Getting Started Guides

Key Takeaways Versatile Craft: Macrame is an adaptable craft with endless creative possibilities, from wall hangings to plant hangers, suitable for both beginners and experienced crafters. Unique Products: Offering personalized and unique macrame designs, like jewelry and coasters, can help attract customers and elevate your artisan business. Essential Tools: High-quality tools and materials, including cotton cord and measuring tape, are crucial for achieving precise craftsmanship and maintaining product quality. Advanced Techniques: Learning advanced knots, such as the Double Half Hitch or Josephine Knot, allows for the creation of intricate patterns, making your p…

Small businesses are always operating within the most narrow of margins. Every sale counts, and every team member needs to not only wear multiple hats but perform at the top of their game, as resources remain slim. Key to small business longevity is visibility. Small business owners must know what their staff is working on and maintain open lines of communication in case priorities need to be shifted on a dime. These efforts are far more straightforward when processes haven’t yet been formalized, but scale in difficulty as new pieces of technology get added to a company’s back office operations. A reliable piece of scheduling software, embedded in a small business’s tec…

Have you ever come out of an important meeting feeling confused or frustrated? Was there ever an occasion where you found it difficult to explain yourself to a colleague or customer? When it comes to communication, there’s no one-size-fits-all style. All of us communicate differently, and sometimes, this difference can make matters difficult for your business. By understanding different communication styles, you can enhance workplace productivity, leading to better business results. What are communication styles? Communication styles are our preferred way of interacting with others. Some people may find it easier to articulate confidently how they feel. Others may prefe…

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has introduced the Cooper WORK Series Regional Haul All-position (RHA) 2, a commercial truck tire designed to balance fuel efficiency with durability for super-regional and regional fleets. The SmartWay-verified tire is engineered to deliver long miles to removal and even wear, addressing the evolving demands of Less-than-Truckload (LTL) carriers and super-regional operations. Addressing Efficiency and Durability in Super-Regional Transport As shipping hubs move closer to last-mile delivery networks, the demand for commercial tires that can withstand both highway and urban driving conditions is increasing. Joe Burke, vice president of N…

Key Takeaways Talent Shortage Impact: Small businesses are grappling with a talent shortage that adversely affects growth, operational efficiency, and the ability to attract qualified candidates. Root Causes: Economic factors, a significant skills gap, and a competitive job market are principal contributors to the talent shortage small businesses face. Operational Challenges: Approximately 40% of small business owners report unfilled positions, leading to increased workloads and strain on existing staff, which may affect productivity and team dynamics. Financial Implications: High turnover rates due to recruitment difficulties result in increased labor costs and pot…

As small businesses grow their size, project management becomes an increasingly important part of the process. It’s easy to deviate from a standard process when there’s only one employee, or a small handful, but trying to herd a team of dozens or hundreds is impossible without tools to guide them along the same path. Good news: While product management software may seem like the domain of enterprise organizations, small businesses stand to benefit substantially from this offering. Use cases abound, starting with setting up a small business itself. New owners can leverage the software to track and comply with legal requirements, maintain visibility into tax preparation, …

Wix has announced the launch of Astro, a new AI-powered business assistant designed to streamline site and business management for users of the Wix and Wix Studio platforms. Astro integrates directly into the Wix dashboard, enabling users to perform various tasks and access essential tools through a chat-based interface. According to the company, Astro is the first in a planned series of AI agents aimed at enhancing user productivity and helping businesses grow. The assistant is designed to simplify operations by offering real-time insights, guiding users to relevant tools and features, and facilitating app installations and package upgrades. “Astro seamlessly integrate…

Finding the right company that sells franchises requires careful consideration and research. Start by comprehending the different types of franchises available in your target industry. Evaluate their business models and the support systems they offer. Attend franchise expos to meet franchisors and gather firsthand insights from current franchisees. Utilize online resources to compare options effectively. As you assess your investment capacity, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals. What steps will you take next? Key Takeaways Research franchise directories and databases like the International Franchise Association to find acc…

Key Takeaways Rewarding Business Opportunity: Starting a laundry business meets a consistent community need, driven by busy lifestyles and the ongoing demand for clean clothing. Business Models: Entrepreneurs can choose between self-service laundromats, requiring minimal staff, and full-service laundry options, catering to clients with a comprehensive washing and drying experience. Startup Costs: Low initial investment makes it accessible for budding entrepreneurs, allowing flexibility in financing options through loans or crowdfunding. Essential Equipment: Selecting the right washing machines, dryers, and folding stations is crucial for operational efficiency and c…

Small Business Financial Exchange, Inc. (SBFE) and bluCognition have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing small business lending analytics. By integrating bluCognition’s advanced bank transaction data analysis with SBFE’s extensive credit payment performance data, the collaboration seeks to provide lenders with a more comprehensive view of borrower financial health. The partnership is expected to strengthen SBFE’s existing credit bureau relationships while expanding its membership base among U.S. lending institutions. The goal is to improve risk assessment and provide lenders with deeper insights into small business financial stability. “I am thrilled to…

Snap has developed an advanced AI diffusion model capable of generating high-resolution images on mobile devices in seconds, marking a significant leap in mobile-first artificial intelligence. The compact and efficient model is expected to power several new Snapchat features in the coming months. Snap’s latest AI innovation is designed to run entirely on-device, eliminating the need for cloud-based processing while reducing computational costs. The company reports that the model can generate high-resolution images in approximately 1.4 seconds on an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Unlike server-reliant AI tools, Snap’s model is optimized for mobile efficiency, making AI-generated ima…

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a reminder to farmers and fishers who opted out of making estimated tax payments in January that they must file their 2024 federal income tax return and pay any taxes due by March 3, 2025. The usual March 1 deadline has been extended to the next business day since it falls on a Saturday this year. Avoiding Estimated Tax Penalties Farmers and fishers who meet the two-thirds gross income requirement from farming or fishing during 2023 or 2024 are eligible for the March 3 deadline, provided they did not make an estimated tax payment by January 15, 2025. Those who did make a payment by January 15 can wait until the regular April …

A background check subscription is an ongoing service that gives you, as an employer, easy access to crucial screening tools like criminal record checks and employment verifications. Typically offered for a flat fee, these subscriptions allow you to manage requests through user-friendly online platforms. With features like automated workflows and compliance tools, they help guarantee you make informed hiring decisions. But how do you choose the right service for your needs? Key Takeaways A background check subscription provides ongoing access to various screening services, such as criminal record checks and employment verifications. Users pay a flat monthly or annual …

Despite an increase in gasoline demand, the national average price for a gallon of gas has dropped to $3.07, marking a three-cent decline from last week, according to the latest data from AAA. The decline comes as spring break travel picks up, with motorists in 31 states finding gas prices below $3 per gallon. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand rose from 8.87 million barrels per day (b/d) to 9.18 million b/d over the past week. At the same time, total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 246.8 million barrels to 241.1 million barrels, putting supplies slightly below seasonal averages. Gasoline production also dipped, averaging 9.…

Key Takeaways Diverse Woodworking Opportunities: There are numerous woodworking projects suitable for all skill levels, including furniture, home decor, toys, and garden planters, that can be turned into profitable ventures. Focus on Customization: Creating custom designs and personalized items increases customer satisfaction and encourages repeat purchases, making your products more appealing to buyers. Sustainability Matters: Using eco-friendly materials and practices resonates with consumers, making items like upcycled wood products and handcrafted toys desirable in the market. Effective Marketing Strategies: Utilize online platforms like Etsy and social media to…

Nimble, a CRM platform tailored to small businesses and marketing professionals, has introduced its new Email Marketing feature, enabling users to conduct large-scale, HTML-powered, and trackable email campaigns directly from within the platform. The feature, announced on April 3, 2025, is designed to support outreach efforts such as newsletters, webinars, and promotional messages. According to Nimble, the new capability helps users bypass the limitations of email platforms like Google and Microsoft, which typically restrict daily sends to around 500 emails per user. The Email Marketing feature allows users to send unlimited emails to segmented lists and manage campaigns…

Running a sushi bar is a tricky business. Keeping your sushi rolls fresh and tasty while showcasing them in an appetizing way can make or break your customer experience. The right sushi display case can play a pivotal role in achieving this balance, ensuring you serve the freshest food every time. What is a Sushi Display Case? A sushi display case is essential in any sushi bar, café, or restaurant. They’re specifically designed to maintain food-safe temperatures while beautifully showcasing your sushi and sashimi rolls. Often featuring curved glass fronts and a lighted inside, these refrigerated sushi display cases allow your customers to browse your selection, amplifyin…

Etsy has unveiled a new AI-powered discovery experience on its app, designed to help shoppers find unique, personalized items through a more engaging and curated browsing interface. The announcement, made on April 9, 2025, highlights Etsy’s efforts to distinguish its platform from the broader e-commerce landscape, where product listings often appear repetitive and lack individuality. With a marketplace of over 100 million items across various styles and categories, Etsy aims to use this latest feature to spotlight the individuality and creativity of its sellers. The new discovery experience is focused on transforming how users browse the Etsy app by offering visually ric…

Key Takeaways Effective Budgeting is Essential: Establishing a budget ensures resources are allocated wisely, preventing overspending and maximizing impact for your local event. Leverage Creative Venues: Utilizing public spaces and partnering with local businesses can significantly reduce venue costs while enhancing community engagement. Explore Cost-Effective Catering: Implementing potluck-style events or collaborating with local food trucks provides budget-friendly catering options that still offer quality and variety. Engage Volunteers Strategically: Recruiting community support and utilizing skill-based volunteers can help optimize resources, reduce labor costs,…

Small businesses in the US saw improved performance in the September 2024 quarter, marking the first positive sales growth since late 2022, according to new data from Xero. The findings, part of Xero Small Business Insights (XSBI), also show a reduction in late payments and shorter average payment times, signaling a more stable financial environment for small businesses. Key Findings: Sales Growth and Payment Trends Small business sales increased by 0.8% year-over-year (y/y) in the three months ending in September, reversing a 0.1% decline in the June quarter. Businesses also experienced improved payment timelines: Late payments decreased, with businesses receiving pay…

The national average for a gallon of gasoline has declined slightly, dropping one cent from last week to $3.11, according to AAA. The decrease is attributed in part to lower crude oil prices, though market fluctuations and the seasonal transition to summer-grade gasoline may impact prices at the pump in the coming weeks. AAA also noted that the national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at public EV charging stations remained unchanged at 34 cents. Fuel Supply and Demand Trends According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand rose from 8.45 million barrels per day (b/d) last week to 8.87 million b/d. Total domestic ga…

Small business owners know that their success doesn’t just happen by chance. It takes years of hard work, dedication, and the know-how to make it prosper. Growing a business takes a strategic approach. In an ideal world, business owners would throw money at every possible idea and see what sticks. But the reality is they don’t have unlimited resources. Instead, they should determine where and how to invest in their business to see the reap the greatest reward. I’ve been a business owner for more than three decades. During that time, I’ve tried different approaches to scaling my business. What’s emerged are some clear patterns of what does and doesn’t drive long-term gro…

Gas prices in the U.S. have increased slightly, with the national average for a gallon of gasoline rising by two cents to $3.13, according to AAA. The increase comes amid concerns over potential tariffs, despite fluctuations in supply and demand. Meanwhile, the national average for public electric vehicle (EV) charging remains unchanged at 34 cents per kilowatt hour. New data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows a minor increase in gasoline demand, climbing from 8.30 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.32 million b/d. Domestic gasoline supply also rose, increasing from 248.9 million barrels to 251.1 million barrels, while gasoline production dipped to 9.…

Key Takeaways Understand Blogging Basics: Grasp the fundamentals of blogging, including its purpose and the various types of blogs, to tailor your content strategy effectively. Choose Your Niche: Select a niche that aligns with your passions and expertise, and identify your target audience to create valuable content that resonates with readers. Pick the Right Platform: Evaluate blogging platforms for customization, ease of use, and support features to establish a professional online presence. Create Quality Content: Focus on producing engaging and well-researched articles that provide valuable insights, utilizing storytelling and visuals to captivate your audience. …

Breakroom Furniture: The Top Choices for Your Business A well-designed break room is essential for any business looking to provide employees with a comfortable and relaxing space. With the right breakroom furniture, your office can transform from a standard workplace to an inviting environment that encourages productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being. In this guide, we’ll discuss the importance of office breakroom furniture, offer tips on selecting the perfect pieces, and provide inspiration for your office redesign. How to Choose the Right Office Breakroom Furniture Selecting the right breakroom furniture for a business, whether it’s for an office, factory, or …