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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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Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

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.

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
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.

Article
4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | November 20, 2024

The heat and the sun aren't the only reasons Texas is a hot state. Check out why Texas is a fantastic state to start a business.

Article
Does Your Business Have a Battle Rhythm? Why You Need One
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | November 19, 2024

Battle rhythm is an operational knowledge management process. It is equal parts strategic routine and information processing.

Article
Trademark Basics: How to Submit a Trademark
By Max Freedman | November 19, 2024

Submitting a trademark is a way to protect your intellectual property. Learn how to submit a trademark properly, how it differs from a copyright, and more.

Article
How to Determine How Much Office Space You Need
By Jennifer Dublino | November 18, 2024

When buying or leasing an office, planning the right amount of space is crucial for efficient operations. Learn how to determine your office space needs.

Article
Why Your Small Business Needs an IT Partner
By Mark Fairlie | November 08, 2024

Find the right IT partner and your SMB can take advantage of all current and future business technology, improving service, profit and productivity.

Article
Should Your Restaurant Accept Bitcoin?
By Mark Fairlie | November 07, 2024

Some restaurants have started accepting Bitcoin as payment. Learn the pros and cons of accepting Bitcoin in restaurants and how to get started.

Article
How to Learn From Your Failures: 4 Valuable Lessons
By Thomas Griffin | November 07, 2024

Failure is inevitable as an entrepreneur, so it’s important to develop a healthy attitude about it. Here are four lessons you can learn from failing.

Article
Is Wholesale Over? The Death of the Middleman
By Jennifer Dublino | November 07, 2024

The internet has reduced the need for wholesalers that act as middlemen in the sales process. Learn the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer transactions.

Article
The Dropbox Effect: How to Utilize the Lean Startup Methodology
By Sean Peek | November 07, 2024

The lean startup technique is a three-step approach designed to help companies improve their decision-making in order to reach a broader market.

Article
How to Create a Sustainable Business Model
By Drew Hendricks | November 07, 2024

A sustainable business model is a top priority for SMBs. Learn how to build a sustainable business that benefits customers without jeopardizing the planet.

Article
What Is a Workers’ Comp Exemption?
By Kimberlee Leonard | November 07, 2024

This guide explains how workers' compensation exemptions work and to which employees these exemptions may apply.

Article
Grants For Felons, SBA Programs & More Funding Options
By Sean Peek | November 06, 2024

The government and nonprofits provide funds for felons who want to start a business. Here is a list of options, from grants to crowdfunding to loans.

Article
5 Simple Ways to Pinpoint Your Brand’s Target Audience
By Chris Christoff | November 06, 2024

When you start a business, you need to understand your target market at a fundamental level. Here's exactly how to identify your audience.

person using a calculator to do accounting
Article
Hitting the Books: A Guide to Retail Accounting
By Jill Bowers | November 05, 2024

Learn about the methods of calculating and tracking inventory that are used in retail accounting.

Article
62 Inspiring Quotes From Trailblazing Women We Admire
By Sean Peek | November 05, 2024

These quotes from women who paved the way in their respective fields can serve as inspiring motivational tools to keep working towards your goals.

person drawing logos in a sketchbook next to a color palette
Article
How to Create a New Brand Image From Scratch
By Jennifer Dublino | October 30, 2024

Creating a brand image is a crucial marketing task to establish a brand identity. Learn what's involved in a new brand image and branding do's and don'ts.