Getting Started

Whether you run recurring webinars in Seattle, Washington, a nail salon in Duluth, Minnesota, handling sales for an organization, or a barber shop in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduling appointments remains the core of your business. Despite this fact, many businesses continue to use emails and phone calls or something even more prehistoric to handle the most important aspect of their operations. “Businesses continue to rely on pen and paper to jot down details and schedule meetings, which really doesn’t help in scaling up,” says Surekha Jagadish, head of Marketing for Zoho Bookings. Zoho’s automated scheduling software offers a way to cut down on no-shows and integrate other…

DoorDash has announced the launch of its new Preferred Integrations Program (DPIP), a tool designed to help restaurants make better-informed decisions about their technology partners. The program, unveiled on May 19, gives merchants clearer visibility into how well different point-of-sale (POS) and middleware providers perform on the DoorDash platform, aiming to streamline tech selection and improve restaurant operations. According to DoorDash, DPIP is part of its larger effort to support restaurant partners by offering increased operational transparency. The program highlights high-performing providers based on real-time metrics and available features that directly affe…

Key Takeaways Significance of a Strong Name: The right name is crucial for a food business as it creates the first impression and reflects your brand identity, helping you stand out in a competitive market.Simplicity and Memorability: Choosing a simple and easy-to-pronounce name enhances memorability, making it easier for customers to recall and share your business.Relevance to Cuisine: Your business name should reflect the type of cuisine you offer, ensuring potential customers immediately understand what to expect.Avoid Common Mistakes: Steer clear of unpleasant, complicated, or culturally insensitive names, and ensure you consider legal implications to protect your b…

Key Takeaways Exciting New Features: BookTok has introduced new features to enhance user engagement and improve the book discovery process for readers.Enhanced Discovery: Users can now access improved visibility for their book-related content through user-generated videos and trending hashtags, increasing exposure to new readers.Improved User Interaction: Upgraded capabilities for comments, likes, and shares allow deeper connections and community engagement among book enthusiasts.Impact on Publishing: BookTok significantly influences sales and marketing strategies in the book publishing industry, showcasing the correlation between platform engagement and book sales.Conten…

Key Takeaways Identify Campground Type: Understand the different types of campgrounds such as private, public, glamping, and backcountry, each catering to unique audiences and needs. Thorough Research and Planning: Conduct market research to assess demand and create a detailed business plan outlining your vision, budget, and operational structure. Choose the Right Location: Select a site with adequate land, accessibility, and proximity to natural attractions to enhance appeal and ensure customer convenience. Design for Experience: Plan your campground layout to prioritize privacy, accessibility, and integration of natural features, while promoting eco-friendly pract…

ADP has announced a new initiative to deliver Hands-Only CPR education through its ADP Mobile Solutions app, a move that supports the American Heart Association’s goal to build a Nation of Lifesavers. This program aims to expand CPR awareness and training across the American workforce by offering millions of users the opportunity to learn life-saving techniques directly through their mobile devices. Cardiac arrest affects more than 10,000 individuals annually in U.S. workplaces, according to the American Heart Association. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival, yet many Americans report feeling unprepared to help during a cardiac emergency…

Bank of America Institute’s latest “Small Business Checkpoint” report, released May 15, 2025, reveals a complex picture of small business behavior across the country, with signs of sector-specific inventory stocking and mixed trends in hiring activity. The findings are based on internal transaction data and provide a snapshot of small business financial activity in the face of ongoing economic uncertainties. Stocking Up in Select Sectors The report shows that small businesses overall are not significantly increasing their inventory levels, despite the recent surge in tariffs contributing to economic uncertainty. However, firms in the manufacturing and services sectors ar…

Key Takeaways Understand the Demographic: Grandparents significantly influence holiday gift-giving and family traditions, making them a vital target for holiday marketing efforts. Recognize Their Buying Power: A large portion of holiday spending is attributed to grandparents, highlighting the importance of tailoring marketing campaigns to resonate with their needs and preferences. Emphasize Connection: Effective marketing strategies should focus on products and experiences that foster meaningful connections between grandparents and their grandchildren, such as personalized gifts and shared experiences. Utilize Effective Channels: Engage with grandparents through pop…

Key Takeaways Understand the Business Model: Grasp the unique aspects of the B&B business, including personalized service, homestyle meals, and community engagement, to create an inviting guest experience. Conduct Market Research: Analyze local competition and tourist demographics to identify gaps and opportunities for your B&B, ensuring it meets market needs. Develop a Solid Business Plan: Outline your business model, target audience, marketing strategies, and financial forecasts to guide your operations and secure funding. Navigate Legal Requirements: Familiarize yourself with zoning laws, health and safety standards, and licensing requirements specific to…

Key Takeaways Flexibility in Space Management: Small business self-storage provides customizable solutions that adapt to fluctuating inventory levels and seasonal demands, allowing businesses to maintain an organized workspace. Cost-Effective Solution: Renting a self-storage unit can be more economical than expanding office space, enabling businesses to allocate resources effectively for growth. Enhanced Security Features: Self-storage facilities offer advanced security measures, including surveillance and controlled access, ensuring that valuable assets remain protected. Strategic Location Selection: Choosing a conveniently located storage facility within a reasona…

Key Takeaways Divas SnowGear uniquely combines fashion and functionality, empowering women to enjoy winter sports without sacrificing style.The brand offers a diverse range of outerwear and accessories, including jackets, bibs, and boots tailored for comfort and performance in cold weather.High-quality materials and innovative designs ensure durability, warmth, and a stylish appearance, catering specifically to the needs of women.Customer feedback highlights the exceptional warmth and comfort of Divas SnowGear products, with many users finding good value for their investment.Divas SnowGear utilizes effective social media marketing strategies, building community engageme…

Key Takeaways Franchises offer a proven business model, brand recognition, and established support systems, reducing uncertainty for entrepreneurs.Independent businesses provide greater creative freedom and flexibility, allowing owners to tailor products and strategies to their unique market.Advantages of a franchise include strong brand awareness, operational training, and proven marketing strategies, which can enhance credibility and success.Disadvantages of franchising involve limited creativity and the burden of ongoing royalties and fees, impacting profit margins and overall autonomy.Independent businesses face challenges such as a lack of structured support and hi…

Key Takeaways Growing Demand: The rise of e-commerce and logistics creates a lucrative landscape for warehouse franchises, making them an appealing entrepreneurial option.Established Support: Franchise opportunities come with brand recognition, operational procedures, and ongoing support, which help mitigate risks for new business owners.Investment Versatility: Warehouse franchises often require lower initial investments and provide flexible business models that can adapt to changing market needs.Market Opportunities: Diverse franchise options exist, ranging from regional warehouses to tech-integrated logistics solutions, catering to various investment capacities and ma…

Key Takeaways Unique Southern Flavors: Southern burger chains stand out due to their incorporation of local flavors and fresh, regionally sourced ingredients, creating memorable dining experiences. Signature Recipes: Each chain boasts its own specialty items, with popular toppings like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and spicy coleslaw that reflect Southern culinary traditions. Focus on Quality: Many Southern burger joints prioritize quality in their ingredients, often preparing meals from scratch, which fosters customer loyalty and supports community businesses. Diverse Offerings: Chains like Whataburger, Cook Out, and Krystal provide a variety of menu items,…

Key Takeaways Cost Components: Building storage units involves various costs including land acquisition, construction materials, labor, site preparation, and utility installations, which all significantly impact the overall investment. Location Matters: The geographical location affects the cost of land and construction, with urban areas typically incurring higher expenses but potentially offering greater demand for storage units. Size and Design Impact Costs: The size and complexity of your storage facility influence pricing, with larger and more intricate designs resulting in increased construction and material costs. Permits and Legal Fees: Always budget for perm…

Key Takeaways Effective Management Practices: Focus on tenant management, inventory maintenance, security measures, and customer service to optimize storage unit property management and enhance tenant satisfaction. Technology Utilization: Implement property management software to automate tasks, streamline operations, and improve tenant interactions for greater efficiency. Financial Considerations: Conduct market research for competitive pricing strategies and maintain comprehensive budgets to manage operating expenses and ensure positive cash flow. Challenges and Solutions: Identify common challenges such as rising costs and customer retention difficulties, and ado…

On this latest episode of Small Biz Breakdown, the panel discusses numerous headlines that are affecting small business owners, from tariffs to the economy in general. Some of our panelists are optimistic about the future and others are not feeling that vibe right now. In other news, the panel discusses some of the big news coming out of the recent Zoholics event, specifically Zoho Payments. They also talk about their thoughts on payment processing as small business owners themselves. Check out what else the Small Biz Breakdown crew is talking about in the latest episode right here … Small Business News Roundup Here are the latest headline for small business owners ……

Canva has unveiled a major expansion of its AI capabilities with the launch of Canva AI, a new suite of generative design tools introduced at Canva Create 2025. The company describes the release as its most significant AI rollout to date, bringing together new products, enhanced features, and deeper integrations to help users design, code, and create more efficiently. The new tools are part of Canva’s broader goal to “make powerful, intuitive AI tools available to everyone, so you can design, code, and create at the speed of your imagination.” Canva AI: An All-in-One Creative Partner At the center of the announcement is Canva AI, a conversational interface that combines…

Key Takeaways Skills Transfer: Parenting skills such as problem-solving and time management significantly enhance entrepreneurial capabilities, aiding in effective business management and decision-making. Market Opportunities: Personal parenting experiences can reveal unique business opportunities, allowing entrepreneurs to fill market gaps with products or services that resonate with other parents. Financial Acumen: Understanding budgeting for family expenses translates directly to better financial management in business, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid financial foundation. Effective Marketing: Leveraging social media and authentic branding can …

Key Takeaways Understanding Markup: Markup is the difference between the cost and selling price, represented as a percentage added to the product’s cost.Markup Formula: The formula for calculating markup is ((text{Selling Price} – text{Cost}) / text{Cost} times 100), which helps determine appropriate pricing for profitability.Importance of Calculating Markup: Accurately calculating markup ensures all costs are covered, influences competitive pricing, and assists in setting financial goals.Types of Markup: Cost-based markup uses the cost of goods sold to determine pricing, while target profit markup focuses on achieving specific profit margins.Common Mistakes: Avoid over…

Key Takeaways High Initial Investment: Franchise ownership typically requires significant startup costs, including franchise fees and equipment purchases, which can strain financial resources. Ongoing Royalties and Fees: Franchisees must pay royalties based on their earnings, significantly impacting profitability and financial growth. Limited Control and Flexibility: Running a franchise involves adhering to strict franchisor guidelines, limiting creative freedom and responsiveness to market changes. Brand Reputation Risks: The success of your franchise is tied to the overall brand reputation; issues at other locations can adversely affect your business. Legal and C…

Key Takeaways Franchise Model Advantages: Franchising offers a structured, proven business model that enhances financial stability for investors, making it easier to achieve profitability compared to independent startups. Top Franchise Categories: The most lucrative franchises include fast food, home services, fitness, and technology sectors, each benefiting from high consumer demand and strong brand recognition. Fast Food Franchises Leading the Market: Brands like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s are top performers, providing established operational models and loyal customer bases, which contribute to their profitability. Home Services Potential: Franchises lik…

Key Takeaways Storage Solutions: Storage unit facilities provide efficient and secure options for individuals and businesses facing space constraints, allowing for flexible storage of various items. Cost-Effective: Utilizing storage units can be a budget-friendly option, offering savings compared to leasing larger office spaces or using moving trucks, along with promotional discounts. Enhanced Security: Most facilities are equipped with advanced security features, such as 24/7 surveillance and gated access, ensuring the safety of stored items. Types of Storage: Understanding the options between indoor and outdoor storage can help businesses optimize operations and c…

Key Takeaways Growing Demand: The self-storage industry is rapidly expanding, driven by the need for decluttering, seasonal storage, and business inventory management. Effective Advertising: Tailored advertising strategies, including digital marketing and local outreach, are crucial for standing out in a competitive market. Target Audience Insights: Understanding consumer needs—such as security, convenience, and affordability—allows businesses to connect effectively with millennials, families, and students. Monitoring Success: Regularly track metrics like engagement rates, conversions, and occupancy to assess the effectiveness of advertising efforts and optimize str…

Key Takeaways The Significance of a Strong Name: A well-chosen business name enhances brand recognition, builds trust, and reflects your offerings, playing a crucial role in your business’s identity and success. Know Your Target Audience: Understanding your audience helps in crafting a name that resonates with them, ensuring better connections and customer loyalty. Reflect Core Values: Choose a name that embodies your business’s values, helping to communicate your mission and attracting the right customer base. Creative Naming Techniques: Utilize strategies like combining words, adding letters, alternative spelling, and using real names to develop a unique and memor…