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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

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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 16 strategies to elevate your customer loyalty and overall success.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek
Executive Cars: Guide to the Best CEO Cars
Discover the ultimate guide to the best 10 vehicles for CEOs, including how each car reflects aspects of your character.
Miranda Fraraccio
Miranda Fraraccio
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
Trademark Examples: Learn From These Trademark Infringement Cases
You could be committing trademark infringement without knowing it. Here are six trademark cases to learn from.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
The Netflix Business Model: What to Learn From Netflix’s Industry Disruption
By Mark Fairlie | July 24, 2025

Netflix's digital disruption shows how embracing innovation, customer data and adaptability can help businesses outpace competitors and reshape industries.

Article
9 Little-Known Ways to Network With Hospitality Industry Insiders
By Jennifer Dublino | July 24, 2025

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

Article
What Is Commercial Property Insurance? A Complete Guide to Insurance on Commercial Building
By Mark Fairlie | July 24, 2025

Commercial property insurance covers the building and items that you own or lease against such perils as fire, explosions, theft, and vandalism.

Article
What Is a Hold Harmless Agreement?
By Kimberlee Leonard | July 24, 2025

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
How Color Can Impact Your Restaurant
By Sean Peek | July 23, 2025

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

Article
Office Moves & Business Relocation: How to Move Successfully
By Jennifer Dublino | July 23, 2025

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

Article
Write Your Way to a Win: Business Proposal 101
By Jennifer Dublino | July 23, 2025

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

Article
A Gamble You Can’t Afford to Lose: Finding the Right Materials for Your Product
By Steve Cartier | July 23, 2025

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

Article
International Market Expansion: The Benefits of Global Expansion
By Mark Fairlie | July 23, 2025

Global expansion means expanding your business overseas. Learn the benefits of going global and what steps to take for international market expansion.

businessman talking on a phone in an office setting
Article
What Is Supply Chain Distribution?
By Max Freedman | July 23, 2025

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

Article
Make It Memorable: Tips for Creating an Effective Brand Name
By Jennifer Dublino | July 23, 2025

Your brand's name is the foundation for all your future marketing and sales communications. Follow these tips to make it the best possible brand name.

Article
12 Pain Points Entrepreneurs Should Expect and Embrace
By Sean Peek | July 22, 2025

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

Article
Roth IRA Self-Employed Guide: What to Know About Roth IRAs
By Jennifer Dublino | July 22, 2025

This guide explains how self-employed people can make Roth IRA contributions to save for their retirement.

Article
Retirement Funds for the Self-Employed: A Complete Guide
By Donna Fuscaldo | July 22, 2025

How do self-employed people plan for retirement? Here are a few retirement plan options for the solopreneur.

Article
Do I Need Product Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 22, 2025

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

Article
What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 22, 2025

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

Article
Business Owners’ Guide to Workers’ Compensation
By David Gargaro | July 22, 2025

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.

Busy office
Article
How to Tell if Your Business Is Growing Too Quickly (and What to Do About It)
By Mark Fairlie | July 21, 2025

While small businesses strive for growth, it's crucial to monitor signs of overburdening your company. Learn the signs of a business growing too quickly.

Article
How to Identify Industries That Are Ready for Disruption
By Sean Peek | July 21, 2025

Learn how to identify industries that are ready for disruption and which markets are being shaken up.

Article
Why Are Small Businesses So Important? 10 Ways They Empower Communities
By Mark Fairlie | July 18, 2025

Small businesses fuel local economies by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting communities through resilience, adaptability and human connection.

Article
What Is Errors and Omissions Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 18, 2025

E&O insurance guards your business against lawsuits brought by dissatisfied customers. Find out what it covers and costs, and whether you really need it.

Article
Why You Need to Develop Your Own Unique Product
By Jared Haw | July 18, 2025

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

Article
Welcome to the Big Leagues: At What Point Are You No Longer a Startup?
By Sean Peek | July 17, 2025

How do you know your business has passed the startup stage? Find out the key signs here.

Article
Ahead of the Pack: 8 Ways to Keep Your Business Competitive
By Sean Peek | July 17, 2025

Follow these four strategies to beat your competitors in today's cutthroat business world.

Article
Think Like a Startup, Scale Like an Enterprise: Balancing the Best of Both Worlds
By Mark Fairlie | July 17, 2025

Both startups and enterprises must disrupt and innovate to survive. Learn how thinking like a startup and scaling like an enterprise can help ensure success.

Businesspeople in an office
Article
Why Are So Many Companies Moving to Florida?
By Jennifer Dublino | July 17, 2025

Many established companies of all sizes have decided to make Florida their home. Learn why companies are moving to Florida and how to make the move.

Article
Time Crunch: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Prioritizing Your Tasks
By Jennifer Post | July 17, 2025

Entrepreneurs often find themselves overburdened with tasks. Learn how to allocate your time and prioritize your tasks.

Article
SWOT Analysis Guide for Businesses
By Kiely Kuligowski | July 16, 2025

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

Article
Car Insurance for Business: A Complete Guide to Commercial Auto Insurance
By Nicole Urbanowicz | July 16, 2025

Commercial auto insurance is critical for businesses that operate vehicles and have employees driving for work purposes. Here is what you need to know.

Article
Young Entrepreneurs: 10 Inspiring Business Owners Under 40
By Sean Peek | July 16, 2025

Check out our list of inspiring entrepreneurs under 40 who have paved the way for themselves and many others with successful businesses.