BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo
Search Icon

Business Basics

A complete resource for starting, managing, and growing your business. Discover everything you need to know at business.com.

Presented by in Partnership with
Sponsor
Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.

Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources

The Best Business Products and Services

More Best Picks

Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources

How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2024
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 
Apple vs .Apple: 6 Trademark Cases and What You Can Learn From Them
Sean Peek
Sean Peek

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

person texting on a smartphone
Article
Should Your Restaurant Accept Mobile Payments?
By Jamie Johnson | December 06, 2024

Mobile payments provide a fast and easy way for restaurants to receive payments, but there are pros and cons to this method. Here is what you need to know.

Unbreakable Alliances
Article
Former FBI Spy Recruiter’s Trust-Building Tips Are Straight Outta Quantico (Full Q&A)
By Dan Ketchum | December 05, 2024

An interview with “Unbreakable Alliances” author Robin Dreeke

Article
The Influence of Leadership Styles: How Givers and Takers Match Up
By Sean Peek | December 05, 2024

Workplaces are full of all types of people, including givers, takers and matchers. Learn the pros and cons of various leadership styles.

Article
What to Know When Choosing Business Insurance
By Sean Peek | December 04, 2024

Choosing insurance for your company or employees is important, and should not be done casually. Here’s what to consider when getting insurance.

Article
The Road Map to Starting a Membership Site From Scratch
By Mark Thompson | December 04, 2024

A subscription site is easy to start and can offer big rewards. Follow these steps to build a loyal member base.

Article
5 Reasons Your Business Should Have Strategic Partnerships
By Chad Brooks | December 03, 2024

Strategic partnerships have mutual benefits and can lead to long-term profits. Here are the advantages of partnering with another company and examples.

Article
10 Successful Businesses You Didn’t Know Were Run By Women
By Jennifer Dublino | November 27, 2024

Female entrepreneurs own 42 percent of American firms. Check out this list of women-led companies and some great resources for small business owners.

Article
How Businesses Are Marketing Green Innovation
By Julie Thompson | November 26, 2024

Learn how your company can improve the environment while using eco-friendly consciousness as a marketing tactic.

Article
RFID for Retail: Know the Pros and Cons
By Joanna Furlong | November 25, 2024

RFID (radio frequency identification) can identify and track inventory. Learn how RFID is used in retail and what you need to know to use it effectively.

Article
5 Tips for Setting SMART Goals in Your Business Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | November 22, 2024

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

Article
Outgrowing Your Office Space? Should You Lease or Buy?
By Karina Fabian | November 20, 2024

Here is a list of things to consider before deciding whether to purchase or lease your new office space, including pros and cons of both options.

Article
4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | November 20, 2024

The heat and the sun aren't the only reasons Texas is a hot state. Check out why Texas is a fantastic state to start a business.

Article
Does Your Business Have a Battle Rhythm? Why You Need One
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | November 19, 2024

Battle rhythm is an operational knowledge management process. It is equal parts strategic routine and information processing.

Article
Trademark Basics: How to Submit a Trademark
By Max Freedman | November 19, 2024

Submitting a trademark is a way to protect your intellectual property. Learn how to submit a trademark properly, how it differs from a copyright, and more.

Article
How to Determine How Much Office Space You Need
By Jennifer Dublino | November 18, 2024

When buying or leasing an office, planning the right amount of space is crucial for efficient operations. Learn how to determine your office space needs.

Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | November 12, 2024

If you have a background in marketing and communications, an advertising agency could be a smart startup option. Here's what you need to know.

Article
Want to Support a Charity? Qualities Businesses Should Seek Out
By Max Freedman | November 12, 2024

The charity you select should not only align with your company values but also be a good fit for your customers, employees and the community you serve.

Article
Why Your Small Business Needs an IT Partner
By Mark Fairlie | November 08, 2024

Find the right IT partner and your SMB can take advantage of all current and future business technology, improving service, profit and productivity.

Article
Protecting Your Bottom Line From Data Breaches
By Mark Fairlie | November 08, 2024

If customers can't trust you with their data, it will hurt your bottom line. Find out what you need to do to secure your business’s data.

Article
Should Your Restaurant Accept Bitcoin?
By Mark Fairlie | November 07, 2024

Some restaurants have started accepting Bitcoin as payment. Learn the pros and cons of accepting Bitcoin in restaurants and how to get started.

Article
How to Learn From Your Failures: 4 Valuable Lessons
By Thomas Griffin | November 07, 2024

Failure is inevitable as an entrepreneur, so it’s important to develop a healthy attitude about it. Here are four lessons you can learn from failing.

Article
Is Wholesale Over? The Death of the Middleman
By Jennifer Dublino | November 07, 2024

The internet has reduced the need for wholesalers that act as middlemen in the sales process. Learn the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer transactions.

Article
The Dropbox Effect: How to Utilize the Lean Startup Methodology
By Sean Peek | November 07, 2024

The lean startup technique is a three-step approach designed to help companies improve their decision-making in order to reach a broader market.

Article
How Virtual Reality Technology Is Changing Manufacturing
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | November 07, 2024

The manufacturing industry is changing as next-generation VR and AR become readily available.

Article
How to Create a Sustainable Business Model
By Drew Hendricks | November 07, 2024

A sustainable business model is a top priority for SMBs. Learn how to build a sustainable business that benefits customers without jeopardizing the planet.

Article
What Is a Workers’ Comp Exemption?
By Kimberlee Leonard | November 07, 2024

This guide explains how workers' compensation exemptions work and to which employees these exemptions may apply.

Article
5 Simple Ways to Pinpoint Your Brand’s Target Audience
By Chris Christoff | November 06, 2024

When you start a business, you need to understand your target market at a fundamental level. Here's exactly how to identify your audience.

Article
What Is Dynamic Pricing, and How Does It Affect E-commerce?
By Jennifer Dublino | November 06, 2024

In dynamic pricing, product prices adjust in response to real-time supply and demand. Learn how dynamic pricing works and its benefits and downsides.

person using a calculator to do accounting
Article
Hitting the Books: A Guide to Retail Accounting
By Jill Bowers | November 05, 2024

Learn about the methods of calculating and tracking inventory that are used in retail accounting.

Article
Elevating Expectations: 6 Ways Product Quality Affects Your Brand
By Sammi Caramela | November 05, 2024

Ensuring your products are high quality is crucial to your business's bottom line. Learn how to create products that meet user standards.