Getting Started

You don’t need to spend all day cooped up in an office to run a successful business. In fact, there are many outdoor business ideas that could help you create a successful career while enjoying nature. Here are some options to consider. Best Ideas for Outdoor Businesses If you want to start your own business but don’t want to be chained to a desk, there are plenty of profitable business ideas you can run mainly outside. Here are some of the best outdoor business ideas for you to consider. Gardening and Landscaping Business A landscaping service can be a very lucrative business opportunity that offers various services to potential customers. You may focus mainly on lawn …

From aerial photography to agricultural monitoring, drones offer myriad opportunities for entrepreneurs. Embracing these drone business ideas can lead to innovative services and products in the burgeoning drone market. Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), come in various shapes and sizes to cater to different needs. The diversity of drones includes: Quadcopters: Four-rotor drones are popular for their stability and ease of use. Fixed-Wing Drones: Resemble traditional airplanes and are ideal for long-range flights. Hexacopters and Octocopters: Equipped with six or eight rotors, they offer increased payload capacity. Mini and Nano Drones: Small, lightwe…

A zoning map shows the acceptable uses for property in a city or other area. Zoning information on these maps usually tells which areas are zoned for residential and/or commercial use. What Is a Zoning Map? These are an important part of urban planning. Cities, municipalities, and other types of government divide the property up into land-use zones. A city using this type of ordinance can have several zoning districts like commercial, residential, agricultural, and industrial. Zoning maps need to show clear boundaries. Read on to find out more about this subject. And remember that Google Translate can help you with the right language. There are 108 different ones to cho…

Understanding the intricate relationship between customer experience (CX) and brand loyalty is a must in today’s dynamic business landscape. As consumer behavior evolves, so does the concept of brand devotion. In this article, we go into 60 essential customer experience statistics, shedding light on the impact of positive experiences, customer loyalty, and emerging trends. Defining Customer Experience Customer experience (CX) refers to the overall perception and interaction a customer has with a brand throughout their entire journey. It encompasses every touchpoint, from initial awareness to post-purchase support. CX extends beyond individual transactions; it’s about bui…

Let’s start with a different question… What is cybersecurity? It’s one that a lot of small businesses need to ask today. And the answers need to include information on phishing. What it is, what to do about it, and how it can affect your enterprise if you don’t do anything. What is phishing? Phishing attacks are designed to trick you into giving up sensitive information. Cybercriminals use phishing emails to pose as credible institutions. They want personal details and to steal credit card information, or to install malware on a computer. A targeted attack can include malicious web links to fake websites. A phishing attack is one of the cybersecurity terms you should k…

Bubble mailers, often referred to as bubble envelopes or padded envelopes, are a form of protective packaging commonly utilized in the shipping industry. These mailers consist of envelopes that are lined with bubble wrap, providing a cushioning effect that protects fragile items during transit. This feature and the mailers’ light weight make them an ideal shipping supply, particularly for small businesses. These businesses often need to maximize usable space in their shipping and storage areas, and the compact size of bubble mailers makes them a great fit for this requirement. Benefits of Bubble Mailers Built-In Cushioning: Bubble mailers feature built-in bubble cushion…

On this week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown, our expert panel of six discusses the impact of agentic AI on businesses. Watch the back-and-forth between our panel on how many decisions agentic AI will make in the future compared to what it’s making (or not making) now. The panel also discusses recent economic data and what it means for small businesses. Check out those discussions and more in this week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown: Small Business News Roundup – Feb. 9, 2025 Here’s a look at the top stories LexisNexis Enhances Nexis+ AI with Conversational Search for Faster, Transparent Business Intelligence LexisNexis Legal & Professional has introduced an…

The easy definition of digital products is intangible assets like pictures, e-books, online courses, and music. In short, items without a physical form. This blog covers selling digital products, marketing strategies, and the financial and lifestyle benefits of this venture. How to Sell Digital Products on Your Terms Imagine the freedom of running a business that operates around the clock, across the globe, without the need for inventory management or physical shipping—unlocking a world where your creativity and knowledge can lead to substantial income and flexibility in how you live and work. Meanwhile, selling digital products can be a full-time job or a side hustle. …

A confirmation email is useful in various situations. Whether it’s for confirming a restaurant reservation, online or offline events, or other meetings, a confirmation email plays a significant role in the communication strategy. To help you write a thorough confirmation email that includes all the necessary information, you can utilize a confirmation email template. What Is a Confirmation Email? Confirmation emails are used to communicate important information to customers after specific events. There are many types of confirmation emails, including: Restaurant reservation confirmation Order confirmation Webinar confirmation email, including registration confirmation …

Suzy Levian, founder of Suzy Levian New York, has announced the launch of EmpowerHer, a new initiative designed to provide financial and mentorship support to female entrepreneurs. Timed to coincide with Women’s History Month, the program aims to remove financial barriers and help women grow their businesses through grants, scholarships, and networking opportunities. Breaking Barriers for Women in Business Levian, a self-made entrepreneur in the jewelry industry, created EmpowerHer to give back to women facing the same challenges she once overcame. “Amidst the hardships of founding my own business while raising my six children, I found strength in the confidence of all …

A new study from Atticus highlights the risks faced by gig economy workers, revealing that many continue working through injuries without compensation or support. The research, based on a survey of 1,000 American gig workers, found that 15% have suffered workplace injuries or illnesses, with nearly 90% working through their health issues due to financial pressures. The findings underscore the lack of safety nets and growing concerns about long-term job security. Injuries and Financial Burden Gig roles such as rideshare driving, food delivery, and manual labor present significant health risks. Despite this, more than 80% of injured workers received no compensation or insu…

Believe your team is too chaotic for a round of games? Think again. Even the most unruly groups can benefit significantly from well-planned team-building exercises. These exercises are ideal for businesses as they foster open communication, collaboration, and innovation. Not only will these activities enhance team productivity, but they also infuse the work environment with laughter and camaraderie. Gathering your team for some enjoyable bonding experiences could be the catalyst that elevates their performance. So, gear up for these team-building exercises; they might just hold the key to transforming your team dynamics and boosting work effectiveness. Fun Team Buildin…

Pinterest opens up a universe of visual discovery, serving as a digital canvas for millions to pin their dreams, inspirations, and ideas. It’s not just any social media platform; it’s a treasure trove for creatives seeking inspiration, a guide for DIY enthusiasts, and a marketplace for discovering unique finds. However, it is not the only platform doing this. There are apps like Pinterest that you can start exploring and using to reach a different audience. As we explore alternatives that fuel creativity just as much, if not more, Pinterest stands as the beacon that started it all, blending the lines between a social network and a visual wonderland. Join us as we uncove…

Technology has made our lives easier in so many ways, but it has also created opportunities for scammers. They take advantage of unsuspecting people using a technical support scam. In this article, we’ll discuss twelve tech support scams you should be aware of. Knowing about them can help you protect yourself and your computer and help keep you from getting scammed online. Let’s get started! What are Technical Support Scams, and How Do They Work? Technical support scams have existed for years and are designed to steal your personal or financial information. Here’s how they operate: tech support scammers reach out to you, pretending to represent a reputable tech company s…

Starting a new business can come with numerous organizational expenses that can add up quickly. Fortunately, the IRS offers a deduction for startup costs that can help ease the financial burden. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about startup cost deduction and how to take advantage of it in the future. What is the startup cost deduction? The startup cost deduction is a tax provision that allows entrepreneurs and small business owners to deduct a portion of their startup expenses from their taxable income in the year they begin conducting business. The deduction is intended to help offset the costs involved with starting a business, which can inc…

Are you looking to start your entrepreneurial journey and need some ideas? Here are 25 cash flow business ideas you can start. These small businesses are easy to start, require little up-front investment, and generate a consistent flow of income. Let’s get started! What are the Characteristics of a Good Cash Flow Business? Having a steady cash flow business with recurring income is important for small business owners. Here are five characteristics of a good cash flow business: Low Overhead Costs A business with low overhead ensures that a significant portion of the revenue isn’t eaten up by fixed and variable costs. It’s the foundation of sustainability. Less money sp…

Whether you’re a pet sitter or an IT specialist, a caterer or a beautician, a contractor or a retailer, or just starting a business, you have something in common with all small business owners. You need specific business insurance. We’ve waded through all the information to bring you a comprehensive guide. We’ve included business insurance companies, business insurance websites that help you shop, and quick definitions of common terms. No matter which company you choose, here’s an important thing to know upfront: It’ll be tough for you to get theft or vandalism claims paid if you don’t have a security system. The process of getting claims paid is greatly improved if you…

National holidays can be a fun and timely way to market a business. There are lots of February national days that may be relevant to various businesses. Here’s a look at some things on the calendar this month. Why should you market your business in February? It’s generally beneficial to market a small business all year. But here are some specific reasons to keep your efforts going during February: Pick up during a slow time: Many consumers are still recovering from the holidays and spending lots of time at home during February. They may need an extra push to patronize your business. Stand out among your competition: Since many businesses are slowing down this month, th…

Understanding the cost of goods sold (COGS) is essential for businesses. It plays a significant role in decisions related to inventory, pricing, and more. But what does it really mean? This article explains what COGS is, how to calculate it, and other important information you should be aware of. What is Cost of Goods Sold? Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) is a critical financial metric for businesses. It directly reflects the cost of producing the goods or services a company sells. Here is an expanded explanation: Definition: The cost of goods sold (COGS) refers to the direct expenses incurred in the production of goods that a company sells. This encompasses the costs of …

The Aluminium Association of Canada has strongly criticized the 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on Canadian aluminium, warning of significant economic repercussions for American workers and consumers. The tariffs will immediately increase the cost of aluminium, affecting industries that rely on the metal for manufacturing. The U.S. consumes six times the amount of primary aluminium it produces, and Canada plays a critical role in supplying the shortfall. “This situation will unfortunately impact workers and consumers in America with the immediate increase on the price of aluminium,” said Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canad…

When it comes to printing, ink can be a costly expense. That’s why finding a printer with affordable ink is essential for anyone who frequently prints. With so many printer options available, it can be overwhelming to know which one offers the best value. In this article, we will explore which printers have the cheapest ink, helping you find the most cost-effective option for your printing needs. Let’s get started! Which printer is the cheapest to run? The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 is the cheapest printer to run with affordable refillable ink bottles. It costs, on average, 1 cent per color ISO page compared to ink cartridges, which cost about 20 cents. It also includes up to…

Hackers use clickjacking to fool people into downloading malware or revealing confidential information. There’s usually a hidden frame over an innocuous web page. The malicious invisible frame gets activated when users click on the web page. Sensitive data can be stolen and accessed, resulting in reputational and financial harm for small businesses. Additionally, there are penalties associated with data protection laws such as The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Implementing a content security policy frame offers some effective safeguards. What is Clickjacking? One common clickjacking technique includes the use of a decoy button or link. The user thinks the…

With the Meta Business Suite (formerly known as Facebook Business Suite), businesses have a simple and efficient way to manage their social media presence. The suite allows users to easily create and manage a business account, Facebook page, analytics tools, and more, all from one platform. In this article, we’ll look at how to best use the new Meta Business Suite to get the most out of your social media presence. Let’s get started! What is Meta Business Suite and How Does it Work? The Meta Business Suite serves as a centralized hub for managing your social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. This platform combines essential tools for social media management, …