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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You don’t have to live near a canyon or forest for your property to be threatened by wildfire. Nearly 1/3 of U.S. homes are in wildfire-prone areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The impact of a wildfire can be tragic and expensive. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior spend a staggering $3.5 billion a year combating the fires. Key to lessening the damage to homes and businesses is knowledge and preparation.
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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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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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Social media is an important tool for business owners and managers. It can help you make connections with new and returning clients or patrons, build trust and provide customer service. Navigating through setup and maintenance for social media accounts might seem confusing, but you can easily make a business page on Facebook to get started....
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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 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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Does your business need extra cash? Whether you need money to buy new equipment, grow your business or purchase a plot of land, you may need a loan for your business to fund the transaction. Small businesses borrowed $614 billion in 2016, according to a survey by the Small Business Administration. Loans under $100,000 saw...
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When you launch a new business, it’s important to take all the right steps to make sure the state and federal government recognize your company. One of those steps is registering your business name. Knowing how to register a business name properly is important because it protects your name and identity. There are different ways...
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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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To welcome a new employee, it’s important to have a plan. The last thing you want is a new hire entering the building, roaming the halls and looking for someone to help them get settled in. It’s helpful to have an employee onboarding process that introduces the employee to your company and staff, sets expectations...
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It’s not enough nowadays to throw open the doors of your brick-and-mortar location. It’s important to have a website as well. Too many small businesses neglect this aspect of their marketing. A website allows you to attract customers while creating and controlling the message you send. In most cases, your website will be the first...
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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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