Business skills will help you have a solid foundation as an entrepreneur and succeed with your next project. Take a look at all of our helpful articles!
Business skills will help you have a solid foundation as an entrepreneur. You will learn the skills, tips, tricks, and methods that usually take years to discover. Avoid the trial and error that comes when you aren't sure what's next.
What Is a Startup?
In this article we'll outline what exactly a startup is, how startups are typically funded, and how they differ from other types of businesses.
Entrepreneur Anatomy: The Traits It Takes To Succeed
In this guide, we are going to dig into the ideal entrepreneur anatomy! We'll cover the major characteristics you need, some ways to gain authority and deal with failure, and much more!
What Is an LLC?
There are a lot of great benefits to owning an LLC, but it's important to have a full understanding of both the advantages and disadvantages of this business structure before deciding if it's right for you.
What Is an Operating Agreement?
While this document is only legally required in a few states, an operating agreement is crucial for outlining the ownership structure and management style of any LLC. By drafting an operating agreement, you can avoid confusion and even legal issues down the road.
What Is an EIN?
An EIN enables your business to hire employees, open a business bank account, and conduct a number of other business activities. Learn about them in this article!
How to Choose the Best Business Structure
Choosing the best business structure to operate under is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC?
Starting an LLC is surprisingly affordable. There are many variables and optional expenses, but it’s possible to start an LLC in some states for less than $100.
What Is an LLC Corporate Veil? What You Need To Know
The corporate veil is another term for your company's limited liability status, and if it isn't maintained correctly, it can be pierced, leaving your personal assets exposed to creditors in potential lawsuits. This is a thoroughly undesirable situation for any LLC to be in, so it is vital to know how you can avoid your corporate veil being pierced.
How To Name An LLC: Everything You Need To Consider
All too often, entrepreneurs don't spend enough quality time considering options for their business name. Many become attached to one idea, only to discover it's not available for use. They are then forced to choose a new idea at the last minute, without enough time to find something truly meaningful and effective. Explore this article to learn more!
What Is A DBA?
When you acquire a DBA, you can operate your business under an assumed name. You may even choose to use more than one if it suits your business needs, learn more in our article!
What Is A Corporation?
Despite their popularity, the intricacies of corporations, how they compare to other business structures, and their two potential tax structures - C-Corporations and S-Corporations - can cause some confusion. Before deciding if this is the right business structure for you, it's important to understand what a corporation is, how it's formed, and how it operates.
6 Ways Your Small Business Affects The Community: Make a difference!
Small businesses form the backbone of any community because they bring people together, build the character of a local area, and help regional economies thrive. In this article, you will learn about the six key ways small businesses can positively impact a community.
When Is The Right Time To Form An LLC?
Whether you are currently operating a sole proprietorship or just thinking about starting a business, forming a limited liability company is a good option to explore. There are many reasons to form an LLC, but depending on factors like the nature of your business, the size of your company, and your goals for growing your business, it may or may not be the best time to do so.
What Is the Lean Startup Methodology?
Using five startup principles, the lean startup approach allows entrepreneurs to rapidly develop products and build sustainable startup models.
How To Lead Millennials - The Comprehensive Guide
Although millennials have become the most populous demographic in the American workplace, there is still some uncertainty around how to best leverage their unique skills and characteristics in a professional setting. Learn more in our article!
Can My Accountant Be My Registered Agent?
If you already have an accountant for your business, you may be wondering if he or she can be designated as your registered agent as well. The short answer is yes, but it's important to review the pros and cons of doing so before making your final decision.
10 Awesome Up-And-Coming Companies To Work For
Landing a job at a relatively small, up-and-coming company can lead to really exciting career prospects and allow for greater interaction with high-level management.
10 Side-Hustle Ideas For Millennials
Dive into our top 10 recommended side-hustles for millennials to help you figure out the best way to supplement your income!
13 Ways Startups Are Influencing Corporate Culture
In this article we will go over 13 specific ways startups are influencing todays corporate culture!
7 Solid Reasons To Write A Business Plan
Here are seven reasons to write a business plan and some guidance on getting started. Enjoy!
A Comprehensive Guide To Content Marketing (Tips, Tricks and Resources)
In this guide we are going to dig into the basics of content marketing to get you started on solid ground!
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Forming An LLC
In this article, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of forming an LLC to help you figure out which business structure is right for you!
B2B Marketing 101: Everything You Need To Know
Effective business-based marketing takes time to master, but you've come to the right place to start! We're here to to walk you through the three most important methods of B2B marketing: inbound, social media and content marketing.
Bookkeeping 101: Everything You Need To Know
In this article we'll cover some bookkeeping-basics and give you the information you need to keep your brand in tip-top shape.
Business Casual In The Modern Workplace
In this guide, we will discuss what business casual looks like for men and women, and share some information about how business casual is changing in the modern business landscape.
Business Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know
There are a number of reasons to why using a business credit card instead of a personal credit card is a better approach to your business expenses. That said, let us go over what you need to know!
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Many entrepreneurs consider serving as their own registered agent. While this can save you some money over hiring a professional service, there are a number of factors to consider before making the decision
Commercial Insurance For Home-Based Businesses
Who really needs insurance for their home-based businesses? Which kinds of insurance do they need? And how much will it cost? Read on to discover the answers to these questions.
Corporation Vs LLC Comparison: Which Is Better For You?
It's important to understand the specifics of each of these structures before determining which one is best for you particular business.
Dealing With Imposter Syndrome As A Millennial
As millennials, we all want to accomplish something important and make a real difference in the world. We all want to become wildly successful. We all want to be remembered for our achievements. Right? Learn about how these feelings are common and how to deal with them.
Decide and Change: The Two Essential Risks For Ultimate Success
Successful leaders have the courage to make decisions and to welcome change. So it was obvious that these two essential risks were necessary to maintain the forward motion for long-term entrepreneurial success. Here is a detailed look at why these two essential risks provide you with an unexpected edge.
Entrepreneurs And Failure: A Symbiotic Relationship?
Failure is a natural part of running any kind of business, and life in general, learn how to deal with failure in the business world in this article!
Hope Is A Deceptive Reality That Can Trap The Most Savvy Entrepreneur
Hope, in the rough and tumble world of business, is a false reality. In the real business community, success can only come to those who DO through execution rather than hope for success. Explore this article to find out more!
How I Discovered Entrepreneurship Within
Discovering the Entrepreneur within you can be a difficult challenge. Learn about the struggle many of us face in this article.
How Is An LLC Taxed?
One of the most popular reasons to form an LLC in the first place is to take advantage of the structure and the pass-through taxation model, but what does that even mean? And is it the right form of taxation for your unique LLC? Find out in this article.
How To Balance A Full Time Job While Starting A Business
Perhaps you dream of running your own business one day. Maybe you already have an idea and you want to get going, but you're just not sure where to find the time. You do, after all, already work a full time job and maybe even have a family. Does this sound familiar?
How To Balance School While Starting A Business: 5 Solid Tips
Funding, resources and time are just some of the biggest issues that an entrepreneur in school has, but if you look closely, you can actually create multiple ways to find a balance between school and business
How To Be A Great Leader When Starting A Business
Now that you've built your star-studded team, it is time to figure out what you can do to lead them to victory! I hate to break it to you, but ultimately your leadership will determine the fate of your business. Read our article to learn more!
How To Build A Brand (The Right Way) For Your Business
Branding is absolutely essential. If you're a business owner, you are your brand. Everything you do and everything you say, connects to that brand. Both good and bad - even if you just made recently registered with the state.
How To Build A Successful Startup In A Saturated Market
What was a successful business before it was, well, a successful business? Everything has to start somewhere, and the thriving companies of today are no different. While there are as many pathways to success as there are successful (and unsuccessful) businesses, there are a number of key pillars, mantras, and checkpoints that most (if not all) successful brands have in common.
How To Choose A Registered Agent
When nominating a registered agent for your LLC or corporation, there are two common choices: either serve as your own agent or hire a professional registered agent service.
How To Create A Successful Kickstarter Campaign
Whether you're a programmer with a genius tech concept, or an artist looking to put your life's work into print, Kickstarter could be the perfect fit for you. With Kickstarter, you can crowdsource funding from backers around the world, allowing you to achieve your dreams without generating all of the seed money yourself.
How To Deal With Stressful Clients 101
A couple of our contributing authors/specialists put together this action plan to help you get through the thick of it and navigate those tense situations with a bit more ease. In time, your business plan will naturally evolve to include dealing with stressors -- but for now, this is a great place to start. Enjoy
How To Double Your Sales In One Year Without Spending A Cent On Marketing
While you probably won't get to that pace, you can double your sales if you apply these same ideas. And customers are willing to switch brands and even spend more if they think they are getting better service. Or in other words, better service pays better.
How To Estimate Startup Expenses and Stay On Budget
Being aware of your startup expenses is super important while you're building your new brand, but getting an accurate estimation can be tricky. You can't estimate every single expense you're going to have. That said, it's still necessary for you to do your research and make well-educated assumptions, and plan accordingly
How To Generate Revenue From Non-Sales Web Leads
Not all website inquiries are sales leads. Most newly registered companies focus all of their attention on isolating the best sales leads and following up on them with everything they have. In this article we will explore
How To Get The Perfect Logo For Your New Business
Color plays a massive role in how a logo is received by consumers, so choosing the right color is as important as choosing a good design. Have you ever noticed the peaceful feeling you get when you walk into a room painted green, or how yellow can make you a little hyper? Different colors are linked with different emotions, and knowing how to leverage them will help tremendously in the marketing of your newly established brand.
How To Hire Employees (The Right Way)
Along the road to business success, you'll come upon the realization that you can't do everything on your own. It's come time to hire some trustworthy employees to share the weight and help you expand!
How To Market A New Business The Definitive Guide
With the help of some of the best marketers we know, we've developed this 6-step guide to help you start marketing your business the right way! We'll give you some solid tips and tools for your marketing plan, budget, and customer acquisition, and eliminate some common marketing myths. Speaking of which, let's start there
How To Name A Corporation
When you're starting a new corporation, one of the most important considerations is what to name your company. While this may seem like the easy part, there are legal and practical elements to take into account before settling on the perfect name for your corporation.
How To Pick The Right Business Domain Name
Your name needs to be memorable, brief, and gives users a good idea of what exactly your company does. However, this can sometimes be much more difficult than it sounds. Read on as we cover some tips, and tricks, as well as plenty of misconceptions about domain names
How To Separate Your Personal Assets From Your LLC
If you're starting your own limited liability company (LLC), one of your main reasons for doing so is likely the LLC's ability to provide personal asset protection. Much like a corporation in this way, an LLC shields your own personal property and money from creditors in the case of a lawsuit filed against your company.
How To Shop For Business Insurance
If you're a business owner, we probably don't need to tell you that acquiring insurance can be an extremely stressful situation. Sometimes it's hard to tell which types of coverage your business even needs, not to mention how much coverage to acquire or where to purchase it. In short, it's really hard to figure out how exactly you're supposed to shop for business insurance.
How To Stay Motivated and Inspired While Starting A Business
Maintaining your motivation, inspiration, and to be honest, your sanity, are among the hardest parts of starting a new business. Once the grind sets in, day-to-day challenges will become the new norm, but for now sustainable inspiration might seem unattainable.
How To Write A One-Page Business Plan: The Simple Guide
In this guide we're going to talk about how to write a business plan in the most simple and highly effective options we recommend you look into.
Important and Overlooked: SaaS Startup Retention
When a SaaS startup is founded, the team is typically concerned about two things: product development and sales. Money is raised and poured into these two initiatives and any why wouldn't it be? You can't sell without a product and you can't stay alive without revenue. But even the most well-run startups overlook a crucial piece of the puzzle and retention. Read our article to find out more.
Incorporating In Wyoming: Sometimes Money Saver, Sometimes Waste Of Time
Wyoming has during past years been established as the most easiest and cheapest state to incorporate, whether you choose a C Corporation or LLC. Whole company-making process will probably take under one week. Wyoming is trying to make doing business attractive for entrepreneurs in all regards.
Leadership For Startups: The Definitive Guide
There are many difficult tasks along the road to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and figuring out how to be an effective leader is one of them. While leadership skills come naturally to many folks, leading a startup is a whole different game. In this article, we'll go over a few essential things to keep in mind as a startup leader
LLC Annual Reports
While there is some variation from state to state, in most locations you will need to file an annual report that keeps your state government updated on a few crucial aspects of your business. This article will help you determine whether you need to file an annual report, how to file it, and how much it will cost
LLC Management 101
If you're starting a new limited liability company (LLC), you'll need to decide if you want your company to be managed by its members, or a designated manager. There are objective pros and cons to each option, and depending on your LLC's unique characteristics, one or the other will align more closer with your goals.
LLC Vs Corporation
Depending on your company's unique needs, one of these business types may be considerably better suited to your situation. Read on to determine which one is the best fit for your business.
LLC Vs Sole Proprietor
This guide will look at the pros and cons of a single-member LLC and a sole proprietorship and help you determine which option is right for you and your business.
Marketing For Startups: Can Marketing Replace Sales?
A few days ago, I was sitting in a coffee shop talking to a founder of The Commons, an amazing Milwaukee organization that accepts students from 23 area universities, has them work on real-world projects and teaches them to be entrepreneurs. There is no shortage of mentors to work with these students, except in one area: marketing.
Marketing For Startups: Targeted Lead Generation Vs. Awareness Marketing
Everyone wants to know the ROI of marketing, from new business owners to marketers themselves. In my mind, there are two kinds of marketing: marketing that generates leads, and marketing that doesn't. The latter isn't bad; it's a necessary part of marketing strategy at most companies. But today, I'm arguing that marketing that doesn't generate leads has no place in a startup.
Social Media Guide 101
Some brand new businesses are hesitant to invest time and money in social media marketing because they realize it's a major commitment, while others go about it totally wrong, not realizing the importance of the endeavor
The 10 Most Overrated Cities For Startups
Below we'll discuss the 10 most overrated cities for startups based on the factors above and many more. While these cities might be a decent spot for some startups, they'll pose major disadvantages for most. Let's dig in.
The 11 Best Cities For Startups
There are plenty of cities that are able to support the startup lifestyle. Let's take a look at some up-and-coming startup cultures popping up across the country!
The 7 BIGGEST Business Plan Mistakes To Avoid
You're here to learn about common business plan mistakes so you can avoid them and increase the odds of knocking your plan out of the park. For you, right now a better plan might mean improving your management skills, fostering better collaboration within your team, or perhaps to gain access to funding.
The Momtrepreneur: Can You Have It All?
Want to have kids and a career? Is that even possible? Find out in our article!
The Reality About Failure: Just A Rationalization?
Why do so many business leaders tout the benefits of failure? To listen to some of these motivational and inspirational words of wisdom you'd think that a couple of trips through bankruptcy is as prestigious as a Nobel Peace Prize. If you step back and think about it, embracing failure is akin to leaning into a left hook to the side of your face. Logic tells us it just doesn't make sense, there cannot be nobility in failure, only misery.
Top 10 Best Practices and 13 Mistakes When Starting A Business
In this article we'll get you up to date on some of the best business practices as well as the most common mistakes. Enjoy!
What Are DBA Publishing Requirements?
Failure to meet your state's publishing requirements can result in your DBA being revoked, fines, or a suspension or revocation of your business license. Thankfully, most states do not have this requirement. However, if you do business in one of the few that does, it's important to know the requirements and how to properly meet them.
What Can And What Cannot Be Trademarked
A trademark is a feature unrelated to the characteristics of your products or services which allows your new business to help customers and consumers distinguish your products and services from identical or similar products and services of everyone else.
What Does It Mean To Be An Entrepreneur Today?
In this article, we'll discuss the many ways modern technology has changed the game for startups, and what it means to be an entrepreneur in today's business landscape. Let's dig in!
What Is A Business Owner's Policy (BOP)?
If you're starting your own business, you may be wondering what a business owner's policy (BOP) is, who should acquire one, and how it compares to other types of insurance. This article will explore the details of BOPs so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not you need to invest in one for your business.
What Is A Commercial Package Policy (CPP)?
This article will review all the relevant details of commercial package policies so that you can make an informed decision for your business.
What Is A Foreign LLC?
While each state has its own legal variations regarding how to form and maintain a foreign LLC, there are some common elements that apply across the board. Check out our article to learn more.
What Is A Series LLC?
In recent years, several states have welcomed the arrival of a new twist on the limited liability company, the Series LLC. Learn more about them in our article!
What Is An LLC Kit?
This guide to LLC kits will discuss what you get when you order one of these kits, the significance of the seal, and whether or not you need an LLC kit at all.
What Is An LLC Organizer?
To form your own LLC, it's important to know exactly what is involved and what the correct formation process looks like. While the role of an organizer is not terribly complicated, there are some details that you should understand before starting your new company.
What Is Business Interruption Insurance?
This article will cover everything you need to know about business interruption insurance and if it's something your business needs.
What Is Business Property Insurance?
Business property insurance protects your business in the event of a loss caused by circumstances outside of your control. Without it, you the business owner are financially responsible for repairing any damages to your commercial property on your own, regardless of the cause.
What Is Business Vehicle Insurance?
Even if you already have business property insurance or any other type of professional coverage, you'll need a separate policy to cover your employees when they're on the road.
What Is Commercial Crime Insurance?
If you're operating a small or mid-sized business, it might not seem like crime insurance coverage is a high priority, but you would be surprised at how many exclusions there are in other forms of insurance regarding criminal acts. If you want your company protected from a variety of potential crimes, committed by a wide range of people and entities, you need to look into commercial crime coverage.
What Is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?
The purpose of an umbrella policy is to protect your business in the event of a lawsuit that exceeds the limits of your primary liability insurance policies.
What Is Content Marketing?
In this guide, you will find the basics of content marketing as well as some examples of how major companies have made it an important part of their campaigns.
What Is Contingent Business Interruption Insurance?
There are so many insurance options available to business owners these days that it can be hard to keep track of them all. Learn about Business Interruption Insurance in our article!
What Is Cyber Insurance?
In this article, we'll take aim at these questions and more in an effort to determine whether you really need this type of coverage or not.
What Is Cyber Liability Insurance?
Cyber liability insurance safeguards businesses against internet-based perils and risk factors regarding information technology. With the right cyber liability insurance policy under your belt, your company will be protected against data breaches and other tech-based risks
What Is Directors And Officers Insurance?
This article will discuss the details of Officers insurance, what it does and does not cover, and who should add it to their business insurance portfolio
What Is Employment Practice Liability Insurance?
Employment practice liability insurance, or EPLI, covers your business in the event of an employee lawsuit. Whether a lawsuit is filed by a current, former or prospective employee, an EPLI policy will protect the company, as well as its current/former directors, officers and other employees.
What Is General Liability Insurance?
This guide will discuss the ways in which general liability insurance can protect your business, what exactly general liability insurance covers, how much coverage you should pursue, and more.
What Is Key Person Insurance?
Key person insurance is a type of coverage that companies like these acquire in case of the loss of a vital income generator.
What Is Market Research?
By using market research, you can not only decide who your target audience is but also what they are looking for in your product. These can be simple methods that your business can take on without help, or you can outsource to a market research firm for more complex tactics.
What Is Marketing?
Simply put, marketing is the process of how your business connects with its target audience. The Oxford English Dictionary divides marketing into three categories: placing a product on the market, seeking to increase sales of said product, and promoting the product's public image. We can categorize this even further into the four Ps of marketing: product, price, place, and promotion.
What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
Is it required, what does it cost, and how does it differ from general liability insurance? This article will discuss who needs professional liability insurance, what types of claims these policies cover, and much more
What Is The Best Business Plan Software For Mac?
Let's dive a little deeper into the 5 reasons Mac users adore LivePlan. Come on, it'll be fun, adventurous, and this article might just be the catalyst you've been searching for. Enjoy!
What Is Workers' Compensation Insurance?
Who needs workers' compensation insurance? What exactly does it cover? Why do the requirements vary from state to state? How expensive will workers' comp coverage be for your business? This article will discuss everything you need to know about workers' comp, from the basics to the details.
When To Get Insurance For Your New Business
This article will discuss all the details you'll need to determine what policies your business will need and when you should acquire them for your new company.
When You Should and Shouldn't File A DBA
Getting a DBA is the easiest way to acquire a new business name that you can legally use to represent your company. Because you can get as many of them as you'd like, you can use a different DBA for each branch of your business or each product line you sell.
Why and How To Find A Niche For Your Business (3 Simple Steps)
We're here to clarify what a niche actually is and explain why having one is so important. Don't worry, it's not as dense or complex as you might think. Let's dig in!
Why and How To Start A Digital Business (Tips, Tricks, and Resources)
Within the next decade roughly 70% of human-centric jobs will be outsourced to tech, so setting up shop and building revenue streams digitally is a really smart hedge! In this guide we'll explain why starting a digital business is a great idea, and teach you about great digital products and online platforms and don't worry, it won't take long. Enjoy!
Why Your Business Needs A Registered Agent
All LLCs are required to obtain a registered agent. While you are legally allowed to act as your own registered agent, or nominate one of your employees and this option isn't widely recommended.
What is a B Corporation?
A benefit corporation (B corp) is a for-profit corporation that must have a goal to benefit the community or the environment.
5 Great Reasons to Start a B Corporation
Benefit corporations — also known as B corporations or B corps — are growing in popularity among both business owners and customers. This article covers several good reasons to start a B corp and answers some common questions about them.
Single Member LLC Taxes
A single-member LLC is an LLC with only one owner. By default, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats single-member LLCs as “disregarded entities” for tax purposes.