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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
Does Your Business Have a Battle Rhythm? Why You Need One
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | November 19, 2024

Battle rhythm is an operational knowledge management process. It is equal parts strategic routine and information processing.

Article
Trademark Basics: How to Submit a Trademark
By Max Freedman | November 19, 2024

Submitting a trademark is a way to protect your intellectual property. Learn how to submit a trademark properly, how it differs from a copyright, and more.

Article
How to Determine How Much Office Space You Need
By Jennifer Dublino | November 18, 2024

When buying or leasing an office, planning the right amount of space is crucial for efficient operations. Learn how to determine your office space needs.

Article
How to Learn From Your Failures: 4 Valuable Lessons
By Thomas Griffin | November 07, 2024

Failure is inevitable as an entrepreneur, so it’s important to develop a healthy attitude about it. Here are four lessons you can learn from failing.

Article
The Dropbox Effect: How to Utilize the Lean Startup Methodology
By Sean Peek | November 07, 2024

The lean startup technique is a three-step approach designed to help companies improve their decision-making in order to reach a broader market.

Article
How Virtual Reality Technology Is Changing Manufacturing
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | November 07, 2024

The manufacturing industry is changing as next-generation VR and AR become readily available.

Article
How to Create a Sustainable Business Model
By Drew Hendricks | November 07, 2024

A sustainable business model is a top priority for SMBs. Learn how to build a sustainable business that benefits customers without jeopardizing the planet.

Article
5 Simple Ways to Pinpoint Your Brand’s Target Audience
By Chris Christoff | November 06, 2024

When you start a business, you need to understand your target market at a fundamental level. Here's exactly how to identify your audience.

person drawing logos in a sketchbook next to a color palette
Article
How to Create a New Brand Image From Scratch
By Jennifer Dublino | October 30, 2024

Creating a brand image is a crucial marketing task to establish a brand identity. Learn what's involved in a new brand image and branding do's and don'ts.

accountants using computers and calculators
Article
Is Your Small Business Achieving Profitable Growth?
By Emil Abedian | October 29, 2024

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

group of young adult friends sitting on a couch watching TV together
Article
TV Executive Ken Basin Explains Why Hollywood Imploded [Full Q&A]
By Antonio Ferme | October 29, 2024

The Business of Television author has a few ideas to rescue networks from their own bad decisions.

Article
The Pros and Cons of Virtual Offices
By Jennifer Post | October 29, 2024

Virtual offices haven’t lost their popularity but do they have more cons than pros at this point? Here is what you need to consider.

Article
The 7 Biggest Challenges of Starting a Business (and How to Overcome Them)
By Jennifer Dublino | October 25, 2024

Starting a business is a difficult endeavor. Learn the biggest challenges that come with entrepreneurship and how to overcome them and find success.

Article
Committing to Eco-Friendly Packaging Practices Can Save Your Company Money
By Jennifer Dublino | October 25, 2024

Using eco-friendly packaging can cut costs, reduce waste and help your business be viewed as Earth-friendly. Learn about going green in your business.

Article
Why You Should Develop a Relationship With a Business Lawyer
By Mark Fairlie | October 24, 2024

Business lawyers help with contracts, business structure, compliance, and legal risks. They save money by preventing costly mistakes before they happen.

Article
How to Celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month
By Mona Bushnell | October 18, 2024

October is National Women's Small Business Month, which means it's time to celebrate women-owned businesses everywhere.

Greggv Majewski headshot
Article
Craveworthy Brands CEO Takes a Bite Out of High Fast-Food Prices [Full Q&A]
By Antonio Ferme | October 18, 2024

An interview with Gregg Majewski

rainbow slinky
Article
The Slinky Was Originally Designed for Navy Warships
By Ali Saleh | October 16, 2024

“A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing!”

Robert Irvine Overcoming Impossible book cover
Article
Robert Irvine’s Advice to Get Your Business Cooking
By Maya Afilalo | October 16, 2024

The Food Network host and Overcoming Impossible author shares his tips on scaling up with the right mindset.

Woman holding a Stuckey's bar in a diner
Article
How Stuckey’s Chair Rebuilt an American Snack Empire (Full Q&A)
By Dawn Allcot | October 16, 2024

A Q&A with Stephanie Stuckey

Sail to Scale book cover
Article
The Dangers of Scaling Your Startup Too Fast (Full Q&A)
By Antonio Ferme | October 16, 2024

An interview with Sail to Scale co-author Mona Sabet

Article
9 Elements of a Successful Financial Plan for a Small Business
By Jamie Johnson | October 15, 2024

Improve your chances of growth and success by covering these bases in your financial plan.

Article
Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Technology Leads to New Opportunities
By Jamie Johnson | October 11, 2024

Technology plays a huge role in the success of your business. Learn more about how.

Stretchlab
Article
StretchLab President on Franchise’s Flexible Model [Full Q&A]
By Tess Barker | October 10, 2024

An interview with fitness exec Verdine Baker

Article
Better Together: Making Magic Between Big Companies and Startups
By Mark Fairlie | October 10, 2024

Startups and enterprises can complement each other by collaborating. Learn how large and small players can overcome issues and work together.

Article
Industries That Take Full Advantage of the Subscription Business Model
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 07, 2024

See how specific industries have taken advantage of the subscription model. Learn subscription model benefits and tips for using it in your business.

Brobible founder sitting on a cooler
Article
Regret Selling Your Company? Buy It Back Like BroBible’s Founders [Full Q&A]
By Antonio Ferme | October 04, 2024

BroBible publisher Brandon Wenerd explains how the male millennial lifestyle brand grew by staying true to itself.

Article
The Best Places for Purchasing Office Supplies
By Mark Fairlie | October 04, 2024

Many office supply places offer savings programs for corporate accounts, volume sales and other benefits. Learn how small businesses can save.

Article
Buying a Car for Your Business? How to Avoid Mistakes
By Jennifer Dublino | October 04, 2024

Buying a company car can help your business run more smoothly and save money. Ensure you invest in the right business vehicle and avoid common mistakes.