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Business Basics

A complete resource for starting, managing, and growing your business. Discover everything you need to know at business.com.

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Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
The Pros and Cons of Virtual Offices
By Jennifer Post | November 06, 2023

Virtual offices haven’t lost their popularity but do they have more cons than pros at this point? Here is what you need to consider.

Article
The 5 Most Important KPIs for Warehouses
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | November 06, 2023

Measuring the right metrics can help your business make informed decisions and maximize efficiency within its warehouse operations.

Article
What Is a Workers’ Comp Ghost Insurance Policy?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | November 03, 2023

Learn what a workers' comp ghost insurance policy is and how it can help your small business, if you meet the requirements.

Article
Management Theory of Robert Waterman
By Sean Peek | November 03, 2023

Thomas Peters and Robert Waterman's theory observations developed foundational points for successful organizations.

Article
Management Theory of Michael Porter
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | November 03, 2023

Michael Porter’s theory can help you build a more competitive management strategy for your business. Here is what you need to know.

Article
Management Theory of Frederick Herzberg
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | November 03, 2023

Learn how businesses can use Herzberg's motivation theory, also known as the two-factor theory, to better manage their employees.

Article
Looking for Business Insurance? 10 Questions to Ask a Prospective Broker
By Kimberlee Leonard | November 03, 2023

Business insurance is critical – and complex. Learn how to vet a reputable broker who can help you decide which risks to insure against and for how much.

Article
A Crash Course in the Business Legal Terms You Need to Know
By Mark Fairlie | November 03, 2023

From comparable worth to torts, here's the legal lingo all business owners should know.

Article
Outgrowing Your Office Space? Should You Lease or Buy?
By Karina Fabian | November 03, 2023

Here is a list of things to consider before deciding whether to purchase or lease your new office space, including pros and cons of both options.

Article
Is Wholesale Over? The Death of the Middleman
By Jennifer Dublino | November 03, 2023

The internet has reduced the need for wholesalers that act as middlemen in the sales process. Learn the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer transactions.

Article
Inspiration Revealed: 36 Top CEOs Share Their Secrets to Success
By Lauren Kubiak | November 03, 2023

Here are tips from CEOs and business leaders on topics ranging from balancing life and work to building your business team to addressing the competition.

Article
Important Things to Do After Your Trademark Is Registered
By Julie Thompson | November 03, 2023

Registering your trademark is the first step in protecting your brand. Learn what to do next to ensure you're handling the trademark process properly.

Entrepreneur using a phone
Article
How to Stay Motivated to Start a Business
By Simone Johnson | November 03, 2023

What makes a good entrepreneur? Characteristics such as flexibility, control and motivation all help. Here is how to stay inspired when starting your business.

Article
How to Start a Business With $0 (Or Pretty Close)
By Tom Drake | November 03, 2023

It is possible to go into business with limited startup capital. Here is how to become a successful entrepreneur, even without huge assets.

Article
Visualizing Success: How to Set Up Effective Quarterly Goals
By Julie Thompson | November 03, 2023

Breaking goals into small, actionable initiatives allows your employees and clients to become more productive over shorter time frames.

Article
7 Surefire Strategies to Help You Stand Out From the Competition
By Stella Morrison | November 03, 2023

Differentiating your brand from the competition gives you a competitive advantage. Learn ways to differentiate your product from the competition.

Article
The Insurance Claims Process and How to File
By Nicole Urbanowicz | November 02, 2023

If your business suffers a loss that’s covered by insurance, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. Here's how a claim works and how to file one.

Article
How to Apply for a Copyright Online
By Julianna Lopez | November 02, 2023

Obtaining a copyright is a straightforward process online. Learn how to apply for a copyright online and the benefits of protecting intellectual property.

marketing meeting
Article
Striking a Chord: The Hidden Business Lessons in These Hit Songs
By Mike Berner | November 02, 2023

Entrepreneurs and business owners can learn some valuable lessons from the lyrics of hit songs by Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra and more.

businesswoman using a smartphone
Article
Best Business Newsletters of 2023
By Mike Berner | November 02, 2023

Here is our list of recommended publications that every small business owner and entrepreneur should read.

Article
Do Awards Really Do Anything for Your Company?
By Julie Thompson | November 02, 2023

Winning awards has numerous business benefits, including increased income and employee morale. Learn how to win awards for your business.

Article
How To Create and Write Your Business’s First E-Book
By Chris Christoff | November 01, 2023

Here are the benefits of creating an e-book for your business, and how you can create one, step by step.

Article
Contingency Management Theory Explained
By Chad Brooks | November 01, 2023

Fred Fiedler's contingency theory says that there are many internal and external factors that can influence the optimum organizational structure.

Article
Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner
By Shahid Mansuri | November 01, 2023

Outsourcing is often great for business but it can offer challenges. Learn how to find the right partner to help you grow your company.

Article
Business Decision-Making: Gut Instinct or Hard Data?
By Sean Peek | November 01, 2023

When it comes to business, your decisions matter. But it's important to recognize whether your choices are based on intuition or emotions.

Article
Building Critical Thinking Skills to Solve Problems at Work
By Miranda Fraraccio | November 01, 2023

Critical thinking is a vital skill for an organization's success. Try following this six-step problem-solving process with your team to foster this ability.

Article
How to Build Business Momentum With Limited Resources
By Chris Porteous | November 01, 2023

Building business momentum usually requires financial resources. Learn strategies to build business momentum with few resources and how to avoid mistakes.

Article
Part of the Job: 7 Skills All Entrepreneurs Must Master
By Julie Thompson | November 01, 2023

To succeed in business, there are certain competencies an entrepreneur must have. Learn what these skills are and how you can use them at work.

Article
Apple vs. Apple: 6 Trademark Cases and What You Should Learn From Them 
By Sean Peek | October 31, 2023

You could be committing trademark infringement without knowing it. Learn from these six trademark cases.

Article
5 Tips for Setting SMART Goals in Your Business Plan
By Chad Brooks | October 30, 2023

SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Learn how to apply SMART goal principles to your business to boost success.