Getting Started

HP’s latest collaboration with Microsoft aims to transform the hybrid workplace by integrating advanced technologies that cater specifically to the evolving needs of modern businesses. This initiative is set to enhance productivity and simplify operations for small business owners who often juggle multiple responsibilities amidst shifting work environments. At the heart of this integration is the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), which will be seamlessly integrated into HP’s Poly video conferencing solutions. This integration includes IP phones, room controllers, and scheduling displays, cornerstones for effective communication and collaboration in today’s work…

Franchising your company can be a strategic way to expand your brand and reach new markets. To start, you need to evaluate whether your business can operate independently without your daily involvement. It’s crucial to grasp the legal requirements, like creating a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and developing an all-encompassing operations manual for franchisees. There are several critical steps and considerations involved, and comprehending these can set the foundation for your franchise’s success. What comes next will greatly impact your future. Key Takeaways Assess your business model’s viability for franchising, ensuring it can operate independently and be rep…

If you’re looking to secure funding for your business in Ohio, there are several loan options customized to meet various needs. For instance, the Ohio Micro-Loan Program offers loans particularly for minority and women entrepreneurs, whereas the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority focuses on equipment financing. Moreover, LISC Greater Cincinnati provides microloans up to $10,000 with competitive rates. Comprehending these options is essential for making informed financial decisions that align with your business goals. Key Takeaways The Ohio Micro-Loan Program offers loans from $10,000 to $45,000 with 0.00% interest for minority and women entrepreneurs. Columbus…

In a significant move that makes car buying easier for consumers, Amazon has partnered with Ford to offer certified pre-owned vehicles through its Amazon Autos platform. This new service allows customers to browse, finance, and purchase thousands of vehicles from Ford dealers—all from the convenience of their home computer or mobile device. For small business owners who may be in the market for a fleet or simply want to streamline their vehicle acquisition process, this development opens up new avenues. The collaboration presents a well-structured buying experience that is beneficial in several ways. Ford certified pre-owned vehicles are classified into three categories—…

When conflicts arise, it’s vital to follow a structured approach for resolution. Start by acknowledging and validating everyone’s emotions to create a respectful environment. Next, maintain your composure to prevent the situation from escalating. Then, focus on collaborative solutions by encouraging open communication. By setting clear boundaries and establishing realistic expectations, you boost accountability. These steps are fundamental for effective conflict management, and grasping how to implement them can considerably improve team dynamics. What comes next may surprise you. Key Takeaways Acknowledge and validate emotions of all parties to foster respect and trust…

The recent federal shutdown interrupted services critical to small businesses, but the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has now resumed operations, ready to deliver much-needed capital back into the economy. The shutdown, which lasted 43 days, impacted the SBA’s ability to approve loans, costing an estimated $5.3 billion in funding that would have supported over 10,000 small business owners. During fiscal year 2025, the SBA saw record demand for loans, guaranteeing approximately 84,400 7(a) and 504 loans and delivering a staggering $45 billion to small businesses nationwide. This surge was largely driven by a confident economic backdrop, characterized by rising w…

An HR payroll program is a software solution that automates the intricacies of employee compensation. It handles tasks like calculating wages, managing tax withholdings, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. By integrating attendance tracking, the program processes payroll based on hours worked or salary agreements, further enhancing accuracy. With features like self-service portals for employees, it streamlines operations and reduces errors. Comprehending these functionalities can help you choose the right system for your organization. Key Takeaways An HR payroll program automates employee compensation management, including wage calculations and tax withholdings, …

Implementing effective customer loyalty programs can greatly influence your business’s success. These programs encourage repeat purchases and increase overall spending. For instance, Starbucks Rewards offers tiered benefits that improve customer engagement. Similarly, Sephora‘s Beauty Insider provides personalized rewards to cultivate emotional connections. By comprehending the key features and types of loyalty programs, you can select the best approach for your business. Exploring these strategies can lead to better customer retention and profitability, but the details matter. Key Takeaways Implement a points-based program to reward repeat purchases, enhancing custom…

Improving your sales techniques can considerably impact your business’s success. By comprehending your customers’ needs and challenges, you can tailor your approach effectively. Utilizing the sales funnel model helps you strategize based on customer progression, as you engage with them online promotes real-time communication. Furthermore, offering diverse payment options and implementing referral programs can improve customer satisfaction. These strategies are just the beginning; let’s explore more ways to raise your sales efforts. Key Takeaways Understand your customers’ needs and pain points through surveys and direct engagement to tailor your sales approach effective…

Intuit’s recent partnership with OpenAI marks a significant shift in how small businesses can leverage financial insights. This collaboration aims to integrate Intuit’s robust financial technology with OpenAI’s powerful AI models, creating an unprecedented blend of personalized, actionable financial guidance that can be accessed directly within ChatGPT. The collaboration brings an exciting suite of benefits for small business owners. With tools like QuickBooks, TurboTax, and Mailchimp integrated into ChatGPT, users can expect tailored insights derived from their financial data. Imagine a business owner querying, “How can I optimize my cash flow?” and receiving real-time,…

If you’re considering franchise opportunities, it’s crucial to evaluate options that show stability and growth potential. Mr. Rooter stands out in the plumbing sector, whereas Snapology offers innovative STEM education through engaging play. Kumon provides a reliable method for academic support, appealing to a wide age range. In home services, Sam the Concrete Man offers a solid business model. High Touch-High Tech integrates technology to improve customer interactions. Each option has unique advantages worth exploring further. Key Takeaways Mr. Rooter offers stable growth in home services with strong support and low failure rates for franchise owners. Snapology engag…

If you’re seeking the best online wholesale stores for craft supplies in bulk, several options stand out for their quality and affordability. For instance, Incraftables specializes in a broad range of craft materials, including wreath-making supplies and hobby items. Furthermore, retailers that focus on craft blanks offer great opportunities for custom projects at competitive prices. Comprehending the variety available can greatly improve your crafting experience, so let’s explore these options further. Key Takeaways Incraftables offers a wide range of wholesale craft supplies with competitive pricing and tiered discounts for bulk purchases. Their craft blanks, includ…

Workday, a leader in enterprise AI solutions for managing human resources and financial systems, has announced its intention to acquire Pipedream, an integration platform boasting over 3,000 pre-built connectors. This acquisition aims to enhance the Workday platform by enabling streamlined workflows between Workday’s trusted HR and financial data and a wide array of business applications, delivering significant value to small business owners. By integrating Pipedream’s capabilities, Workday will allow small businesses to pull crucial data from popular applications like Asana, Hubspot, and Slack directly into Workday’s ecosystem. This flexibility promises to simplify oper…

To effectively boost your brand’s engagement on social media, consider utilizing various strategies that resonate with your audience. Engaging posts can range from polls that gather feedback on product features to behind-the-scenes content that humanizes your brand. Furthermore, collaborating with influencers can expand your reach, whereas contests encourage user-generated content. Each of these tactics can greatly improve interaction and brand loyalty, but the key is to know which methods will work best for your unique audience. Key Takeaways Create polls or question stickers on Instagram Stories to encourage audience interaction and gather valuable feedback about th…

In an era where sustainability is not just a trend but a lifestyle, eBay’s recent release of its fifth annual Recommerce Report highlights how the market for pre-loved goods is gaining significant traction. The findings reveal that 89% of consumers worldwide expect to maintain or increase their spending on second-hand items in 2025, signaling a major shift that small business owners should heed. The report, which surveyed over 27,000 participants, underscores a transformation in consumer behavior. It shows that recommerce—once viewed as a niche alternative—is now a mainstream choice driven by personal values and financial empowerment. As CEO Jamie Iannone puts it, “Recom…

Happy Hanukkah to all of our small business friends! As the holiday season approaches, Hanukkah reminds us to celebrate perseverance and hope. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of Hanukkah messages for small businesses to use in their holiday marketing efforts. Let’s get started! Hannukah: The Festival of Lights Explained Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, is a holiday that celebrates the victory of the Jewish people over their oppressors in ancient times. The happy holiday greeting “Hanukkah Sameach,” meaning “Happy Hanukkah,” is commonly exchanged among friends and family during this time. During Hanukkah, a menorah with nine candle holders is lit …

Marry one of the world’s most powerful business software platforms with AI capabilities. The result allows businesses of all types and sizes to create new workspaces. It enables teams to integrate native and third party apps. And it frees your employees to share data easily across your organization while maintaining critical security features. Witness the remarkable new iteration of Zoho One. And reimagine your business as teams share insights across over 50 applications and third party apps from Google, Microsoft, Quickbooks and more. “Now we have about 75,000 customers using Zoho One,” explains Raju Vegesna, Chief Evangelist at Zoho. “These customers are distributed a…

When starting a business, registering it properly is vital for its success. You need to determine your business structure, choose a unique name, and file necessary tax documents. Furthermore, registering with the Secretary of State and obtaining required licenses are fundamental steps. Each of these actions helps establish your business legally and protects you from future issues. Comprehending these steps thoroughly can save you time and trouble, so let’s explore them in detail. Key Takeaways Determine the appropriate business structure (LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship) based on your goals and liability considerations. Choose a unique business name and ensur…

Becoming proficient in the final step in closing sales is crucial for turning leads into loyal customers. This phase involves comprehending your prospect’s readiness, addressing any objections, and using effective communication strategies. You’ll need to create urgency and employ various closing techniques to improve your success rate. Nevertheless, knowing what to avoid is just as critical. What does it take to truly excel in this pivotal moment? Let’s explore the key elements that can make a difference. Key Takeaways Closing defines the shift from potential buyer to committed customer, marking the end of the sales process. Understanding prospect readiness and addressi…

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, small business owners must adapt to new communication methods while ensuring compliance with regulatory demands. Google’s recent announcement of RCS message archival presents a timely solution, addressing a pressing need in today’s business environment. This innovative feature is designed for fully managed Google Pixel devices and aims to simplify compliance with data retention regulations, making it a potentially game-changing tool for small enterprises. The surge in remote work and hybrid arrangements has led to a rapid shift towards modern, encrypted communication platforms. While these advancements enhance security, they …

When you’re considering investing in a franchise, a thorough review of the franchise agreement is essential. This document outlines your rights, responsibilities, and financial commitments. Failing to comprehend its terms can lead to unexpected challenges down the line. Key areas to focus on include fees, territory rights, and termination clauses. Engaging a franchise attorney can clarify complex language and identify potential risks. Grasping these components can greatly impact your long-term success. What should you look for next? Key Takeaways Understand all financial obligations, including initial franchise fees, ongoing royalties, and additional advertising fees ou…

Hard money loans for small businesses are a type of short-term financing secured by collateral, usually real estate or other valuable assets. These loans can provide quick access to funds, often within one to two business days, which can be vital for urgent financial needs. Nevertheless, they come with high interest rates, ranging from 8% to 45%. Comprehending their characteristics and implications is fundamental before deciding if this option fits your business needs. Key Takeaways Hard money loans provide quick funding for small businesses, using collateral such as property or assets to secure the loan. Approval processes are fast, with funds typically available wit…

In a move set to transform operations for midsize businesses, Workday has unveiled significant updates to its Workday GO platform, designed to streamline HR and financial management. This comprehensive, all-in-one solution is targeted at the 90% of global companies identified as midsize, addressing their unique challenges and empowering them with advanced technology often reserved for larger enterprises. Midsize businesses are critical players in the economy, generating approximately 70% of global employment and contributing significantly to GDP. Yet, many of these organizations grapple with outdated systems and inefficiencies, which hinder their ability to compete effec…

Business Interviews Can Optimism and Empathy Heal America’s Divides in Business?. Can empathy and optimism heal America’s political and economic divide. In this week’s episode of The Small Business Radio, where I talk Paul Johnson—civic entrepreneur, investor, former mayor of Phoenix, and author of “What’s Right with America”. Handmade Business How to Price Handmade Jewelry for Profit. When pricing your handmade jewelry, it’s crucial to take into account all aspects of production and market dynamics. Start by calculating your total costs, which include materials, labor, and overhead, plus a profit margin of around 20-30%. You’ll want to set an hourly labor rate and r…

Canva stands out as a video editor because of its user-friendly interface, which caters to all skill levels, from novices to experts. Its drag-and-drop tools simplify the editing process, allowing you to add layers and customize templates effortlessly. In addition, the extensive stock media library and AI-assisted features improve your creative options. With efficient collaboration tools and cloud storage, Canva not only streamlines production but enhances teamwork. Discover how these elements come together to upgrade your video projects. Key Takeaways Canva offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop tools, making video editing accessible for all skill levels…