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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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Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources

How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2025
Master the art of profitable restaurant hospitality with these 10 strategies to elevate your customer loyalty and overall success.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek
What Your Wheels Say: The Top 10 Cars for CEOs
Discover the ultimate guide to the best 10 vehicles for CEOs, including how each car reflects aspects of your character.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek
Open for Business: 5 Options for Setting Up an Online Store
Whether you have a new business or want to add online sales as a revenue stream, setting up an e-commerce store is easy. Here are some options to get started.
Jennifer Dublino
Jennifer Dublino
Apple vs. Apple: 6 Trademark Cases and What You Should Learn From Them 
Apple vs .Apple: 6 Trademark Cases and What You Can Learn From Them
Sean Peek
Sean Peek

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
Can You Keep a Secret? The Importance of Nondisclosure Agreements
By Kimberlee Leonard | February 10, 2025

Nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) help businesses to protect critical confidential information. Learn how NDAs work, what to consider and what to include.

Article
Everything You Need to Know About 7702 Plans
By Max Freedman | February 10, 2025

A 7702 plan, also called a Section 7702 plan, is a privately issued stand-alone life insurance policy. Learn how it differs from typical retirement plans.

Article
What Is Dynamic Pricing and How Does It Affect E-Commerce?
By Jennifer Dublino | February 10, 2025

With dynamic pricing, product prices adjust based on real-time supply and demand. Learn how this e-commerce strategy works and its benefits and downsides.

Article
Inspiration Revealed: 40 Top CEOs Share Their Secrets to Success
By Lauren Kubiak | February 10, 2025

Here are tips from CEOs and business leaders on topics ranging from balancing life and work to building your business team to addressing the competition.

Article
4 Simple Steps to Valuing Your Small Business
By Russell Smith | February 10, 2025

Calculating your business's value accurately is crucial if you want to sell it or seek investors. Learn four steps for calculating your business valuation.

Article
12 Things You Must Do Before Starting a Business
By Adam Uzialko | February 07, 2025

Find out what you must do before starting a business, from writing a business plan to getting the proper insurance.

Article
Management Theory of Henry Gantt
By Max Freedman | February 06, 2025
Article
What Is a Workers’ Comp Ghost Insurance Policy?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | February 06, 2025

Learn what a workers' comp ghost insurance policy is and how it can help your small business, if you meet the requirements.

Article
20 Businesses You Can Start on the Cheap
By Donna Fuscaldo | February 06, 2025

You don't need a ton of cash to launch a business. Opportunities abound to become a business owner with less than $500. See business ideas and pro tips.

Conflict Resilience book cover
Article
Agree to Disagree: Conflict Resilience Authors Reveal the Power of Productive Tension
By Tina Nazerian | February 05, 2025

Our full Q&A with Bob Bordone and Dr. Joel Salinas

Article
What Is Claims-Made vs. Occurrence?
By Sean Peek | February 05, 2025

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

puppy jumping over a hurdle
Article
Ruff and Tumble: How Zoom Room’s CEO Created a Planet Fitness for Dogs
By Tess Barker | February 04, 2025

Our full Q&A with Mark Van Wye

podcast equipment
Article
Favorite Business Podcasts of 2025
By Skye Schooley | February 03, 2025

Podcasts are a great way for business owners and entrepreneurs to get business advice, learn about trends and find inspiration. Check out our favorites.

Article
How to Create a Marketing Plan for Startups
By Skye Schooley | February 03, 2025

Startups can begin building their brand from day one with a solid marketing plan. Learn what to include in a marketing plan and how it can help you grow.

Article
What Is General Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | February 03, 2025

If a third party gets hurt at your workplace, they can sue you. Here's how to protect your company.

Goodbye Globalization book cover
Article
It’s a Big World After All: Should American Businesses Say Goodbye Globalization?
By Jane Meggitt | January 30, 2025

An interview with author Elisabeth Braw

Article
What Is Business Interruption Insurance?
By Lauren Kubiak | January 28, 2025

Business interruption insurance policies can help when unforeseen events shut down operations. Learn how business interruption insurance works and what it covers.

Article
How Much Does Insurance Cost for a Small Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 28, 2025

Small business insurance costs depend on many factors; every policy serves a different risk-protection purpose. Learn about small business insurance costs.

Article
The Insurance Claims Process and How to File
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 28, 2025

If your business suffers a loss that’s covered by insurance, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. Here's how a claim works and how to file one.

Article
Part of the Job: 10 Skills All Entrepreneurs Must Master
By Julie Thompson | January 24, 2025

To succeed in business, there are certain competencies an entrepreneur must have. Learn what these skills are and how you can use them at work.

Article
Entrepreneurs Love These 18 Tools for Conducting Market Research
By Nicole Fallon | January 23, 2025

Here are the best tools for conducting market research.

Article
What Is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?
By Jennifer Dublino | January 23, 2025

A commercial umbrella insurance policy can give your business more coverage for less money. Learn if you need umbrella insurance and how to shop for it.

Article
Ping Author Andrew Brodsky on Digital Communication Manners in 2025 (Full Q&A)
By Taylor Friedman | January 23, 2025

The University of Texas at Austin management professor shares his “Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication.”

Article
The 5 Most Important KPIs for Warehouses
By Kaytlyn Smith | January 21, 2025

Measuring the right metrics can help your business make informed decisions and maximize efficiency within its warehouse operations.

Article
How to Get a License for Your Construction Company
By Sean Peek | January 21, 2025

Most states in the U.S. require contractors to have a license to work legally. Here’s how to successfully license your construction company.

Businesspeople in an office
Article
The 3 C’s of Effective Marketing
By Julie Thompson | January 21, 2025

Learn how these principles can improve your company's marketing and get marketing strategy tips from business experts.

Article
11 Resources Every Small Business Needs
By Natalie Hamingson | January 21, 2025

Learn which resources your business needs to thrive, from accounting software to networking.

Article
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | January 21, 2025

Learn about the U.N.'s sustainable development goals, including ending poverty and hunger and how small businesses can work toward achieving them.

Article
What Is a Pharmaceutical Wholesaler?
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | January 17, 2025

Pharmaceutical wholesalers purchase medications directly from manufacturers and then sell the medications to pharmacies.

Article
Management Theory of Michael Porter
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | January 16, 2025

Michael Porter’s theory can help you build a more competitive management strategy for your business. Here is what you need to know.