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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

Champagne toast in an office
Article
Drunk on Money? Why Celebrities Are Investing in Alcohol Brands
By Nicole Fallon | June 27, 2025

More celebrities are investing in alcohol brands than ever before. Here's why – and what you can learn.

Article
The Management Theory of Henri Fayol
By Sean Peek | June 27, 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 business.com+? Everything You Need to Know About Our Exclusive Membership Program
By Shari Weiss | June 26, 2025

The business.com+ membership program takes the pain out of choosing new business services by providing dedicated advisors and unbeatable deals. Learn more.

Article
What Is Fiduciary Liability Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 24, 2025

Fiduciary liability insurance protects a business from claims that a benefits plan was mismanaged. Learn what fiduciary liability insurance covers.

Article
How to Build a Seamless Customer Journey Across Digital Channels
By Nicole Fallon | June 24, 2025

Learn how to create a seamless digital customer journey across multiple channels for a frictionless buying experience.

Article
What Is Directors and Officers Liability Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 24, 2025

If a lawsuit targets a firm's directors and officers, directors and officers insurance protects their personal assets. Learn how D&O insurance works.

Article
Understanding Data Breach vs. Cyber Liability Insurance
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 24, 2025

Cyber and data breach insurance cover data breach costs, but cyber adds more protection. Learn how to choose the right insurance for your business.

Businesspeople in an office
Article
Why Are So Many Companies Moving to Florida?
By Jennifer Dublino | June 24, 2025

Many established companies of all sizes have decided to make Florida their home. Learn why companies are moving to Florida and how to make the move.

Article
Resources for Veteran-Owned Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | June 18, 2025

Military veterans seeking to transition to entrepreneurial ventures have a wealth of resources at their disposal. Learn how to access resources for vets.

Article
Projection Mapping and the Law: What Advertisers Should Know
By Sean Peek | June 17, 2025

Projection mapping is a great way to impress customers and brand your business, but you should look into the legal implications first.

Article
Why Your Business Needs Indemnity Insurance
By Mark Fairlie | June 13, 2025

A key component of an insurance policy is restitution for those who have a claim against you. Here’s how indemnity insurance provides that.

Article
Commercial Car Insurance Laws by State
By Mark Fairlie | June 13, 2025

What are your state's requirements for commercial auto insurance coverage? Learn what you and your business need to do to avoid penalties.

Article
What Are Project Management Methodologies and Why Are They Important?
By Amanda Hoffman | June 11, 2025

Project management methodology offers a clear structure for organizing tasks, managing resources and keeping projects moving forward.

Article
What Is a Surety Bond?
By Mark Fairlie | June 11, 2025

Surety bonds act as a legally enforceable guarantee that help small business owners secure third-party contracts. Learn how they work.

Article
Looking for Business Insurance? 10 Questions to Ask a Prospective Broker
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 11, 2025

Business insurance is critical – and complex. Learn how to vet a reputable broker who can help you decide which risks to insure against and for how much.

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
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.