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Buying Guides

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Best Pick
The Best Credit Card Processors of 2025: Pricing and Hardware
By Mike Berner | November 08, 2025

Top credit card processing companies include Stripe for e-commerce, Square for flat-rate pricing, and Clover for POS systems with competitive processing fees.

Rapid Finance logo
Review
Rapid Finance Review
By Mike Berner | November 08, 2025

Rapid Finance provides same-day funding for term loans, lines of credit, and merchant cash advances from $500 to $10 million with fast online applications.

Article
Shallow Pockets: Tips for Hiring Employees on a Limited Budget
By Skye Schooley | November 07, 2025

Small businesses can hire quality employees on tight budgets by using free job boards, promoting internally, hiring versatile workers, and leveraging referrals.

Gusto dashboard
Article
Gusto vs. ADP: Which Payroll Software Is Right for Your Business?
By Tom Anziano | November 07, 2025

This comparison guide breaks down the similarities and differences between ADP and Gusto payroll solutions for small businesses.

hand removing a paycheck from an envelope
Best Pick
The Best Online Payroll Services of 2025
By Jessica Elliott | November 06, 2025

Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll and ADP streamline payroll processing with tax compliance, direct deposit and employee self-service portals.

Article
Secrets to Selling Intangible Products and Services
By Jonathan Furman | November 06, 2025

When you're selling intangible goods and services, you'll need to create a unique marketing plan and sales process involving trust. Learn what's involved.

bustling open plan office
Article
The Small Business Productivity Guide: 10 Tips to Boost Your Output
By Victor Snyder | November 06, 2025

You can help your employees become more efficient at their jobs with this guide that offers tips on maximizing the workday.

Article
8 Soft Skills to Consider for Improved Employee Return on Investment
By Julie Thompson | November 06, 2025

If you want to boost productivity and profits, make sure your employees have these soft skills. You'll see a better return on investment if they do.

Article
Text Message Marketing: Annoying, Brilliant or Both?
By Mark Fairlie | November 06, 2025

Forget WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. The way to reach more Americans on their cell phones is by the humble SMS text message.

Article
4 Questions for a Successful HRIS Audit
By Chad Brooks | November 06, 2025

Find out what a human resources information system is, the different types of HRIS and the questions to ask when evaluating a system.

Article
Alternative Lending: A Small Business Guide
By Donna Fuscaldo | November 06, 2025

Alternative lenders offer more flexible terms and faster approval and funding than traditional banks. Discover more about alternative loans.

Best Pick
The Best Email Marketing Services and Survey Software of 2025
By Mark Fairlie | November 05, 2025

Mailchimp, Constant Contact and Campaign Monitor excel in email marketing, offering automation, segmentation and responsive templates.

Article
How to Turn Change Management Into Personal Development
By Sean Peek | November 05, 2025

Work environments are continually changing, and a company can prepare its employees for that. Learn how to support your workers and create better teamwork.

Article
Big Data, Big Problem: Coping With a Shortage of Talent in Data Analysis
By Sean Peek | November 05, 2025

Companies are struggling to find and retain data analytics talent. Find out why there's a shortage of data analysts and what your business can do.

Article
Cybercrime: What Is It?
By Mark Fairlie | November 05, 2025

Learn what cybercrime is and how to prevent it. Protect your business from phishing, ransomware and other attacks with proven cybercrime protection strategies.

Article
5 Reasons Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Sales
By Jennifer Dublino | November 05, 2025

Emotional intelligence helps salespeople handle rejection, read customer signals, and build trust. High-EQ sellers see "no" as improvement opportunities.

Article
5 Best Construction Estimating Tools
By Eduardo Vasconcellos | November 04, 2025

Accurate estimates are key to your construction business's success. Learn about the top five construction estimating software tools.

Article
9 Little-Known Ways to Network With Hospitality Industry Insiders
By Jennifer Dublino | November 04, 2025

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

Article
How to Provide an Honest and Ethical User Experience
By Sean Peek | November 04, 2025

When creating software and apps, businesses should strive for a user experience that doesn't exploit others. Here's how to keep ethics a priority.

Article
Essential Management Theories and the Thinkers Behind Them
By Bennett Conlin | November 04, 2025

What's the logic behind popular management theories? Discover the pros and cons of these theories in our detailed guide.

Paypal Zettle
Article
Stripe vs. PayPal
By Dock David Treece | November 04, 2025

Read our comparison of Stripe and PayPal to see which provider can best help your business accept payments.

Stripe checkout
Article
Stripe vs. Authorize.net: Credit Card Processing Comparison
By Jamie Johnson | November 04, 2025

This comparison of Stripe and Authorize.net examines the pros and cons of each, and how they stack up against one another in price and features.

Salesforce workflow automation
Article
Salesforce vs. NetSuite: Which CRM Is Right for Your Business?
By Kaylyn McKenna | November 04, 2025

Salesforce and NetSuite are among the best CRMs in 2025. We compared their pricing, features and more to help you determine which is best for your company.

Article
How to Foster a Culture of Empowered Employees
By Sean Peek | November 04, 2025

Create a work culture that allows employees to understand how their contributions are meaningful. Here are tips to help empower your workers.

Article
5 Ways to Get Your Podcast Heard
By Sean Peek | November 04, 2025

Use these five tips to create a better podcast and stand out in this crowded market.

Article
Graphic Design Trends and Predictions for the Industry’s Future
By Sean Peek | November 04, 2025

Lexie Lu, web designer and UX strategist, shares her insight on graphic design trends.

Article
How to Expand Your Revenue Sources
By Mark Fairlie | November 04, 2025

The most successful businesses have several revenue sources. Learn how to increase yours.

Article
Pets in the Workplace: Is It a Good or Bad Idea?
By Skye Schooley | November 04, 2025

Some companies allow dogs, cats, birds and even reptiles in the office, but not all businesses can. Weigh the pros and cons of a pet-friendly office.

Article
Take Your Restaurant to the Next Level: 13 Tips for Busy Owners
By Mark Fairlie | November 04, 2025

Opening your restaurant is only the first step. Embrace these strategies to keep your food establishment thriving.