Business Licenses: Which Type Do You Need?

Failure to become properly licensed can have a variety of consequences, so it is imperative that all small business owners learn the regulations in their location so that they can meet every requirement.

Which business licenses you need will depend on your location as well as the type of business that you own. Because there is such a variety of requirements from location to location, it is impossible to provide a list that would apply to every business owner.

Continue reading article here
http://www.morebusiness.com/business-licenses

How to Choose a Domain Extension

by Darren Dahl

Gone are the days when .com and .net were your only options when registering a URL for your business. Here are some tips for developing a domain extension strategy.

Read more here
http://www.inc.com/guides/201105/how-to-choose-a-domain-extension.html?utm_source=start-up&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=incid37763week24

How to Maximize Your Efficiency as a Part-Timer

by Steven DeMaio

"...As a new part-timer, I've found that anticipating what my full-time colleagues will need when I'm not at work and my ability to maintain work/life balance go hand-in-hand... Here are some tips on how to achieve that efficiency (see my previous post for tips on how to adapt culturally)."

Read article here
http://blogs.hbr.org/demaio/2009/07/how-to-maximize-efficiency-as.html?cm_mmc=npv-_-MANAGEMENT_TIP-_-MAR_2010-_-MTOD0316&referral=00203

6 Business Lessons for Under 30 Entrepreneurs

by Melinda Emerson

"...Here are the 6 business lessons I shared with the Under 30 entrepreneurs, most of which can be found in my book Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months."

Read Q & A article here
http://succeedasyourownboss.com/07/2011/6-business-lessons-for-under-30-entrepreneurs

Myths and Misconceptions About Starting an Online Business

by Annette Lucas

Are you trying to start an online business? Are you overwhelmed with the many online business programs available...Learning to read 'between the lines' will better prepare you for what's really involved. Here are some common phrases used to promote online businesses and what they really mean.

Continue reading article here
http://www.homewiththekids.com/home-business/myths.php

5 Lifelines for Your Startup - Funding Your Business

By Amy Reinink

These organizations can help you find direction and funding.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/startupbasics/article202326.html

The Debtress 100 Best Financial Blogs

Posted by The Debtress

I scoured the Web looking for blogs that offered solid, helpful financial advice and tools. I received submissions from readers and bloggers across the country. Below is my careful selection of the “Debtress’ Best,” 100 financial blogs to help you live debt free.

The blogs are broken down into five categories:
- Advice and Insight
- News & Analysis
- Share the Journey
- Start Investing
- Ways to Save

Continue reading article here
http://www.totalbankruptcy.com/debtress/the-debtress-100-best-financial-blogs

Top 7 Tips for Taxpayers Starting a New Business

by Camron Hoorfar

Anyone starting a new business this summer should be aware of their federal tax responsibilities. Here are the top seven things the IRS wants you to know if you plan on opening a new business this year.

Continue reading tips here
http://www.examiner.com/x-12765-Kansas-City-Business-Taxation-Examiner~y2009m7d10-Top-Seven-Tips-for-Taxpayers-Starting-a-New-Business

Put a Price on Your Time

Business Start Up -> Time Management -> Tool:

Sure, you know time management is important. You can get more done if you manage your time efficiently. But knowing you will be able to get more work done if you take charge of your time, may not be much of an incentive to make changes.

Stop by and fill out this great form!
http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/timecalc2.htm

50 Tips for Starting a Home Business and Succeeding

Provided by Kay Green

Read her tips here

http://123homebusinessguide.com/50-Tips-for-Starting-a-Home-Business-and-Succeeding.php

Tips for Launching Your Own Business

by Judith Lindenberger

Thinking about starting your own business? Here's advice from a successful entrepreneur who knows first-hand what it takes to get a business up and running.

Read tips here
http://www.businessknowhow.com/startup/launchtips.htm

Seven Ways to Make Your Customers Love You

by Brad Sugars

With so much emphasis placed on finding customers today, business owners often lose sight of keeping the ones they have. Here are a few surefire ways to stem those losses.

Read article here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219712

Want To Start A Home Based Business! First Get Your Funding Strategy Right

by Kanaga Siva

Proper Funding is a pre-requisite for the successful operation of a Home Based Business. The fact is that without sufficient funds even the best planned Home Based Business whether it is big or small is bound to fail. Cash is an important ingredient absolutely necessary to sustain your Home Based Business and run it. The capital you require will ofcource depend on how big your operation is going to be. Many businesses fail within a year or two for want of sufficient working capital.

Read article here
http://articles.directorym.com/Funding_Strategies_for_Home_Based_Businesses-a964806.html

7 Questions Every Business Owner Should Ask!

by Rai Chowdhary, MS, CQE, CQM, Six Sigma Coach

We all seek to find the right answers to our problems – Why do customers walk away? Why do employees leave? Why are sales low? How can we bring in more customers? How can we increase sales to existing customers? The first thing we need to understand is that the right answer can come only if we ask the right questions. This isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are some fundamental questions that are vital to the survival of any business...

Read these questions here
http://www.nationalbusiness.org/NBAWEB/Newsletter/972.htm

Work At Home Jobs: For Better Or For Worse

by Tammy Embrich

The convenience of work at home jobs is perfect for the stay at home Mom or someone who is searching for supplemental income. Working at home certainly has it’s advantages. But have you really thought about the frustrations that go along with that territory? And believe me, they do exist.

Let’s discuss some of them…the “worse” side of working from home...

Continue reading here
http://real-wah-jobs.com/2009/05/work-at-home-jobs-for-better-or-for-worse/work-at-home-jobs-for-better-or-for-worse

9 Popular Misconceptions Cost You Money

by J. Stephen Pope

Faulty information costs you money! Which of these popular business misconceptions do you believe?

Read his list here
http://www.ryze.com/posttopic.php?topicid=563662&confid=1022

Business Planning: How to Size an Emerging Market

by Dave Lavinsky, President, Growthink

In developing their business plans, companies of all sizes face the challenge of determining the size of their markets. To begin, companies must present the size of their "relevant market" in their plans. The relevant market equals the company's sales if it were to capture 100% of its specific niche of the market.

Read article here
http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/emerging.htm

Starting a Business Ideas (Guide)

Now it's time to find a business idea. You may have a unique idea or you may need help to figure out what could work for you.

We have a long list of Business Ideas, and we have split them into sections for your convenience:
Brick And Mortar Business ideas - read here
Home Based Business Ideas - read here
Low Cost Business Ideas - read here
Online Business Ideas - read here
Service Business Ideas read here

View more resources, tips, tools here
http://www.atouchofbusiness.com

Business: How to Develop an Action Plan

You need a good plan to put your strategy into action. You need to spend some time working on your business action plan. You also need to review what has been achieved. Your strategy and consequently your business action plan should stress three important aspects - Goals, Budget and Marketing Strategy.

Read plan here
http://www.morebusiness.com/develop-action-plan

Analyzing Customers in Your Business Plan

by Dave Lavinsky

The Customer Analysis section of the business plan assesses the customer segments that the company serves. In it, the company must 1) identify its target customers, 2) convey the needs of these customers, and 3) show how its products and services satisfy these needs.

Read article here
http://www.businesshighlight.org/business/entrepreneur/analyzing-customers-in-your-business-plan.html

HOW TO: Start Up a Small Business

How to Guides on starting a new business.

Main Topics:
Going Broke
Laying the Startup Groundwork
Planning for a Successful Start
Raising the Capital
Establishing Your Image
Finding Customers

View thru all these guides here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/howto/startyourbiz.html

Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed

This 12-month wall calendar is filled with useful information on general business taxes, IRS and SSA customer assistance, electronic filing and paying options, retirement plans, business publications and forms, and common tax filing dates. Each page highlights different tax issues and tips that may be relevant to small business owners with room on each month to add notes, state tax dates, or business appointments.

View here
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/page/0,,id=82780,00.html

Business Planning Tools

Provided by MasterCard | MasterCard®

Today, it is more difficult than ever for businesses of all sizes to anticipate changes and plan appropriately for the future. Recognizing changing industry conditions and being nimble enough to quickly adapt are of special importance to small businesses who often lack the human and monetary resources to forecast market developments..

Read resources here
http://www.mastercardbusiness.com/apmea/en/smallbiz/businessplanning/businessplanning.html

How to Assess a Direct Selling Opportunity

by Josh Spiro

Despite the pyramid and Ponzi schemes that imitate direct selling, there are plenty of legitimate opportunities to be found. Here's how to tell the difference.

Read his informative article here
http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/07/how-to-assess-a-direct-selling-opportunity.html?partner=newsletter_Startup

10 Tips for the First Time Entreprenuer

by Scott Gerber

Advice from a young entrepreneur in the trenches

Whenever possible, I encourage up-and-comers and established entrepreneurs to mentor the next generation of dream-seekers; for it is this insight and insider education that will provide the foundation for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. With that, here are 10 pieces of advice that I wish someone had given to me before I launched my first venture.

Read article here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/youngentrepreneurscolumnistscottgerber/article203254.html

40 Green Business Tips

posted by Melissa Hincha-Ownby

I am a big fan of The Green Girls blog; yesterday blogger MonicaF created a list of 40 eco-friendly changes that businesses can make. Each of these changes is a step towards a more sustainable business and most of the changes are low-cost and low-hassle.

Read more on this here
http://www.mnn.com/eco-biz/sustainable-business-practices/blogs/40-green-business-tips

Paying Yourself: From Startup and Beyond

Determining your salary is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a business owner. Here's how to do it. So how do you know what is enough to get by and what you are worth? You have to do some planning and simple mathematics, and then budget that amount into your income and cash-flow projections so that you know how much operating capital you will require during the formative stages of your company's development.

Read article here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/money/moneymanagement/article80024.html

Free Hard to Find 800 Numbers

Great Resource with lots of companies and retailers listed!

Read list here
http://www.hardtofind800numbers.com

5 Alarming Facts On Why Most Home Business Owners Fail and How To Overcome Them

Written By: Rebbekah on November 30, 2009

Read her blog post here
http://advantagemarketingforyou.com/5-alarming-facts-on-why-most-home-business-owners-fail-and-how-to-overcome-them

Free Hard to Find 800 Numbers

Great Resource with lots of companies and retailers listed!

Read list here
http://www.hardtofind800numbers.com

Struggling to Successful Entrepreneur – 5 Part Series

Sponsored by Chris Makell, Radiance Marketing

Struggling to Successful Entrepreneur – Part 1
If you’re an entrepreneur, the title of this post didn’t surprise you and likely intrigued you. Good. My intent for this series, “Struggling to Successful Entrepreneur” is to help you to go from overwhelmed, frustrated and painfully close to burned out.
http://radiancemarketing.com/2011/struggling-part-1

Struggling to Successful Entrepreneur – Part 2
Struggling entrepreneurs who want to play small is why I’ve created the Think Big…Play Bigger™ Business Growth Model. It is a way of moving forward in your business from where you are to where you want to be. You can learn more about the model on my website.
http://radiancemarketing.com/2011/struggling-part-2

Struggling to Successful Entrepreneur – Part 3
Before I tell you how to go from overwhelmed and struggling to successful as an entrepreneur so that you can Think Big…Play Bigger™ in your life and business. We have to talk about something that was a big ah-ha for me and a lot of my clients.
http://radiancemarketing.com/2011/struggling-to-successful-entrepreneur-part-3

Struggling to Successful Entrepreneur – Part 4
So how do we become the strategic successful entrepreneur who thinks big…plays bigger? What are the 3 keys nearly every entrepreneur underestimates? You begin by focusing on fundamentally growing your business. Not with tactics but with a strategy. It sounds simplistic, I know.
http://radiancemarketing.com/2011/struggling-to-successful-part4

Struggling to Successful Entrepreneur – Part 5
So focusing on my strengths is the first key, what the next one you need to be strategic and successful? I want you to ask yourself, “What is it that I want my business to do?” Very few of us think about the “what” of our businesses. What do you want your business to do?
http://radiancemarketing.com/2011/struggling-to-successful-part5

10 YouTube Videos Every Entrepreneur Should Watch

View slide show here

http://www.inc.com/ss/10-youtube-videos-every-entrepreneur-should-watch?utm_source=running-a-business&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=incid37860week24#2%C2%A0%C2%A0

Four Mistakes That Can Kill Your Small Business

by Carol Tice

"That's the assertion of author and business-management expert Mark Stevens. So, what are these four fatal flaws that could doom your business? Here is Stevens' list.."

Read article here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/219751

How Business Planning Leads to Better Management

by Tim Berry

What many business owners fail to understand is that good planning equals good management. Let me explain. Planning is about managing resources and priorities in an organized way. Management is related to leadership, and it’s related to productivity.

Read article here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219424

Seven Ways Solopreneurs Can Grow a Home Business

by Carol Tice

With a little creativity you can keep expanding your home business, without hiring employees or renting an office. Here are seven tips for increasing revenue at your home business while keeping it a one-person show.

Read article here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/219433

4 Characteristics of Great Logo Design

View slide show here
http://www.inc.com/ss/4-characteristics-of-great-logo-design?partner=newsletter_Startup#0

Self-Employment Basics (3 Articles)

The 6 Principles of Success
by Salman Amin, Business Insider
http://www.inc.com/articles/201103/6-principles-of-success.html

Why a Clear Focus Is Essential to Success
by Martin Zwilling, Business Insider
http://www.inc.com/articles/201103/why-a-clear-focus-is-essential-to-success.html

Do You Have What It Takes to Start a Business?
by Martin Zwilling, Business Insider
http://www.inc.com/articles/201103/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-start-a-business.html

25 Most Influential Women Tweeting About Entrepreneurship

by Holly Reisem Hanna

With women starting new businesses at twice the rate of men, and with women dominating the social media realm, I knew that there was no shortage of women tweeting about entrepreneurship.

Read her list here
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/25-most-influential-women-tweeting-about-entrepreneurship

What It Takes to Succeed As an Entrepreneur

by Michelle Juergen

Venture Capital Investor Brad Feld on What It Takes to Succeed As an Entrepreneur
and dives into the trenches of entrepreneurship to learn what makes some businesses successful.

Read article here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219337

7 Tips for Hiring as the Recession Winds Down

by Kay McFadden

If you have been running lean on employees, now is the time to hire, and this guide explains why.

"...With so much at stake nowadays, owners may want to speed up the staffing process so they can "get back to work." But hiring is among the most important, high-impact aspects of that work."

Read tips here
http://www.inc.com/guides/201102/7-tips-for-hiring-as-the-recession-winds-down.html?partner=newsletter_Success

Online Business Startup Blog

Great deal of information on a wide range of topics per to startup, starting a business, marketing, financing, accounting, networking and much more. Worth the read!

View blog here
http://bhopu.com

Case Study: How to Restart a Company

by Amy Barrett

Could Robin Sauve's bid to relaunch a business backfire? Here's how she managed to finance her start-up through the early stages.

Read article here
http://www.inc.com/magazine/20110301/case-study-small-business-start-up-financing.html?partner=newsletter_Success

The 10 Best Entrepreneurship Courses of 2011

by Leigh Buchanan, From the April 2011 issue of Inc. magazine

University courses in entrepreneurship are better—more useful, more real, more likely to produce actual companies—than they have ever been. Here are 10 we’d love to take.

View course list here
http://www.inc.com/magazine/20110401/the-10-best-entrepreneurship-courses-of-2011.html?partner=newsletter_Startup

5 Mobile Payment Tools for Business

by Dave Smith

"Considering the efficiency and affordability of these systems, even for the smallest of businesses, mobile payment systems might just be the future of commerce. Here are five of the top mobile payment solutions currently available..."

Read post here
http://www.inc.com/guides/201103/5-mobile-payment-tools-for-business.html?partner=newsletter_Startup

How to Choose the Best Options for Your Company’s 401(k) Plan

by Carolyn M. Brown

"The quality of your company’s 401(k) plan will impact your employees’ ability to retire with enough money in their coffers to sustain their retirement living...Structure your company 401(k) plan in a way that it encourages the highest amount of savings. Studies show that automatic enrollment and auto-escalation are features that significantly increase 401k participation and savings..."

Read article here
http://www.inc.com/guides/2011/01/how-to-choose-the-best-options-for-your-companys-401k-plan.html?partner=newsletter_Success

5 Tips for a Useful Mission Statement

"Your statement ought to be an important representation of your company culture. It's an opportunity to institute an overall sense of identity and should be constantly maintained and referred to..."

Read tips here
http://www.inc.com/ss/5-tips-on-developing-an-effective-mission-statement?partner=newsletter_Startup#0

8 Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Direct Seller

By Carolyn M. Brown

Just about every consumer product or service imaginable is sold somewhere in the world through direct selling. As its name implies, the products or services of a company are sold directly to consumers by independent distributors—not employees.

Read article here
http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/07/8-things-you-should-know-before-becoming-a-direct-seller.html

The Five-Second Commute (WAH)

by Sue Shellenbarger

"Amid the economy's many ailments, some good news has remained mostly off the radar: The at-home work force is growing, and it is encompassing new occupations ranging from radiology and nursing to auditing and teaching.

The bad news: Fierce competition means your odds of landing one of these jobs are poor. And if you succeed, you will probably take a pay cut..."

Read this informative article here
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703819904574555710881471416.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_careers

51 Ways To Reward Employees Without Money

by Shannan Hearne - Posted on HER-Mastermind-Network, LinkedIn

"..tough times don’t mean that you should just forget about rewarding your employees. There are many ways that you can reward employees without handing them money, and many of these are things you can do right now, with very little effort..."

Read her list of ideas here
http://tinyurl.com/47euxra

5 Things to Remember When Setting Up Your Business

There are thousands of tasks that every small business owner must consider and do in order to set up a new business. However, whether you are a new small business owner or an experienced entrepreneur, here are five things to remember when setting up a small business.

Read tips here
http://www.morebusiness.com/setting-up-small-business

Kick Start Your Business With a Five Day Action Plan

by Denise O'Berry

"Creating an action plan doesn’t need to be a long drawn out process. You can create one in five days (or less!) and then be kicking it in gear creating success for your business. Here’s how."

Read her tips here
http://www.deniseoberry.com/index.php/2010/01/02/kick-start-your-business-with-a-five-day-action-plan

Resources for Entrepreneurs and the Self-Employed

Connect with over 33,000 volunteer business mentors, 22,500 federal, state and local programs and myriad online educational tools.

If you can't find what you need, AskBUZ.

FTC: Great Information for Avoiding Job Scams

If you’re looking for a job, you may see ads for firms that promise results. Many of these firms may be legitimate and helpful, but others may misrepresent their services, promote out-dated or fictitious job offerings, or charge high fees in advance for services that may not lead to a job.

Read informative tips here
http://cwahm.com/wordpress/2010/articles/from-the-ftc-great-information-for-avoiding-job-scams

Top 3 Time Wasters Every Small Business Owner Should Avoid

Posted by buzz under Business Planning

"There are many ways to save time and spend more focus on business matters. Here are three time-wasters we think you can eliminate to help give you extra hours in a day for more important matters.."

Read tips here
http://blog.morebusiness.com/2011/01/top-3-time-wasters-every-small-business-owner-should-avoid

15 Fraud Warning Signs, False Employee Comp Claims

Courtesy of Andrew Harris, Jr - Liberty Insurance

Do you have an employee putting a claim in for workermen's compensation? Here are 15 fraud warning signs -- (PDF download)

Download information here
http://ow.ly/2NMgK

The Hidden Costs, Risks For Small Businesses from Health Care Law

by Kim Luu

"Here are some of the financial costs and business risks every business owner should be aware of, beyond the well-publicized $19 Billion cost estimate for additional paperwork.."

Read article here
http://preview.tinyurl.com/46hdw97

How to Smooth Things Over with a Dissatisfied Customer

Posted by Raj Khera - This is a guest blog post by Jill Tooley.

How do you handle a tricky situation and attempt to circumvent negative feedback before it’s published all over the web? Here are a few tips to help you address customer concerns and calm the waters before they rage out of control.

Read blog post here
http://blog.morebusiness.com/2010/09/how-to-smooth-things-over-with-a-dissatisfied-customer

12 Tips Starting Online Business

. . . & Creating a Website that Works! Weekly Audiocast by Women in Ecommerce™

Before you start an online business, there are questions you must answer and things to consider.

Here audio tips here
http://preview.tinyurl.com/4sq44cz

Download the PDF transcript here:
http://wecai.org/attachments/-01_Twelve_tips_to_start_an_online_business.pdf

Top 40 Business Resources for Work at Home Women

Did you know that women are starting small businesses at twice the rate of men? With flexible schedules, financial freedom, satisfying work, and more time to spend with your loved ones, it's no wonder why women are jumping on the entrepreneurial bandwagon.

With this new surge of women entering the entrepreneurial ranks, it will be imperative to your success to keep up with the latest small business trends, news and strategies.

View list here
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/40-top-business-resources-for-work-at-home-women