Our free membership, business.com+, takes the pain out of choosing new business services.
Learn More
BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo
Search Icon
Search Icon

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.

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

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
Important Things to Do After Your Trademark Is Registered
By Julie Thompson | September 25, 2024

Registering your trademark is the first step in protecting your brand. Learn what to do next to ensure you're handling the trademark process properly.

Article
How to Apply for a Copyright Online
By Julianna Lopez | September 24, 2024

Obtaining a copyright is a straightforward process online. Learn how to apply for a copyright online and the benefits of protecting intellectual property.

Article
 Resources for Business Owners With Disabilities
By Julie Thompson | September 24, 2024

Learn about all the government programs and other initiatives available for business owners with disabilities.

Article
11 Ways to Drastically Cut Business Costs
By Katharine Paljug | September 17, 2024

Small businesses often have slim profit margins. Learn how to cut expenses to boost cash flow, invest in growth and lower prices without impacting revenue.

Article
Build a Brand That Attracts Gen Z and Millennial Customers
By Sean Peek | September 12, 2024

Check out these branding tips for business owners to connect with Generation Z and millennial consumers.

Article
Do It for Me: The Next Evolution of the On-Demand Economy
By Jamie Johnson | September 11, 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.

creative marketing team
Article
Are You Telling the Right Story About Your Brand?
By Sean Peek | September 10, 2024

Learn how to identify and share the right story about your brand to usher in loyal consumers.

Article
Brand Reputation: How to Protect Your No. 1 Asset
By Mark Fairlie | September 09, 2024

Your most valuable asset is your brand reputation. Learn how to protect it by keeping employees and customers happy and using reputation-management tools.

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
Managing Resources: ERP Industry Trends That Impact the Bottom Line
By Mark Fairlie | August 29, 2024

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) helps businesses drive quality by recording and storing real-time business performance data. Learn ERP trends to watch.

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
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
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.

Article
The Shocking Truth: Why Every Company Is a Technology Company
By Kimberlee Leonard | August 22, 2024

Companies must adopt a tech mindset in their corporate identity. Learn why every business is a tech company and how to incorporate tech in your operations.

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.

online customer
Article
How to Set a Price for Your Service
By Jennifer Dublino | August 20, 2024

Setting the proper prices for your services is one of the most crucial elements of business. Learn how to set fair and accurate prices for your services.

Article
11 Scams That Prey on Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | August 19, 2024

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

Smart Rivals book cover
Article
Smart Rivals: How to Compete Against Tech Giants [Full Q&A]
By Tina Nazerian | August 16, 2024

An interview with Harvard Business School’s Feng Zhu and Bonnie Cao

Article
6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | August 15, 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.

Office workers
Article
Get It Together: 7 Quick Ways to Make Your Business More Organized
By Leah Zitter | August 13, 2024

Use these simple tricks to make your business more efficient with the minimum resources.

Hyper Efficient book cover
Article
Hyperefficient: Dr. Mithu Storoni Shares Productivity Brain Hacks
By Jane Meggitt | August 05, 2024

Our full Q&A with the author and neuroscience researcher.

Article
How to Attract Customers to Your Restaurant
By Jennifer Dublino | August 02, 2024

Here are several online and offline marketing techniques that you can use to reach more potential customers for your restaurant business.

Article
What Is a Hold Harmless Agreement?
By Kimberlee Leonard | July 29, 2024

A hold harmless agreement releases a party from the consequences of another's actions. Learn how and when to use a hold harmless agreement in business.

Article
Funding Woes, Be Gone: 10 Ways to Minimize Your Startup Costs
By Jennifer Dublino | July 29, 2024

Minimize your costs by following these tips.

Article
What Is a Business Owner’s Policy?
By Max Freedman | July 25, 2024

A business owner's policy is a packaged insurance policy that includes general liability coverage and property insurance coverage. Learn more here.

Article
9 Little-Known Ways to Network With Hospitality Industry Insiders
By Jennifer Dublino | July 23, 2024

Making contacts within the hospitality industry can create opportunities for your business. Learn how to start networking effectively.

Article
Requirements for Keeping Paycheck Records
By Julie Thompson | July 10, 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
How Workers’ Compensation Rates Work
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 28, 2024

Workers' compensation rates are affected by several factors. Learn what workers' compensation covers, and how to calculate rates and meet requirements.

mentor consulting an intern
Article
What Is Excess Liability Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 27, 2024

Excess liability insurance is extra coverage that kicks in once an underlying policy hits its limits. Learn how it works and what it covers.