RESOURCES

article

Feb 12, 2021

Many entrepreneurs might think that the tough economic period is a terrible time to start a new business. But truly this is the best time to start a business and take advantage. Airbnb and Uber had set up their business during the recession of 2007-09. These are two of the best and long-lasting orga...

article

Jan 24, 2021

Your Guide to Starting an Online BusinessWhether COVID-19 pushed you to pivot from a brick-and-mortar store to an online environment, or you’ve decided to take the plunge and set up a web-based shop, starting an eCommerce business can be a rewarding venture.From 2017 to late 2019, approximatel...

article

Jan 24, 2021

In February 2020, the U.S. unemployment dropped to 3.5%, the lowest it had been in the states in a decade, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fast forward a year to January 2021 and unemployment is 6.7%. Not nearly as bad as the April 2020 14.7% unemployment we experience but still not great.The un...

article

Jan 08, 2021

Every great athlete has a coach behind them who molds and pushes them to be successful in their respective sports. But when it comes to business, many entrepreneurs ask themselves whether a business coach is worth it.Just like sports coaching is important to athletes, business coaching is crucial fo...

article

Dec 08, 2020

There are plenty of adjectives we could use to describe 2020 thus far. For the sake of keeping things wholesome, though, let’s just settle on “unpredictable.”Merchants across every vertical are learning to navigate the pandemic business environment as they go. Through it all, eComm...

article

Nov 20, 2020

Marketing has always been the backbone of any business. Over the last 150 years, marketing has evolved from being production-led to becoming customer-led. A classic example of a production-led marketing approach is Henry Ford’s quote. He said, “Any customer can have a car painted any col...

article

Oct 20, 2020

This past week, Dropbox announced it will let all employees work from home permanently as it turns its offices into WeWork-like “collaborative spaces”. This was just one of dozens of companies announcing change in work plans. Recent surveys indicate that most employees have no interest i...

article

Jun 12, 2020

Six ways to know if your business is disruption-readyDisruption. This buzz-worthy notion must scratch well below the surface. It's a profound, visceral change to the very core and essence of a business, industry or marketplace at large. Many speak of it, but few “really” know how to ...

article

Jun 11, 2020

In business, it would be difficult if not impossible to achieve a notable measure of success without having inked a significant number of agreements with other parties—most appreciably with conflicts inherent in the process having been pleasingly overcome for all involved. Whether negotiating ...

article

Jun 11, 2020

Expert cites 9 negotiator archetypes and how each of can help and hinder a ‘win’Becoming an effective negotiator takes skill, and lots of it. Whether for personal or professional matters, knowing how to present yourself during each individual negotiation is critical to a successful outco...

article

May 29, 2020

It’s rather shocking to know that fully 96% of businesses fail within 10 years of existence, but what’s even more distressing is that many of these failures are entirely avoidable. Even once-mighty Corporate America behemoths are not immune to preventable peril, as exemplified by a glut ...

article

Apr 20, 2020

Small businesses are the lifeblood of a community, but due to the impact of the coronavirus, they’re shuttering in enormous numbers. While the government launches massive programs to help, it’s a race against the clock for aid to arrive before many businesses run out of cash.Here, two Un...

article

Apr 20, 2020

The way businesses and brands connect with their customers has been transformed by social media.Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media networks can provide business owners with a cheap and effective way to talk directly with their customers, build brand awareness and grow their business...

article

Apr 15, 2020

Accounting professionals throughout the Americas are operating in unprecedented times with the impacts of COVID-19. With information changing daily on government stimulus packages, many of our accounting and bookkeeping partners are quickly adapting and helping their clients navigate through these t...

article

Apr 15, 2020

Whether you are the boss of one or many, each employee is important to your small business. Would you rather work on retention, or retraining? According to statistics, more than 3 million people quit their jobs every month, with one-third of those quitting during the first month of employment. Mille...

article

Apr 13, 2020

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the fastest-growing technologies of our generation. It has all kinds of applications in industries like healthcare, education, and of course, commerce. Small business owners can grow their companies at a faster pace and on a bigger scale on the back of ...

article

Apr 13, 2020

Competition is fierce in the business world no matter what your industry and competition can be daunting—especially for small business owners. However, agile entrepreneurs have access to a tool that may give them an advantage over the big players. It’s relatively new to the business worl...

article

Apr 10, 2020

As small businesses across the country fight to remain in operation and generating revenue despite the coronavirus pandemic, making payroll has emerged as one of the biggest ongoing dilemmas for business owners. Businesses are now compromised in terms of their ability to pay their employees, due to ...

article

Apr 09, 2020

Spring cleaning isn’t just for the home. If you run a small business, spring is the ideal time to take a fresh look at your website and do some tidying up. Your business website needs an update from time to time to ensure it looks good, functions correctly, and supports your marketing goals. W...

article

Apr 09, 2020

Learn three effective ways small to medium-sized businesses can implement and benefit from corporate social responsibility. As the workforce becomes increasingly competitive, companies that want to attract and retain top talent must invest in valuable strategies that appeal to prospective employees....

article

Apr 08, 2020

Every small business owner is thankful for their customers. Without those loyal customers that keep coming to your door, running your business would be a lot harder. When customers give you the love—putting their dollars into your small business—it’s nice to give them some love bac...

article

Apr 08, 2020

Small business apps automate a range of straightforward tasks, leading to fewer wasted resources and a direct boost to revenue and profits. Employees often save dozens of hours every week after a business has transitioned to a new tech stack. Yet many small business owners still rely on outdated and...

article

Apr 07, 2020

The main US COVID-19 website outlines the American Government’s response to the coronavirus. Currently, the primary source of business information is US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has a guide to the outbreak. Key sections include:

article

Apr 05, 2020

Many small businesses have a minimal budget when it comes to advertising, and that can hold them back. It’s not impossible, but it takes a lot more consideration as to where and how you spend that money for maximum exposure and benefit. Before the internet, adverts in the phone book or the loc...

article

Apr 05, 2020

Small business owners who have 500 or fewer employees, including self-employed individuals, may be able to benefit from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was passed last week. One of the most compelling parts of the Act is the “Paycheck Protection Program&rdqu...

article

Apr 03, 2020

The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is developing rapidly, leaving many small business owners uncertain about their future. Those we’ve spoken with expect the coronavirus to have a significant impact on their revenue. Unfortunately, it seems these concerns are justified, but there are som...

article

Apr 02, 2020

With nearly $400 billion on the line between the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that there would be fraudsters targeting small business owners during these already challenging times. Avoiding small business le...

article

Apr 02, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc across the globe from a public health and economic standpoint, Facebook has stepped up to offer relief to small businesses suffering financial loss. The number of U.S. unemployment claims increased by more than 3 million in just one week, and numerous small busi...

article

Apr 01, 2020

Adapting to virtual life is cool in some ways. You get to work in your pajamas and eat a lot (a lot) of snacks. On the other hand, there are a lot of unforeseen challenges that can arise, making a simple task done in the office something that crashes and burns, temporarily inspiring you to throw you...

article

Apr 01, 2020

As small business owners, we’re prepared for a lot of things, whether it’s a seasonal shift in sales or an unexpected employee absence we have to step in and cover. But we’ve never seen anything like the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving us uncertain about how to cope in these strange tim...

article

Mar 31, 2020

Successful new businesses start with a great idea. It may be a completely revolutionary new product or service. Or it could be taking an existing service or product to a new level or a new client base. While entrepreneurs are typically masters at coming up with ideas, they sometimes fall short when ...

article

Mar 31, 2020

No matter what your business is, you are likely to have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak Covid-19. As a result, your business activities have probably reduced or even been suspended for the time being until the crisis is over. At this difficult time, you should consider it an opportunity to...

article

Mar 30, 2020

You probably know social media is an important tool for growing your business, but there’s a good chance you might be a bit overwhelmed with the number of different platforms out there. Not to mention the learning curve involved in trying to master them all! There’s no doubt the world of...

article

Mar 26, 2020

In times like these, small businesses must quickly and efficiently adapt the ways they sell their goods and services. In a broad effort to protect the public, we have seen so many industries affected by government, city and other civic agencies’ restrictions due to the COVID-19. Here are ways ...

article

Mar 24, 2020

In the realm of Hollywood films, if you build it they will come. In the real world, they often won't. The high failure rate of small businesses is well-chronicled. However, there are ways to mitigate risks and maximize your chance at entrepreneurial success. Here are a few tips for ensuring your...

article

Mar 24, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for every business and every individual, creating a new reality. It also provides an opportunity for creative solutions to maximize customer and employee service and value and ways in which each business can individually be of service to others, said ...

article

Mar 21, 2020

Support for Small Businesses In a Time of Global CrisisBusinesses around the world, whether bricks and mortar or ecommerce stores on Shopify or other platforms, may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. However, to help ease the burden on businesses, Facebook ha...

article

Mar 20, 2020

There’s rarely any downtime in the world of public relations, but the COVID-19 pandemic is kicking crisis communications into overdrive for small businesses across the country. On Monday, March 16, Vancouver-headquartered Reformation made a big move: on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and its we...

article

Mar 20, 2020

As a small or medium-sized business (SMB) owner, it’s a challenge to come up with new marketing concepts, but repurposing existing content is a surefire method for driving ongoing traffic to your site and a simple way to amplify your message without investing a lot more time or effort. That la...

article

Mar 20, 2020

The spread of the novel coronavirus across Massachusetts has brought big changes to businesses of all sizes and their customers. CDC and Massachusetts DPH guidance urges consumers to avoid getting up-close and personal with each other. Government mandates have forced many types of businesses to clos...

article

Mar 18, 2020

When it comes to digital marketing for businesses, as the saying goes: content is king. Content marketing, that is. That's why a whopping 70% of marketers are currently investing in content strategies, and 72% cite having a good content strategy as a major key to their success. For small busines...

article

Mar 17, 2020

If your enterprise-level eCommerce business is reaching the point of expansion, it’s time to think about how you can scale your processes as effectively as possible. With efficiency and future growth in mind, we have a word of warning: Now is not the time to throw things at the wall to see wha...

article

Mar 17, 2020

Like it or not, most entrepreneur journeys include the not-so-pleasant component of fundraising. The reason I say it is not pleasant is because it often takes months, if not longer, and requires resources you may not have as a startup. The age-old chicken-and-egg situation of every startup is you ne...

article

Mar 16, 2020

Small and medium businesses (SMEs) play a significant role in the development and growth of the economy of any country. They are also a vital part of the global economy. To stay afloat in an increasingly interconnected and competitive global market, SMEs also need to adapt to the latest technology. ...

article

Mar 16, 2020

If you are a small business or startup looking for funding, there are plenty of options out there, but there’s more to choosing the best financing offer for your business than just picking the lowest interest rate. There are many factors you need to consider before accepting a proposal. With t...

article

Mar 11, 2020

Branding can be referred to as the marketing and advertising of an individual, business or an organization for recognition and promotion. It can be a term, a logo or any feature that recognizes an individual’s goods or services distinct from others in the competition. The practice of branding ...

article

Mar 11, 2020

As the head of your small business, you probably feel the weight of responsibility on your shoulders. Your business is an investment you need to protect — it’s not only the service or product you provide but the financial livelihood of you and your employees. Small businesses need compre...

article

Mar 09, 2020

Small budgets and small businesses tend to go hand in hand. Unfortunately, the tools you need to manage your digital marketing campaigns successfully tend to eat away at that budget. These seven must-have tools from Google each fill a critical need at a low cost, and some are free.

article

Mar 06, 2020

Small businesses often grow chaotically and organically at the start. When there’s a task that needs to be completed, the owner or manager just picks it up and does it. But as a business grows larger, it becomes necessary to have more substantial business processes. Otherwise it becomes very d...

article

Mar 06, 2020

Small businesses are putting themselves at a disadvantage if they don't have a website, says Roy Digitrio, founder and CEO of Digitrio Pte Ltd. Digitrio adds that some small business owners think that simply having a website is enough; what they don't realise is that they're missing out ...

article

Mar 05, 2020

Running a business is all about staying on top of the most crucial matters while simultaneously giving every aspect the focus and attention it deserves. It means learning how to take advantage of your company’s strengths while ensuring your business gets the exposure it needs to weather the st...

article

Mar 04, 2020

Most small businesses operate on tight budgets. They’ve got razor-thin margins, and with fluctuating markets and the need to reinvest money back into the business so that it can scale, it’s not surprising that most are constantly on the lookout for ways to save money. Unfortunately, too ...

article

Mar 04, 2020

There is a vast amount of people who are realizing that branching out on their own in a business venture is well worth leaving behind being the backbone for someone else’s gain. Working for yourself is definitely not easy and the hours are well beyond the normal nine to five grind of being som...

article

Mar 03, 2020

In the 2019 Global SME Pulse, small and medium businesses around the globe said they anticipated slower revenue and profit growth, but 74 percent were still willing to take big risks to ensure their success. No surprise there. For small business owners, their work—and their success—is pe...

article

Mar 03, 2020

Of all the challenges facing small businesses, staffing is among the most difficult. Finding someone with the right skill set who fits into a company culture while sharing in an organization’s mission can be a tough needle to thread for any open position, but it is particularly challenging for...

article

Mar 02, 2020

Facebook marketing has both grown and morphed into different forms over the years, but it has remained powerful. Small businesses can take advantage of the same audience that big companies have through Facebook marketing. As of 2020, there are 1.69 billion users on Facebook, and around 1.3 billion u...

article

Mar 02, 2020

If you’re new to digital marketing, let us be the first to welcome you to the stage of the short attention span theater—where every performance is just a click away from being panned or ignored entirely. It may sound harsh, but it’s true. Promoting your business online isn’t ...

article

Feb 28, 2020

An entrepreneur who opens a coffee shop or launches a FinTech startup isn’t in business to crunch numbers and file taxes. Yet, the burden of financial management, from tedious data entry to compliance challenges, is a nonnegotiable part of starting a small business (SMB). Waseem Daher, CEO of ...

article

Feb 28, 2020

An understanding of SEO for small business – SEO is short for search engine optimisation – and its benefits for small business is imperative to increase sales and focus your digital marketing. With Google by far the most popular search engine, optimising your website for the search engin...

article

Feb 27, 2020

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE) is part of the government’s spending bill that includes numerous provisions intended to strengthen retirement security across the country. It is designed to open up opportunities to segments of the workforce that was previo...

article

Feb 27, 2020

The early days of growing your small business play a crucial role in your future success. At this stage, it’s important to make as much progress as possible (without biting off more than your business can chew, of course). That’s why all small business owners should keep the following &l...

article

Feb 26, 2020

You have a lot of responsibility as a small business owner, whether you’re managing numerous people or are a self-employed army of one. You have to worry about expenses, numerous financial statements, tax season and more, all while trying to build your net worth. One of the biggest obligations...

article

Feb 25, 2020

For small businesses, this is cause for alarm. Lacking the time, IT expertise, and deep pockets of major companies, the small businesses that make up the foundation of the economy are sitting ducks — especially considering that 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses specifically. In o...

article

Feb 24, 2020

If you’re a small business owner, then your business accounting is one of the most important things you manage to keep your business running smoothly. That also means that having the right accounting software can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals. Maybe you’ve heard of, if ...

article

Feb 24, 2020

2019 was an incredible year for marketing professionals, with a wealth of new information and resources for small and medium-sized businesses. And as a marketer, it’s important — now more than ever — to stay up to date with the most impactful and current trends in the industry toda...

article

Feb 20, 2020

Building a small business is no easy feat, especially if you are a novice. From marketing to financial management, many aspects require your attention. To make things easier, invest in your training. Through a variety of training programs, including those mentioned below, you can improve your knowle...

article

Feb 20, 2020

Your clients are counting on you to shepherd them through the often-onerous process of filing both their business and personal taxes. This can be particularly tough for small business clients, many of whom may just be starting out and have yet to put into place the best practices to limit their comp...

article

Feb 19, 2020

If one of your goals includes growing your small business, you need to keep current on the relevant trends in marketing strategies small business tools. Don’t miss an opportunity to grow by using old information. Here are the marketing trends you need to understand today.

article

Feb 19, 2020

Where are businesses spending their pretty penny these days? Enterprises, SMBs alike have successfully hopped on the current technology bandwagon. As technology keeps advancing forth, it is changing the business ecosystem. When we say infrastructure, it roughly translates to a new technology adopted...

article

Feb 18, 2020

Impact of Technology on Small Businesses: It is absolutely undeniable technology has had a massive impact on our daily lives. It is one of the things that has truly transformed the way we work, think, and even spend our free time. Things aren’t slowing down, now, however – there are stil...

article

Feb 18, 2020

For small businesses, every dollar counts. That's why it is important to make sure you aren't overspending in areas you can't afford to. Starting up a new business is rarely an easy endeavor and keeping it growing and thriving for years to come will always require work and attention. Ind...

article

Feb 17, 2020

How to Make Money in Business with a Side Hustle Gone are the days of searching print ads for a job to make a living. In today’s environment, the internet is at your fingertips, making it easier than ever for small businesses that make money to start. In fact, setting up two streams of income ...

article

Feb 17, 2020

As we enter a new decade, 58% of small businesses in the UK anticipate a plateau, or for their business to struggle in the year ahead. Only 1 in 4 predict to see growth. A new report, which surveyed 1,000 small business owners and sole traders across the country has been carried out by financial tec...

article

Feb 12, 2020

Businesses can’t survive without excellent communication and collaboration. Team members need to stay connected so that they can share knowledge, work together on complex problems, and keep the company running smoothly. Indeed, 98% of executives believe that lack of communication is the cause ...

article

Feb 11, 2020

This is the first post in a seven-part-series detailing the biggest entrepreneurial mistakes business owners make. The series will run over the next few weeks so check back to learn more. These are the 7 Biggest Mistakes I have seen entrepreneurs and companies make that can devalue their Intellectua...

article

Feb 11, 2020

Accountants working with small businesses often play the role of business advisors, especially when it comes to educating their clients about tax regulations and reducing their tax bill by taking all legitimate factors into account. We’ve gathered four tips that accounting professionals can us...

article

Feb 10, 2020

If you’re a business owner you really have your hands full, every day, with the minutiae of running your business, balancing your books, orders, employees, scheduling, inventory, servicing customers, payroll, taxes well, you get the idea as you’re living it every day. You might read that...

article

Feb 07, 2020

When it comes to increasing the profits of any business, two things can be done. You can either work on boosting your sales or you can cut your costs to become a more efficient company. If a small business wants to survive in the market, then it needs to focus more on the profits. But profit is some...

article

Feb 07, 2020

The internet has provided business owners with some unique opportunities. In addition to setting up an online store, you can also expand your reach, attracting a broader array of potential customers. To reach those potential customers, you need to employ online marketing strategies. Knowing where to...

article

Feb 06, 2020

As a small business owner or marketing professional, there are many ways to reach your target audience. Social media has come a long way over the past decade, with some platforms picking up more steam than others. While each one is well worth your consideration, Instagram is growing by leaps and bou...

article

Feb 06, 2020

Every business’s end goal is to connect with their market. Simple as that. Or is it so simple? Missing the mark on your consumers' wants, likes, dislikes and beliefs can determine whether or not they decide to buy in to what you’re selling. The following are five paths to creating a ...

article

Feb 05, 2020

When you first get your small business up and running, your attention may be directed to getting customers through the door. To do this, you probably rely on more traditional forms of advertising, such as coupon mailers, print ads, and even large billboards near major highways. While these forms of ...

article

Feb 05, 2020

If you own a small business, it’s important you know the small business advertising costs before you can get started with your online advertising plans. Growing your business via online advertising is easy, but for newcomers, it can be quite intimidating at the beginning but when used to it, t...

article

Feb 04, 2020

In today’s blog, we’ll be dissecting how big brands leverage the Super Bowl to enhance their marketing campaigns and how small businesses can implement these marketing tactics into their strategy in a practical and actionable way. The NFL Super Bowl. One of the biggest TV events in Ameri...

article

Feb 04, 2020

Once upon a time, signages were once the best way to catch the interest of potential customers. Big business or small business, everyone wanted to have signage that was compelling and attention-grabbing. Most companies nowadays have veered away from having quality signages and took their battles to ...

article

Feb 03, 2020

It’s tax season, so owners of small cleaning companies are preparing their records in preparation for filing. Although Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audits are on the decline, small and midsize businesses are still at risk, with math errors and dubious expense categories among the most common...

article

Feb 03, 2020

Looking to expand your brand’s local reach? Get the full breakdown on local SEO for small business in this guide from Go Florida SEO Appealing to the local audience is a great business strategy. This ensures you get immediate business with people who can come back for more if they like it. Put...

article

Jan 31, 2020

If you’ve recently launched a small business, keeping on top of things can be tough. While your number one priority is to make your company a success, the speed at which it grows can be overwhelming and hard to keep track of. To ensure a smooth operation, here are a few tips that you can use t...

article

Jan 31, 2020

With over 30 million small businesses in the U.S., it’s tough to stand out from the crowd. Successful small businesses turn first-time customers into repeat business, building momentum and growing sales. How can you achieve this? Marketing. Finding effective, easy-to-execute marketing strategi...

article

Jan 30, 2020

The headline on your personal LinkedIn profile is the text that sits directly below your name in the top section, or introduction card. If you do nothing to change or optimize this text, LinkedIn will automatically populate your headline with whatever you have added for your most recent job title in...

article

Jan 30, 2020

In highly competitive industries, small businesses are at a disadvantage. The major players have more money and resources, which translates to more opportunities. However, small organizations can still make a big impact. This requires smart marketing tactics to push their products. If you’re l...

article

Jan 29, 2020

As businesses grow, so do their networks and the challenges that come along with managing them. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), however, tight budgets and fewer resources make it even more challenging for network admins to manually track and monitor all network elements. Without a prop...

article

Jan 29, 2020

In this digital province where everyone’s information is found online, it’s a no brainer to make cyber security a priority. When protecting your business and its valuable data, it’s never a smart idea to cut corners. To avoid your information from being stolen, follow these six ste...

article

Jan 28, 2020

You’ve finally decided to take the jump and open your own small business. The excitement is overwhelming, but you know you’re ready. The only thing is, you don’t exactly know where to start with funding. The ideal way would be to fund it completely out of pocket, but if that’...

article

Jan 28, 2020

Despite large companies with considerable marketing budgets, start-ups and small businesses cannot afford costly marketing strategies. Entrepreneurs must be careful about every dollar spent on advertisements as they need an immediate ROI. Social media has facilitated marketing, especially for small ...

article

Jan 27, 2020

The Harvard business review says that 99 percent of businesses reported they have plans for implementing big data analytics. However, only 30% of them have done it successfully. This shows that many businesses haven’t yet acquired the technical capacity of implementing big data analytics. The ...

article

Jan 27, 2020

Filing a tax return for your business each year is something you must do. But you don’t want to make mistakes that can result in higher taxes than you really owe, draw IRS attention to your return, or cost you interest and penalties. Here are 20 mistakes to avoid:

article

Jan 22, 2020

Everyone wants to know the secret to be productive. Who wouldn’t want to cross off all the items on their to-do list and have enough time to rest or engage in other activities? However, the need to be productive rings a lot differently for small businesses. This is because a productive and eff...

article

Jan 22, 2020

When you have a small or medium-sized business, it’s essential that you find an effective way of advertising especially if you’re a start-up that’s just entered the industry. Making you stand out from the crowd, if it’s done successfully, it will result in higher revenue and ...

article

Jan 21, 2020

Deductible business expenses help entrepreneurs with many of the costs of running a company. Business owners know that most expenditures can be written off, although there may be limits and timing. Check out the most common tax deductions for small business. Last Spring the IRS released data showing...

article

Jan 21, 2020

As a small business owner, you’re probably used to going it alone. You feel comfortable wearing multiple hats, juggling various projects and working long hours. But what happens when you wake up one day and realize you need to hire some help? Attracting and retaining talent as a small business...

article

Jan 20, 2020

A customer is one of the most important aspects of a business. If a business is able to delight customers by providing excellent customer service, then it will boost customer retention and business growth. According to the report, “A Survey of Customer Service from Mid-Size Companies” by...

article

Jan 20, 2020

A Google My Business listing gives your small business – and any type or size of business – its own dedicated and critical presence in Google search. When viewed from desktop, a Google My Business listing takes up the right third of the screen. A listing includes the business name, websi...

article

Jan 17, 2020

Every business needs a website, but finding the right web hosting package isn't always easy. Many plans are targeted primarily at home users, and don't have the power that businesses need.

article

Jan 17, 2020

Cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular with both users with limited physical hard disk space and users who are concerned about keeping their files safe. It is a trend that is just as valuable for small business owners as it is for personal use. It is bad enough to lose personal photos, but d...

article

Jan 16, 2020

Having a digital marketing strategy is essential if you want to stay competitive in your industry. But as a small business owner, you have limited time. What can you do to differentiate yourself in your space? You would be surprised at how many business owners don’t include basic information o...

article

Jan 16, 2020

Safety for employees, while they are working, is crucial. Therefore, every company should strive to ensure that their workers always feel safe when operating in the facilities. Companies thus should have a more organized health and safety management system. They should strive to create a workplace e...

article

Jan 15, 2020

For small business owners, the start of a new year signifies an opportunity to make a fresh start and finally resolve old challenges that have lingered on their balance sheet from the last 12 months. The transition between years is often when our credit officers at Credibly see the highest concentra...

article

Jan 15, 2020

If you are looking to achieve successful results for your business, then you have to take some preliminary steps to ensure the right people are working on your website. It is the best way of ensuring you drive qualified leads and come up with a strategic marketing plan. However, with the growing nee...

article

Jan 14, 2020

According to research from Fundbox small businesses in the United States, are owed a whopping $825 billion in unpaid invoices. What the study doesn’t make clear however is how many businesses go unpaid due to poor relationship management with their customers. 79% of business owners in another ...

article

Jan 14, 2020

Becoming your own business owner is a dream that many people have. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing that the income you’re able to bring in was done all through your own hard work. Creating and running your small business means that you’ll need to procure the right asse...

article

Jan 13, 2020

It’s a harsh reality that most start-up businesses fail. Even harsher, the mistakes that cause a business to go bust are often ingrained at the beginning of the journey. Before the founders even make their first sale, they likely already made their first mistake. To help you dodge these costly...

article

Jan 13, 2020

Numerous entrepreneurs battle to accomplish the business account and nothing is exceptional. For private ventures, for example, retailers, cafés, carports, getting a business loan isn't as simple as it might appear to a bank. It is not necessarily the case that it is beyond the realm of i...

article

Jan 10, 2020

A strong economy in 2020 could lift the small-business card market, which is an important source of lending and payments for entrepreneurs and local merchants. Such a trend also raises the level of payment complexity for those merchants, as young businesses struggle with multiple employees having ac...

article

Jan 10, 2020

Now, small businesses balance their staff with freelancers. A recent study done by UpWork.com and the Freelancers Union found that around 57 million Americans were working as freelancers as of 2019. This makes up about 36 percent of the U.S. workforce and amounts to $1.4 trillion in earnings. The te...

article

Jan 09, 2020

Small business loans can be a danger zone of the financial marketplace. While residential mortgage rates hover in the 3% range, commercial lenders often charge 40% and more, according to the Federal Reserve. The basic answer is that commercial loans “are not subject to most federal consumer pr...

article

Jan 09, 2020

Hindsight is 20/20 — so to kick off the new year, we’re featuring 22 small biz. owners sharing the top lesson they learned in 2019 and what they’re doing differently this year. By far the most common theme we heard from small businesses in 2019 centered on knowing your strengths an...

article

Jan 08, 2020

There are a lot of benefits of using a proxy server for small businesses. This article will give you five ways of how using a proxy server will scale up your business marketing strategies. A proxy server is just the middleman between you and the website you want to access. Every request you send to ...

article

Jan 08, 2020

A great marketing strategy is what distinguishes a successful business from a failing one, and small businesses are no exception. You don’t need a lot of money to get the word out about your business. As long as you maintain consistent quality and approachable social media presence, and keep a...

article

Jan 07, 2020

There’s a dangerous misconception that cyberattacks only affect large organizations. The majority (66%) of business leaders at small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) don’t believe they will fall victim to a cyberattack, according to Keeper Security’s 2019 SMB Cyberthreat Study. Sm...

article

Jan 07, 2020

More than 600,000 Britons started their own business in each of the past three years. And January is a key month for entrepreneurs returning from a Christmas break determined to turn their ambitions into reality. But you’ll need funding to do so: enough to cover the costs of launching and to e...

article

Jan 06, 2020

No matter your area of operation, your business needs to have a strong and consistent brand to stand out. This helps customers identify your business, and helps you and your employees represent the business. Start with something as simple as your logo. Is it displayed correctly wherever it is used? ...

article

Jan 06, 2020

Small business owners have plenty of changes to deal with as 2020 begins — higher labor costs for many companies, and some owners will discover that they have to comply with new laws that aren’t on the books in their own states. As of Jan. 1, there are higher minimum wages in a quarter o...

article

Jan 03, 2020

If you are starting your business, you surely may have a lot of essential things to focus on, but one of the most important things that are crucial for your business is SEO. Even though there are multiple ways to promote your business on the web, nothing comes close to the power of SEO, as it is kno...

article

Jan 03, 2020

The life of a solopreneur can be a bit overwhelming. You have this awesome product that’s going to make people much happier and efficient, but when it comes to sharing this product with the world, it seems you’ve hit a dead end. When you read about marketing, all you see are these great ...

article

Jan 02, 2020

Traditional bank loans have lower interest rates and longer terms than alternative financing but stricter requirements for approval. Alternative lending options include direct private lending, marketplace lending and even crowdfunding platforms. Alternative loan types include lines of credit, short-...

article

Jan 02, 2020

For years, if someone wanted to start a business, they’d either have to self-fund or go to a bank. Banks require a lot to get a loan. They need a full business plan and a high credit score. There’s also a ton of paperwork involved that requires a lot of time that can keep you from starti...

article

Dec 30, 2019

As I was working on my content audit, I came across a couple of posts on small business marketing trends for the years 2013 and 2014. As I reviewed these, I noticed something very interesting. Every trend that was listed for both 2013 and 2014 are no longer trends. Each trend became a marketing must...

article

Dec 30, 2019

When Amazon entered the retail market, it brought consumers the convenience of online shopping and two-day delivery—and it brought fear to neighborhood stores. Without the same technology to offer similar services, big brands as well as small- and middle-American brands were put on the defense...

article

Dec 27, 2019

Trying to establish or grow new business with inadequate funding often ends in failure unless some sort of support is pursued. Usually, such kind of support will come from lending and financing options and perhaps through the formation of a partnership with interested parties. Since the former is re...

article

Dec 27, 2019

If you have a small business, it's essential to keep up with the latest trends in technology, marketing, customer service and other areas that affect your business. Each business is unique, so every trend doesn't necessarily impact you equally. However, all major trends do influence your cus...

article

Dec 23, 2019

With so many marketing trends for businesses to track and try, it can be tough for small business owners to figure out which ones are worth focusing on with limited time and resources. Emerging trends bring new marketing opportunities, which can sometimes feel like too much of a good thing: interact...

article

Dec 23, 2019

Some people say bankruptcy isn’t the end of the world, and for most business owners, that’s true. Business owners routinely bounce back from bankruptcy and find ways to reestablish their business without relying on credit. However, if you’re an entrepreneur who relies on credit to ...

article

Dec 20, 2019

Over the years, social media has gone from a tool used purely for socializing to one that helps improve brands and businesses. Social media marketing is a cost-effective way for small businesses to promote their brand and services, as well as increase their customer base. However, with all the pros ...

article

Dec 20, 2019

Are you a small business owner? Here are 8 things you should pay attention to in order to prevent legal action being taken against you. Small business owners worry with cause. There’s much for small business owners to fear outside their doors. Every time a small business hangs out its shingle ...

article

Dec 19, 2019

At a time when the Indian government is trying to boost the sales of MSME-produced goods by leveraging the popularity of e-commerce giants, Amazon is doing its own bit to boost the Indian small and medium industries space in India. According to the US-based e-commerce giant, around 1,200 sellers rec...

article

Dec 19, 2019

There’s not a small business in the world that doesn’t love to save costs whenever possible, but the only trick is how to implement them! Especially around Christmas, businesses of all shapes and sizes all seem to run out of time and never get around to making cost-cutting changes actual...

article

Dec 18, 2019

Do you have apprentices in your small business? According to the FSB, 24% of small businesses employ apprentices and an extra 24% say they’d consider taking on an apprentice in the future. At Breathe we've recently taken on our very first apprentice in our marketing team, and our experienc...

article

Dec 18, 2019

Maybe you thought that if you could operate a small business, you do not need to find IT support London. How wrong! Big corporations know better. They understand the importance of IT support and so they build a team of professionals who can work together in this one important department. Their busin...

article

Dec 17, 2019

As digital technologies enable better ways of working, there are more devices connecting to networks and more employees working outside the corporate office than ever before. One look at the exploding Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) market — expected to reach $366 billion by 2022 — is even ...

article

Dec 17, 2019

A high-performance team is essential for businesses to operate effectively and create a competitive advantage. But what makes a team high-performance? And how can you develop your own high-performance teams? The foundation of a high-performance team staffed with committed, engaged, and happy employe...

article

Dec 16, 2019

Communication can make or break a company, even more so with internal communication. Conference calls are a big staple of business, but many services are expensive or require large networks. Small businesses can fall by the wayside because of this unless they get the tools they need to keep everyone...

article

Dec 16, 2019

If you’ve decided to turn your hobby or a skill you are good at into a business, there are several things you need to make sure you have on your checklist beforehand. In today’s gig economy, more and more professionals are deciding to become self-employed or work in some sort of freelanc...

article

Dec 13, 2019

While small-business owners are a diverse group, most have a couple of things in common. First, they want their companies to thrive. Second, they rely on their websites to be much like a digital business card, to build their brand and reputation while attracting new customers and driving transaction...

article

Dec 13, 2019

Small businesses are constantly forming and emerging in a landscape that is ever-evolving. Due to rapid changes in technology and the economy, businesses are regularly having to adapt to brand new marketing channels, invest in (and learn about) new technology, and often compete on a global stage. Fl...

article

Dec 12, 2019

According to Google, more than a third of small businesses say increasing business growth is their primary goal over the next year. Fortunately for local and independent businesses, ‘near me’ Google searches hit a record high in 2019. There was 14 times more search interest for these sea...

article

Dec 12, 2019

When it comes to starting a new business, there is a lot of work that must go into this, in order for it to be a success down the road. For small businesses especially, it can be a common theme to get caught up working on day to day activities. However, time needs to be focused on the best means of ...

article

Dec 11, 2019

If you own a business, then you know how important things like privacy and security are. Especially these days, when online threats are more significant than ever. Furthermore, you need to think about the privacy and security of your business, but also your customers, and of course, yourself. Busine...

article

Dec 11, 2019

Most entrepreneurs dream big in the beginning, envisioning a company that not only meets but exceeds expectations. While the sky is the limit, you’ll only make it there if you prepare yourself ahead of time and have a firm grasp on what it takes to succeed as a modern-day entrepreneur. After f...

article

Dec 10, 2019

For businesses to thrive, they need the right technology and tools to help them operate efficiently based on their own unique needs.

article

Dec 10, 2019

A small business credit history started at the very first day of your its operations. For every business owner, among many goals, an important one is to constantly monitor and develop both personal and business’s credit ratings. A business credit history is a tabula rasa for every startup, and...

article

Dec 09, 2019

As a small business owner, you may have limited resources when it comes to marketing. Small business marketing is all about getting creative – there are countless things you can do to stretch your dollar, especially with the Internet so readily available. In this blog post, we’ve compile...

article

Dec 09, 2019

Tech trends that can benefit small businesses include influencer marketing, digital healthcare and small business cybersecurity. As the owner of a small business, you are always looking for ways to improve your company. Here we’ve highlighted some of the key tech trends in 2020 for exactly tha...

article

Dec 06, 2019

As a small business, when you think of the cloud, the first thing that you think of is its potential for cost savings. And you’re right, but that’s just one part of it. The cloud is making it possible for small businesses to enjoy benefits never before possible for companies their size. ...

article

Dec 06, 2019

Running a successful small business takes a lot of sacrifice, time, and skill. Small business owners often serve multiple roles. CEO, CFO, and CIO are just a few of the jobs filled by a single person, and that doesn’t even count time spent creating the product or fulfilling the service. Keepin...

article

Dec 05, 2019

How to remain cash positive is one of the many struggles that haunt start-ups from a very early stage. They spend ample amount of time in segregating the budget for paying salaries, office-leasing fees and ongoing operational costs. Amid all the backbreaking work to keep your venture growing, it&rsq...

article

Dec 05, 2019

B2B platforms bring suppliers and customers together and minimize search and transaction costs. Matthias Spanic, Managing Director of scrappel GmbH provides an overview of how SMEs in particular can benefit from these advantages.

article

Dec 04, 2019

Fundera exists to help you make better business decisions. That’s why we make sure our editorial integrity isn’t influenced by our own business. The opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations in this article are those of our editorial team alone.

article

Dec 04, 2019

If you are looking to succeed over the long-term, then you need access to finance. There are many different costs that you will need to cover in your business, and these often have a tendency to exceed budgets. For this reason, a startup needs a pool of finance to draw from, and the bigger this pool...

article

Dec 03, 2019

Virtual Assistants (VA) are independent workers who assist businesses with administrative, business development, social media, marketing or other tasks. As a result, the benefit of a VA is that through taking on recurring tasks, they free up time for businesses to focus on strategic goals. With the ...

article

Dec 03, 2019

In the new year, resolve to take your small business in new directions. By 2020, intense competition from big boxes, national chains and online retailers will be old news, but your strategy for success can enter a new phase. With these New Year’s resolutions, your business can refine the way i...

article

Dec 02, 2019

While obtaining funding as an entrepreneur is not always easy, there are methods to make it easier. These financing solutions support startups and entrepreneurs, and the companies that provide these solutions understand the challenges that small businesses face when it comes to traditional funding m...

article

Dec 02, 2019

For retailers, the most wonderful time of the year is also one of the busiest. To ensure your business is making the most of this peak holiday season, there are a few steps you can take to prepare ahead of time. Here are some eBay tips to help you optimize your business this holiday season.

article

Nov 29, 2019

Business growth is the ultimate goal, yes, but when it happens rapidly and unexpectedly, it can be devastating. Let's explore some reliable tactics you can apply in order to cope with the sudden growth of your business. Let’s admit one thing right off the bat: the main reason most of us go...

article

Nov 29, 2019

Almost two in five small businesses in the UK are run by millennials, a major new study has revealed. The finding forms part of accountancy software Xero’s new research into business ownership and entrepreneurship across the nation. It found that despite “stereotypes of laziness and enti...

article

Nov 28, 2019

If you own a small business, it is essential to always stay at the top of your game when it comes to local SEO. It is a crucial element of search engine marketing because it can help users find you. With better local rankings, your page visits and your conversions will increase. Modern consumers exp...

article

Nov 28, 2019

I love this saying, ‘little acorns become big trees,’ as that’s how I see small businesses…because it says that we all started somewhere, that at one time, the big brands of today, were once small organizations and start-ups. We often think that it’s the big companies ...

article

Nov 27, 2019

Every business holds on to values such as honesty, loyalty, and respect, but one value that stands as the key to success for any business is gaining and retaining customer trust. The digital revolution is screaming for business transparency and customer trust with the rapid expansion of online revie...

article

Nov 27, 2019

With the new year fast approaching it is time to sit down and plan out what 2020 looks like for our businesses and create your small business goals. Today on the blog we will be looking at the 3 main growth goals you should be including in your 2020 vision. There are probably a lot of things you wan...

article

Nov 26, 2019

Small-business owners will soon have a more affordable option to reorganize their companies. In February 2020, the Small Business Reorganization Act (SBRA) will go into effect, providing a new type of relief to small-business debtors. The SBRA creates a new subchapter within Chapter 11 of the U.S. B...

article

Nov 26, 2019

Small business grants are perhaps the most coveted of all types of small business funding. Grants don’t have to be repaid and, unlike equity funding, you don’t give up any ownership of your company. (The IRS does want its share, though, so be prepared for a tax bill.)How do you actually ...

article

Nov 25, 2019

Chatbots. They are an interesting piece of technology. The latest trend in technology says that these chatbots will be made sure that they match the level of human behavior so that they can offer almost human-like services but better versions of them. According to the chatbot trends 2019, the conven...

article

Nov 25, 2019

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for entrepreneurs as it is the start of the craziest shopping frenzy of the year. As a small business owner, you should know that this is a great opportunity for you to draw more traffic to your company and position it to boost engagement and increase sale...

article

Nov 22, 2019

Are your ready to expand your small business and look into bigger, more lucrative opportunities by reaching more people? Franchising might be the way to go, especially with a business that's easy to reproduce. If you're thinking about franchising, here are some tips to help you decide if it&...

article

Nov 22, 2019

When it comes to small businesses, there are a lot of challenges that face those who run them. The world of business is competitive in every industry. So no matter what type of small business you have, you will find thatyou need to look at ways to contend with your competitors more effectively. Fort...

article

Nov 21, 2019

Video marketing has become one of the most popular tools that help businesses raise brand awareness and engage with their target audience. Video content is extremely popular so it makes sense that it should be part of our marketing outreach to prospects and customers. According to research, includin...

article

Nov 20, 2019

Small business digital asset management (DAM) solutions are systems for organizing, storing and sharing the rich media resources of a company. Creative assets such as videos, images, podcasts and media in other formats need to be effectively and efficiently stored and shared by different teams, chan...

article

Nov 20, 2019

They say there’s no place like home for the holidays — but the next best place is surely the unique shops, restaurants and venues scattered throughout your neighborhood and community. This holiday season, shopping small — at small businesses, that is — can have a big impact o...

article

Nov 19, 2019

So many investigations, complaints, concerns, and media stories focus on America’s largest online platforms and marketplaces. They revolutionized global commerce, but too often in Washington, the signal is lost in the noise. Big tech is getting all the attention while the quiet stories of smal...

article

Nov 19, 2019

It’s an unfortunate reality that cyberattacks continue to rise in frequency and complexity. According to Accenture’s Ninth Annual Cost of Cybercrime global study, security breaches increased by 11 percent from 2017 to 2018 and by 67 percent over the last five years. While major data brea...

article

Nov 18, 2019

Small Business Saturday 2019 is a big day for small businesses — and it’s quickly approaching. One of the best ways to learn how to increase sales for your small business is to look back at last year’s results to see what the numbers can tell us. Here’s a quick look back &mda...

article

Nov 18, 2019

Think the only November shopping holiday your business needs to plan for is Black Friday? Think again: Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, has grown incredibly over the past 10 years since its inception. The shopping holiday has helped local small businesses and entrepreneurs g...

article

Nov 15, 2019

Growing your small business takes more than a great idea and hard work. You will need funding for start-up and operations until your business is self-sustaining. Even then, there will be times when your business needs to purchase equipment or inventory but there isn’t enough cash reserve to ma...

article

Nov 15, 2019

Over 50 percent of the US population (165 million individuals) have listened to a podcast. You have probably heard friends discuss their favorite podcasts to listen to while driving or exercising at the gym. While many of these shows are regarded as entertainment, podcasts focusing on business-relat...

article

Nov 14, 2019

Small business owners manage a lot of responsibility, and when first starting out, you’re just as likely manage the trash pick up as manage the payroll. Of course, finances are a huge consideration and small business credit cards can be a major asset, when used responsibly. Opening a small bus...

article

Nov 14, 2019

When you run a business, sometimes you need to look at things in a new way. You may need to view your marketing efforts through a customer lens or change your thoughts about a particular concept like SEO. To give you some new perspective on ways you can improve your business, here are some insights ...

article

Nov 13, 2019

Breaking into the overseas market has always been a dream of mine. Having started my organic skincare business dream in the fields of Provence, Australia always felt like a very small pond. Sure it was a great place to start but I wanted my products and brand to be known the world over. Asia, being ...

article

Nov 13, 2019

Is it time to sell your products and services internationally? The Census Bureau reports that the United States’ exports totaled $2.5 trillion in 2018, the highest on record. Ecommerce and other technology tools make it easier to find international customers, sell a product and get that produc...

article

Nov 12, 2019

As a small business owner, there are many important decisions you’ll have to make—from billing/accounting to marketing to choosing the right types of insurance to protect your business. Most small business owners realize they need basic business insurance, including general liability and...

article

Nov 12, 2019

Pat yourself on the back! You are a small business owner and you are doing AMAZING things! Keep going, even when it’s hard sometimes. Build a Support Network, Find Your Tribe… Whatever you want to call them, find your PEOPLE! The ones who will be there for you in good times and in bad t...

article

Nov 11, 2019

If you think that people use Instagram only to share their photos and videos with their followers then you a missing a great opportunity in the world of the internet where you could either establish yourself as a brand or grow your small business on Instagram. People really struggle to get their bus...

article

Nov 11, 2019

If you just opened a small business you may lack the funds to buy expensive accounting programs or to hire a bookkeeper. You have a great business idea but you don’t have any accounting experience. This can prove to be quite detrimental: according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), mo...

article

Nov 08, 2019

Digital marketing is essential for small businesses. With these 12 tips you can get started the right way without a labor-intensive process."Marketing." The word itself can cause pressure for entrepreneurs. As a small business owner, it can be all too easy to feel this way about marketing....

article

Nov 08, 2019

New companies can spend up to 20% of gross revenue on sales and marketing costs. For small businesses, that’s a huge chunk of cash that you probably don’t have available.But almost all small business owners have access to a tiny little tool that makes marketing affordable and simple: sma...

article

Nov 07, 2019

There are numerous examples of small businesses that have experienced significant troubles by failing to insure themselves, not buying enough insurance, or getting the wrong type of coverage. But in some instances, neglecting to purchase small business insurance is not just risky: It’s illegal...

article

Nov 07, 2019

In an age when ecommerce and big box stores dominate the conversation when it comes to shopping, it’s natural to overlook the important role small businesses play in our local economies.Fortunately, most Americans have not overlooked it.In fact, according to our latest infographic sponsored by...

article

Nov 06, 2019

It is easy to start a business these days. With just a click of the button, you can get your dream off the ground running in minutes. But the main challenge is that majority of these new businesses will fail. According to this statistics, 90% of businesses fail because they could not get users for t...

article

Nov 06, 2019

There is nothing small about small businesses. Growing. Family owned. Entrepreneurs. They take risks and lead with passion. They create jobs and community. They make big bets and care about their customers. They are just like us, working hard every day to make an impact in the world.Small business i...

article

Nov 05, 2019

As a small business owner, you may find yourself looking for exciting, creative opportunities to sell things. Branching out can help you build a new customer base and increase revenue. One way to do so is through e-commerce. E-commerce has revolutionized the way that businesses sell goods. Whereas b...

article

Nov 05, 2019

If you’re thinking about starting a home-based business, you’re not alone. More and more entrepreneurs are starting their lastest venture from the comfort of their own homes, especially e-commerce businesses, with the trend steadily rising over the years. Approximately 69 percent of busi...

article

Nov 04, 2019

There is a proven sequence of steps you can follow to guarantee your success when you're starting a small business online. I've seen thousands of people start and grow successful businesses by doing the following:Find a need and fill it.Write copy that sells.Design and build an easy-to-use w...

article

Nov 04, 2019

Today, 70 percent of people globally work remotely at least one day a week. Projections are also showing that 73 percent of all teams will have remote workers by 2028. So, location independent working is here to stay, and it is growing. This arrangement has a variety of prosand some cons—howev...

article

Nov 01, 2019

With 80% of executives considering their businesses to be at risk for being disrupted in the near future, they are under tremendous pressure to transform their organizations towards becoming more innovative.However, any organizational change, let alone a major transformation, is always very difficul...

article

Oct 31, 2019

Owners and marketers of small businesses often tell the same story when asked about SEO; they don’t have the time to write the content they feel is needed to do well at SEO. Thankfully though, churning out masses of copy every month is not the key to climbing small business SEO rankings. Howev...

article

Oct 31, 2019

How do you know if your business is safe and secure online? Measuring how effective your cybersecurity is can be tricky for small businesses. Cybersecurity firms make use of complex key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure how effective their security tactics are, but building these systems is g...

article

Oct 31, 2019

With more than 30 million small businesses throughout the United States, every small company is up against a lot of competition. Because of this, it’s in your best interest to find the best ways to be more efficient. And since most small business owners are always looking for tools that help t...

article

Oct 31, 2019

Recent research has shown that a vast majority (over 90%) of SME’s are not yet on YouTube which, in case you hadn’t heard, is now the second-largest search engine in the world. Part social media, part resource library and part entertainment, this platform is an enigma, but one that you s...

article

Oct 30, 2019

Has a customer ever asked to pay you over the phone? For many consumers, it’s simply easier to read a credit card number than write a check, fill out a form or make a payment online. Having more options makes your customers’ lives easier—and that makes your life as a business owner...

article

Oct 29, 2019

When was the last time you paid cash for something? Personally, it’s rare for me to even carry it these days. And with the rise of new mobile and digital payment options like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal and Google Wallet, cash payments are only going to become less common. In fact, accordin...

article

Oct 29, 2019

The relaunch of Wistia Channels comes as small businesses are focusing more on creating their own content.The ability to create video is made possible with affordable tools such as smartphones, digital cameras and editing software. With these tools, owners can create more content and engage with the...

article

Oct 29, 2019

Starting and running your own business can be tremendously fulfilling for people who are either tired of working for someone else, or people who just want some sort of control over how they’re living their lives. If you’re sick of the 9 to 5 rat race and you’ve been craving an esca...

article

Oct 25, 2019

You have enough to worry about as a small business owner. You have to look over your shoulder to know where the competition stands. You have to drive revenue, make payroll, pay taxes, and serve your customers.That’s a lot of responsibility for anyone to handle. It’s just a typical day fo...

article

Oct 24, 2019

Is your small business one of the 80 million actively using a Facebook page for marketing purposes? With currently 2.7 billion monthly active users, the social media platform has morphed into a massive advertising media channel.Facebook's ability to highly target audiences and build a custom aud...

article

Oct 24, 2019

There’s a lot of noise out there about Google Ads, and it can be overwhelming.With a higher return on investment than other forms of advertising, Google Ads can be a powerful tool for small businesses looking to grow their revenue. But technical jargon, endless search results, and cluttered ma...

article

Oct 24, 2019

Running a small business requires entrepreneurs to put on different hats and deal with a variety of business functions. These include, for example, financial management, marketing, sales, personnel management and product development.But you also must keep a watchful eye on trends. They can change th...

article

Oct 22, 2019

According to the SMB (Small Business Administration) there are over 28 million small businesses are running in the United Sates. The most reason to start a business is, to fulfill the financial needs and independence. We’ve written the simple steps to start a small business anywhere.Starting a...

article

Oct 22, 2019

In the last decennium, humankind has shifted to a digital era from the long-lasted analogue era. Today, one can’t imagine their next hour of the day without the Internet; it feels like it has become a part of the body.Along with the internet, marketing also shifted to digital platforms. Digita...

article

Oct 22, 2019

Making sure people searching online can find you should be a top priority for businesses today. Here are several steps you should be taking to make that happen.Every small business owner needs a solid marketing plan. Traditionally, radio ads, billboards, magazine spreads and phone books were the pla...

article

Oct 22, 2019

An increasing number of large firms are taking action on big social issues—from education, to gun control, to climate change, even impeachment. This follows, in part, consumers’ growing desire to shop with and support companies that reflect their own values and beliefs. But Corporate Soc...

article

Oct 21, 2019

There’s never been a better time to upgrade your business phone system. People can’t remember their landline number anymore.That’s why it’s important to pick the best alternative for your business.The only downside? It can be overwhelming since there are dozens of providers t...

article

Oct 21, 2019

Averagely, every third citizen craves to establish a business. The reasons for that are low wages, constant detention of payments, and poor working conditions.Unfortunately, only desire won’t suffice. The implementation of any idea involves many costs. Therefore, it is important to know where ...

article

Oct 18, 2019

As a sales and marketing manager with experience working with both large corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), I’ve seen and the best and worst of both worlds.While big businesses are often able to weather recessions and withstand market shifts - crucial in this unstable, p...

article

Oct 18, 2019

Learn how the easy availability of big data can help SMBs compete with big businesses.Data is now easier to collect and cheaper to host, making it accessible to nearly every business.The availability of data helps small businesses compete against big corporations, but they may still struggle to use ...

article

Oct 17, 2019

Many small businesses think they don’t have time or resources to support an apprentice, but in fact taking one on can help grow your business, if it’s done in the right way. As a small business owner, I know only too well that there is never enough time.The day-to-day necessities of runn...

article

Oct 16, 2019

If your business is like most small businesses, you’re struggling to find a good strategy that will help you reach customers and prospective customers on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.The fact is that most small businesses do a poor job executing str...

article

Oct 16, 2019

A local small business owner asked me last week if “it is wise to have a business line of credit.” My answer was, quoting from my friend Warren, “that depends.”Let me explain why as I share some ideas from Brian Smith, a freelance writer and entrepreneur with more than 30 yea...

article

Oct 16, 2019

Facebook recently hosted a global training program designed to help small businesses gear up for the upcoming holiday season.Boost with Facebook Holiday Bootcamp was held October 10. The social media giant also used the event to make a number of announcements about new small business Facebook holida...

article

Oct 15, 2019

Are you popular on social media or have you been growing your business’ platform over time? While social media can provide great validation, it’s important to remember that you can pay yourself with likes, hearts, and retweets.Make Money with Social Media So what’s the point of get...

article

Oct 15, 2019

Most hosting plans can be used to run a professional website. If you need one for a small business, your choice likely depends on how much visitor traffic you expect your site will get, how much web storage that it needs, and your budget. Many of the major hosting companies in the U.S. offer plans t...

article

Oct 14, 2019

Want to encourage your customers to rave about your small business? Here are some tips on the best ways to ask for customer feedback and what to do with reviews once you get them.Positive customer reviews are a vital part of growing a small business. In a recent Vistaprint survey of 1,000 U.S. small...

article

Oct 14, 2019

Although running a business can be challenging at times, but profits doesn't require drastic measures like upping your prices or laying off employees. Business owners who learn to experiment with different strategies to boost revenues become more profitable and even small changes in just a few a...

article

Oct 10, 2019

Most small businesses have to send files at some point. Maybe you just need to make documents available to your team or you could have to send a big project over to a client. With small files, you can easily just attach them to an email and send them off. But larger files tend to be more complicated...

article

Oct 10, 2019

Great Western Bank is committed to working with businesses of all sizes. We strive to help increase our business clients’ profits and improve their financial stability. The rise of digital marketing and social media has made it easier for small businesses to achieve actual results with a small...

article

Oct 09, 2019

These days, safety is less about locking physical doors and more about protecting yourself online and ensuring our digital data is essentially locked away. Small businesses can be easy targets for digital thieves and those wanting to cause a nuisance for others. Data breaches can result in fines. Fu...

article

Oct 09, 2019

As a small business, knowing how to market and promote your brand successfully is crucial. With so many competitors on the market fighting for the same custom, doing all that you can to stand out from the crowd can be hard. When it comes to marketing strategies, having the right tools in place is im...

article

Oct 07, 2019

When small businesses put their first step in digital marketing, the first question they have is what is SEO, and how does it work. SEO is an abbreviation for search engine optimization. It is beneficial for both small and big businesses. Every company is now investing in SEO as they know it is the ...

article

Oct 07, 2019

Every small business needs to keep on top of HR but overstretched owners may not have the time and resources to do so. Outsourcing HR can be a flexible and cost-effective solution Like any other business, a small business – whether it’s a microbusiness with less than 10 employees or a fa...

article

Oct 04, 2019

As small businesses continue to look towards addressing growing customer needs, more small businesses are developing their own applications in-house. Whether mapping customer success stories, managing business processes or building databases, companies are looking for customized solutions.Commercial...

article

Oct 04, 2019

The job of a top sales representative can be a daunting in task, but with an amazing CRM tool, today's sales force is faster, stronger and more capable than ever before. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications allow for a more streamlined approach to your sales initiatives.Today'...

article

Oct 03, 2019

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but they arrive at a disadvantage as compared to the big corporations. Namely, they don’t have massive amounts of capital bolstering their operations. Where a small business can make up the difference, however, is in its ability to leverage mod...

article

Oct 03, 2019

Waste has a negative impact on the natural environment. But that is not a secret. Everyone knows that environmental impacts are pervasive worldwide. The world’s top corporations by revenue are the ones that cause the biggest environmental damage. It seems that big businesses and the environmen...

article

Oct 01, 2019

The average internet user now spends more than 6.5 hours online each day, according to the Digital Report 2019. We can all say that clients are the most important part of any business. Without customers, there is no business. If your potential client is spending this amount of time on the internet, ...

article

Oct 01, 2019

Hiring remote programmers might seem like a daunting task for entrepreneurs running small businesses. Whether it’s a early-stage tech startup, or a non-tech company venturing into the digital world, you have limited resources.There’s no HR team, usually a strict budget, and there’s...

article

Sep 30, 2019

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and Deep Learning have become mainstream buzzwords. They appear in media stories about self-driving cars, advanced medical diagnosis and military targeting. You’ll also come across stories about companies or organisations using Internet algorithms...

article

Sep 30, 2019

How would he find the extra time? What if his employees said things he didn’t want to hear? What if they wanted things he couldn’t give them? Would it cost him financially – would he need to invest in costly technology or an extra HR person? The idea that there is a disparity betwe...

article

Sep 27, 2019

If you have customers, you need to connect with them. Customers are the lifeblood of every small business, and you think about yours every day. But so do your competitors. To stay ahead, to retain your existing customers and attract new ones, marketing through social media requires a constant effort...

article

Sep 27, 2019

Do you host admissions-based events within the City of Columbus? Then your business might need to be paying the new Admissions Tax.The Admissions Tax quietly went into effect on July 1, 2019. Supporting Nationwide Arena and the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Admissions Tax “levies a 5% tax...

article

Sep 26, 2019

Social media is an excellent way to get people to find out about, talk about and become engaged with your small business.As soon as you get your business off the ground, or even in the early stages, be sure to set up social media accounts and tease your audience with things that are happening. For e...

article

Sep 25, 2019

If you never change your business marketing strategies, then they will go stale. You may find that your competitors find ways to market themselves better and if you’re not careful you may even find that you lose out on customers as a result. If you want to avoid all of that then here are a few...

article

Sep 25, 2019

Within the past decade, the importance of IT in day-to-day activities has increased considerably. Be it work or gaming or shopping or entertainment, the online world is now an integral part of our lives.Needless to say, many businesses have moved to the internet to capitalize on the ever-growing onl...

article

Sep 25, 2019

If there’s one thing managers have to do better than anyone is schedule staff effectively and efficiently, otherwise, no work would ever get done. Creating a fair and proper employee schedule creates order and flow, plus it ensures a smooth-running business and helps minimizes employee complai...

article

Sep 24, 2019

You can apply for a small business loan today from many different lenders, both traditional and alternative. These can help you expand your business, hire new employees, increase your sales or product research budget, and more. Here, we’ll explore 8 quick tips to help you create a better small...

article

Sep 24, 2019

Your business doesn’t have thousands of employees or millions of dollars to spend on unnecessary extras. Don’t waste money on conferencing software that charges you for features you don’t need and users you don’t have.Instead, check out the best conference services for small ...

article

Sep 23, 2019

In today’s highly competitive job market, many industries have more openings than there are qualified employees to fill them. Which means that many workers are finding that they have the luxury of being able to choose amongst a number of potential employers. And in an effort to recruit (and re...

article

Sep 23, 2019

As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. But, that doesn’t mean you should do everything yourself—consider outsourcing. By outsourcing some of your daily business tasks to another companies or individual, you can spend more of your time growing your business.Outsourcing m...

article

Sep 20, 2019

All travel has associated risks, but international traveling is a whole other ballgame. For employees that travel internationally for work, there are many considerations that affect safety and health, and this is particularly relevant to smaller businesses. The National Institute for Occupational Sa...

article

Sep 20, 2019

There are no shortage of details to consider when you’re a small business owner. Getting the back-office basics of your small business accounting practices in order early on—tracking revenues, expenses, and profits—will keep you out of the weeds of paperwork and cash flow snafus, a...

article

Sep 19, 2019

As a small business owner, you want the very best for your company. You want satisfied customers, you want to provide the best value and you want to grow — with as few issues and as much profit as possible. Putting out fires and overcoming hurdles have been in your job description for as long ...

article

Sep 19, 2019

The internet seems to be flooded with coupon codes these days. Whether it’s those giant pop-ups promising US$15 off on Memorial Day or promotional emails offering special birthday discounts– coupons are hard to escape.Hell! It’s hard to watch a YouTube video nowadays without being ...

article

Sep 17, 2019

A strategy is everything in a business.Different marketing strategies for a small business need to be learned, applied and implemented in order to keep your business thriving, handle competition and reach success.Huge businesses often discuss and improve on their marketing strategy on a regular basi...

article

Sep 17, 2019

Does your personal auto insurance cover work-related driving? Small business car insurance may not be top of mind, until you or an employee hit a patch of ice and crunch. Depending on your policy, you may need extra protection to cover such mishaps. Here’s how you can tell whether you need com...

article

Sep 17, 2019

Holiday sales are expected to grow, so be prepared.If you’re planning to take a vacation or travel to see family at holiday time, it’s a good idea to book now. But even more important, if the holiday season is an important sales period for your business, now is the time to get started. I...

article

Sep 17, 2019

According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, more than two-thirds (69 percent) of U.S. adults are active Facebook users. That’s a lot of potential customers, and the number hasn’t gone unnoticed by businesses both big and small.That’s probably why, according to the co...

article

Sep 16, 2019

What would happen if a disaster struck your business tomorrow? Would you know what to do? A Small Business Continuity Plan is a valuable reference document for the business owner(s) and their team to answer questions and provide information to aid in the business’s recovery.Did you know- that ...

article

Sep 16, 2019

Everyone would love to have a little extra money saved over at the end of the month. Sometimes our poor choices and decisions can keep us from where we want to be.Saying “no” to bad spending habits and costly subscriptions in our lives is a great way to start. Here are 20 small ways you ...

article

Sep 13, 2019

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a popular tool for the success of businesses today. If your business is small, you may think that SEO is not your thing and it’s only meant for large scale enterprises as they have more products to offer and they can afford its cost. But the fact is,...

article

Sep 12, 2019

AI driven HR management will look different in small businesses than in large companies and multinationals. There are different barriers that will have to be navigated, but also different priorities and opportunities that small businesses will have with AI.Smaller budgets create price barriers to im...

article

Sep 12, 2019

Good Jobs, Good Business is a free digital toolkit created to provide small businesses owners with tools, resources, and advice. The goal of the toolkit is for owners to be able to create jobs which improve retention, employee performance and productivity. At the same time owners can also achieve re...

article

Sep 12, 2019

Self Lender, recently rebranded as Self, helps consumers and business owners alike to start building their personal credit from scratch or work on rebuilding their credit after some missteps.A survey by Nav found almost 40% of its small business customer base were considered “credit ghosts,&rd...

article

Sep 11, 2019

If you are a startup, you probably are overwhelmed with work and information. Don’t worry. You aren’t alone. Every startup faces this issue at some point. Innovation has made life easier for so many startups by increasing the flow of information and accessibility. But at the same time, i...

article

Sep 11, 2019

“Tapping into a consumers’ memories is one of the most effective ways to connect on an emotional level,” she writes. “But, it’s not just about the “feel-good” factor. Research shows consumers are actually willing to spend more when thinking about the past.&r...

article

Sep 10, 2019

Every business faces a set of challenges, and small businesses are no exception. In fact, the challenges are greater when you’re running a small company, and the most common and concerning problem can sometimes be the lack of leadership skills. Not having multiple hierarchy levels can work aga...

article

Sep 10, 2019

Hacks and data breaches are, unfortunately, part of doing business today. Ten years ago, it was the largest corporations that were most targeted by hackers, but that has changed. As large organizations have improved their cybersecurity, and more and more small businesses go online, hackers have shif...

article

Sep 09, 2019

For most South African small businesses, the difference between shooting the lights out and failing dismally lies in access to the right funding at the right time.We all know about the SME sector’s potential to reduce unemployment, raise South Africa’s GDP, and basically save the economy...

article

Sep 09, 2019

Australian small businesses that increase their investment in technology grow their revenue and create jobs faster than other businesses, according to data from Xero Small Business Insights.The new research shows technology investment is directly associated with business growth. However, according t...

article

Sep 06, 2019

Getting funding for your small business isn’t a matter of “if”; it’s usually a matter of “when.” That’s why, even if you’re not looking to take out a loan now, it’s smart to look ahead to what’s available. Do you know the differences betwee...

article

Sep 06, 2019

When asked whether SME businesses need to protect themselves from cyber attacks, the response is easy: 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses.If you are a small business and aren’t protecting yourself, you need to review this and put suitable protection in place. Mike Ianiri, Redsq...

article

Sep 04, 2019

Small businesses often need to widen their reach on social media. They often get overlooked because ome bigger brands have better social media strategies. However, you can overcome this by using influencer marketing.Influencer marketing is a powerful tool that can be in your hands if you find the ri...

article

Sep 04, 2019

For any economy, SMBs are the backbone. The intent to scale and grow faster generally makes business owners to invest money in areas where returns can be multiplied. Unfortunately, cyber security at the moment is not realized as an important element by SMBs. High cost of investment and the mindset &...

article

Sep 04, 2019

Small business owners are responsible for it all, from making the tea to filing tax returns. So it’s understandable if you’ve let your business’s online presence slip – but here’s why it’s worth bumping it up your priority list.These days, almost everyone will che...

article

Sep 04, 2019

Cloud storage is increasingly popular among both users with limited physical hard drive space, and those who are concerned about keeping their files safely backed up. It’s a trend that’s just as valuable for small business owners as it is for personal use. It’s bad enough losing pe...

article

Sep 04, 2019

FreshBooks, originally created in 2003, is a cloud-based accounting program used by millions of small business owners world wide. Many business owners use FreshBooks accounting software to manage invoicing, recurring billing, accounting, and even payroll. The online service is a solid option if you&...

article

Sep 03, 2019

Funding a small business can be quite the undertaking, whether you’re starting a new venture for the first time or have decades of experience in your industry.Of course, securing capital is often necessary, but depending on what type of financing you apply to and qualify for, it can also be ex...

article

Sep 02, 2019

The potential for litigation is just a fact of operating an enterprise these days. Small business owners can find themselves facing lawsuits from customers, competitors, and even employees. In fact, a study released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Legal Reform found that 43 per...

article

Aug 30, 2019

Social media is our go-to space for recommendations, be it where to eat, how to dress, what to do, or which movie to watch next. In this digital era, it is critical for a customer-facing business to get its social media strategy in place to take on competition and make an indelible impression, keepi...

article

Aug 29, 2019

Think direct mail as a form of business marketing and communication is dead and buried? Well, think again.Research shows direct mail campaigns generate five times more purchases than email campaigns.As a result, small businesses, sending direct mail to customers and prospects get results. For exampl...

article

Aug 29, 2019

Ebay has called for the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses to have a bigger voice when it comes to future trade negotiations.The online marketplace revealed the initiative two months ahead of the UK’s exit from the EU, while also highlighting the contribution that SMEs have on UK exp...

article

Aug 28, 2019

When running a small business, one of the most important aspects is marketing. It’s crucial that you’re able to successfully promote your company’s products or services, which is why you should research the latest marketing trends for small business owners.

article

Aug 28, 2019

Consumers and small business owners have similar concerns with the security of mobile banking. The difference, however, is that a business’ bank data relies more on security because of their delicate connections and reputations to uphold.It’s no secret that small businesses are common ta...

article

Aug 27, 2019

You function as the event planner for your business. As a result, you probably know about all the event management software out there. And you know it can make your job much easier. But which software should you invest in? That turns out to be tricky at first. And the question gets harder to answer ...

article

Aug 27, 2019

Whether you’re in the very beginnings of your launch phase, or you’re an established small business that needs a little push to get to the next stage of growth, finding a trustworthy investor can be key to realizing your goals. There’s so much conflicting information out there, how...

article

Aug 26, 2019

In this article, attorney and Rocket Lawyer UK head of legal, Adam Ford, will take a deeper dive into the challenges facing small businesses in the age of GDPR including providing access to information and transferring data — and the legal penalties that can result. He will then examine ways t...

article

Aug 26, 2019

Content Syndication – Fortune 500 companies have been using this lesser known marketing / SEO tactic while small business owners like you struggle to get started. If you know the right strategy on how to increase the amount of traffic to your site – this strategy that the large corporati...

article

Aug 26, 2019

Market Study Report, LLC, has added a detailed study on the Small Business Invoicing Software market which provides a brief summary of the growth trends influencing the market. The report also includes significant insights pertaining to the profitability graph, market share, regional proliferation a...

article

Aug 22, 2019

Running a business is often about setting goals and putting in the long hours and hard work to achieve them. Regardless of what type of business you run, it’s likely that “selling more” has a frequent, if not long-term, place on your to-do list. It’s a goal that requires stay...

article

Aug 22, 2019

Nearly 9 percent of small businesses experience robberies each year. This leads to loss of money or valuable products and can also create trauma or other serious issues for the employees involved. But there are ways for small businesses to avoid some of these incidents before they begin.Physical sec...

article

Aug 21, 2019

Small businesses are the engine of North Carolina’s economy, yet they all suffer from one problem: access to affordable health insurance. This message doesn’t change whether you’re in King or Charlotte. This message doesn’t change whether you’re in a coffee shop or a ba...

article

Aug 21, 2019

Cybercrime costs the small business community billions of pounds a year. Yet despite that alarming statistic, many still seem unaware of the risks, and are failing to take even basic precautions.10,000 cyber-attacks a day The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) published research which revealed the...

article

Aug 20, 2019

Small businesses are often limited by resources and capital. However, just like there are various government and private grants to give a boost to a business, there are many powerful software and online services that can help you save both time and time. To help you get started, the following are 6 ...

article

Aug 20, 2019

Small businesses contribute majorly to the economy of any nation and the United States of America is not an exception. However, small businesses are often faced with the challenge of accessing finance to fund their business. Thankfully, there are a number of ways of how to get your business funded, ...

infographic

Jul 05, 2019

First, why should you have a list of small business blogs in advance?If you’re struggling to grow a business, you know that those not-so-great days suck the motivation right out of you. If you’ve ever felt the wrath of writer’s block or have been at a loss with SEO, then you know w...

article

Jun 21, 2019

It takes guts to start a business, particularly in the crowded and competitive world of retail. Besides courage, you’ll need a lot of determination and resilience. The process can take months and will likely involve a lot of sleepless nights, but when everything clicks, there is almost nothing...

article

Jun 21, 2019

Blogging is integral to any company’s website, but employing a few clever tricks can help you boost the value of your small business blog posts even further. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming, either – try out the tips below and watch your numbers grow.

article

Jun 20, 2019

Social media marketing has become a valuable tool for small business owners. But the platforms they prioritize depends on their age. When it comes to Instagram, 43% of millennials say they plan to increase their investment on the platform. The number goes down to 25% for Gen Xers.

article

Jun 20, 2019

Digital technology is disrupting almost everything, which includes education. According to the self employment statistics in FreshBooks 2019 Self-Employment in America Report, college education is becoming less of a prerequisite.

article

Jun 19, 2019

There are many reasons why a business might struggle to make online sales. But when it is happening to your business, it can be difficult to look at things clearly and be objective about the situation. However, it’s a good idea to take a step back and think about what might be preventing your ...

article

Jun 19, 2019

A number of small businesses still aren’t spending enough advertising cash to get good results although they know they should. One of the reasons is a limited budget, but did you know that there are some solid cheap advertising ideas out there that are more effective than you’d think?

article

Jun 18, 2019

Growing a small enterprise into a larger company requires takes a lot of work. Avoid wasting precious time. And actually turn the corner. But to do this business owners need drive, discipline, and a structured approach. All this points to having good project management.

article

Jun 18, 2019

Predictions suggest voice search will change the marketing strategy forever. Even now many searches happen by voice. But digital marketers are still at a loss: So if you read your search query and then hear your answers, where will the clicks be coming from?

article

Jun 17, 2019

As consumers become more and more savvy about traditional advertising - and how to avoid it - content marketing continues to grow. With this growth, small-business owners should learn how to best market themselves and their businesses. This is where content marketing and blogging come in; a company ...

article

Jun 16, 2019

Micro influencers are social media personalities with anywhere from 2,000-50,000 followers. The numbers vary depending on the source, but their importance is universal. They are a great cost efficient way to provide targeted advertising for small businesses with limited budgets.

article

Apr 25, 2019

Trello offers a popular tool for personal productivity and team collaboration. The platform gives users more than 25 million users worldwide.You can easily customize the platform based on your tasks and working preferences. And it delivers a powerful way for businesses to organize projects.Trello ex...

article

Apr 25, 2019

You’ve heard of your competitors using partner programs. But is it right for your business?Regardless of the size of your business, finding workable strategies to encourage growth is essential to your long-term success. To this end, some businesses turn to partner programs as a way to build pr...

article

Apr 25, 2019

Tax credits provided by the federal government are a great incentive for small and medium business to hire and retain talent. For businesses interested in helping workers who have faced challenges getting back on the payroll, there are a variety of tax credits and incentives available to help. The b...

article

Apr 24, 2019

You developed your business plan over the course of years. Since realizing your lifelong dream of becoming a business owner, your company has been profitable. However, due to cash flow problems, you’re barely keeping your head above water. If you can relate to this scenario, you’re not a...

article

Apr 22, 2019

Welcome to the Small Business Run Down. Every day, we bring you stories and trends that impact small business owners and their workforce.To start: the tight labor market and student loan assistance programs for employees, followed by the cooling small biz market. And for dessert: the Freakshake.The ...

article

Apr 19, 2019

Welcome to the Small Business Run Down. Each day we bring you stories and trends that impact small business owners and their workforce.It’s Friday and the jury–or at least one survey is in on the impact of the new tax code on small businesses. Also: cool and creative perks for employees ...

article

Apr 19, 2019

Imagine going live on video and educating your audience? Interacting with them, answering any doubts they may have? Sounds fun, right? This is why we think webinars for small businesses are a good idea. Over the last year, small businesses held over 1500 webinars collectively per day. Over 14 millio...

article

Apr 18, 2019

Many ambitious young businesses aspire to become the next startup success story. While few businesses experience major growth overnight, learning to manage an organization that’s expanding at any measurable rate is no simple task. Many businesses simply fall short of aligning their operations ...

article

Apr 17, 2019

Extending credit to customers allows them to purchase goods and services on credit and pay for them later on. Offering credit is often a win-win for both merchants and buyers. Customers have more purchasing power, and tend to buy more if they are not limited to cash they have at the time of the sale...

article

Apr 13, 2019

Many businesses see the process of finding the right a marketing agency as pleasant as a colonoscopy. And just as messy. Finding a marketing agency that checks all the boxes for your particular business needs can be a stressful and laborious experience. Whether you’ve appointed agencies in the...

article

Apr 12, 2019

Did you know that WhatsApp marketing is an effective way to get your audience to not just buy, but talk about your brand? The world has come a long way from using Whatsapp just for texting. Small businesses are making the smart switch to messenger apps to sell their products. However, when it comes ...

article

Apr 12, 2019

Whether you’re just starting out with your company or you’re looking to expand your business, a business loan can help you get the funding you need to take things to the next level. Before you start applying, though, you might be wondering how hard it is to get a business loan.The answer...

article

Apr 11, 2019

When you’re considering scaling your business, much of the information you’ll see is about strategy. However, successful growth is more about managing your numbers effectively and planning for a sustainable scale. Fortunately, this can be achieved by monitoring the right metrics and usin...

article

Apr 11, 2019

If you have a significant amount of debt, or are looking to borrow again sometime soon, you may be asking yourself this valuable question: when will prime rate finally go down again? Since it can have a big impact on your budget, it’s smart to know the factors that go into deciding the prime r...

article

Apr 01, 2019

Starting your own business and running a family as well can be overwhelming to say the least. Finding that right balance between business and family life can be difficult but it is possible. Being a mother that has an entrepreneurial spirit is not only good for the family financially but it also set...

article

Mar 27, 2019

Every business needs cash to run its daily operations. When cash is scarce, businesses apply for cash flow loans. There are several types of cash flow loans in the market. Each offer different rates, terms and application criteria, but you need to figure out which loan works best for your business. ...

article

Mar 26, 2019

Based on an SBA study, small businesses pay an average tax rate of 19.8%. The actual tax rates that apply to small businesses vary significantly based on business entity, income, deductions, tax credits, and rates in effect for the year. Small C-corporations have the lowest average tax rate at 17.5%...

article

Mar 25, 2019

Soundwave technology is as cool as it sounds. A new form of digital payment technique for small business, this technology is slowly gaining popularity in the country to help make payments easier. According to a BCG report, India’s digital payments ecosystem is estimated to reach over 500 billi...

article

Mar 12, 2019

Last month, I wrote a post helping small business owners who were considering whether or not to buy into an existing franchise. Today, I'd like to address this issue from an alternate angle, namely, "When is it time to franchise your small business?" The inspiration for this post comes...

article

Nov 26, 2018

A beauty salon in Kent, UK, is one of the first businesses to successfully source a small business loan using Open Banking data.The company, which hasn’t been named, sourced £10,000 via Funding Options, the loan comparison marketplace for small business lending, with the process taking l...

article

Nov 26, 2018

The equipment finance industry is continuing to perform well, according to latest figures from the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA).It says overall new business volume for October was $8.9 billion, up 6% compared to October 2017, while year-to-date cumulative new business volume rose...

article

Nov 25, 2018

Some of the best businesses are the most unique ones, ventures that fill a void and offer something that’s completely distinct and unparalleled. Around the world innovative individuals and groups are embarking on business ventures that stand out for their individuality and uniqueness. If you&r...

article

Nov 24, 2018

Africell Uganda secured over $100 million from the Overseas Private Corporation (OPIC). The finances aim to help the “Don’t be cheated” telecom company to kick-start its expansion plans in Uganda and other parts of Africa.For most of its time in the market, large networks like MTN ...

article

Nov 22, 2018

When you’re taking out a loan, the last thing you want to do is part with your existing savings or cash flow just to get the loan, but for many small business owners, finding lenders that don’t require upfront, out-of-pocket fees or collateral can be difficult. These five finance options...

article

Nov 22, 2018

It's that time of year where people get trampled or shot on Black Friday. Others push back with Buy Nothing Day. But this year, you should seriously consider another option: Small Business Saturday.It all started back in 2010 as a promotion by American Express, which didn't have a great repu...

article

Nov 22, 2018

"Small Business Saturday" will take place in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, Nov. 24 to promote shopping locally. Small business Saturday is a nationwide event put on by American Express in efforts to help promote small businesses. The American Express website states that consumers play a key ...

article

Nov 22, 2018

The holidays are quickly approaching, and annual sales days such as Small Business Saturday and Black Friday are here. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 24, following Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Founded in 2010 by American Express, this sales day was created to encourage shoppers t...

article

Nov 22, 2018

‘Tis the season for parties, which means Natasha Miller, founder and CEO of Entire Productions, is a busy lady. Her company plans corporate and social events, bringing in entertainment of every genre and discipline – from tarot readers to DJs to casino tables. I am a classically trained ...

article

Nov 21, 2018

Business credit cards are one of most popular forms of business financing currently available. They’re easy to use, (sometimes) easier to qualify for, and are a great way to establish and build business credit (check your score for free with Nav.) Chances are, if you have a business credit car...

article

Nov 21, 2018

After Black Friday, the focus for shoppers turn towards ''Small Business Saturday.It’s the day is designed to get consumers to shop at small businesses. It was created by American Express eight years ago during the last recession.Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert says people have really bou...

article

Nov 21, 2018

Brunchers at the Jolly Bean Cafe in Plymouth’s Camelot Industrial Park were interrupted by a bunch of politicians Tuesday. Congressman Bill Keating and state representatives Matt Muratore munched on a house specialty – chocolate chip and bacon cookies. You won’t find that at a nati...

article

Nov 21, 2018

He was trying to remain upbeat, but it was clear the entrepreneur I was talking with was worried. He had multiple business credit cards with high balances as a result of trying to get his business off the ground. He knew when he took on the debt that he’d have to hustle to pay it back, and he ...

article

Nov 20, 2018

Today, thanks to the advancements in technology and the social sphere we live in, the way in which people connect with brands, absorb new products and services, and the way they make purchasing decisions is a whole lot different than before. Today, modern marketing techniques are replacing tradition...

article

Nov 19, 2018

Economic theory and international experience show us that small countries get richer when deeply integrated into the global economy. Economic integration can facilitate access to a larger consumer base, a greater pool of qualified workers, additional sources of financing, and new technologies. A lar...

article

Nov 19, 2018

Small businesses need all the tools they can possibly get to increase their visibility in the market. Even if some people are skeptical about using it for small businesses, a business blog is an equally useful marketing tool just like social media, email marketing, among others. Using blogs draws at...

article

Nov 18, 2018

Every year on October 31, the World Savings Day is marked with an aim to increase awareness of the importance of savings both for modern economies and for individuals. The message is a timely one for East Africa, with Kenya’s gross domestic savings as a percentage of GDP falling last year as r...

article

Nov 17, 2018

Marketing is one of the toughest things to get right in business. You must both discern your target market and formulate the most effective way to reach it. Social media marketing is one of the best tools available to entrepreneurs trying to expand their business. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram ar...