What is a business plan? Whether you’re starting a small business or exploring ways to expand an existing one, a business plan is an important tool to help guide your decisions. Think of it as a roadmap to success, providing greater clarity on all aspects of your business, from marketing and finance to operations and...
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Depending on the type of business you own, buying a company car could provide some noteworthy benefits. It might come in handy for deliveries or driving between work locations, and the tax benefits of owning a business vehicle are substantial. But like any major purchase, there are several things to consider before you sign on...
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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....
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When most people think of a trust, they think of it as something rich people set up for their children. But a trust can have much wider uses than that, serving a range of people. A trust is a legal entity where money, property, or assets belonging to one party (the settlor) is overseen by...
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When you’re starting a new business, you’ll have to choose the type of business structure that’s right for it. Knowing the differences between the types of structures and what each one has to offer can help you choose the right business entity — a decision that’ll affect your taxes, income and legal liability.[1] When making...
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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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Today’s business owners can rely on technology to keep their companies running efficiently. But, with so many apps and tech-oriented small business tools available, how do you know which ones to try? Here’s a list of some popular, productivity-boosting business apps broken down by category. Communication 1. Slack Slack has made a name for itself...
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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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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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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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Strolling around the local farmers market on a Saturday morning is a popular pastime, and if you grow, bake, craft, or create things as a hobby, you may have wondered if you might sell your goods and produce there. Farmers markets are growing in popularity, so it’s no surprise that gardeners, bakers, artists, and other...
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Companies of all sizes can benefit from having engaged employees. What is employee engagement? Simply put, it’s the process of creating an organization full of happy and productive workers. Engaged employees have a positive, can-do spirit that drives them to work hard for the betterment of the company. Engaged employees are happy to come to...
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Today’s workplace is changing, and the traditional employee-employer relationship is being transformed by contract and freelance employment. That’s a trend that is going to continue, experts say. In fact, the 2017 Freelancing in America study estimates that, by 2027, the majority of all workers will be freelancers.[1] Those looking for the best paying work from...
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Whether building a new house or simply remodeling, being your own general contractor is tempting. Homeowners who take on that role can save as much as 35 percent of the project costs when things go smoothly. But even for weekend handymen, there’s a steep learning curve. 1. Have the right skillset General contractors have specialized...
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