Business Ideas and Inspiration

You might be surprised and unhappy to learn that hazard insurance is not included in your existing business insurance policies. Business hazard insurance is often included in your commercial property insurance policy. If you have a mortgage, obtaining business hazard insurance is likely a requirement. Check the specifics of your policies with your insurance company. What is Hazard Insurance for Business? A hazard insurance policy protects small businesses against accidents. Accidents can encompass natural disasters like those resulting from wind damage or wildfires. Business hazard insurance can also safeguard you against associated damages, including losses from powe…

Whether you’re already a sticker enthusiast or you’re looking for a unique niche to start your own small business, starting a sticker business offers a variety of opportunities. The sticker market is larger than you might think, and just about anyone can learn to create stickers. Not only are they a popular hobby for collectors of all ages, but stickers are a valuable marketing tool used by businesses around the world. Read on for everything you need to learn how to start a sticker business: Key Steps to Starting a Sticker Business So, you’ve decided to start a sticker business. Congratulations! But while it might seem like you can just buy some paper and a printer and…

Meta has introduced a series of updates to Instagram Direct Messages (DMs), adding new features designed to improve communication and engagement. The latest tools include message translation, music stickers, scheduled messages, pinned content, and group chat QR codes, all aimed at making conversations more seamless and interactive. A new message translation feature allows users to translate messages within their chats, making it easier to communicate across different languages. By holding down on a message sent or received in another language and selecting “Translate,” the translated text appears directly below the original message. Users can now share 30-second song pr…

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…

Startups often face a unique set of legal challenges when developing new products, from intellectual property protection to regulatory compliance. Navigating these issues early on is crucial to avoid costly setbacks and ensure long-term success. In this article, entrepreneurs weigh in on the legal challenges their startups have faced so that you can prepare your product for development. “What are the key legal challenges faced by startups during product development?” Here’s what YEC community members had to say: 1. Patent Infringement “One is to infringe unknowingly on an existing IP/patent. You can do a patent search to see if there are similar ideas to yours, but be …

Cold calling remains a valuable tool for small businesses, offering a direct and personal way to reach potential customers. Despite the rise of digital marketing, the human touch of a phone call can effectively build relationships and generate leads. For small businesses, cold calling can be a cost-effective way to expand their customer base, introduce new products or services, and gather market feedback. When executed with research and a clear strategy, it can open doors to new opportunities and growth. What is Cold Calling? Cold calling uses unsolicited phone calls to potential customers. It’s different from warm calling, which involves contacting customers with prior…

Planting beets can be a lucrative venture- they are a versatile crop with a variety of uses. They are also fairly easy to grow, and they don’t require much maintenance, which can cut down on costs. Beets are a high-yield crop, so you can grow a large number of beets on a relatively small amount of land. They have a long shelf life, which makes them great for selling to grocers and markets, and cut down on waste. Can Growing Beets From Seed Be Profitable? Since beets are versatile and have various applications, there is consistently a strong demand for them. Here are some ways you can profit from planting beets: Food – Beets are a popular food crop that can be sold to …

Facebook plays a major role in social media marketing and is key to business success. You need a strategic approach. We’ve developed these Facebook marketing tips to give you the strategic framework you’ll need for all your advertising campaigns. Setting Up Your Facebook Page for Success The configuration of your Facebook page is crucial. A well-designed business page establishes the atmosphere for customer engagement and influences brand perception. Creating an Impactful Facebook Business Page 1. Choose the Right Page Name and Category Select a page name that reflects your brand and category that accurately describes your business to make it easier for users to find…

Indiegogo is a crowdfunding platform that enables users to gather funds for an idea, a start-up business, or a charitable cause. This method of fundraising is particularly beneficial for small businesses seeking additional financial support to grow, purchase equipment, or develop a new product concept. Unlike traditional funding, Indiegogo is risk-free compared to seeking bank loans and circumvents application and approval stages. Indiegogo has helped bring more than 800,000 innovative ideas to life thanks to its more than 9 million strong backers, representing 235 countries and territories. The popular crowdfunding platform has some fifteen million people visiting the …

A small business audit doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be dealing with the Internal Revenue Service. Small business owners can conduct internal audits on an annual basis. Either way, the audit process involves looking at accounting records and tax return numbers. The idea is to make sure your financial data is correct, and that it’s in line with tax laws. What is a Small Business Audit? This process involves reviewing the tax filings and financial records of small businesses to ensure accuracy. Both internal and external auditors examine the accounting books and financial statements. Keep in mind you need to report things like a foreign bank account to the IRS. Why d…

Meta is updating its Facebook Live video storage policy, limiting the availability of live broadcasts to 30 days before automatic deletion. The change, which takes effect on February 19, will align Facebook’s storage policies with industry standards and streamline how live video content is managed on the platform. New 30-Day Limit for Live Videos Under the updated policy, new live broadcast videos can be replayed, downloaded, or shared for 30 days before they are automatically removed from Facebook. Previously, live videos were stored indefinitely. Additionally, all live videos older than 30 days will be deleted in phases over the coming months. Meta will notify users b…

NEXT Insurance has launched a new multi-location workers’ compensation (WC) coverage option, allowing small business owners operating multiple locations within a single state to secure coverage under a single policy. The move positions NEXT as one of the first WC insurers to offer a fully digital solution for businesses managing multiple sites. The new coverage is designed for small businesses with multiple branches or offices, addressing the increasing complexity of insurance needs as they expand and hire more employees. With workplace accidents posing a growing risk for expanding businesses, the multi-location WC policy enables small business owners to manage their ins…

The benefits of workers’ compensation insurance far outweigh its cost. Do you need workers’ compensation insurance? The answer may be more complex than you realize. For instance, do you need to provide coverage for remote workers? Are workers’ comp benefits necessary for part-time employees? What about subcontractors working on your behalf? Small business owners know how to prevent injuries at work. Still, accidents happen. And that makes workers’ compensation insurance one of the most important types of business insurance. What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance? Also known as workman’s comp, workers’ compensation insurance is coverage for employees if they are injure…

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…

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF), in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and three local community development organizations, has launched the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program to provide financial relief to businesses severely impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Funded by BCF’s Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund, the initiative prioritizes businesses in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, and Northern Anne Arundel County. The grant program, which opened for applications on February 18 and runs through March 20, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to stabilize operations…

If you’re unfamiliar with What is Canva, it’s an excellent tool for producing professional-quality designs. Many individuals are curious about whether they can sell products made with images created with Canva. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Canva personal or commercial use policy to help you understand what you can and cannot do with your creations. Can You Use Canva for Commercial Use? Canva is an excellent tool for creating stunning designs on your personal computer or mobile device, even if you aren’t a professional graphic designer. According to the license agreement, all free photos, music, and video files available on the Canva platform can be used for both…

Digital marketing relies in part on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to foster the success of a website. Effective strategies drive organic traffic, boosting both sales and conversions. Mistakes like not optimizing for essential keywords can lead to a drop in profits and sales. Remember, potential customers looking for online goods and services use keywords and phrases to start the process. The Impact of SEO Mistakes Understanding SEO is crucial for online success. For businesses considering how to start an SEO company, knowing these common mistakes can provide a solid foundation for offering effective SEO services. Other SEO errors can cause problems for a website’s…

Buying an existing business can be a quick and effective way to enter a new business venture. However, this means taking on the operations, processes, and finances that another small business owner has established. Due diligence is essential for protecting your investment. If you ask the seller the right questions, you can easily establish a quality start to your business ownership journey. You can learn more about buying an existing business by downloading a free copy of the BizBuySell Guide to Buying a Small Business. Use the BizBuySell Find a Business feature to find small businesses you might want to buy. For info on how to sell your company, see the BizBuySell Guide…

Do you have a knack for crafting handmade items? Have you always dreamed of turning this passion into a profitable venture? You’re in the right place. You can combine your skills and ambition to create an array of handmade items to sell. From personalizing interiors with your unique crafts to making someone’s day with a bespoke gift, your handmade creations can have countless uses and buyers. Why Should You Make and Sell Crafts? Selling handmade items is a great way to start your own craft business. Of course, establishing a business is always a nerve-wracking endeavor, but there are a variety of solid reasons why you should make and sell crafts, including: Independe…

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…

Thinking of starting your own business? Why not try the limousine business? It can be a good way to make money if done right. If you’re curious about how to start a limo business, you’re in the right spot. We’re here to guide you through the steps, making jumping in and getting going easier. Let’s get started! Understanding The Limousine Industry The limousine industry isn’t just about luxury cars but top-notch service and a memorable experience. At its core, a limo business specializes in offering premium transportation services. It’s about giving people a sense of importance, a taste of the high life, even for just a few hours. While many envision weddings and red-carp…

According to recent statistics, Airbnb hosts add 14,000 new additions to their numbers every month. Airbnb’s CEO Brian Chesky became the first host when it started. Currently, there are over 7 million listings across the globe and 100,000 cities with active listings. Unfortunately, that means a number of fraudulent hosts, fake accounts, and other scams. Some people point out the loosely written rules and even looser enforcement. READ MORE: How to Start an Airbnb Business Don’t Fall For These Scams on the Airbnb App Following is a list of the most common Airbnb scams. Fake Listings This kind of fake listing can have photos that have been stolen or doctored. If the …

A new analysis of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data by Everly Life reveals that manual laborers and healthcare workers experience the highest rates of workplace injuries. The study, based on the most recent government data, highlights the risks associated with physically demanding jobs and underscores the need for improved safety measures. The study found that manual labor positions account for over 10% of all workplace injuries, while healthcare workers represent nearly 13% combined. The top 10 occupations with the highest injury rates include: Laborers and Material Movers – 77,755 cases (10.90%) Stockers and Order Fillers – 58,759 cases (8.30%…

RingCentral has introduced RingCentral AI Receptionist (AIR), a generative AI-powered phone agent designed to automate customer communications by answering inquiries and directing callers without the need for complex IT setup. Unlike traditional intelligent virtual agents (IVAs) used in contact centers, RingCentral AIR is built for businesses of all sizes, offering an out-of-the-box solution to streamline call handling. Simplifying AI Call Automation RingCentral AIR enables businesses to automate routine phone interactions, reducing the need for human receptionists and improving efficiency. The AI-powered receptionist can answer frequently asked questions, provide busine…

HubSpot and Canva have announced a new partnership aimed at simplifying content creation for small and medium-sized businesses. The collaboration integrates Canva’s design tools directly into HubSpot’s platform, enabling users to create, edit, and publish on-brand content without leaving the HubSpot environment. The integration introduces a “Design with Canva” button within HubSpot, allowing users to access Canva’s full suite of design tools, including Magic Studio AI, without switching between platforms. Marketers can now create visuals for email templates, social media posts, and landing pages while maintaining brand consistency. “Visual storytelling is one of the mos…