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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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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When thinking about starting a business, you may also consider where . Big cities, home to a range of fast-growing industries and a diverse, 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...
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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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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 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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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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Small business owners wear a lot of hats. Decisions on health care plans, retirement plans and other benefits are often left solely to the owner. Offering a small business retirement plan to employees isn’t always on the radar. A study by LIMRA showed that only 42 percent of small businesses offered retirement plans – despite...
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The workplace today knows no bounds, and more people are working from home. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, about 50% of all small businesses today are based in people’s homes, and there’s no indication that the trend will slow down any time soon.[1] Despite the numbers, many home business owners don’t have separate...
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Whether you’re starting a business or already have one, creating a website for your business is essential for reaching potential customers. A website allows you to attract customers while creating and controlling the message you send. In most cases, your website will be the first impression customers get of your company, and you want it...
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With the boom in the Internet, starting an online business is more practical than ever. Potential customers are spending more time online than ever before, and many companies require internet-related services. You can run an online business part-time or full-time, and the range of options is extensive. Here are a few possibilities to explore. 1....
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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...
Read more about How to Avoid 5 Common Small Business Mistakes [Slideshow]
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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