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Business Basics

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Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
When Is Auto Insurance Tax Deductible?
By Kimberlee Leonard | April 19, 2024

Auto insurance can be tax deductible when you use your vehicle for business. Learn what you can write off and how to find the best tax strategy for you.

tropical island
Article
3 Famous Restaurants and Bars That Weren’t Supposed to Be
By Ali Saleh | April 19, 2024

An unexpected origin story adds character.

closeup of a watch
Article
Projects Watches Dials Into What Makes Gen Z Tick (Full Q&A)
By Antonio Ferme | April 19, 2024

An interview with creative director Connor Hudson

Co-Intelligence book cover
Article
Wharton Professor Ethan Mollick Is Ready to Merge With the Machines (Full Q&A)
By Tina Nazerian | April 19, 2024

An interview with the bestselling author of Co-Intelligence

Article
What Is ERP Software and How Can It Increase Efficiency?
By Jamie Johnson | April 19, 2024

Find out how ERP software can help you efficiently manage the most important operations of your business.

Article
How to Handle a Business Lawsuit
By Mark Fairlie | April 19, 2024

Business owners are vulnerable to lawsuits. Learn common lawsuit types, as well as how to handle a lawsuit, deal with insurance, and protect your company.

Article
6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | April 19, 2024

An S corporation helps you avoid double taxation and the self-employment tax. Learn the pros and cons of S corporations and other corporate structures.

Article
Open for Business: 5 Options for Setting Up an Online Store
By Jennifer Dublino | April 18, 2024

There are various ways to open an e-commerce store and start selling online. Learn your online store options and their pros and cons.

Article
Looking for Business Insurance? 10 Questions to Ask a Prospective Broker
By Kimberlee Leonard | April 17, 2024

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
‘Bad’ Business Ideas That Made Bank
By Sean Peek | April 17, 2024

Does your business idea seem ridiculous on the surface? Take inspiration from these 10 businesses that found success despite starting with a "bad" idea.

Happy coworkers
Article
Massages and Pets and Beer, Oh My! Creative Perks for Improved Morale
By Skye Schooley | April 16, 2024

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

Article
10 Inspiring Entrepreneurs Under 40
By Sean Peek | April 16, 2024

Check out our list of inspiring entrepreneurs under 40 who have paved the way for themselves and many others with successful businesses.

Article
5 Tips for Setting SMART Goals in Your Business Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | April 15, 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
8 Reasons Why the Cash-Only Model Doesn’t Work for Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | April 10, 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
RFID for Retail: Know the Pros and Cons
By Joanna Furlong | April 10, 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
Business Decision-Making: Gut Instinct or Hard Data?
By Sean Peek | April 10, 2024

When it comes to business, your decisions matter. But it's important to recognize whether your choices are based on intuition or emotions.

Entrepreneur using a phone
Article
How to Stay Motivated to Start a Business
By Simone Johnson | April 10, 2024

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 Much Does Insurance Cost for a Small Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | April 10, 2024

Small business insurance costs depend on many factors; every policy serves a different risk-protection purpose. Learn about small business insurance costs.

busy office
Article
Small Business Statistics: The Most Interesting Data of 2024
By Mike Berner | April 10, 2024

This list of small business statistics provides a snapshot of the most important business trends

Article
Learn by Example: 7 Great Mobile-Friendly E-Commerce Websites
By Mark Fairlie | April 10, 2024

Boost your mobile website conversion rates by emulating excellent mobile-friendly e-commerce websites. Learn how to create a great mobile user experience.

Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | April 10, 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
Do It for Me: The Next Evolution of the On-Demand Economy
By Jamie Johnson | April 10, 2024

Consumers want convenience, which often means they want someone to do something for them on demand. Learn how to take advantage of the DIFM movement.

Article
Visualizing Success: How to Set Up Effective Quarterly Goals
By Julie Thompson | April 10, 2024

Breaking goals into small, actionable initiatives allows your employees and clients to become more productive over shorter time frames.

accountants using computers and calculators
Article
Is Your Small Business Achieving Profitable Growth?
By Emil Abedian | April 10, 2024

Small businesses must understand if their growth is profitable. Learn about the profitability-growth relationship and achieving profitable growth.

business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle?
By Jamie Johnson | April 10, 2024

Trying to decide between making a product fast, good or cheap can be difficult. Here's how to accomplish all three.

Article
Tips for Setting Better Business Goals
By Simone Johnson | April 10, 2024

Learn how to create better business goals that can help guide your company.

Article
Things to Consider Before Presenting Your Idea to Investors
By Jennifer Dublino | April 10, 2024

Investor presentations require careful planning and organization. Learn what to consider before presenting an idea to investors and signs you're not ready.

Article
Is Wholesale Over? The Death of the Middleman
By Jennifer Dublino | April 10, 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
Elevating Expectations: 5 Ways Product Quality Affects Your Brand
By Sammi Caramela | April 10, 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
Writing a Business Growth Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | April 10, 2024

A business growth plan outlines where a company sees itself in one to two years. Learn what to include in a business growth plan and why a plan matters.