse event that causes an insurance claim. Learn how business insurance risk is assessed and how to lower it.

Article
What Is Subrogation in Business Insurance?
By Mark Fairlie | May 30, 2025

Subrogation lets an insurance company recover money for insurance claims from a third party. Learn how subrogation works in various insurance types.

Businesswoman on the phone
Article
Would You Make It on Shark Tank? The Importance of Scalable Business Models
By Jamie Johnson | May 15, 2025

Scalability is a crucial factor in business growth and success. Learn the components of a scalable company and how to scale your business.

Article
How Dual Monitors Can Save You Time and Money
By Jennifer Post | May 13, 2025

With a dual-monitor workspace, you can boost your productivity and accomplish tasks in less time. Learn how to add a second monitor.

business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle
By Jamie Johnson | May 13, 2025

The iron triangle of product development has shortcomings. Learn why the lean startup process is the best way to achieve "fast, good and cheap," all in one project.

Article
The 8 Cheapest Franchises to Buy in 2025
By Sean Peek | May 13, 2025

Discover the cheapest franchises to start in 2025, with low entry costs and high potential in travel, cleaning, real estate, and more.

Article
Tips for Setting SMART Goals in Your Business Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | May 08, 2025

SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Learn how to apply SMART goal principles to your business to boost success.

Entrepreneur using a phone
Article
How to Stay Motivated to Start a Business
By Simone Johnson | May 06, 2025

What makes a good entrepreneur? Characteristics such as flexibility, control and motivation all help. Here is how to stay inspired when starting your business.

Article
How to Start a Business With $0 (Or Pretty Close)
By Tom Drake | May 06, 2025

It is possible to go into business with limited startup capital. Here is how to become a successful entrepreneur, even without huge assets.

Article
6 Key Strategies for Growing Your Construction Firm
By Jennifer Post | May 06, 2025

The future of construction looks good, especially for those in home, commercial or infrastructure. Here are six tips for success within the industry.

Article
How Do HIPAA Laws Impact Employers? (HIPAA Compliance Checklist)
By Adam Uzialko | May 05, 2025

This guide includes everything employers need to know about HIPAA requirements, as well as a HIPAA compliance checklist.

Article
How to Build Business Momentum With Limited Resources
By Sean Peek | May 01, 2025

Building business momentum usually requires financial resources. Learn strategies to build business momentum with few resources and how to avoid mistakes.

Article
How to Structure a Stock Purchase Agreement (Template)
By Max Freedman | May 01, 2025

A stock purchase agreement outlines the sale of company stock to buyers. Here's how to create a stock purchase agreement, along with a helpful template.

Article
9 Steps for Building a Successful Construction Business
By Sean Peek | April 29, 2025

Reputation is crucial to a construction business because the stakes are high. Learn how to build a successful construction company with the right tools.

Article
Top Countries for Business Process Outsourcing (and How to Start)
By Derek Gallimore | April 29, 2025

Make sure you're outsourcing for the most efficiency and least costly by considering a partner in one of these countries.

Article
Specialty Insurance Basics
By Mark Fairlie | April 29, 2025

A business needs specialty insurance for items not covered by ordinary homeowners or automobile insurance. Learn if your company needs more insurance.

Article
9 Smart Tips for Evaluating Your Outsourcing Partner
By Jennifer Dublino | April 29, 2025

Outsourcing part of your production process can boost efficiency, save money and help you focus. Learn seven tips for evaluating an outsourcing partner.

Article
What Is Tail Insurance in Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | April 29, 2025

Tail insurance is a policy endorsement that lets you file a claim after a policy's term ends. Learn how tail coverage can protect your business.