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Business Basics

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Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Business?
By Zac Johnson | August 09, 2024

While expenses to begin an online business vary, here are some common costs you can expect to see with your new venture.

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
Why You Need to Develop Your Own Unique Product
By Jared Haw | July 31, 2024

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

Article
Why You Need a SWOT Analysis for Your Business
By Kiely Kuligowski | July 31, 2024

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

Article
Never Giving Up: 9 Successful Entrepreneurs Who Failed at Least Once
By Sean Peek | July 31, 2024

Learn how some of the most successful entrepreneurs bounced back from rejection – and how you can too.

Article
Business Owners’ Guide to Workers’ Compensation
By David Gargaro | July 30, 2024

If your business has employees, nearly every state requires you to have workers' compensation insurance. Learn about what it covers and how much it costs.

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
Do You Need Product Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 29, 2024

Product liability insurance is needed for businesses that make, sell or distribute products. Learn about what it covers and how much it costs.

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 Professional Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 26, 2024

An insurance policy that service-related businesses need is professional liability insurance. Learn about what it covers and protects against.

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
Want to Invest in Digital Real Estate? How to Get Started
By Sean Peek | July 25, 2024

Everyone's familiar with real estate investment. It's as easy as buying a house or land to rent or sell for profit. Digital real estate works the same way.

Article
What Is Errors and Omissions Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 24, 2024

Errors and omissions insurance guards your business against lawsuits brought by dissatisfied customers.

Article
Digital Disrupt: What Businesses Can Learn From Netflix
By Mark Fairlie | July 24, 2024

Just as Netflix disrupted the media landscape to find success, other businesses must innovate or risk obsolescence. Learn what Netflix's path can teach us.

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
The Game of Pricing: How the Number 9 Affects Purchase Behavior
By Jennifer Dublino | July 10, 2024

Charm prices end in the number nine. Learn about charm vs. prestige pricing and how your ideal customer should dictate your pricing strategy.

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.

businessman talking on a phone in an office setting
Article
What Is Supply Chain Distribution?
By Max Freedman | July 09, 2024

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

Article
Before the Business Loan: Questions That Must Be Asked
By Kimberlee Leonard | July 09, 2024

When insuring a business, you'll find two coverage types: claims-made and occurrence. Learn the differences to choose the right business coverage.

Article
How Color Can Impact Your Restaurant
By Sean Peek | July 09, 2024

Learn how color affects your restaurant's atmosphere and sales.

Article
Dizzying Data: What the Rise in Data Complexity Means for Business
By Sean Peek | July 09, 2024

Companies use customer data in their decision-making, but they must know how to wield it properly. Here is the best way to utilize data sources.

Article
Write Your Way to a Win: Business Proposal 101
By Jennifer Dublino | July 08, 2024

In some industries, writing business proposals is a crucial way to win new clients. Learn how to write a successful business proposal..

Article
Movin’ on Up: Why Relocating Offices Doesn’t Have to Suck
By Jennifer Dublino | July 08, 2024

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

Article
Should You Go Global?
By Mark Fairlie | July 05, 2024

Going global means expanding your business overseas. Learn the pros and cons of going global and what steps to take to expand your company internationally.

Article
A Gamble You Can’t Afford to Lose: Finding the Right Materials for Your Product
By Steve Cartier | July 05, 2024

Learn the crucial steps to finding the best materials for your manufactured products.

Article
12 Pain Points Entrepreneurs Should Expect and Embrace
By Sean Peek | June 28, 2024

As an entrepreneur, you have to roll with the punches. Learn how to deal with these common pain points of running a business.

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.