The internet continues to create new opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs, particularly when it comes to starting an online business. The costs have the potential to be smaller compared to brick-and-mortar organizations, and the audience that your products or services can reach is vast. While opening an online business has its advantages — working for yourself,...
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Perhaps you have an idea for the next top-selling gadget, an app to help make people’s busy lives better or a method to sell professional services in an innovative way. Once you’ve come up with a business concept and decide you want to bring it to market, it’s time for planning and preparation. Performing market...
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When thinking about starting a business, you may also consider where . Big cities, home to a range of fast-growing industries and a talented workforce, would seem ideal for launching a business. But business owners scouting out potential cities should look beyond just New York City and Los Angeles. While lacking the flashiness of big...
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Starting or expanding a business requires a lot of hard work and money to get off the ground. Finding ways to finance your venture can include everything from applying for loans to getting investors to using your own savings. For minority groups, another option is to get minority grants to start a business. What are...
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Many U.S. workers dream of a job at a large company with a well-known brand name. But there are advantages to working for a small business, and small business owners can lure top talent by promoting the special opportunities and customized benefits they provide. These opportunities may be a perfect fit for a job candidate....
Read more about 5 Benefits of Working for a Small Company Over a Big Business
The structure of your business matters. Everything from productivity to communication can rely in part on how your business is set up internally. An organizational structure is a road map that helps employees navigate a path that accomplishes your company goals. It offers guidance on rules, roles and responsibilities, and it also explains who reports...
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Many small business owners are exploring the marketing potential of social media. By tailoring their social medial strategies to their customers and to their own capabilities, they’re discovering new and effective ways to utilize social media tools to expand their businesses. The key is in developing a social media strategy that promotes your brand in...
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It has become increasingly easy to draw attention to your business without spending a fortune. That’s because many consumers look first and foremost online for goods and services. They are a motivated audience. But a smart online marketing strategy can make it easier for you to connect with them. It can generate interest in your...
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Only about half of all new businesses survive five years or more, and only about a third survive beyond 10 years, according to the Small Business Administration. From not having enough startup money to trying to do it all yourself to not investing in marketing, common errors in planning and management can provide challenges for...
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More small businesses are starting podcasts to reach customers. In fact, 89 million people listened to a podcast in 2015, nearly double the number from 2008, according the Pew Research Center. It’s also estimated that 46 million Americans listen to podcasts each month, with the average listener tuning in to about six podcasts each week,...
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Have you ever had an idea for a small business? Maybe it’s a unique product you believe would be a hit, or a brick-and-mortar storefront that would provide a needed service to a neighborhood. For those would-be entrepreneurs who actually take steps to realize their business idea, however, many eventually hit a brick wall. Financing...
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The business you are building has been an all-consuming priority, a labor of love. You’ve devoted time and trouble to get the business up and running. Your creativity keeps it growing. You’re a rock of commitment. It’s exactly because you’re so devoted to the business, though, that you might be overlooking business risk factors that...
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Everything in business is negotiable, including suppliers’ fees. But how do you get suppliers to reconsider their prices? Here are some supplier negotiation tips that may help you get a more fair price. 1. Shop around It is good to keep in mind that there is opportunity in shopping around. If several different suppliers are...
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A company picnic is a good way to enjoy some delicious food, promote socializing and create connections between your employees. Having a company outing shows that you appreciate your employees and care about them on a personal level. You know they work hard all year and deserve a fun break from the 9-to-5 routine. If...
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Starting and operating a small business requires a set of skills many business owners may not possess. For instance, the owner of a music store might be an expert on guitars but have little knowledge of accounting, employee management or inventory control. He might not have the ability to effectively negotiate with landlords, suppliers or...
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