Getting Started

As small businesses look to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape, the importance of work-life balance is becoming increasingly evident. A recent survey from SurveyMonkey indicates that maintaining equilibrium between work responsibilities and personal life is not just a personal concern; it’s a significant driver of workplace productivity and employee satisfaction. According to the research, 2025 is expected to see continued shifts in the perception and implementation of work-life balance strategies. The findings suggest that an overwhelming majority of employees believe having a healthy work-life balance directly enhances their productivity. This insight could be invalu…

As the holiday shopping season approaches, small business owners are gearing up for what could be either a boon or a bust. According to recent data from SurveyMonkey, this year’s holiday shopping trends reveal both interest and hesitation around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for gift planning. The survey highlights a significant divide among consumers regarding AI’s role in gift ideas, a factor that small businesses should consider when strategizing their marketing efforts. While nearly half of respondents (44%) expressed that they might consider leveraging AI for gift suggestions in the future, an equal number (41%) remain staunchly against it. This mixed sen…

As small businesses increasingly explore the potential of AI agents to streamline operations, a recent survey by Asana highlights both the promise and pitfalls associated with their adoption. Conducted among 2,025 knowledge workers across the UK and the US, the findings present a multifaceted view on how these technologies could shape the future of work, particularly for entrepreneurial ventures. Key Takeaways: Growing Adoption: Despite concerns about accountability and governance, 77% of surveyed workers are already utilizing AI agents—tools designed to handle repetitive tasks or process information with minimal human intervention. Workload Delegation: Employees antic…

In an era where customer feedback can make or break a small business, SurveyMonkey has stepped up its game with revamped survey collection tools that promise to enhance how businesses gather insights. Small business owners looking to refine their feedback processes will find the latest updates to SurveyMonkey’s email and website collectors particularly useful. SurveyMonkey’s enhanced collectors aim to create a more polished and engaging experience for respondents, which is critical in today’s feedback-saturated environment. The platform boasts a cleaner design, clearer steps for participation, and a streamlined setup process that promises to reduce respondent friction. …

In an era where employee engagement can dictate business success, small business owners are continually seeking effective strategies to foster workplace morale. SurveyMonkey, a leading platform for employee feedback, recently showcased its approach to maintaining high engagement levels through regular surveys. This biennial insight underscores the crucial balance of gathering employee opinions without overwhelming them—a focus that small business owners may find particularly relevant. SurveyMonkey runs two comprehensive engagement surveys and two pulse check surveys annually. These tools help organizations measure employee satisfaction and track progress over time. The l…

Running a sushi bar is a tricky business. Keeping your sushi rolls fresh and tasty while showcasing them in an appetizing way can make or break your customer experience. The right sushi display case can play a pivotal role in achieving this balance, ensuring you serve the freshest food every time. What is a Sushi Display Case? A sushi display case is essential in any sushi bar, café, or restaurant. They’re specifically designed to maintain food-safe temperatures while beautifully showcasing your sushi and sashimi rolls. Often featuring curved glass fronts and a lighted inside, these refrigerated sushi display cases allow your customers to browse your selection, amplifyin…

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 …

Swingline, a leading name in workspace tools, is marking its 100th anniversary with the launch of three new and refreshed stapler models. The milestone release includes the return of the Swingline CUB Compact Metal Stapler, the debut of the Swingline Vintage Plier Stapler, and a vibrant color refresh of the best-selling Swingline 747 Business Premium Desktop Stapler. Since 1925, Swingline has been a staple in workspaces worldwide, known for its combination of durability, efficiency, and timeless design. “For a century, Swingline has been at the heart of workspaces, delivering tools that combine reliability with stylish design,” said Brian Klein, Senior Manager at ACCO Br…

Key Takeaways Talent Shortage Impact: Small businesses are grappling with a talent shortage that adversely affects growth, operational efficiency, and the ability to attract qualified candidates. Root Causes: Economic factors, a significant skills gap, and a competitive job market are principal contributors to the talent shortage small businesses face. Operational Challenges: Approximately 40% of small business owners report unfilled positions, leading to increased workloads and strain on existing staff, which may affect productivity and team dynamics. Financial Implications: High turnover rates due to recruitment difficulties result in increased labor costs and pot…

While the current President implements his “on again off again” tariffs, small businesses will still have to deal with the highest tariffs on imported goods in the last 80 years. On The Small Business Radio Show this week. I talked with Dominick Miserandino, who is the CEO of Retail Tech Media Nexus. He breaks down what the tariffs are, how they will affect consumers and what actions small businesses need to take. Understanding Tariffs What Are Tariffs? I begin the episode by asking Dominic to explain tariffs in simple terms for small business owners. Dominic clarifies that a tariff is essentially a tax imposed on imported goods. When a small business imports products…

Tea is one of the most popular beverages around the world. As a result, starting a business that offers this healthy and delicious drink can be a rewarding and profitable experience. If you’re interested in starting a tea business, a franchise can help you get up and running quickly. These opportunities give you access to proven menus and systems. And you can attach yourself to a recognizable name right away. There are tons of tea franchises available, all with different niches and specialties. Understanding the options can help you make the best decision for your new business venture. Selecting the Perfect Tea Franchise: Our Methodology When it comes to owning a tea f…

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…

TeamViewer, a global provider of remote connectivity and workplace digitalization solutions, has announced a new initiative offering free one-year licenses of TeamViewer Remote to eligible women-led startups and small businesses. This initiative, launched in celebration of International Women’s Day, aims to support female entrepreneurs by providing secure remote access and IT support capabilities. The offer is available through March 31, 2025, for businesses with a female CEO or co-founder. Eligible businesses must have between 5 and 31 employees, be no more than 10 years old, and be registered in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Germany. Additionally, businesse…

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…

Harnessing the power of AI tools has become a game-changer for small businesses. This article goes into a compilation of the most effective AI tools for business users. From enhancing customer engagement to optimizing operations, these tools hold the potential to revolutionize various facets of modern enterprises. What are AI Tools for Business and Machine Learning? In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Machine Learning (ML) tools are revolutionizing how businesses operate, make decisions, and interact with customers. AI tools for business encompass a wide range of applications designed to mimic human intelligence through tasks such…

If you’re open to spending a bit more money, there are numerous running apps available that can assist you in achieving your fitness goals while providing additional features. (Many apps on the list also offer a free version if you’d like to test them out before making a purchase.) Criteria for Choosing a Running App: Our Methodology When it comes to selecting the right running app, it’s crucial to consider various factors that align with their specific needs and goals. Here are the key criteria we take into account, with each rated on a scale of 1 (least important) to 5 (most important): User-Friendly Interface (Importance: 5/5): Intuitive navigation and user-friendl…

Teens have unique advantages when it comes to starting their own businesses, including access to resources, understanding of technology, and the potential for risk-taking. If you are a teen looking to start a business or a parent who wants to inspire your child, here are 20 business ideas for teens. Best Small Business Ideas for Teens Starting a business as a teenager can be an excellent way to gain financial independence, build valuable skills, and learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. Here are some cool business ideas for young entrepreneurs considering starting their own venture: Photography Business Starting a photography business is an excellent business i…

A good travel management company can provide you with a travel program that is tailored to your needs, as well as travel arrangers to help you with all of your travel arrangements. They can also provide you with helpful tips and advice for business travelers. If you’re looking for the best travel management services for your business, then look no further than the following 10 companies. What are Business Travel Management Companies and What do They Offer Business Travelers? BTMCs, provide services to their corporate clients to help manage their business travel. This can include providing software that tracks the expenses and itineraries of traveling employees, booking f…

Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have revolutionized our approach to money. You can use these digital currencies for a wide range of purchases – from small items like coffee to big-ticket items like cars. As cryptocurrencies become more common in regular business, there’s a growing need for apps or exchanges that handle these digital currencies. This surge in cryptocurrency use has made apps for managing them more important than ever. The best cryptocurrency apps make it easy for you to buy, sell, and trade your digital currency. This article will help you understand these apps and guide you in choosing the right one for your small business requirements. He…

A reliable email hosting solution is so important for small businesses, offering more than just storage. It’s the key to secure, efficient communication and access to advanced features. This article will reveal the best 10 email hosting providers, empowering your business with dependable email solutions. Email Hosting: Why It Matters Email hosting serves as the foundation of professional communication for businesses. In contrast to standard web hosting, it focuses exclusively on the management of emails. Choosing the right email host ensures reliable delivery, robust security, and specialized features. This translates to seamless communication and a strong, trustworthy…

Discover the best photo booth app for elevating your small business’s event and promotional efforts. In today’s digital-dominated era, photo booth apps serve as invaluable tools, merging entertainment with marketing to create memorable experiences. This article will guide you through the top photo booth apps, each designed to make your business stand out at any gathering or campaign. Best App for 360 Photo Booth: Touchpix Touchpix is the ultimate 360 photo booth app, offering a comprehensive solution for event professionals. It seamlessly integrates iPhone, iPad, Android, GoPro 7-11, and DSLR cameras, making it a versatile choice. With over 60 advanced video and phot…

Discover the best places to sell photos online and turn your photography passion into profit. This article is designed for those who cherish capturing moments and aspire to make their hobby a lucrative venture. Here, you’ll find an extensive list of outstanding online platforms where you can market your stunning photographs. Catering to both enthusiasts and professional photographers, these stock photo websites provide the perfect opportunity to display and monetize your creative work. The Best Places to Sell Photos Online Stock Photo Websites: Platforms like Shutterstock, Getty Images, and iStock offer photographers a chance to earn through stock photography. These si…

The best plumbing apps are just as important for a toolbox as pliers and wrenches. These essential tools help a professional plumber with everything from pipe dimensions to payroll reports and invoices. Below, we’ve compiled a list of plumbing apps specifically designed to streamline your business operations. These apps will not only save you time but also assist in efficiently managing your projects. If you’re new to the plumbing industry, the first question you may ask yourself is: How much money do plumbers make? The income of plumbers can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, level of experience, specialization, and whether they are self-employed …

If you’re searching for unique, profitable, and trending items to sell online, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will share 30 of the best products to sell. Whether you’re interested in starting an eCommerce store or just want to know what’s hot right now, you’re sure to find something useful here. So without further ado, let’s get started! The Retail E-commerce Market Technology has made online shopping so easy and during COVID-19 online sales exploded. There are currently somewhere between 12 and 24 million e-commerce stores around the world with 58.4% of users buying online weekly. According to Statista, the e-commerce industry is anticipated to re…

Not sure what to use a QR code for in business? Or perhaps you just want more examples of using QR codes in your next marketing campaign? Whatever your purpose, our list of 50 creative ways to use QR codes is sure to trigger ideas to boost brand awareness, attract an audience, close more sales, operate more efficiently, and support customers better. A QR code is a type of barcode anyone can scan and read with the camera in their smartphone. QR code stands for Quick Response code (“quick” because consumers can scan the QR code with a smartphone and get instant access to the information or be directed somewhere, such as a website, to take action). QR codes are now ubiquit…