Small Business How-to Guides, SMB News, and SMB Articles

The Different Types of Bank Credit Cards for Your Business

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Approximately 40% of small business owners use credit cards for day-to-day expenses or to access growth capital. Entrepreneurs often rely on credit cards when financing small business startups, while established owners may use a credit card for short-term funding needs instead of applying for small business loans. Perhaps you've considered applying for a bank credit card to expand your small business growth options, but found the sheer range of possibilities overwhelming - how do you know which credit card is the right one?

The CDC/504 Loan Program

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

The Small Business Administration guarantees a range of small business loans that are specifically targeted to different funding needs. One of these is the CDC/504 program that offers owners and entrepreneurs a means of financing small business fixed asset acquisitions. In this program, the SBA works through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) - there are over 260 of these private, not-for-profit entities across the nation.

The SBA Microloan Program

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

One of the innovative financing options available through the Small Business Administration is the microloan program. The SBA developed the small business funding program to help entrepreneurs and existing owners access startup or growth capital. This form of small business lending is available to almost any type of enterprise, but a microloan is especially useful to those owners who have limited credit history, as well as minorities, women and low-income business owners or entrepreneurs.

The SBA Loan Application Process

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

The Small Business Administration offers a number of loan programs that are targeted toward financing small business expansion and growth that doesn't qualify for traditional lending. Each of these programs has its own unique criteria and application process, but there are general guidelines that every potential SBA borrower should follow before signing a completed SBA application.

Bank Business Lines of Credit

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Bank lines of credit are indispensable small business financing tools. Most banks across the nation offer lines of credit, and they give small businesses access to a ready source of capital funding for a multitude of purposes. A business line of credit is in essence a revolving source of operating or growth capital. Typically, it won't have set repayment terms and offers a floating interest rate that is directly tied to current market rates. A line of credit functions similar to a credit card, but with a much more reasonable applicable interest rate.

The SBA 7(a) Loan Program

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

The 7(a) Loan Program is the Small Business Administration's primary platform for startups and existing businesses to access growth capital. The program is specifically designed to meet the needs of businesses that can't qualify for other types of traditional small business funding. If you've tried to arrange conventional financing for your startup or existing business without success, the flexible qualification requirements and the variety of available 7(a) loans could provide the answer.

Bank Business Leasing

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Leasing the equipment your small business needs comes with a number of benefits in comparison to an outright purchase. When you lease equipment through your bank, you can take advantage of 100% financing. Many banks also let a business add on an extra percentage to cover soft costs such as freight, delivery and taxes.

Bank Bridge Loans for Small Business

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Throughout the life of a small business, it's not unusual to experience times when cash shortages occur. This can happen when a business is in the midst of purchasing or building new premises, after applying for a new loan or mortgage or when refinancing existing business debt. A bank bridge loan may offer the ideal solution to these types of short-term funding needs. A bridge loan performs just as the name implies; this short-term form of small business lending spans unexpected gaps in financing so that regular expenses are met and normal operations can continue without interruption.

Bank Credit Cards for Small Business

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

In the not-so-recent past, business credit cards were easy to come by. The recent poor economy has tightened the availability of this form of small business funding to a degree, but credit cards are still one of the basic financial tools that every small business can use to its advantage.

Small Business Health Care Reform

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

You may already know that President Obama has signed into law health reform legislation that reduces health care costs for American families and small businesses, expands coverage to millions of Americans, and ends the worst practices of insurance companies. However, you might not be aware of all the ways that this legislation can help you, your business, and your employees. The Affordable Care Act will provide enormous benefits to the millions of small business owners and the tens of millions of small business employees by expanding coverage options, lowering costs and giving consumers, not insurance companies, control over their own health care

Bank Loans For Small Business

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

There are many reasons why a small business may need capital funding. Startups typically need operating capital, funds for incorporation or other organizational costs, product development and marketing. Established small businesses may be looking at expanding their operations, making a new equipment purchase or a real estate acquisition, or they might need an injection of seasonal or short-term operating capital to cover unforeseen expenses.

The Common Types of Bank Lending

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Banks are an well-known source of small business loans. Local and national banks have a long and established history of supporting the financial well-being, growth and expansion of small businesses across the nation.

Bank Term Loans

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

A term, or conventional loan is the most common form of small business lending. Applying for a term loan from a local or national bank offers small business owners or entrepreneurs the means to get the cash needed to start, expand or fuel their growth. Just as the name implies, term loans are taken out for a specific length of time, or term. They can carry a fixed or floating interest rate and are set on a specified repayment schedule over the life of the loan. Payments are often scheduled monthly, but depending on the details of the loan agreement they could be made quarterly, or in some cases, annually. Most term loans require some form of collateral, so they are often tied to a newly purchased asset or existing assets of a business. Term loans fall into three basic categories: short-term, intermediate and long-term.

Small Business Loans

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

An entrepreneurs comprehensive source for small business loan information from sba loans to bridge loans.

The Different Types of SBA Loans

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers programs that are specifically designed to meet a wide range of small business funding needs. Generally, the SBA does not originate the loans; the financing that it guarantees is provided by approved and certified traditional lenders such as private-sector banks, credit unions, community development banks and other financial institutions. Each of the loan programs offered by the SBA has specific guidelines, qualifying criteria, and borrowing limits.

The Guide to Starting a Business in 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Starting a new business is terrifying and thrilling at the best of times. Successful entrepreneurs need a strong desire to be their own boss, perseverance and tenacity even when the economy is booming. Today's lean economy presents added obstacles but it also offers opportunities and a veritable maze of possibilities. We've written our startup guide to provide you with food for thought, tools and advice on how to get your business up and running successfully in 2012.

Starting a Small Business

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Learn everything you need to know on starting a small business from funding to naming your business. Get startup expert tips, articles, and advice on starting a small business.

Small Business Jobs

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:00:01 GMT

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Filing and Paying Your Business Taxes

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Whether you're an entrepreneur just getting your feet wet in a new startup, or an established small business owner, you can't avoid dealing with business taxes. Especially if you're just starting out, you may think of "business taxes" as simply income tax, but there actually several components to the taxes that business owners have to pay. Which ones apply to your SMB will depend on your type of business structure and the specific trade you carry on.

Small Business Taxes

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Comprehensive source for small business taxes for the first time entrepreneur.

Top Tax Deductions For Your Small Business

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Whether you're an entrepreneur involved in your first startup, or you already own a small business, there is no getting around the fact that you have to deal with income tax on a yearly basis. To make the most of your hard work, it's vital that you know the full range of deductions that the IRS allows to reduce the taxable profit of your business. Here are eleven tax deductions that you may not have considered, but that you might find useful as part of your business strategy for future tax filings

How to Deduct Business Expenses

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Operating your startup or established business efficiently involves learning about the expenses you can deduct for income tax purposes. Income tax is never a popular topic of conversation, and it's often one that business owners shy away from as too complicated for anyone but an accountant or tax lawyer to comprehend. The truth is that increasing your knowledge of IRS rules about deductions, and how they apply to your small business, doesn't require an accounting degree.

Tax Strategy and Deductions for Small Business

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Getting a business up and running successfully takes a tremendous amount of energy and time. Most entrepreneurs are focused solely on building a business and the myriad details involved. Many don't even give income tax a thought until the filing deadline begins to loom. This often results in a frantic, last-minute stress-filled attempt to get records, receipts and other documents in order. Every new business owner needs to learn that developing a yearlong tax saving strategy right from the start can save more of their hard-earned profits, as well as headaches and possible IRS difficulties down the road. Having a business plan that includes a sound tax saving component gives anyone who's starting a business a definite edge when it comes to dealing with the annual inevitable: income tax.

Small Business Infographics

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Small Business Infographics

What is a Limited Liability Company?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Since the late 1970s, the business structure known as a Limited Liability company, or LLC, has been a viable option for both existing owners and entrepreneurs just starting a business. This form of incorporation offers a number of benefits, and it is one that is rapidly gaining in popularity as a smart business strategy.

What is an S Corporation?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:01 GMT

A 'Subchapter S Corporation', commonly referred to simply as an 'S Corporation', has the same business structure as a standard C corporation. When an S corporation is formed, it exists a separate legal entity from its owners, shareholders and officers.

What is a Sole Proprietorship?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:01 GMT

Sole proprietorships are the most common form of small business structure in the United States. The name defines the form of the organization; a business owned entirely by one individual for the purpose of making a profit or livelihood.

What is a Coporation?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:01 GMT

The term 'corporation' often brings to mind a large, faceless entity, but this isn't necessarily accurate. Any entrepreneur or small business owner can decide to incorporate their startup or SMB, and a single individual can run that corporation.

What is a Partnership?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:01 GMT

A partnership is an unincorporated business structure that is created when two or more individuals agree to work together for the purpose of making a profit. The most common form in the United States is a 'general' partnership, where each individual contributes labor, funds, skills and/or property, and the profits or losses from the business are shared between the partners, at agreed ownership percentages.

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2012 Facebook Updates that Impact Small Business and How to Use Them

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:56:26 GMT

In February, 2012, Facebook held its 'fMC Conference' which introduced upcoming features and changes to the site, including Timeline for Pages. All of these changes impact the way an entrepreneur or smb can best utilize their Facebook presence to increase traffic, interact with fans, and ultimately, convert these fans into customers. Here we'll take a closer look at the changes to Facebook, how you can use the new features to your advantage as part of your business plan, and some helpful tips on creating a successful Facebook promotion.

How to Hire the Right Attorney

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 01:35:26 GMT

In the initial stages of a business startup, most entrepreneurs recognize that they'll need the expertise of an accountant at various times, but few realize that they'll no doubt need the help of another professional, an attorney. Their logic would be that they don't plan on breaking the law or getting sued, so legal services aren't necessary. The truth is quite the contrary, however.

How to Choose a Small Business Name

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 21:54:00 GMT

Now that you've developed a great startup concept, and you're in the business plan development stage, the time has arrived to come up with the right name for your new endeavor. There are a number of differing theories on what makes a great business name, but one thing is certain, choosing the right name can play a big part in how your business is perceived by your customers, and it can make or break your image.

Idea Phase of Starting a Business

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:55:30 GMT

On average, roughly 600,000 Americans start new businesses each year. If you're one of the millions more contemplating taking that giant step into business ownership, don't let fear of the unknown stop you. Some of the stumbling blocks for would-be entrepreneurs include indecision about the right kind of business, a fear of putting their money and time into a business that fails, or they may simply have no idea where to start. Generating an idea for a small business isn't always easy, but with some good advice and common sense, you can learn how to choose a viable concept.

Top 15 Facebook Apps and Tools For Small Business

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:16:46 GMT

If you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur involved in your first startup, you're well aware of the impact that successful Facebook marketing can have on your bottom line. Finding your way through the maze of available apps and tools is time-consuming, tedious work. If you're on the hunt for the latest and greatest ways to reach a larger audience and build your business, check out our recommended Facebook tools and apps that are specifically geared toward taking full advantage of your fan page.

Essential Facebook Tips For Your Small Business

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:57:19 GMT

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are starting to realize the potential of social media networks such as Facebook, and want to take advantage of the opportunity they present. Here are some valuable tips on how to fully utilize your Facebook fan page to grow your small business

Twitter Tips for Every Small Business In 2012

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:05:56 GMT

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to engage new customers and meet the needs of existing ones. We all know that social media networks such as Twitter offer an amazing, cost-effective method of marketing a product or service and staying in touch, but how do you do so effectively? Here are some useful Twitter tips that will help you connect with customers and build your business:

15 Top Twitter Tools For Every Small Business

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:46:18 GMT

If you're operating a successful small business in today's world, you're using Twitter and other social media networks to connect with both existing and potential customers. There are innumerable free tools out there specifically designed to help you with the many aspects of promoting your niche or brand and growing your business, so how do you decide which ones to use? We've developed a list of the best and broken them down by function to make it easy for you to pick and choose the right ones for your SMB social media marketing.

5 Traits Of A Successful Small Business

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:29:26 GMT

No one ever said that starting a small business would be easy, but then again, very few things in life worth doing are easy. The challenges that face the entrepreneur when starting a small business would seem daunting to most people, but many entrepreneurs live for this kind of excitement and cannot stand the boredom of a 9-5, steady job, week-in, week-out.

10 Jobs That Let You Work From Home

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 06:20:03 GMT

Many 9-5ers dream of working from home. To set your own schedule, be your own boss, and occasionally go to work in your underwear. For those bold enough to dream of an office without cubicles, here's 10 great options for anyone in search of the perfect work from home job.

5 Ways To Use Facebook For Your Work At Home Business

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 04:06:16 GMT

Facebook has gone in the last five years from a small, closed website for Harvard students, to one of the largest sites on the web, with more than 500 million active users, and with over half of those users logging in every day. A thriving community like that can't be ignored, especially by an up and coming small business. While it may seem overwhelming to some, you may be surprised how easy it is to get up and running; in fact, (if you don't have one already) head over to facebook.com and create a page for your business…..done? Ok, now read the following 5 tips for getting started with putting your business out there and utilizing Facebook to the best of your abilities.

Starting An E-commerce Home Business

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:35:14 GMT

The internet has come a long way in the last few decades, and e-commerce has become big business; not just for mega corporations like Amazon.com, but also for the little guys, selling niche-market products in virtual stores that would never sustain themselves in the brick and mortar world. It's this freedom and low overhead that allows the internet to be the most versatile and unique marketplace that's ever existed, and there's always room for more vendors. If this is you, but you don't know where to start, here's a few tips for the beginner looking to wade into the waters of e-commerce.

Setting Up A Work At Home Mom (WAHM) Office

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:54:38 GMT

Being a mom is a full time job, so if you're a work at home mom, it's really important to find the proper balance your primary and secondary jobs (and hopefully, you'll see raising your children as the primary.

The Do's and Dont's of Social Networking for Your Home Business

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 06:57:30 GMT

Social networking has become a valuable part of most businesses today, and with the overwhelming adoption of sites like Facebook (over 500 million users) it's easy to see why companies don't want to pass up such a large, tech-savvy market. Along the way, however, you need to be smart about the way you use social marketing for your business, because just like in the real world, a first impression is hard to overcome. Here's some do's and don't's for anyone starting out their business in the social arena.

5 Small Business Mistakes That Could Cost You a Lot of Money

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:57:41 GMT

Starting a small business is becoming more of a necessity these days than a luxury; with the amount of jobs in decline and the ability to easily start your own business online, more and more people are flocking to entrepreneurship. Here's a few pitfalls that you need to avoid, especially if it's your first time starting a small business.

3 Twitter Tools For Your Work From Home Business

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:05:34 GMT

If you haven't heard of Twitter yet, you're about to. It may not be the biggest social network out there, but the way Twitter was designed, and subsequently the way people tend to use it, lends itself to much more of an information and communication tool, whereas sites like Facebook tend to just become a place to connect with friends, rather than disseminate information.

Tax Breaks You Should Expect When Starting A Work At Home Business

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 05:50:07 GMT

Starting a small business can be hard enough, but getting hit with a hefty bill from the IRS at the end of the year can make a difficult situation nearly impossible. There are plenty of different strategies for minimizing your tax liability, but the most effective one is itemized deductions, and know what you can deduct is the first step to getting prepared for tax season. Here's a list of just a handful of the eligible deductions for your small business, so be sure to investigate and leave no stone unturned before you submit your tax documents at year's end.

Work At Home Mom: Failure Is Not An Option - Survival Tips

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:42:41 GMT

As a single mom, or a stay at home mom, starting a home business can be a scary thing. Whether you're going to be relying on your home business to pay the bills, or even just as a source of some additional income, the fact is that for most moms, failure really is not an option. So, what do you do to insulate yourself from failure? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

5 Things You Need To Know Before Applying For A Small Business Loan

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 04:19:56 GMT

There is a lot you need to know before applying for a small business loan, but even still, it's amazing how many people and websites out there will try to charge you an arm and a leg for the information. There's nothing wrong with seeking advice, or even hiring a consultant, but before you go and pay a website for the "20 things you need to know before applying for a small business loan" here's 5 that will get you started, and the rest can be figured out with a little googling.

Maximize Your Start-Up Profits by Reducing Your Taxes

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 05:28:15 GMT

Taxes are unavoidable in business, (that is, unless you want to end up in prison) but businesses can drastically decrease their tax liability in a number of ways, small and large. The key to reducing your taxes is to know all of the ways you can save, keep immaculate paperwork and remember that the small savings here and there are what add up to the big savings at the end of the year.

The Benefits of Being a Work at Home Mom

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:08:17 GMT

Being a work at home mom definitely has its advantages, not the least of which is the fact that you get to spend more time with your kids. For most moms, raising kids and taking care of the home is a full time job, but many moms find themselves with a bit more time on their hands once the kids start school, and a work at home job provides the benefits of getting some extra income with the flexibility to still drop off kids at ballet and soccer practice.

Kidding Around - How To Balance Parenting Young Children and Running A Work From Home Business

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 05:43:39 GMT

It used to be the case that in the typical nuclear family, the father would work while the mother stays home with the kids, but today, trying to make ends meet on a single income is next to impossible. A great option for a stay at home mom would be to start a home based business, but balancing that business with raising young children can be particularly tough. Here's a look at some ideas for how to keep your children occupied (and keep your sanity) while balancing parenting with business.

What Banks Look For When Offering Home Business Loans

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 07:36:30 GMT

From angel investors to venture capitalists, these days there are plenty of ways to fund a business, but in the past, the most common and usually the only option was to get a loan from a bank. This may not seem as exciting as finding an angel investor to put up the money with little to no risk to you, but it definitely has it's advantages (not the least of which is that the bank will not take a hefty founder's share of your company). So, you've decided that a bank loan is the best move for your new small business; but what's the best way to go about securing the loan you need? The best place to start is to get prepared for what banks are looking for when they draft a loan, and here's the top 3.

Learn to Save Money While Growing Your Home Business

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 03:47:35 GMT

As the recession of 2008 doesn't seem to be bouncing back as fast as everyone had hoped, one thing that many people are noting is that now, more than ever, being an entrepreneur makes a lot of sense. And while home based businesses are becoming increasingly popular, there are still some additional steps that you should take to maximize your effectiveness and minimize your bottom line. The idea here is that while you're immediately going to be able to run a lot leaner as a home based business, cutting down as much as possible within your home business will not only help you net the highest profits possible, but it could ultimately be the difference between your business failing or succeeding.

Home Business Advice: How to Ask Family and Friends for Money

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 05:14:02 GMT

When you're getting your business off the ground, many entrepreneurs will run into the dilemma of either needed some positive cash flow, or needing an initial client base and quite often, the first place to turn will be friends and family. This can be a somewhat awkward proposition, since you're using an existing relationship to further your business needs, but if done properly it doesn't have to be awkward at all, and can even help bolster the relationship. However, if done improperly, the results can be catastrophic. Here's a couple suggestions for how to approach this delicate subject with the people you care about the most.

Cost-Cutting Strategies For Your Home Business

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 06:51:37 GMT

With most home based businesses, margins will be tight enough; but through in a slow economy and the challenges of starting from scratch, and saving a small amount here and there can add up to a majority of your profit margin in the long run. Here's a short list of some things you can do to lower your bottom line without sacrificing any quality of service or putting your product and your business in jeopardy.

Keys To Building A Network With A Direct Selling Opportunity

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:03:53 GMT

Direct selling can be a tough market for some to break into; primarily because it requires you to break down the barrier between business and friendship. This doesn't mean that you'll constantly be pitching products to your friends, but what it does mean is that you'll need to make lots of relationships with potential buyers and essentially need to become "everybody's friend". It's not an easy endeavor to venture into, but with the right personality, skill-set and motivation, you can make a great deal of money quickly selling directly. Here's a few tips that should help you along the way.

Tips On How To Put Together A Successful Home Show

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 05:36:21 GMT

What started with Avon in the late 1800's and exploded with Tupperware in the early 1950's, the concept of doing a 'party' themed around selling a line of products has been a popular and effective way of direct marketing. Why do people still do it today nearly 60 years later, and more importantly, why does it continue to be successful? Here's a couple sure-fire ideas that should get you on your way.

Top Low-Cost Marketing Tips For Your Home Business

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:43 GMT

Most, if not all, home based businesses don't exactly have a fat marketing budget. In fact, usually marketing is something that doesn't even make the budget sheet, let alone get it's own piece of the pie, but there are still some very effective low-cost ways to market your business, and some of the most effective in the industry cost nothing. Here's a look at some of your options if you need to market your home based business on the cheap.

Determine The Best Legal Structure For Your Home Business

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:03:45 GMT

When starting a home based business, the two options you'll most likely be looking at are an LLC or a Sole Proprietorship. These two options for a business owned by a single person or married couple may seem identical on the surface, but there are some big differences that could be the difference between success, failure and even bankruptcy. Here's a brief overview of the two types.

Advertise Your Home Business Using The LinkedIn Business Tools

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:45:07 GMT

LinkedIn is a unique professional network that brings together companies, entrepreneurs and individuals of all kinds with a focus on productivity rather than catching up with friends and family. LinkedIn offers plenty of different features, but probably the three main ones for a business would be the Q&A, job listings and the Companies feature.

What's in a Name? Choosing The Right Name For Your Home Business

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 01:33:45 GMT

Depending on who you talk to when getting advice about your new small business, you are bound to get all sorts of varying advice about branding your business. Maybe it's the success of Mad Men, but it seems that just about everyone wants to be an expert on marketing these days, and yet so many people still miss the mark. Here's some lies and truths about branding that may help you narrow down a name.

Helpful Tips For Turning Your Passions to a Home Business Idea

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 15:48:00 GMT

Loving your job, in my mind, always conjures up that famous crosby, stills & nash song "Love The One You're With"; meaning, sure you may not ever find your perfect job, so might as well love the job you have. While this can be helpful in making it through a particularly tough season in any job, doing what you love is actually attainable for some (not all) of us, and if you ever get the chance, you need to jump on it. How do you know what you're passionate about and how do you make money at it? The answers are different for everyone, but here's a good start.

How to Break Up the Monotony of the Day When Working From Home

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:02:10 GMT

The grass is always greener when it comes to working from home. Ask nearly anyone who doesn't and they'll say they wish they could, ask nearly anyone who does and they'll tell you it's not as easy as it sounds. Why? Because even though you're in the comfort of your own home, it's still work; and keeping your nose to the grindstone for 8-10 hours at home can seem like an eternity, even compared to cubicle life. So, how do you get things done at home without going crazy?

Keys to a Successful Home Business Plan

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:45:38 GMT

A business plan is one of the most fundamental elements that a small business needs to put together as part of the planning stage. While it's not necessary in every single situation, nine times out of ten, you will find immense benefits to constructing a strong business plan, and in many cases, you won't be able to move forward without one. There are three main goals that a business plan should accomplish, so pay attention because an elevator pitch can only get you so far.

The good and bad of selling to friends and families. Best techniques.

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:53:58 GMT

It's a common dilemma; you start out a new business or a job in sales and your natural instinct is to draw your initial sales leads from the people around you (your friends and family), but is this a good idea?

How to Evaluate a Home Based Business

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 15:09:11 GMT

Evaluating a home based business is a crucial element of deciding whether or not to start your own, and can also be useful when deciding whether or not to invest in a home based business (perhaps the startup of a friend or relative). The root word value found in evaluate may lead you to think that an evaluation of a business simply has to do with the bottom line, but there are a few other things to consider.

Home Business Advice: What is Black Hat and Organic SEO?

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:12:45 GMT

SEO (search engine optimization) is a term that gets thrown around a lot, especially in business, and for the most part is wildly misunderstood. To understand this disparity a little more, lets look at the two major types of SEO - Black Hat SEO and Organic.

Is Your Home Business Search Out Of Desire, Or Necessity?

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:25:21 GMT

People start small businesses for many different reasons, but the common denominator is to make money. The spirit of capitalism that is woven into everyone's picture of the American dream starts with hard work and a good idea that can ultimately blossom into a successful business; even an empire.

How Social Media Can Help You Grow Your Home Business

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:19:57 GMT

Social networks like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc. have quickly changed the way most of us communicate with family and friends, and has rapidly shifted to become the way we get our news and promote companies. There are plenty of "social marketing experts" out there, and while some are legitimate marketing talents, many are just people who have learned how to use Twitter and Facebook effectively, and this is something that any home based business can learn as well.

Finding Work. 6 Best Places To Find Home Based Businesses

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:00:37 GMT

If you're at the place in life where you're looking for work, and more specifically a work from home job, you are bound to be inundated with hundreds of ads and offers that seem to be (and are) too good to be true. As you look a little deeper, you'll find that there actually are a plethora of legitimate home based businesses, and each of them requires some initial investment, a lot of hard work and self-marketing, but can be very lucrative if you put in the time and effort. Here's a few trustworthy sources online for home based businesses.

What Kind Of Home Based Entrepreneur Am I?

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:29:42 GMT

Believe it or not, there are several different kinds of home based businesses, and while most have the same goal of making money, the end goal of a home based business can vary greatly depending on what you, the entrepreneur, is looking to get out of it.

You may want to start a home based business that will start small and remain small as a way to supplement your main income (e.g. don't quit your day job). This type of business strategy has the benefit of not putting a ton of pressure on your home business to succeed, but also should not simply be thought of as a hobby. Many home businesses can be very successful even if they never grow to a massive size, and keep in mind that any small business no matter how large or small will still require a lot of hard work.

Working From Home Is Hard Work

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:28:02 GMT

The old adage "the grass is always greener on the other side" is true as ever when it comes to working from home versus working in an office. Working from home seems so appealing when you think about dropping your commute, being able to set your own schedule and work in comfort and quiet. However, after a few months of working at home, you can all but guarantee you'll miss the structured schedule, the sense of urgency to keep working throughout the day and the camaraderie you feel with your co-workers.

Is a Home Based Franchise The Safest Option?

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:07:04 GMT

If you've been doing your research about franchises and small business startups for a while, you've undoubtedly come across some form of a statistic that says franchises have a 95% success rate compared to a less than 40% success rate of other small businesses. It may surprise you to find out that the IFA (the International Franchise Association) has denied any truth to these figures and has written an open letter to franchisors asking them to stop using these bogus figures to sell their franchises.

How To Find The Right Home Based Franchise

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:44:38 GMT

Making the decision to start a small business is a big step in and of itself; doing the proper research and deciding to start a franchise can be an equally big accomplishment, but the hard part comes when you have to finally decide which franchise to invest your money, time and reputation with. Here’s a quick look at three key areas to pay attention to when trying to choose a small business franchise.

What Are Tell Tale Signs Of A Home Business Scam

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 06:53:12 GMT

The flourishing and emergence of new home businesses comes with it the flourishing and emergence of bogus entities portraying themselves as legitimate business ideas. These scams are everywhere and the most likely victim is usually the unsuspecting and aspiring entrepreneur who will get caught up with the bells and whistles of the business scheme.

Keys to Building A Successful Marketing Plan

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:20:03 GMT

Marketing and advertising your business effectively is one of the formulas for success in the business industry. This is applicable not only for small business but also for large businesses alike. For someone planning to create and build his/her own small business either in the home or in an official business area, an efficient and perfect marketing plan should be formulated.

Right Home Businesses During Difficult Economic Times

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:33:47 GMT

During this period of economic distress, people are compelled to exhaust their resources to get that much needed cash. Investments here and there hoping for good returns are the attitude currently adopted by many of us to save ourselves from the worsening financial crisis. In this time of difficult economic times, there is a need to utilize even our own homes for business ventures by setting up our very own home based businesses. Here are some good home business ideas which you may opt to adopt during these trying times

Top 10 Essential Steps for a Successful Home-Based Business Start-up

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:57:41 GMT

Due to the global financial crisis many people all over the world are now extracting all means to get that extra income through various business ideas. One of the booming business ventures nowadays is a business right at our very own homes. Home-based or work from home businesses may be simpler than strict business ventures involving formal offices and personnel but like any other endeavour, there is a need to employ different tactics to ensure the successful business approach.

Trademark Your Small Business

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:24:41 GMT

In this highly competitive world, creating a name for one’s booming business is one of the greatest challenges an aspiring successful businessman or businesswoman needs to conquer. A trademark, as how it is called, provides a sure market for one’s products as this is from which your business will be known for.

Successful Home Business Tips for a Recession

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 06:12:29 GMT

These difficult economic times do require a bit of thinking out of the box just to be able to keep things afloat. Even when you see commercial businesses closing left and right, it should not get you down. There are actually three simple steps to help you improve your home business during a recession.

'Office Space' at Home. Different rooms you can convert to a New Office

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:28:21 GMT

Home business opportunities prompted the conversion of some of your own home’s space into an office space, at home. A full swing home-based business demands an acceptable space to effectively serve as an office space. The home feel, however, does not need to be automatically sacrificed to accommodate the home business opportunity. There is simply a need to wisely allocate the space for both business and household use. Here are some tips in converting a room into an office, at home.

Why You Should Choose a Home Based Franchise Business

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:23:47 GMT

Due to the rise in number of successful franchises in the market today, there has also been a proportionately tremendous increase in home-based franchise businesses as well. These days, the notion of a franchise as being either a fast food store or a restaurant is long gone. It has evolved together with the times and is no longer confined to chains and carts.

Top 5 Home Based Business Franchises

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:21:09 GMT

If you are tired of the day to day grind of your eight to five job and you find yourself dragging yourself to work wishing that there could be a better way to make a decent living, then you might want to consider an at home business. It is actually much simpler than you would imagine considering the vast number of home based business franchises available in the market today that require very reasonable capitalization and very promising potential earnings.

Go Green! How to Start a Green Home Business

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:25:02 GMT

With the world’s resources and changing climate patterns comes a booming awareness for the environment. Never has there been a timelier period for people to show their concern for the health and situation of the planet. This is the same reason why many online businesses are thriving nowadays. There has been a correspondingly increasing demand for environmentally friendly and safe products and where else could you find an almost boundless array of these products and services but the Internet.

Be A Power Seller On eBay

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 06:04:31 GMT

Are you dead serious about your eBay business? Do you want your small business opportunity to grow and earn you huge amounts of money? The becoming an eBay Power Seller should be your goal.

How To Run An eBay Home Business

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:38:19 GMT

The Internet offers a huge opportunity for many people to earn a lot of money from a work at home job. For those however, who have no idea how to maintain a website or run a webpage, the next best thing with an equally great money making opportunity is eBay.

Five Tips To Be Successful With eBay

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:53:22 GMT

Opening an eBay store is a fantastic way to earn money fast. eBay members keep a good full year strategy in anticipation of holidays and other special occasions. This is a great way to start your eBay business especially if you are looking for new business ideas or work from home jobs that you could venture in.

Raising Money: Get Funds for Starting Up Your Home Business

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:46:55 GMT

Getting a good business finance source is an efficient way to start your own home business. In fact, there are different kinds of funding sources that may include sales, investors and loans. Each type has different advantages, benefits and terms. You can use a combination or two in starting your own business.

Raising Money - Part 2 - Micro-Lenders to Build Funds for Your Work from Home Business

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:52:21 GMT

Since unemployment rates have gone up in the recent years, more and more have resorted to starting their own small businesses. And like all businesses, there involves some start up capital to fund and kick start its operations. Many banks have been much stricter with their lending requirements, thus making it more difficult for small business enterprises to get a loan approval. The bright side however is that micro lenders, organizers that release loans to small enterprises, are still continuously lending.

Raising Money - Part 1 - Using Investors to Kick Start Your Business

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:59:03 GMT

A common problem for most entrepreneurs is sourcing out funding for their small businesses. There may be an influx of good business ideas and fabulous suggestions on starting your own business but the challenge is to be able to realize all these plans and capitalization plays a very important part in kick starting small businesses.

Starting A Small Business - Part 3 - The First Year

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:10:35 GMT

Now that you’ve got your business put together, funded and up and running, you’ll be faced with a whole slough of new challenges; constantly innovating, generating profits, planning for the future and more. Here’s a few things to expect and to plan for in the crucial first year of your new business.

Starting A Small Business - Part 2 - Launching Your Business

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 06:46:32 GMT

Starting a small business is a big process, but in this article we’ll focus on some of the finer details of launching your business. You can have a perfect business plan, all your fundraising completed and all of your paperwork and legal documents ironed out, but if you duff it in the first weeks and months, your business will fail or at the very best, struggle.

Starting A Small Business - Part 1 - Before You Start

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:13:47 GMT

Starting a small business is a big endeavor that no one should enter into lightly, but if done well, it can be one of the most rewarding and financially beneficial decision of your entire life. If you’re itching to start a small business, chances are you’ve got at least a bit of entrepreneur in you, so here’s some things to keep in mind as you prepare to start your own business.

Reasons Why Some MLM Companies Fail

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:16:04 GMT

Have you tried MLM business but it is not working for you? Do you face the similar scenario wherein you witness your comrades having their share of success ad you simply do not garner anything. Have you ever experienced witnessing your team vanished?

Keys to being successful with MLM Businesses

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:15:04 GMT

The Internet has paved the way for MLM or network marketing programs to be available at the expediency of the Internet. However, there are a few keys that one has to remember to be able to climb the stairs of success when it comes to MLM.

Avoid These Top Five MLM Scams

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:21:01 GMT

MLM is a reliable business opportunity and a legitimate business model. However, due to some MLM scams, the networking industry got tainted with a bad reputation.

Skills You Need To Run A MLM Business

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:59:49 GMT

There are certain important skills that need to be acquired in order to be able to successfully run a MLM home business. One very important skill to take note of is self-discipline because in a venture like this, you shall be your own boss.

Finding Legit MLM Home Based Businesses

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:31:56 GMT

What is critical is to be able to clearly distinguish legitimate MLM opportunities from possible pyramiding scams. Due to the possibility of earning hefty amounts of money from work from home set-ups, many people have failed miserably only because they associated themselves with the wrong MLM Company.

What is a MLM, Direct Selling, and Network Marketing?

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:47:10 GMT

MLM (Multi Level Marketing) and Direct Selling fall under the bigger umbrella of Network Marketing - It is one of the most powerful home based business mediums today. However, the general public’s lack of understanding and the misconceived and tainted reputation of MLM often precede it because of several illegal pyramid schemes that have come about.

Next Steps For Your Home Based Business As A Corporation

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 01:15:03 GMT

Once you've chosen the type of corporation you want for your business, most entrepreneurs are ready to stop worrying about the details and move onto more pressing matters, like developing your product or service, however, there are a few more corporate formalities that must be addressed before proceeding.

Different Types of Corporations For Your Home Business

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:23:52 GMT

Heard of the word corporation and thought of a huge, multi-department, publicly traded company? Even the smallest home businesses can benefit, in many situations, from incorporating.

Lessons Learned From Successful Entrepreneurs

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:13:25 GMT

As a small business owner, you're the CEO (and often, the only employee when you're starting out) so it's important to understand that no matter how good of an idea you have; how strong your business plan is; in the end, the success or failure of your business is going to fall squarely on your shoulders.

How To Decide On A Home Business Idea

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 02:05:13 GMT

While certain business ideas can pique your interest and spur you on to starting the best home business for you, all you really need to get started is a desire to start and run a successful business and the drive to keep going, even when it gets difficult. Here are some quick questions to ask yourself that should help you find the right home business in no time.

When To Seek Legal Advice In Your Home Business

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:03:33 GMT

The typical approach for most first time entrepreneurs is to only bring a lawyer into the situation when they feel it is getting out of hand, however much of the work a lawyer can do for your small business will preempt problems that may arise down the road. It is not uncommon for a small business to work regularly with a lawyer and in many cases, bringing a lawyer onto the team can be a great idea to keep you legal from the beginning and every step along the way.

The Cost Of Starting A Home Business

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:14:17 GMT

Like anything in life, neglecting the small things, when it comes to your business, can ultimately be your undoing. You can have the smartest idea for a breakthrough product but forgetting to patent your new technology leaves you vulnerable and ultimately all you have left is a product that a big company will come along and scoop up, and you’re right back where you started.

Coffee News franchise establishing themselves as the cream of the crop

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:21:09 GMT

Coffee News is a very affordable advertising medium for small to medium sized businesses that do not have large advertising budgets. People love to read Coffee News. It is universally attractive so advertisers get great results.

Home Business Tax Strategies

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:02:19 GMT

The primary motivating factor for owning your own business is making money, but what good is making money if you don’t get to keep it? When you factor in income tax, state sales tax, and any of the other taxes you pay, it’s not uncommon to find that by the time you actually spend your money, you’re left with only about 50% of the original amount. This is because as an employee of a business, every purchase you make is with after tax dollars, and then you are taxed again when you purchase something with those after tax dollars.

Home Based Business Franchises On The Rise

Sun, 09 May 2010 06:55:45 GMT

Franchises offer the stability and success rate of a well known (and well proven) brand and business strategy, while still requiring and employing many of the entrepreneurial skills required to run a startup. A growing trend in the last few years, however, has been the advent of inexpensive, and highly lucrative, home based business franchises.

How to Make Money on eBay

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:03:07 GMT

Learn key steps to making money online using eBay. Many people get started every month trying to sell products on eBay, but not everyone succeeds. Let us guide you through the ins and out of eBay.

How To Grow Your Small Business

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 04:47:02 GMT

Many small businesses are created with the goal of eventually becoming large businesses. Growth should be an integral part of nearly any business, because like it or not, businesses that plateau, soon begin to decline. Much of growing a business will come naturally, however there will be certain points in your business where you “hit the wall” and knowing some practical ways to get over the wall can be the difference between keeping your business healthy and letting it decline and become just another statistic.

Choosing the Right Business

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:50:35 GMT

Like any big decision in life, choosing the right business is much more complex than simply coming up with a list of pros and cons. Choosing the right home based business should be a decision that you spend some time on, because if you want to be successful, you’re going to have to put a lot of time and sweat into your business, and it will essentially take up the better part of your time for at least the first couple years.

The Top 3 Mistakes To Avoid In Your Home Business

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:50:55 GMT

Starting a home based business can be one of the most rewarding ventures a person can make in life, but it can also drain you emotionally and physically. Moreover, if you head full-sprint into a new business opportunity without first having a solid plan, you may find yourself making some big mistakes early on that can take years to correct.

MLM or Pyramid Scheme?

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:02:59 GMT

“MLM, and “Pyramid Scheme” may be terms you encounter in your search for a home based business. How can you tell the difference between the two? How can you determine whether a legitamate MLM actually has the potential to earn revenue? These are tough questions, but it would do you well to answer them thoroughly as you search for the perfect opportunity.

What is the difference between a licensee, distributorship, and a franchisee?

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:35:48 GMT

While browsing around HomeBusinessBug.com you'll come across a lot of opportunities that fall under the categories of distributorship, or licensee, or franchise. So lets take a moment and clearly define what all of these mean.

Finding success with home-based businesses

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:35:40 GMT

Low overhead, a flexible schedule and the freedom of being your own boss - those are the benefits some local business owners are finding with home as company headquarters.