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Getting Started

New to home-based business? Learn about the essentials of setting up and running a successful business from home, including choosing the right business structure and tools.

  1. Ignition has introduced AutoPricing, a first-to-market suite of pricing automation tools designed to help professional services businesses streamline price increases at scale. The new capabilities allow businesses to automate bulk price adjustments, providing greater control over revenue growth while improving long-term cash flow and profitability. The latest AutoPricing feature enables businesses to increase prices across multiple clients simultaneously, eliminating the manual burden of individual price updates. The tool integrates directly into proposal editing and renewals, giving businesses an immediate view of additional revenue generated from price adjustments. “T…

  2. If you are handling cash in your business, a money counter machine can introduce a new level of efficiency in your operation. From saving time to accurate counts and counterfeit detection, the technology in today’s bill-counting machines is fantastic. By expediting and simplifying the counting of your bills with machines, you can have your employees spend more time on other tasks. But you must first find the best bill-counting machine your budget will allow. And with so many different options available today, it can take a lot of time to find the right one for your business. Here are some of the better money counter machines across different price points to help you make…

  3. Key Takeaways Explore Diverse Business Options: Vacant land can be transformed into a variety of profitable ventures, including agriculture, commercial developments, and recreational spaces, catering to different market demands. Conduct Thorough Market Research: Understanding your target audience and competition is crucial. Market analysis helps identify gaps and trends that can inform your business model. Navigate Legal Requirements: Research zoning regulations and obtain necessary permits to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues when launching your business. Funding Strategies Matter: Choose the right funding approach, whether bootstrapping, crowdfund…

  4. Key Takeaways Embrace Creativity and Individuality: Hipster business ideas thrive on unique concepts and a personal touch, attracting a niche market seeking authenticity.Focus on Sustainability: Prioritize eco-friendly practices and local sourcing to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers while enhancing your brand image.Conduct Thorough Market Research: Identifying demand and local competition is crucial for crafting a solid business plan that outlines your vision and growth strategies.Utilize Effective Branding and Marketing: Leverage social media and SEO techniques to showcase your products, engage with the community, and attract a dedicated customer base.Buil…

  5. Key Takeaways The foundation of success lies in hard work and perseverance, as echoed by numerous influential figures throughout history.Famous quotes by leaders like Thomas Edison and Vince Lombardi emphasize the necessity of effort and consistent practice in achieving goals.Hard work is essential not only for individual growth but also for fostering strong business operations and team dynamics.Understanding the cultural significance of hard work highlights its universal importance in personal and professional success across different societies.Integrating hard work quotes into daily business practices can motivate teams, enhance productivity, and improve overall perfo…

  6. 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…

  7. Key Takeaways Product stories are essential narratives that capture the essence of a brand, turning ordinary items into memorable experiences for customers.Compelling storytelling engages customers, differentiates products, and builds a strong brand identity, essential for successful marketing strategies.Notable examples like MailChimp, Patagonia, and Warby Parker showcase how unique product narratives resonate deeply with target audiences and elevate brand perception.Key elements of an effective product story include identifying customer challenges, explaining the journey of product development, and demonstrating how the product provides solutions.Understanding your au…

  8. Key Takeaways Resilience is Key: Successful mom entrepreneurs demonstrate the ability to adapt and persevere through the daily challenges of balancing motherhood and business. Effective Planning is Essential: Creating a solid business plan that includes financial management, market research, and growth strategies is critical for long-term sustainability. Networking Drives Success: Building relationships with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs can open doors to funding opportunities, partnerships, and valuable insights. Master Time Management: Implementing effective time management strategies, including scheduling and task delegation, enables mom entrepreneurs to prior…

  9. Instacart has announced the launch of Will Call Delivery, a new solution designed to address urgent same-day supply needs for foodservice distributors and their business customers. The offering aims to mitigate common challenges such as delayed truck dispatches, warehouse fulfillment issues, and the growing expectation for rapid delivery in the hospitality and food retail sectors. Will Call Delivery is part of Instacart Business, which launched in 2022. The new service allows distributors to provide fast, same-day “fill-in” or “hot shot” deliveries using Instacart’s network of trained shoppers. By integrating directly into distributors’ existing communication workflows, …

  10. Discover 30 of the best instant messaging apps that can improve communication and collaboration within your team. From popular tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams to lesser-known options, this article will provide you with a comprehensive list of IM apps your business could use. What is an instant messaging app? An instant messaging app is a software application that facilitates real-time messaging between users. These instant messengers allow individuals or groups to communicate swiftly and effectively via text, voice, or video chat, eliminating the necessity for second phone number apps or mail apps. Instant messaging apps have become increasingly popular due to thei…

  11. Intuit has announced the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone for QuickBooks Online customers in the U.S., providing small and mid-market businesses with a streamlined way to accept in-person contactless payments using only an iPhone. The new functionality enables QuickBooks users to manage their business finances more efficiently while improving cash flow and payment processing. “With Tap to Pay on iPhone, we’re giving customers a competitive advantage that accelerates cash flow, business growth, and customer loyalty,” David Hahn, SVP, QuickBooks Money Platform says. “What makes Tap to Pay on iPhone unique for QuickBooks customers, is that it allows them to streamline their i…

  12. Intuit announced Wednesday that it has signed an agreement to acquire GoCo, a provider of modern human resources and benefits solutions for small and mid-market businesses. The acquisition is aimed at transforming Intuit’s payroll offerings into a more comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) solution. Intuit, the company behind TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, says the integration of GoCo’s capabilities will enable businesses to manage their finances and the entire employee lifecycle in one place. Initially, GoCo’s features will be integrated into the Intuit Enterprise Suite and QuickBooks Payroll for Premium and Elite Payroll customers in the U.S.…

  13. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced Monday that all individuals and businesses across Arkansas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning April 2, 2025, now qualify for federal tax relief. As part of this relief, tax deadlines originally scheduled between April 2 and November 3, 2025, have been postponed until November 3, 2025. The tax relief applies to all 75 counties in Arkansas, following the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) designation of the entire state as a disaster area. The IRS emphasized that the current list of eligible localities is maintained on the Tax Relief in Disaster Situations page at IRS.gov. Extended Deadlines …

  14. The Internal Revenue Service issued a reminder Thursday that individuals and businesses in certain disaster-declared areas have until May 1, 2025, to file their 2024 federal income tax returns and make tax payments. The automatic extension applies to taxpayers in parts of twelve states affected by federally declared disasters in 2024. The IRS emphasized that taxpayers do not need to contact the agency to receive this relief. “If a taxpayer’s address of record is in a disaster area locality, individual and business taxpayers automatically get the extra time without having to ask for it,” the IRS stated. Who Qualifies for the May 1 Extension? The May 1 deadline applies to…

  15. 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 …

  16. The Internal Revenue Service is reminding self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, businesses, and corporations that the deadline for making first quarter estimated tax payments for the 2025 tax year is Monday, April 15. Federal income taxes operate on a pay-as-you-go system, and the law requires that taxes be paid as income is earned throughout the year. While many taxpayers meet this obligation through withholding from their wages, pensions, Social Security benefits, or other government payments such as unemployment compensation, others must submit quarterly estimated payments. This includes individuals who are self-employed or working in the gig economy, as we…

  17. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging taxpayers to exercise caution when selecting tax professionals, warning that while most preparers are reputable, some engage in fraud, identity theft, and other scams. The agency emphasizes that taxpayers remain legally responsible for their tax returns, even if prepared by someone else. IRS Resources for Selecting a Tax Professional To help taxpayers make informed choices, the IRS offers several tools, including: The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications, which lists preparers who meet high professional standards. A dedicated page on IRS.gov with guidance on choosing a reputabl…

  18. Since COVID 19, we have seen a drastic redefinition of how people define work and employment in small business– and a new desire on how they want to make a living differently. As my guest on The Small Business Radio Show says in the title of his book – Is employment dead? Josh Drean is co-founder of the Work3 Institute. He is also a Web3 and Workforce Advisor at the Harvard Innovation Labs and co-founder of DreanMedia. Josh is an HR transformation expert who connects emerging technologies with workplace strategies. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and MIT Technology Review, and his YouTube channel has garnered millions of view…

  19. People who have employers often have disability benefits provided. When you’re self-employed, you need to get a disability insurance policy for yourself. You can get a policy no matter what you do for work in the many different types of self-employment jobs that are available. Purchasing a disability insurance policy shouldn’t be optional. It’s not expensive – you can find decent policies that will cost you about as much as a cup of coffee per day. If you do not have a disability insurance policy and you suffer an injury or illness, you will be unable to earn an income. Having disability insurance is essential for ensuring you have financial protection in the event of a…

  20. If you’re thinking about owning a Jan-Pro franchise, you probably have several questions. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions. In this article, we will discuss various topics, including the estimated costs of the Jan Pro cleaning systems franchise, the qualifications required, and potential earnings. Additionally, we’ll explore the company’s history. If you’re interested in learning what it takes to become a Jan-Pro franchise owner, continue reading! What Is Jan-Pro Cleaning Disinfecting? Jan-Pro Cleaning Disinfecting is a company that offers personalized cleaning services for commercial facilities, i…

  21. Running a business can be a challenging endeavor, and it requires careful attention to various aspects to ensure success. One critical aspect that often goes overlooked is the cleanliness of the business premises. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is not only important for the health and well-being of employees and customers, but it also enhances the overall appearance of the business, creating a positive impression. Janitorial supplies are essential items used to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of your business premises. They include cleaning products like disinfectants, detergents, and sprays, as well as cleaning tools such as mops, brooms, and vacuum c…

  22. Are you a business owner who is in the process of hiring a new employee? If so, you may be wondering how to go about drafting a job offer letter. In this article, we will share five job offer letter template examples that you can use as a guide. We will also provide tips on how to make your offer letters more persuasive. Let’s get started! What Is a Formal Job Offer Letter? A formal job offer letter acts as a pivotal document during the hiring phase, serving as a bridge between the initial interview process and final employment. Beyond merely an offer of employment, it’s a reflection of a company’s professionalism and organizational standards. This crucial letter delin…

  23. Exploring the vast online job market has never been easier, thanks to platforms like Indeed, a giant in the realm of job searching that has transformed how we discover new opportunities. With its wide array of job openings, Indeed has set a high bar, but it’s not the only player in the game. Diving into the world of job sites similar to Indeed opens up a treasure trove of possibilities, whether you’re looking for your first job, a career shift, or a step up the ladder. Join us as we uncover 14 job search sites and apps that offer fresh avenues to explore, each with its unique features and specialties, ready to help you land your next big break. Why Indeed is the Go-To f…

  24. The home service industry is poised for growth in 2025, fueled by a recovering housing market, increasing consumer confidence, and record-high adoption of digital payments, according to Jobber’s latest Home Service Economic Report: 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook. The report, which aggregates data from over 250,000 home service professionals, details key economic trends and sector-specific insights driving momentum in the industry. Industry Recovery and Market Drivers The report indicates that consumer demand is rebounding, despite economic uncertainty in 2024. While the number of scheduled jobs declined, businesses sustained revenue by adjusting pricing and increasing job …

  25. The Kansas Department of Commerce has introduced a new grant program aimed at enhancing the appearance and economic appeal of downtown districts across the state. The Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant, launched today, will provide $250,000 in total funding to support high-quality, creative signage projects for retail and commercial businesses. The SIGNS grant is open to a wide range of applicants, including businesses, building owners, municipalities, Main Street organizations, economic development groups, chambers of commerce, foundations, tribal organizations, and other nonprofit community entities. Funding awards will range from $1,000 to …