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Business Basics

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

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Article
What’s a Healthy Level of Business Debt?
By Matt D’Angelo | January 06, 2025

Healthy business debt is often necessary for growth. Learn how to distinguish good and bad business debt and determine a healthy debt amount to carry.

Article
How to Start a Clothing Store
By Shari Weiss | January 06, 2025

Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about starting an in-person or online clothing store, with expert advice from retailers.

Article
What Is a Cyber Insurance Risk Assessment?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 03, 2025

A cyber insurance risk assessment finds the systems and assets most at risk of cyberattack. Learn about cyber insurance and how risk assessments work.

Article
Management Theory of Stephen Covey
By Sean Peek | January 02, 2025

Learn how Stephen Covey’s seven habits of highly effective people can make you more successful in business.

busy office
Article
6 Steps to Improve Your Organization’s Performance
By Jennifer Dublino | January 02, 2025

Continuous improvement is crucial for businesses. Learn the types of organizational improvements and 6 strategies for improving organizational performance.

Article
Can You Make a Profit and Be Socially Responsible?
By Jennifer Dublino | December 19, 2024

It's possible for a business to make money and stay socially responsible. Learn about maintaining corporate social responsibility while boosting profits.

Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | December 18, 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
Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner
By Shahid Mansuri | December 18, 2024

Outsourcing is often great for business but it can offer challenges. Learn how to find the right partner to help you grow your company.

Article
Writing a Business Growth Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | December 16, 2024

Our step-by-step guide outlines what to include in your company's business growth plan and features expert advice from business strategy experts.

Businesswoman presenting in a meeting
Article
The Best Business Advice of 2025
By Shari Weiss | December 16, 2024

See the best business advice, strategies and insights from top company leaders at Whole Foods, Google and more.

Article
Do Results-Only Workplaces Really Work?
By Sean Peek | December 13, 2024

Here’s everything you need to know about results-only work environments, and whether it’s right for your business.

Article
The State of the B2B Sharing Economy
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | December 12, 2024

The sharing economy, also known as the peer-to-peer sharing economy, is a system where assets or services are shared between consumers.

Article
The Management Theory of Peter Drucker: Key Terms
By Miranda Fraraccio | December 10, 2024
Article
Management Theory of Joseph Juran
By Sean Peek | December 10, 2024

Joseph Juran was a pioneer in the study of quality control for industries like math and science. Learn how to apply his management theory to your business.

Article
Classical and Scientific Management Theory
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | December 10, 2024

Learn how employers can use classical management theories to boost efficiency and worker productivity in their companies.

Article
9 Surefire Strategies to Help You Stand Out From the Competition
By Stella Morrison | December 09, 2024

Differentiating your brand from the competition gives you a competitive advantage. Learn ways to differentiate your product from the competition.

Article
 Contingency Management Theory Explained
By Sean Peek | December 09, 2024

Fred Fiedler's contingency theory says that there are many internal and external factors that can influence the optimum organizational structure.

person texting on a smartphone
Article
Should Your Restaurant Accept Mobile Payments?
By Jamie Johnson | December 06, 2024

Mobile payments provide a fast and easy way for restaurants to receive payments, but there are pros and cons to this method. Here is what you need to know.

Unbreakable Alliances
Article
Former FBI Spy Recruiter’s Trust-Building Tips Are Straight Outta Quantico (Full Q&A)
By Dan Ketchum | December 05, 2024

An interview with “Unbreakable Alliances” author Robin Dreeke

Article
The Influence of Leadership Styles: How Givers and Takers Match Up
By Sean Peek | December 05, 2024

Workplaces are full of all types of people, including givers, takers and matchers. Learn the pros and cons of various leadership styles.

Article
What to Know When Choosing Business Insurance
By Sean Peek | December 04, 2024

Choosing insurance for your company or employees is important, and should not be done casually. Here’s what to consider when getting insurance.

Article
The Road Map to Starting a Membership Site From Scratch
By Mark Thompson | December 04, 2024

A subscription site is easy to start and can offer big rewards. Follow these steps to build a loyal member base.

Article
5 Reasons Your Business Should Have Strategic Partnerships
By Chad Brooks | December 03, 2024

Strategic partnerships have mutual benefits and can lead to long-term profits. Here are the advantages of partnering with another company and examples.

Article
10 Successful Businesses You Didn’t Know Were Run By Women
By Jennifer Dublino | November 27, 2024

Female entrepreneurs own 42 percent of American firms. Check out this list of women-led companies and some great resources for small business owners.

Article
How Businesses Are Marketing Green Innovation
By Julie Thompson | November 26, 2024

Learn how your company can improve the environment while using eco-friendly consciousness as a marketing tactic.

Article
RFID for Retail: Know the Pros and Cons
By Joanna Furlong | November 25, 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
How Women-Owned Businesses Can Use Social Media Marketing
By Ryan Ayers | November 25, 2024

How women-owned companies can highlight their business’s unique features using social media marketing.

Article
5 Tips for Setting SMART Goals in Your Business Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | November 22, 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
Why You Need a Mix of Push and Pull Marketing
By Sammi Caramela | November 20, 2024

Push marketing sends your message to consumers while pull marketing is when customers come to you. Learn how and when to use push and pull marketing.

Article
Outgrowing Your Office Space? Should You Lease or Buy?
By Karina Fabian | November 20, 2024

Here is a list of things to consider before deciding whether to purchase or lease your new office space, including pros and cons of both options.