Getting Started

The many different Types of self employment jobs have quite a range. There are dog walkers and accountants, landscapers and delivery drivers. There are self-employed jobs that are so much fun, they don’t feel like work. Often that happens when a hobby becomes a career. Regardless of the type of work performed, all self-employed individuals share a common obligation: they must pay taxes. This includes both income tax and self-employment tax. As a self-employed person, you can file self-employment income taxes yourself. You can get the paperwork needed from the internet and do it yourself, or you can use tax software for small business owners. Or you can hire a tax profe…

What is accounting? In this article, we’ll explain how to get started with an accounting system for your small business. You’ll also learn about accounting, from basic definitions of the basic types to practical applications. A small business owner must maintain records of financial transactions. What’s more, that small business owner must achieve an understanding of how the business transactions fit into the big picture of revenue and expenses. This is where a strong understanding of accounting principles becomes so important. The Basics of Accounting Accounting basics include these elements: Assets: Resources owned by the business, such as cash, inventory, equipment…

For small businesses looking to increase their social media marketing in the new year, there are many social media platforms that could be a great fit. There are many popular social media platforms out there with an active user base, making it easier to find your target audience. We’ll look at some of the top social media sites to help you develop your social media plans. Most Popular Social Media Sites Social Media PageDescription FacebookThe largest social media site, known for its steady growth and wide reach for businesses. Facebook Messenger is also popular for its advertising opportunities. YouTubeA video-sharing platform great for long-form content.…

The private sector added 77,000 jobs in February while annual pay increased by 4.7% year-over-year, according to the latest ADP National Employment Report released in collaboration with the Stanford Digital Economy Lab. The report, based on payroll data from over 25 million U.S. employees, offers a high-frequency measure of employment trends in the private sector. The February report indicates a slowdown in hiring, marking the smallest job gain since July. “Policy uncertainty and a slowdown in consumer spending might have led to layoffs or a slowdown in hiring last month,” said Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. “Our data, combined with other recent indicators, sug…

Apple has announced the launch of the latest MacBook Air, featuring the powerful M4 chip, up to 18 hours of battery life, and a new 12MP Center Stage camera. The new MacBook Air models now start at $999, $100 less than the previous version, with an education pricing option of $899. Available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, the laptops can be pre-ordered today and will be available in stores starting March 12. The new MacBook Air models are powered by Apple’s latest M4 chip, which features a 10-core CPU and an up to 10-core GPU. According to Apple, the M4 model is “up to 2x faster than the M1 model” and offers “up to 23x faster performance” when compared to Intel-based MacB…

Intuit Mailchimp has announced a series of product enhancements, including a completely redesigned popup forms experience, now in beta. The new popup forms aim to help marketers effectively target and engage site visitors using branded, interactive forms for improved lead generation and customer growth. The feature allows businesses to leverage customizable, mobile-first designs to collect data directly from prospects, supporting AI-powered personalized marketing strategies. According to Mailchimp, the refreshed popup forms provide a seamless way for businesses to drive conversions with eight different offer types, including discount promotions, free shipping, newsletter…

Wix has announced a new native integration with Printful, a leading print-on-demand company, to provide Wix users with direct access to Printful’s fulfillment services. This integration allows merchants, self-creators, and agencies using Wix to create and sell custom-branded merchandise without leaving the Wix platform. According to Wix, this new feature offers users a streamlined and cost-effective solution for launching their own product lines. “This integration gives our users a new opportunity to create high-quality products and merchandise customized to their brand, whether they are a yoga studio owner, a chef, or a dog trainer,” said Jill Sherman, Head of Supplier…

Trying to win in a new market? It’s important you speak your customers’ language – literally. And that’s where hiring professional translation services can make life easier for you. The Importance of Translation Services for Businesses As a business owner aiming to succeed in a global market, overcoming language barriers is pivotal. This is where translation services come into play. They provide a bridge that links your business to diverse cultures and languages. Beyond literal translation, these services account for cultural nuances, colloquialisms, and idioms that contribute to an authentic and relatable brand message. Here are some key reasons why translation servic…

Are you looking for a way to make some extra money? Why not try selling your art? You can create beautiful art pieces from recycled materials, and there is a huge market for upcycled art. This article will share some inspired upcycled art projects that you can make and sell online. These projects are ideal for small business owners looking to launch a side gig or incorporate handmade items into their shop. Let your creativity flow, and begin crafting stunning upcycled art today! Why You Should Create Art Projects Using Recycled Materials The increasing urgency of environmental issues and the increasing waste generated by modern consumerist societies make it crucial for …

The decision to hire a business manager can serve as a pivotal moment in a company’s trajectory. This decision is often based on the business manager’s job description, which provides a clear and comprehensive outline of the roles and responsibilities expected from the candidate. A skilled business manager not only brings order to daily operations but also catalyzes growth and innovation. They play a crucial role in implementing strategies that might come from unusual ways to promote a job opening, ensuring each strategy aligns with the company’s broader vision. By effectively coordinating teams, implementing training plan templates, and overseeing business development,…

If you envision the world as your oyster and consider oysters served on the half-shell to be the ideal appetizer, then you might be well-suited for oyster farming. Yes, oysters can be raised to harvest in unique farms at the edge of the sea. Hey, the ancient Romans did it! And they didn’t have the aquaculture technology that exists today. Cultured oysters are most often raised on coastal farms. They prefer brackish, warmer waters, which are a mix of salt water and fresh water. Investing in Oyster Farming – Learn the Basics Your best bet for learning how to start a farm is to reach out to your state’s coastal Agricultural Extension office. That’s where you’ll learn how …

What is a 1099 form, and how is it used? Most U.S.-based business owners have issued 1099 tax forms to independent contractors, keeping them in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. However, there are several other scenarios in which a small business owner would issue or receive a type of 1099. Do you know the 1099 rules? Are you curious about who should get a 1099 form, how to issue one, or what rules apply in different scenarios? In this article, we’ll provide the answers to these questions about 1099 forms and more. What Is a 1099 Form? The 1099 form, issued by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States, serves several specific purposes, each with a di…

This type of engagement speaks to the interaction between readers, social media posts, videos, blog articles, and more. It takes different forms, like click-through rates, time spent on a page, comments, shares, and likes. If done right, it reaches its target audience, increases brand awareness, and leads to conversions and sales. Defining Content Engagement Engaging content is pivotal for small businesses looking to harness the power of digital platforms to reach their target audience and achieve their marketing goals. It’s not just about putting information out there; it’s about creating content that resonates with the audience, encourages interaction, and ultimatel…

Lumio, a newly launched company specializing in AI-driven solutions for professional services firms, aims to transform how elite practitioners navigate commercial and strategic challenges. Founded by legal industry veterans, Lumio introduces AI-powered bionic teaming to enhance decision-making, business development, and firm leadership in a rapidly evolving market. The legal industry faces increasing competition and volatile demand, with traditional operating models struggling to keep pace. While firms have invested billions in modernization, partners remain underserved in core business functions such as client insights and strategic decision-making. Lumio’s AI-driven so…

Just like everyone else, we all have our share of embarrassing email stories. Perhaps you’re wondering how to recall an email in Outlook after having sent a message to the wrong person, forgetting to enclose an attachment, sending an offensive email in the heat of the moment, or making a silly typo. These are just a few examples of email blunders that many of us would like to correct as soon as we realize them, and the ability to recall an email provides a way to do just that. In this article, we will learn more about how to effectively use this feature and more. A Quick Guide to Recall an Email in Outlook Open Outlook > go to Sent Items > click Message > Acti…

Hay farming is an agricultural practice that has been around for centuries. It involves the growing and harvesting of hay, which is used primarily as feed for livestock. Hay is a critical component of the agricultural industry and plays a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of farmers across the world. In this article, we will discuss what a hay farm is, the different types of hay that are commonly grown, and how to start a farm that produces hay. What is a Hay Farm? A hay farm is a type of agricultural operation that focuses primarily on the growing and harvesting of hay. Hay is a type of grass or legume that is cut and dried for use as animal feed. It is typicall…

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…

Google has announced an expansion of Deep Research and Gems within the Gemini app, making the features available to additional Google Workspace customers. As of March 13, 2025, these AI-powered tools are now accessible to users in Business Starter, Enterprise Starter, Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus, as well as Frontline Starter and Standard, Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, and Nonprofits. Enhanced AI Capabilities for More Users Deep Research and Gems are designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity by leveraging AI-driven capabilities. According to Google, Gems function as customizable AI assistants that help users …

In most cases, you have to be invited to a Franchise Discovery Day. And, if you are invited to attend a discovery day, get ready. Things are about to get serious. You are about to enter an exciting step in your goal to become a franchise owner. By the time franchise discovery day rolls around, you have pretty much decided which franchise opportunity you are going to focus all of your energy on. Once you’ve done that, you’re a lot closer to franchise ownership. What is Franchise Discovery Day? Franchise Discovery Day is a planned event at a franchisor’s headquarters, limited to “qualified” candidates for franchise ownership. Discovery day is the day that you as the prosp…

Package handlers are critical to logistics and distribution. They have a variety of responsibilities, including sorting packages based on their destination’s size, type and delivery route. They can be involved in the physical aspects of the job, like loading and unloading packages and quality control. Package handlers ensure deliveries arrive on time and compliance with safety and regulatory standards is met. What Do Package Handlers Do? Package handlers play a critical role in the logistics and supply chain operations. Their duties extend beyond merely moving packages; they are instrumental in ensuring the efficiency and safety of the package transportation process.…

Small business owners are entering 2025 with heightened confidence despite persistent economic uncertainty, according to Bluevine’s 2024 End-of-Year Business Owner Success Survey (BOSS) Report. The survey of 1,200 small business owners (SBOs) found that 79% expressed confidence in their business outlook, an increase from 73% in mid-2024. Expectations for profitability and revenue growth have also risen, reflecting resilience among small businesses. Despite optimism, SBOs continue to navigate inflation and rising costs. The report found that 64% of respondents identified inflation as a top concern, while 55% cited taxes and fees. Concerns over tariffs have more than doubl…

You’ve likely heard about holiday pay in employee compensation. Employees receive extra pay when they take paid time off for holidays. Understanding this concept can be immensely important as you prepare your business for the holidays or begin hiring for the first time. In this article, we’ll break down what holiday pay entails and whether it should be on your list of employee benefits. What is Holiday Pay? Holiday pay is a part of employee compensation, typically extra wages given during holidays. In the U.S., it stems from both federal laws and industry norms. Federal guidelines set the foundation, while industries often add their own practices, ensuring workers are r…

ASUS has introduced the Cobble SSD enclosure, a high-speed, durable external storage solution designed for gamers, professionals, and content creators. Featuring a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×1 interface with transfer speeds up to 10Gbps, support for M.2 NVMe PCIe and SATA SSDs, and an IP55-rated water- and dust-resistant chassis, ASUS Cobble delivers both performance and protection. The 2024 Good Design award-winning ASUS Cobble SSD enclosure incorporates a cobblestone-inspired design, available in black or gray, with scratch-resistant speckle-painted surfaces. Its metallic chassis and heat-resistant coating offer stability in demanding conditions, while its compact size ensures po…

Fiverr has introduced a Freelancer Equity Program, granting shares to top-performing, eligible freelancers based in the United States. The initiative aims to provide financial benefits beyond traditional earnings, reinforcing Fiverr’s commitment to its freelancer community. As freelancers are projected to represent half of the U.S. workforce by 2027, Fiverr sees this program as a means of offering additional financial incentives. The program will provide up to $10,000 in Fiverr shares to eligible freelancers, with equity grants distributed over four years based on annual eligibility requirements. “Freelancers are the backbone of today’s economy and the heart of Fiverr’s…

PayPal has announced the launch of PayPal Open, a unified platform designed to streamline payments and financial services for businesses of all sizes. The new platform integrates all of PayPal’s merchant solutions under one system, allowing businesses to access payment processing, financial tools, and AI-driven insights through a single interface. PayPal Open aims to support businesses ranging from small enterprises to multinational corporations by simplifying commerce operations. With access to PayPal’s global network of up to 400 million active accounts, including 92 million active Venmo customers, merchants can leverage a broad consumer base to drive sales. “Our goal…