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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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Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
50 Free Websites to List Your Business
By Max Freedman | September 19, 2025

List your business free on 50+ sites including Google Business Profile, Bing, Yelp, Angi, and HomeAdvisor. Boosts exposure, builds trust, and drives traffic.

Article
Trademark Examples: Learn From These Trademark Infringement Cases
By Sean Peek | September 18, 2025

Learn from 6 trademark cases including Apple vs. Apple Corps, Louis Vuitton vs. Louis Vuiton Dak, and Academy Awards vs. GoDaddy. Register trademarks early.

Article
6 Reasons Your Business Should Have Strategic Partnerships
By Chad Brooks | September 12, 2025

Strategic partnerships like Starbucks & Google combine resources to expand reach, share costs, and access new markets. Six partnership types explained.

Article
15 Creative Business Sign Ideas That Will Attract More Customers to Your Store
By Miranda Fraraccio | September 11, 2025

Discover creative interior and exterior business sign ideas, tips to help your signage stand out and places to look to find your own inspiration.

Article
A 6-Step Guide to Making a Change Within Your Organization
By Sean Peek | September 02, 2025

Making changes in a company isn't easy, especially for non-managers, but anyone can make a difference. Take these steps to encourage meaningful change.

podcast equipment
Article
Best Business Podcasts You Should Be Listening To in 2026
By Skye Schooley | August 19, 2025

Podcasts are a great way for business owners and entrepreneurs to get business advice, learn about trends and find inspiration. Check out our favorites.

Article
Crazy Business Ideas That Were Surprisingly Successful
By Sean Peek | August 11, 2025

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

Article
Best Franchise Podcasts to Help Your Franchised Business Grow
By Amanda Hoffman | August 07, 2025

Explore the best franchise podcasts for expert tips, interviews and tools to help new and seasoned franchisees succeed.

Article
When Are You No Longer a Startup?
By Sean Peek | July 31, 2025

How do you know your business has passed the startup stage? Find out the key signs here.

Busy office
Article
How to Tell If Your Business Is Growing Too Quickly (And What To Do About It)
By Mark Fairlie | July 30, 2025

While small businesses strive for growth, it's crucial to monitor signs of overburdening your company. Learn the signs of a business growing too quickly.

Article
MLM Scams: Are MLMs Preying on the Dream of Entrepreneurship?
By Tom Anziano | July 28, 2025

Learn how to tell the difference between legitimate business prospects and scams.

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Review
The Hartford Review
By Max Freedman | July 25, 2025

The Hartford offers more policy types than many insurers, often at competitive rates and always with robust customer support.

Article
SWOT Analysis Guide for Businesses
By Kiely Kuligowski | July 25, 2025

SWOT ― which stands for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats” ― is a type of analysis that helps you develop your business strategy.

Article
Why You Need to Develop Your Own Unique Product
By Jared Haw | July 25, 2025

If you sell products that anyone can get from other merchants, you'll never become a leader in your market. Here's how to develop unique products instead.

Article
4 Marketing Hacks to Help You Attract the Right Investors
By Jennifer Dublino | July 25, 2025

Marketing strategy is a crucial aspect of landing investors. Use your marketing skills to identify, message and pitch potential business investors.

Article
Office Moves & Business Relocation: How to Move Successfully
By Jennifer Dublino | July 23, 2025

Use an office relocation as an opportunity to streamline and improve operations. Learn how to make your office move a success.

Article
International Market Expansion: The Benefits of Global Expansion
By Mark Fairlie | July 23, 2025

Global expansion means expanding your business overseas. Learn the benefits of going global and what steps to take for international market expansion.

businessman talking on a phone in an office setting
Article
What Is Supply Chain Distribution?
By Max Freedman | July 23, 2025

Supply chain distribution is used to balance supply and demand. Learn more about the importance of having a distribution plan for your business.

Article
Retirement Funds for the Self-Employed: A Complete Guide
By Donna Fuscaldo | July 22, 2025

How do self-employed people plan for retirement? Here are a few retirement plan options for the solopreneur.

Article
How to Identify Industries That Are Ready for Disruption
By Sean Peek | July 21, 2025

Learn how to identify industries that are ready for disruption and which markets are being shaken up.

Businesspeople in an office
Article
Why Are So Many Companies Moving to Florida?
By Jennifer Dublino | July 17, 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
Young Entrepreneurs: 10 Inspiring Business Owners Under 40
By Sean Peek | July 16, 2025

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

Article
10 Ways to Reduce Operational Costs for Your Small Business
By Jennifer Dublino | July 15, 2025

Because small businesses operate on tight margins, sustaining a healthy profit is critical. Learn how to increase revenue and reduce expenses. 

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Article
Songs About Business: These Hit Tracks Have Hidden Lessons for Entrepreneurs
By Mike Berner | July 14, 2025

Entrepreneurs and business owners can learn some valuable lessons from the lyrics of hit songs by Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra and more.

Champagne toast in an office
Article
Drunk on Money? Why Celebrities Are Investing in Alcohol Brands
By Nicole Fallon | July 10, 2025

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

business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle
By Jamie Johnson | July 10, 2025

The iron triangle says pick two of three: fast, good, or cheap. Lean startup methods challenge this by using MVPs and iteration to achieve all three at once.

Businesswoman on the phone
Article
Would You Make It on Shark Tank? The Importance of Scalable Business Models
By Jamie Johnson | July 09, 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
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
Time Trapped: The Productivity Crisis Facing Small Business Leaders
By Chad Brooks | June 23, 2025

Small business leaders spend more time on email and admin than strategy. Learn how to reclaim time through delegation, focus and technology.

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.