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.
Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources
Article
How Businesses Can Support Other Local Small Businesses
By Jennifer Post | January 05, 2026
You've asked your customers to buy local and you should too. Here's why your local B2B purchases have a positive ripple effect on the SMB community.
Article
Average Commercial Car Insurance Costs
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 05, 2026
The average cost of commercial car insurance depends on vehicle, location, driving record, industry, and more. Learn how to choose the right coverage.
Article
Time for Change: When to Rebrand and How to Begin the Process
By Julie Thompson | January 05, 2026
Businesses rebrand for various reasons, including growth and new market outreach. Learn how to begin rebranding and what rebranding mistakes to avoid.
Article
Want to Invest in Digital Real Estate? How to Get Started
By Sean Peek | January 02, 2026
Investing in digital real estate, like web domains and Metaverse land, is equal parts lucrative and risky. Learn how to invest wisely in this guide.
Article
How Your Product Packaging Can Win Buyers’ Hearts
By Julie Thompson | January 02, 2026
Find out how product packaging can win over customers, and get tips for successful packaging strategies.
Article
Discover the Unique Selling Proposition of Your Business
By Shane Barker | January 02, 2026
Without a unique selling proposition, you have nothing that distinguishes your company. Learn how to create an effective USP for your business.
Article
How to Attract Customers to Your Restaurant
By Jennifer Dublino | January 02, 2026
Here are several online and offline marketing techniques that you can use to reach more potential customers for your restaurant business.
Article
The Dropbox Effect: How to Utilize the Lean Startup Methodology
By Sean Peek | December 19, 2025
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 Learn From Your Failures: 4 Valuable Lessons
By Thomas Griffin | December 19, 2025
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
How Virtual Reality Technology Is Changing Manufacturing
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | December 19, 2025
The manufacturing industry is changing as next-generation VR and AR become readily available.
Article
How to Celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month
By Mona Bushnell | December 18, 2025
October is National Women's Small Business Month, which means it's time to celebrate women-owned businesses everywhere.
Article
Committing to Eco-Friendly Packaging Practices Can Save Your Company Money
By Jennifer Dublino | December 18, 2025
Using eco-friendly packaging can cut costs, reduce waste and help your business be viewed as Earth-friendly. Learn about going green in your business.
Article
Choosing the Best Pricing Model for Your Business: License vs. Subscription
By Jamie Johnson | December 18, 2025
Licenses and subscriptions are popular pricing models. Learn how licenses and subscriptions work and how to choose a pricing strategy for your business.
Article
How to Create a New Brand Image From Scratch
By Jennifer Dublino | December 18, 2025
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.
Article
9 Surefire Strategies to Help You Stand Out From the Competition
By Stella Morrison | December 16, 2025
Differentiating your brand from the competition gives you a competitive advantage. Learn ways to differentiate your product from the competition.
Article
The State of the B2B Sharing Economy
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | December 16, 2025
The sharing economy, also known as the peer-to-peer sharing economy, is a system where assets or services are shared between consumers.
Article
How to Start a Clothing Store
By Shari Weiss | December 10, 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
The Benefits of Restaurant iPad POS Systems
By Skye Schooley | December 01, 2025
POS systems can provide a lot of value to your restaurant. Learn more about how this technology can boost your profits.
Article
8 Keys to Upscaling Your Business
By Asim Rais Siddiqui | November 14, 2025
Upscaling your business is a risky decision, but you can minimize those risks with a sustainable business growth strategy. Find out the dos and don'ts here.
Article
How to Write a Company History
By Skye Schooley | November 11, 2025
A well-written company history on your website can do wonders in attracting customers to your brand. Here is how to write one.
Article
9 Little-Known Ways to Network With Hospitality Industry Insiders
By Jennifer Dublino | November 04, 2025
Making contacts within the hospitality industry can create opportunities for your business. Learn how to start networking effectively.
Article
Write Your Way to a Win: Business Proposal 101
By Jennifer Dublino | November 04, 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 | October 27, 2025
Learn the crucial steps to finding the best materials for your manufactured products.
Article
7 Pain Points Entrepreneurs Should Expect and Embrace
By Sean Peek | October 24, 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
Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Product Failure
By Jennifer Dublino | October 21, 2025
What pitfalls cause most products to fail? Learn about these common traps so you can avoid mistakes and a failed product launch.
Article
How Color Can Impact Your Restaurant
By Sean Peek | October 21, 2025
Red and yellow stimulate appetite, while blue suppresses hunger. Discover how color psychology affects restaurant sales, customer mood and dining duration.
Article
Small Business Guide to Energy Conservation
By Jennifer Dublino | September 19, 2025
Conserving energy can help your business save money, reduce its carbon footprint and help the environment. Learn how your business can save energy.
Article
50 Free Websites to List Your Business
By Max Freedman | September 19, 2025
List your business free on 50+ sites, including Google Business Profile, Bing, Yelp, Angi, and HomeAdvisor. Boosts exposure, builds trust and drives traffic.
Article
6 Reasons Your Business Should Have Strategic Partnerships
By Chad Brooks | September 12, 2025
Strategic partnerships like Starbucks & Google combine resources to expand reach, share costs, and access new markets. Six partnership types explained.
Article
15 Creative Business Sign Ideas That Will Attract More Customers to Your Store
By Miranda Fraraccio | September 11, 2025
Discover creative interior and exterior business sign ideas, tips to help your signage stand out and places to look to find your own inspiration.