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Business Basics

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

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Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
Retail or E-tail? Buying Online vs. Buying in Person
By Jennifer Dublino | September 09, 2024

Online and in-person sales each have advantages and disadvantages. Learn how to recognize their values and maximize both strategies to meet customer needs.

Article
How to Manage Your Small Business Through a Crisis
By Mark Fairlie | September 05, 2024

Here's how you can navigate a crisis successfully and stay in business.

Article
8 Reasons Why the Cash-Only Model Doesn’t Work for Small Businesses
By Mark Fairlie | September 05, 2024

Customers want payment options, making the cash-only model inconvenient. If your business doesn't accept credit cards, here are eight reasons you should.

Article
Discover the Unique Selling Proposition of Your Business
By Shane Barker | September 04, 2024

Without a unique selling proposition, you have nothing that distinguishes your company. Learn how to create an effective USP for your business.

Article
Elevating Expectations: 5 Ways Product Quality Affects Your Brand
By Sammi Caramela | September 03, 2024

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

Article
12 Things You Must Do Before Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | September 03, 2024

Find out what you must do before starting a business, from writing a business plan to getting the proper insurance.

Article
How to Start a Clothing Store
By Dave Thomas | September 03, 2024

Clothing stores are popular businesses that appeal to varied niche audiences. Learn how to start a clothing store online or in a brick-and-mortar building.

Article
Want to Invest in Digital Real Estate? How to Get Started
By Sean Peek | September 03, 2024

Everyone's familiar with real estate investment. It's as easy as buying a house or land to rent or sell for profit. Digital real estate works the same way.

Article
20 Businesses You Can Start on the Cheap
By Donna Fuscaldo | September 03, 2024

You don't need a ton of cash to launch a business. Opportunities abound to become a business owner with less than $500. See business ideas and pro tips.

Article
7 Smart Tips for Evaluating Your Outsourcing Partner
By Jennifer Dublino | August 29, 2024

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

Article
Building Critical Thinking Skills to Solve Problems at Work
By Miranda Fraraccio | August 29, 2024

Critical thinking is a vital skill for an organization's success. Try following this six-step problem-solving process with your team to foster this ability.

Article
Resources for Veteran-Owned Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | August 29, 2024

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

Happy coworkers
Article
Massages and Pets and Beer, Oh My! Creative Perks for Improved Morale
By Skye Schooley | August 29, 2024

Add these creative benefits to your employee benefits package to attract and retain staff, reduce stress and burnout, and improve company morale.

Article
The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
By Sean Peek | August 27, 2024

Your mission statement should show your company's vision and describe how customers see your business. Here's how to create a mission statement that distinguishes you from competitors.

Article
Should Your Business Customize Its Products?
By Jamie Johnson | August 27, 2024

Customized and personalized products are becoming popular as companies gain more access to consumer data. Here is what your business needs to know.

Article
11 Scams That Prey on Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | August 27, 2024

Scammers often target small and midsize businesses. Beware of these 10 business-related scams, and learn how to avoid cybercriminals and hackers.

Article
5 Ways to Make Your Business’s Computing Eco-Friendly
By Julie Thompson | August 26, 2024

Learn five ways to improve your bottom line and create a more sustainable business environment by using practices such as cloud-based computing.

Article
10 Proven Tips for Young Entrepreneurs to Start Off Strong
By Jennifer Dublino | August 23, 2024

Many people dream of starting their own company, but not all entrepreneurs are successful. Get a good start in your business-owning career with these tips.

Article
How to Start a Business With $0 (Or Pretty Close)
By Tom Drake | August 23, 2024

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

Article
Business Insurance Guide
By David Gargaro | August 23, 2024

This guide to business insurance can help you understand the policies available to your small business and determine which policies are right for you.

Business owner working on a laptop
Article
Starting a Business From Home: The Ultimate Checklist
By Julie Thompson | August 22, 2024

Starting a business requires an organized approach to administrative, legal and practical tasks. Follow this checklist to start a business from home.

Article
Requirements for Keeping Paycheck Records
By Julie Thompson | August 22, 2024

Employers keep paycheck records to comply with federal and state laws, complete tax returns, and use in audits. Here's what you need to know.

Article
What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | August 21, 2024

An insurance policy that service-related businesses need is professional liability insurance. Learn about what it covers and protects against.

Article
What Is General Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | August 21, 2024

If a third party gets hurt at your workplace, they can sue you. Here's how to protect your company.

Article
What Is Errors and Omissions Insurance?
By David Gargaro | August 21, 2024

Errors and omissions insurance guards your business against lawsuits brought by dissatisfied customers.

Article
What Is Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | August 21, 2024

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
What Is Commercial Property Insurance?
By Mark Fairlie | August 21, 2024

Commercial property insurance covers the building and items that you own or lease against such perils as fire, explosions, theft, and vandalism.

Article
Commercial Car Insurance Laws by State
By Mark Fairlie | August 21, 2024

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

Article
How Do Commercial Car Insurance Deductibles Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | August 21, 2024

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

Article
Never Giving Up: 9 Successful Entrepreneurs Who Failed at Least Once
By Sean Peek | August 21, 2024

Learn how some of the most successful entrepreneurs bounced back from rejection – and how you can too.