Your free business.com+ membership unlocks exclusive tech deals and advisor support
Join Free
BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo with Name
Search Icon
Search Icon

Buying Guides

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
Does Your Business Need a Code of Ethics or Conduct?
By Jennifer Dublino | February 09, 2026
Formal codes of ethics and conduct can ensure consistency in an organization. Learn if your business needs a code of ethics and code of conduct — or both.
Article
The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
By Sean Peek | February 09, 2026
Keep mission statements under 25 words with strong, specific language. Use action-oriented verbs, avoid generalities and address the “how” not just “what.”
Article
Six Simple Steps to Valuing Your Small Business
By Russell Smith | February 09, 2026
If you’re looking for investors or want to sell your business, you must determine its value. Follow these six steps to calculate it.
Article
What to Include in a Promotion Letter
By Max Freedman | February 06, 2026
Promotion letters formalize changes you've discussed with an employee. Learn how to write them by following our guide and using this template.
Article
Why Is Cultural Competency Important for Businesses?
By Sean Peek | February 06, 2026
Understanding cultural differences and building a culturally competent company isn't just a skill for global businesses.
Article
12 Ways Content from Influencers Helps Your Business Grow
By Julie Thompson | February 05, 2026
Influencer marketing is a brand-building tool that can promote your business and improve SEO. Learn how to use influencers in your marketing strategy.
Article
8 Ways to Make Your Business’s Computing Eco-Friendly
By Julie Thompson | February 04, 2026
Learn eight ways to improve your bottom line and create a more sustainable business environment by using practices such as cloud-based computing.
Article
HR for Small Business: 9 HR Basics to Manage
By Vanessa Johnson | February 03, 2026
Learn some human resources basics to ensure your business successfully recruits and retains employees and stays legally compliant.
Article
How to Manage File System ACLs With PowerShell
By Adam Bertram | February 03, 2026
Before you can change an ACL, you must get the current one. There are two ways to do this with PowerShell. Learn how to get the current ACL and modify it.
sustainable business plan
Article
How to Create a Sustainable Business Model
By Drew Hendricks | February 03, 2026
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
Why It’s Important New Hires Fit a Company’s Culture
By Andrew Martins | February 03, 2026
Business owners who want a cohesive workplace must ensure new hires fitthe company culture. Learn why a cultural fit is vital and how to qualify people.
Article
What Are the Benefits of a Section 125 Plan?
By Miranda Fraraccio | February 03, 2026
With the tax savings it offers, a Section 125 plan can be a nice addition to a benefits package. Here are the pros and cons of these plans.
Article
The Best PayPal Alternatives
By Anna Baluch | February 03, 2026
Top PayPal alternatives include Stripe for e-commerce, Square for POS, Authorize.Net for multi-channel payments, Shopify Payments and Braintree by PayPal.
person working at a desk in a wheelchair
Article
What’s the Difference Between Net Income and Profit?
By Sally Herigstad | February 02, 2026
Profit and net income are found on your company's income statement. Learn the difference between these financial terms and what they mean for your company.
Article
International Market Expansion: The Benefits of Global Expansion
By Mark Fairlie | February 02, 2026
Global expansion means expanding your business overseas. Learn the benefits of going global and what steps to take for international market expansion.
Article
Why Do Small Businesses Need a Registered Agent?
By Deborah Sweeney | February 02, 2026
Finding a registered agent is part of starting a business. Learn what a registered agent is and why your small business needs one.
group of colleagues working at laptops together
Article
Think Like a Startup, Scale Like an Enterprise: Balancing the Best of Both Worlds
By Mark Fairlie | February 02, 2026
Think like a startup for innovation and agility, scale like an enterprise with systems and processes. Balance both approaches to drive sustainable growth.
Article
How Social Selling Can Improve Your Sales Process
By Julie Thompson | February 02, 2026
Learn how connecting with prospects on social media can improve your lead-generation efforts.
open plan office
Article
How Open Office Plans Affect Workplace Productivity
By Julie Thompson | February 02, 2026
Open offices have pros and cons when it comes to productivity. Learn their upsides and drawbacks and how to maintain productivity in an open office plan.
Article
16 Questions to Ask Your Web Developer
By Mark Fairlie | February 02, 2026
When choosing a web developer, asking the right questions can help you find someone who understands your vision and can give you the website you want.
Article
Why You Should Care About IEEE 802.11ax
By Sean Peek | February 02, 2026
Every Wi-Fi user appreciates a faster connection. The IEEE 802.11ax draft standard promises better range, throughput and resiliency.
Article
To Infinity and Beyond: Harnessing the Power of Positive Thinking
By Mark Fairlie | January 30, 2026
Your mindset can determine whether your company succeeds. Learn the benefits of embracing positive thinking.
Article
The Influence of Leadership Styles: How Givers and Takers Match Up
By Sean Peek | January 30, 2026
Workplaces are full of all types of people, including givers, takers and matchers. Learn the pros and cons of various leadership styles.
Article
7 Ways to Use Text Messaging for Customer Service
By David Gargaro | January 30, 2026
Businesses use texting to support customer service strategies and boost customer satisfaction. Learn seven ways to use text messages for customer service.
Article
Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Technology Leads to New Opportunities
By Jamie Johnson | January 30, 2026
Technology plays a huge role in the success of your business. Learn more about how.
accountants using computers and calculators
Article
Is Your Small Business Achieving Profitable Growth?
By Emil Abedian | January 30, 2026
Small businesses must understand if their growth is profitable. Learn about the profitability-growth relationship and achieving profitable growth.
Article
RFID for Retail: Know the Pros and Cons
By Joanna Furlong | January 30, 2026
RFID (radio frequency identification) can identify and track inventory. Learn how RFID is used in retail and what you need to know to use it effectively.
Article
Hidden Costs of Restaurant Marketing
By Jennifer Dublino | January 30, 2026
Restaurant marketing includes hidden costs for restaurant owners to consider. Learn about hidden restaurant marketing costs and tips on marketing budgets.
Article
How to Negotiate When Hiring Freelancers
By Bennett Conlin | January 30, 2026
If you need additional help but can’t afford to hire a full-time employee, working with a freelancer is a good option. Here’s how to negotiate fairly.
Article
How Virtual Reality Is Impacting the Ad Industry
By Sean Peek | January 30, 2026
Virtual and augmented reality are two forms of media that can impact how advertisers build relationships with customers. Here is what you need to know.