Business Resources - Recent Articles

More business tips from the NFIB business resources library.

Business Resources

Won a Business Award? Make it Pay OffHow can you leverage an award—whether it’s local, national, trade-related or merely kudos from the garden club—into an opportunity to grow your business?
On Location: How to Get Hollywood Interested in Filming at Your BusinessIs your business ready for its close-up? Follow these steps if you want a movie, TV show or commercial shot on your property.
Your Competition uses Pre-Employment Testing. Shouldn't You?Pre-employment tests are used by majority of employers today—for good reason
5 Proven Tips for Generating More Referral BusinessYou've worked hard to make a customer happy. Now how do you get them to send more customers your way?
Hiring an IT Consultant? Look for These Specific QualitiesChoose the right tech guru to keep your business running with these suggestions from IT consultants.
Before You Snoop Online: What Employers Need to Know About Using the Internet in Hiring ProcessThinking of using social media check up on a potential new hire’s background? Tread with care.
Anti-Compete Lawsuits on the Rise: Can Your Non-Compete Agreement Stand Up in Court?A business owner asks new employees to leave behind customer lists, intellectual property, proprietary information, etc., should they ever depart the company. It’s called covering your assets. But there’s a downside. Done improperly, such an agreement may be a lawsuit waiting to happen.
3 Insiders’ Tips to Government ContractingThe federal government spends billions of dollars a year on private-sector contractors. You deserve a piece of that pie. There are a number of small yet significant steps a business can take to help land that coveted government deal.
3 Tips to Guide Your Hyperlocal Strategy"Hyperlocal" marketing can help focus your promotional efforts on those most likely to buy. Whether it's online ads guided by GPS to reach a particular user, or something as real-world as a strategically placed poster in a bus shelter, by narrowing geographic focus, it’s possible for a small business to go right to the core of its potential market.
Kickstarter Alternatives Success StoriesMeet three small businesses that made it with crowd funding sources similar to Kickstarter.
How to Kickstart Your Business with KickstarterKickstarter has become the go-to source for the crowdfunding set and has helped fund nearly 40,000 projects since its launch in 2009. Could your business be next?
5 More Ways to Lower Your Health Insurance CostsLooking for even more ways to lower your small business’ health insurance costs? Read these 5 additional suggestions.
Unusual Employee Perks To Keep Your Small Business Staff EngagedSmall business doesn’t have to mean small perks. As many owners, managers and staffers can attest, there are plenty of ways to get creative to offer incentives employees want most.
When the Tax Man Cometh, You Want an Expert in Your CornerShould you do your own taxes? Is it a good idea to crunch the numbers yourself? The answer is subtle and complex, dependent on a range of variables. And if you just finished filing your taxes, you may already know the answer to the question.
5 Tips for Finding a Business Accountant That FitsWho do you want on the other end of the phone line when you encounter a crisis? Finding just the right number-cruncher for your business is no trivial matter. Learn what to look for and how to tell who is a good fit.
Are Employee Background Checks Worth the Cost?Learn how certain business types are more appropriate for pre-hire background checks than others and how liability should be considered in advance.
When Can You Mix Politics and Business?Sharing your opinions publicly can backfire when customers disagree, but when a position supports your core business, it could make sense.
5 Steps to Open Book ManagementWe show you how to make the transition to sharing financial and operational information with employees.
How to Start a Cleaning BusinessThinking of starting a janitorial business? Here are key considerations to keep in mind.
Should You Disclose Company Salaries to All Employees?Disclosing salaries to employees can help with retention, but there are still some drawbacks.
3 Ways to Address Workplace RomanceFollow these tips to protect your company from the potentially negative consequences of employee relationships.
How to Start a Business in PennsylvaniaFind resources and information for starting a business in the Keystone state.
3 Easy Ways to Offer Employees DiscountsCheck out these simple, free or low-cost ways to provide your employees with extra benefits.
5 Bad Habits Entrepreneurs Must DropWe talked to business owners about common bad practices that hurt your business.
How to Do a 'Greener' Remodel of Your BusinessAn environmentally friendly office space makeover starts with a solid plan and ends with an ongoing commitment. Find out the best ways to make your remodeled business go green.
5 National Small Business Awards You Can WinWin cash, national recognition and valuable networking opportunities with these national small business awards.
Time is Ripe for Branching Out to Earn Income in New Ways"It's a fantastic time to consider branching out into earning income in new ways," says Chris Guillebeau, author of the $100 Startup. Learn how other small businesses are adding new lines of income.
What You Can Learn About Reinvention from 3 Small Businesses That Successfully Pulled it OffSometimes a business needs to completely reinvent itself to survive. Here's what you can learn from 3 small businesses that pulled off this feat.
Top 3 Financial Pitfalls to Avoid When Starting a New BusinessAs easily as many small businesses set sail, many just as easily sink. Learn the common mistakes startups make and how to prevent your startup from becoming a statistic of financial loss.
4 Ways to Ensure Your Employee Wellness Program FlourishesCountless studies and surveys over the years have shown that implementing an employee wellness program can be a worthwhile investment for businesses of all sizes and shapes. Find out how you can make sure it takes off.
Your Small Business Still Isn't Data Mining?Data mining, which is searching stores of data to discover patterns and trends that go beyond simple analysis, isn't just for large corporations. Small businesses can use free tools to mirror this technique and gain an understanding of their customers preferences and trends.
Want Your New Hires to Hit to the Ground Running? Get a ChecklistThe first few weeks at a company are crucial in determining the longevity of a new hire's tenure. Ensure they start off on the right foot with a checklist.
Why Business Owners Should Spend an Hour a Week in Online ForumsShould you spend a few hours a month in online business forums? Doing so can keep you from having to reinvent the wheel while meeting future business partners and getting inside the minds of your customers.
How 4 Small Businesses Protected their Intellectual Property from Chinese Manufacturers and Etsy CopycatsWhile you can never protect your property 100%, you can take several steps keep knock-off artists at bay.
Make the Final Four (and Other Events) Work for Your BusinessMillions of eyes are on the city, local citizens are energized. There’s just got to be a business opportunity in an event of this size! Find out how you can take advantage of the Final Four and other local events.
What You Need to Know about the Home Office Tax DeductionThe IRS’s new more simplified flat-rate version makes filing a whole lot easier in general, but is it the right choice for your business?
Wireless Payments: Are You PCI Compliant?PCI DSS compliance is not optional and if you aren’t compliant, the consequences could be huge for your business.
Profitable Ways to Follow Up with Customers, Without Annoying ThemNo business transaction should end once the receipt has been printed. A gracious follow-up contact goes a long way toward making a small business memorable, sowing seeds for a lasting relationship.
5 Steps to Picking Perfect Co-Marketing PartnersCo-marketing partnerships—in which businesses both large and small combine forces in order to increase awareness about each establishment’s offerings—are a great strategy if you can get them right.
5 Things Reporters Don't Want to Hear From YouAnd 5 things they do. Being interviewed for newspaper, magazine or Internet articles is a great way for small business owners to get the word out about their companies. Learn what to say and not say to a reporter.
When Over-Communicating Backfires With CustomersCan a small business communicate too much or too often with its customers? These three owners learned the answer is yes. Learn how to be sure you don’t overstep your bounds when it comes to customer communications.
Your Business Needs More Photos Online. Here’s HowThe web is not merely an informational medium – it’s a visual medium, an experience driven as much by pictures as by words. Fortunately for small business, simplified tools are becoming increasingly available to help beef up websites with images, easily and at little expense.
5 Ways to Lower Your Health Insurance CostsMost small employers look to reduce costs where they can. When it comes to providing health insurance for employees, owners can provide health insurance coverage without breaking the bank by looking at various options.
How to Find – And Keep – Your Ideal CustomerThere’s a sweet spot for every business, an ideal customer that is worth pursuing and worth hanging on to. Here’s how three small businesses are finding that magic partner.
How to Tell When Your Business Should Sponsor an EventAcross a range of industries, small business owners have found that event sponsorship can be a powerful way to grab attention. Learn how to determine if sponsoring an event is right for you.
March Madness for Small Business - What Are Your Top Challenges?If you were ranking the obstacles to running a business, what would you put in your top brackets?
Co-Marketing: Make Strength in Numbers Work for Your BusinessBeing a sole proprietor or a small business owner doesn't mean you are alone when it comes to spreading the word on your shop. Using other local owners and competitors even can lead to great marketing partnerships and combined efforts.
Telecommuting's Hidden Risks and How to Handle ThemDo you have teleworkers in your business? Watch out for these hidden liabilities.
Why You Need a Buy-Sell AgreementA business partnership may start out solid but nothing lasts forever. Learn how to protect your business and yourself against the inevitable break-up with a buy-sell agreement.
How to Capitalize on St. Patrick’s Day When You Don’t Own an Irish PubYou don’t have to be an Irish pub to capitalize on St. Patrick’s Day, say the following small business owners -- each of whom attract attention during this most Irish of holidays.
Make a “Shop Local” Campaign Work for You and Your NeighborsWhile competing against the big box retailers small business owners need to take a look at the local small businesses around them for inspiration. Pooling efforts with local businesses could pay off big time in a Shop Local marketing campaign.
How 4 Small Businesses Found Marketing Success in 2012Small businesses can market their wares many ways these days so we've selected four approaches that proved successful for different small companies last year. Could they do the same for yours?
Time-Saving Tips for Managing Business PaymentsSmall businesses know that Payment processing costs can be high and back-office functions can be stressful and time-consuming. Read on to find solutions that can streamline these tasks and even potentially save your business money.
Social Media: How Much Is Too Much for a Small Business?When it comes to social media, it’s easy to get in deep, spending hours at the keyboard tweeting and liking and friend-ing. How much is too much? We asked several business owners just how they use social media—and how much time they spend doing it.
3 Essential Steps to Adding Another Line of Income to Your BusinessYou need multiple lines of income so that you aren't at the mercy of one big client or even one big product. Having multiple lines of income helps to spread out those risks, explains entrepreneur and author Becky McCray. Before you start in on this, you need to know how to manage multiple lines. It's not easy to add a new line while still keeping your business moving forward so Becky shares some tricks she's learned for managing businesses as diverse as a liquor store and a cattle ranch.
Should You Allow Employees' Children in the Office?Allowing children in the workplace comes with a number of benefits, but not without a few risks.
How to Address Turnover in a Retail BusinessRetail businesses face higher turnover than most industries. Here’s how to retain more employees.
How to Address Turnover in the Restaurant IndustryTurnover in the restaurant industry is high. Here are steps you can take to reduce it.
Religion in the Workplace: What Can I Allow?We look at religious discrimination cases that have set precedents for other small businesses.
5 Outside-of-the-Box Perks that Boost RecruitmentTry these simple, inexpensive perks to keep employees satisfied.
3 Ways to Save Money on Gas and EnergyTry these creative methods to cut back on energy costs.
Should Your Business Buy Flood Insurance?How to determine the appropriate type of flood insurance to keep your business afloat.
Which Tablet is Best For Your Business?With so many tablets on the market, it can be hard to choose one. We take a look at how to determine which one will help your business the most.
How to Recover From a Business Trip Gone WrongLearn to minimize the damage and move on with these tips.
5 Best Places to Start a Business in 2013We identify business-friendly locations for you to start your next venture.
How to Resolve Workplace ConflictBring peace to your workplace with these conflict resolution strategies.
Energy Saving Tips from 3 Small Businesses That Made It WorkTry these creative methods to cut back on energy costs.
3 Ways to Use Video on Your WebsiteDraw in new customers and increase sales by following these strategies from fellow small business owners.
5 Tips To Avoid Legal Fallout From Workplace RomanceMany romantic involvements, including long-lasting relationships and short-lived romances, begin on the job. It's mostly at work that people meet other people. Many solid, life-long marriage relationships have resulted from romances that began at work, but also many illicit affairs have likewise started with business friendships and relationships (surveys have shown that the majority of extramarital affairs start at work).
Are These Website Add-ons and Widgets Right for Your Business?Your shop may have all the bells and whistles inside but does your business impress as much online? Adding tools such as live customer support, 'contact us' forms and embedding payment processes on your website can makes you and your customers happy.
Why You Need to Read Those Negative ReviewsReceiving a scathing review online can seem like the end of the world for your small business. But what’s worse is receiving this type of review and not even knowing about it. Find out how to monitor, approach, and appeal your business’s online reputation.
Run Your Business Like a Start-up Competition WinnerEver wonder how those entrepreneurs on TV win the judges over and gain thousands in startup financing? We asked startup business competition winners how they claimed victory and what advice they would give to others.
Find the Best Airline for Your Next Business Trip [INFOGRAPHIC]You don't want to be surprised with hidden fees or delayed by unreliable flight times so it's important to select the airline that best suits your needs. Here's a look at the five most traveled airlines and where they rank on price, timeliness, legroom, baggage fees and Wi-Fi.
Best Credit Card for Your Style of Business TravelWhether you routinely fly the circumference of the Earth or only occasionally take flight, you can find a rewards card that fits with your business travel style. We’ve picked the 4 best cards to get the job done.
Want More Loyal Customers? Show Them Some LoveWe know you love your customers. After all, they are what keeps your business going. But do your customers know you love them? Here are some tips on showing your appreciation and ensuring loyal patrons keep coming back.
Beyond Food Trucks: The Unique Advantages of Mobile BusinessesBeing able to pull your business up and park it directly in front of a customer is a unique advantage to the mobile business world. And it's not just food trucks that are taking their products on the go. Learn how these small businesses mastered the transportable business model.
5 Cheap Marketing Ideas You May Not Have ConsideredLooking for ways to boost your business that won’t cost you a fortune? Four small business owners share some of their best proven tips.
Tell Us How You Built Your Business And You Could Win $5,000!Every small business owner has a story to share and we want to hear yours. Throughout the month of February, NFIB is giving you a chance to tell us in just two minutes or less how you built your business and you could win $5,000 cash!
What Should Your Business Put on YouTube? These Ideas WorkedYou don't have to have a Super Bowl-sized budget to create engaging advertising. Learn how to leverage YouTube for marketing, communications, and lots of great buzz for your business.
The Small Business Case for Corporate CitizenshipSo you want to be a good corporate citizen but you're not a corporation? Small businesses have a responsibility and an incentive to give back to the community as well.
Adding Radio Advertising to Your Marketing MixThe air waves aren't just for car talk or billboard toppers, radio is a great opportunity to showcase your business name and reputation. Learn how other small businesses built awareness through radio advertising.
What to Do If You Get a Cease and Desist Letter When you receive a cease and desist letter, follow these steps to keep your business running.
Make Cold Calling Work: 3 Businesses Share Their StrategiesLearn from three businesses that have found creative ways to use cold calls in their business.
Space-Saving Tips for Home-Based BusinessesWhen you’re crunched for space, follow these tips to make the most of your workspace.
4 Alternatives to PowerPointMake your business presentations stand out with these programs.
How to Start a Landscaping BusinessFrom legal considerations to making a profit, here’s what you need to know to get your landscaping business off the ground.
4 Steps to Running Your Business Amid a DisasterLearn from these best practices to help you keep your business going during natural disasters.
Is Your Business Ready for the Flu? Preventive Measures Can Keep Your Business Running in Sickness and in HealthA sick staff infects a small business' bottom line, perhaps disproportionately to large businesses. Most small-business employees handle multiple responsibilities and work in close environments.
Top Marketing Trends for 2013NFIB identifies trends, technology and areas of growth that are ideal for starting or expanding a business.
5 Easy-to-Keep New Year's Resolutions for Your Small BusinessBy now, most people have already broken at least a few of their New Year's resolutions, but the NFIB Small Business Legal Center has come up with a list of five resolutions every small-business owner should keep.
7 Methods to Get Your Customers to Pay On Time in 2013Those unpaid invoices can be a real threat to your small business's financial health. Follow these 7 tips to get customers to pay on time.
What is the 2012 Economic Census 2012 and Do I Have to Fill it Out?Wondering if you really have to fill out the federal government's 2012 economic census form? Learn more about the form and what the penalties are if you don't bother to return it.
Best Small Business Books of 2012 - Part 2NFIB’s picks for the best reads for small business owners this year.
10 Ways to Boost Profitability in 2013The recession dominated business news in 2012. But sprinkled among the doom-and-gloom are small business success stories. You could be one of them in 2013.
Last Year's Mistakes: How 4 Small Business Owners Profited From ThemMistakes can affect your bottom line. Make a plan for evaluating your mistakes regularly.
4 Free Small Business Apps to Start 2013 RightLet your mobile device shoulder some of the burden of day-to-day tasks.
New Year's Checklist for a Good Looking Small Business in 2013Follow this quick-fix checklist to make sure your business looks its best this year.
Top 10 Small Business Webinars of 2012Want to catch up on the most important and entertaining webinars from 2012? These 10 presentations from our experts bring you interactive information with Q&A from fellow small business owners. If you missed any of these live presentations (or just need a refresher), be sure to catch the replays now.
Top 10 Small Business Handbooks and Handouts of 2012What are the top take-aways and handbooks that you need to download to help your small business? See what factsheets, reports and guides made the list of most helpful and popular materials NFIB offered in 2012.
Top 10 Infographics and Charts About Small BusinessWhat was the top small business data you needed to know about in 2012? And did in come in a colorful format? Read on to find out.
Top 10 Small Business Videos of 2012What types of videos were viewed the most during an election year? High school entrepreneurs represent three of the top ten slots for most viewed videos in 2012. The controversies around the President's "you didn't build that" remarks and Mitt Romney's advice that owners discuss the election with their employees also attracted attention.
12 Most Popular Business Resources Articles of 2012In 2012, small business owners visited NFIB.com most often to see creative ways entrepreneurs are using digital, to find tips on starting a business, and even to share a chuckle. Read on to learn what captured the attention of your peers the past 12 months.
How to Run a Business — and Stay HealthyThree business owners share tips for living a healthy lifestyle
How the Fiscal Cliff Impacts Your Year-end Taxes and What to Do Right NowIn light of the fiscal cliff, there are different rules for year-end tax planning.
4 Secrets to Boosting Your Profits During the HolidaysIncrease sales this season by following tips from fellow business owners.
How to Avoid Holiday Party DisastersLet loose without losing it with these tips on hosting a fun and professional event.
What Should I Give for a Holiday Bonus?Boost morale and motivate employees with these tips for holiday bonuses.
Does a Discount Pricing Strategy Make Sense for Small Business?The trick to discounting properly is avoiding cutting into the bottom line too deeply, or too often: Do it in a way that increases overall transaction value or brings customers back for repeat visits -- not in a way that encourages customers to wait for sales, or think your initial prices are not the “real” price.
Deadbeat Stiff Your Business? How to Get Your Money Back LegallyLearn the four steps for collecting overdue debt and and when it's not worth the bother.
How 5 Small Businesses Answered the Question: Is it Time to Hire Again?Wondering if it makes sense to hire in this economy? Here’s how small business owners five different industries -- retail, agriculture, construction, manufacturing and professional services -- made this critical decision.
10 Key Elements to Change When RebrandingThese simple steps will help you chart a steady course to a revamped company image.
Don't Hire an Additional Employee Until You Check These 3 ThingsThinking about bringing on another employee? Check these three aspects of your business before hiring more staff.
What Should I Pay for Website Design?Learn how to determine the features you need—and the price you should pay for them.
How to Cover for an Absent EmployeeLearn how to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks during an employee’s absence.
What You Should Know about the Family and Medical Leave ActHere’s how FMLA rules may apply to your business.
Should You Allow Pets Inside Your Business?Here’s what to consider when deciding whether or not customers can bring animals into your business.
3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Promoted Facebook PostsShould you pay to promote your Facebook posts? Consider advice from small business owners who have done it.
Find Small Business Saturday Deals from Independent BusinessesBlack Friday kicks off the biggest shopping weekend of the year, and Small Business Saturday offers consumers the chance to find great deals while supporting the local economy. NFIB's Small Business Saturday web portal gives you a free way to advertise deals and to help shoppers find those deals quickly and easily.
3 Strategies to Determine Product MarkupBefore you set prices, consider these strategies to determine dollar amounts.
4 Old School Marketing Methods that Still WorkThese tried and true methods can help you drive sales and acquire new customers.
How to Use Mystery Shoppers to Improve Your BusinessBetter your business by finding people to shadow and critique your services.
How to Build Relationships With BloggersLearn how to bring exposure to your business by cultivating relationships with bloggers.
Dos and Don'ts of Music Licensing for Small Business OwnersIf you play music at your business, follow these tips to avoid thousands of dollars in fines.
How to Track and Analyze Customer HabitsWe take a look at three tools that can help you better understand your customers’ activity online.
4 Lessons Your Small Business Can Learn From the MilitaryMany military veterans apply skills they learned in the military to run successful businesses—and you don’t have to be a veteran to do the same.
Secure Your Business from Cybercrime as Small Firms are Increasingly TargetedSmall businesses are increasingly the targets of cyber theft, with 36% of targeted attacks during the first half of 2012. Compounding the problem is that some service providers -- including banks -- do not afford the same protection to business accounts as they do to individuals. State and federal laws do not require banks to cover business accounts. Here's how to protect your business.
6 Small Business Marketing Takeaways from the 2012 ElectionBefore the pundits start talking about the next campaign cycle, let’s take a look at six marketing lessons from the election that you can apply to your own business.
Is It Worth the Hassle to Switch Banks?One if four small businesses have changed banks in the last four years. Is it time for you to consider a switch? Learn what to look for in addition to rates and fees.
What Small Business Can Learn from Weight WatchersGrowing from a one-woman business to a leader in the weight-loss program industry was no small feat for Weight Watchers. Learn what it took and how your small business can align itself for the same kind of success.
Top 5 TV Shows Every Entrepreneur Should WatchTV shows may be all about ratings and over-the-top personalities. But in today’s reality show world, entrepreneurs can not only find entertainment value, but also inspiration. Here are NFIB’s top 5 shows to inspire your small business:
Top 5 Things to Look for on Election Night if You're a Small BusinessAfter a campaign that felt like it lasted forever, Election Day is finally here. The outcomes of today's races across the country will impact how important small business issues are addressed next year in the 113th Congress, including taxes, healthcare and regulatory reform. Here are the top 5 things small business owners should watch for on Election Night.
Recession-Proof? How Women Made it Work - INFOGRAPHICHow are women-owned businesses surviving the Great Recession? We polled 760 business owners to find out how the recession changed the way they do business. Social media use is way up and headcount is starting to increase again. This infographic highlights what they said.
10 Ghastly Ghouls That Can Spook Any Small Business OwnerThere’s nothing fun about something going wrong in the operations of a small business. In fact, business as usual is almost always a good thing. But since we're in the spirit of Halloween and it’s the season to be frightened out of our wits, here’s a list of 10 ghastly ghouls that can spook any small-business owner.
When Disaster Strikes: Navigating the Claims ProcessWhen a disaster strikes your city, you will at first be overwhelmed with concern about the welfare of your family, the future of your business and the seemingly mounting debt. Inevitably, however, the devastation caused by a disaster will raise a number of insurance coverage issues that you will need to address. Consider the following when it comes time to file and resolve your claim:
10 Tips on How to Run A Business While Still in CollegeEntrepreneurship can start at any age. For some the idea for a business may come during their time at college. And while juggling a full course load and a new business venture can seem daunting, the pay off can be immense. Here are some tips from a young entrepeneur on how to run a business while still in college.
Exploring Workforce Lodging: Is Your Company Missing an Opportunity?Workforce travel is substantially different from business travel and is often overlooked by companies – to the detriment of their bottom line.
Tools to Revamp Your Website on the CheapLearn simple ways to give your small business website a facelift.
How to Start a Business in VirginiaLearn how to launch your business and find start-up resources in Virginia.
3 Small Businesses Using Tumblr for MarketingLearn how a trio of small businesses leveraged Tumblr to drive business.
Didn’t File Your Taxes On Time? Here’s What You Need to KnowLearn about the penalties you may face and what your options are if you can’t pay taxes on time.
Qualifying for the Small Business Healthcare Tax CreditHere’s how to determine whether or not you qualify for this credit.
Why Your Business Should Have a Generous Return PolicyLearn how a good return policy can help you attract and retain customers.
3 Creative Ways to Use Pinterest for MarketingLearn how your business can benefit from this popular social media site.
How to Start a Business in New JerseyFind information about New Jersey’s business climate and its resources for startups.
Should My Food Truck Launch a Restaurant?Find out how to leverage your successful business on wheels to open a restaurant.
How to Start a Business in MichiganIt’s easier than ever to grow your business in the state of Michigan. Here’s how to get started.
How to Use Twitter to Grow Your BusinessWith more than 140 million active users worldwide, Twitter is a magnificent opportunity for businesses to reach out to users by interest and followers. Learn how to leverage the massive volume of activity and conversation to get more business through your door.
3 Alternatives to Traditional BanksIf your bank isn't helping your business succeed, consider these alternatives.
4 Pitfalls to Avoid During a Business MoveMake relocating your business as painless as possible for you, your employees and your customers.
4 Hotel Alternatives for Business TravelersLearn about options to consider for your next business trip.
Travel Agents Can Still Save You Money—Here’s HowHow to get the best bang for your buck on travel expenses by using a travel agent.
Avoid These Common Legal Pitfalls with Employee BenefitsIf you want to avoid the penalties and litigation associated with employee benefit plans, make sure to understand the legal risks and responsibilities associated with common employee benefits.
4 Hidden Costs of Cloud ContractsConsidering cloud computing for your business? Look for these four hidden costs before you sign a contract.
Small Business Access to Credit [INFOGRAPHIC]We asked 850 small business owners how they access credit and what they use it for. See how your business compares.
The $100 Startup: Is It Possible?Two small business owners share their experience and debate the feasibility of growing a business from $100.
13 Reasons You're Not As Successful As You Should Be by Jim KukralAre any of these common mistakes limiting your successful. Jim Kukral of JimKukralBooks.com shares some no-nonsense advice on what might be holding you back. Read his guest post to learn more.
How much should I pay for PR services?What you pay will depend on the size and experience of the firm, your location and the complexity of your goals.
4 Alternatives to Leaving your Business to Your KidsIf succession planning isn’t an option, consider these alternatives for an exit strategy.
How to Ask for a Tax Abatement from Local GovernmentWant to lower your taxes? Here’s how to obtain different types of tax abatements from your local government.
How Much Should You Pay for an Accountant?Learn what to expect from accountant fee structures to avoid surprises on your next invoice.
Defined Benefit Healthcare Plans – How Do They Work?Learn about how defined benefit healthcare plans work, and how they are changing due to healthcare reform.
Best Small Business Credit Cards of 2012Whether you need the capital or just crave the rewards, these four cards are the year’s best for small business owners.
Best Small Business Books Published in 2012 - Part 1Here are our picks for great business books published in 2012 — so far.
4 Ways to Make Your Manufacturing Business Eco-FriendlyBig changes don’t have to be big costs. These one-time efforts will pay for themselves and benefit your company and the environment.
Does My Company Need a Blog?Blogs for your small business can be a boost or a bust. Here are some questions to think about before hitting “post.”
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Bank LoanA bank loan can help your business thrive in good times and survive in bad. Avoiding these mistakes will help your application shine.
Life Insurance Q&As for Small Business OwnersHere’s a look into how life insurance can protect your business.
A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Stocks: 6 First StepsArmed with a smart strategy and a bit of confidence, small business owners can take the guesswork out of investing their savings.
How to Vet an Attorney or LawyerYou trust your attorney more than anyone else outside your business. Here’s how to make sure your attorney deserves that trust.
High-Profile Product Delivery: How One NFIB Member Did It.Pioneer Balloon supplied 100,000 balloons for the 2012 Republican National Convention. Here’s how they got the gig.
What Small Business Owners Need to Know About the IRS’ New 401(k) RulesA new federal rule requires employers to distribute more information to employees.
Estate Planning—How Living Trusts WorkA living trust can help your heirs bypass a complicated legal process when you die, helping them settle your assets quickly and with few hassles. Here’s how one works.
Top 10 Business Experts to Follow on TwitterWe’ve listed Twitter’s must-follows for small business owners.
5 Steps to Effective Job DescriptionsNFIB spoke with experts on how to create the best job descriptions for your business.
5 Good Reasons Why Your Small Business Needs Job DescriptionsMany small businesses don’t have job descriptions, but they should. Here’s how well written job descriptions can help your business.
How to Track Your ExpensesUtilizing an online tool or mobile application to track your business expenses
How Much Should I Pay for a Lawyer?From charging methods to regional differences, here’s what you should consider paying for legal services.
Public Relations: Should You Insource or Outsource PR?Social media makes do-it-yourself PR easy and affordable. Outsourcing, however, might make more sense. Here’s how to choose the best route for your business.
How to Make Your Office Go PaperlessIf you’re trying to eliminate paper in your office, follow these tips.
3 Businesses That Have Successfully Sourced Their Work LocallyThese three small business owners found creative ways to make local sourcing work for them.
What You Need to Know About Interchange FeesLearn about how new regulations on interchange fees for debit card processors will affect your small business.
What You Need to Know About Expensing in 2012Here’s how to take advantage of changes in the tax code that can benefit your business.
Three Emerging Payments Technology to Meet Customers’ Needs — By Mike Duffyhe way customers pay for goods and services is continuously evolving, and in a competitive environment, businesses must adapt or be left behind. As your business seeks to adapt to the ever-changing payments landscape, here are three technologies that will make it easier to serve your customers.
How to Choose the Right Internet Domain Name for Your BusinessA valuable domain name can make or break your business. Here’s how to ensure your customers find you, and not your competitor.
Small Banks vs. Large Banks: Which is Right for Your Business?Small business owners share inside tips on the pros and cons of small banks vs. large banks.
3 Benefits of Professional PhotographyTechnology has made it easy for small business owners to shoot their own pictures, but these businesses invested in professional photographers and reaped big rewards.
Pros and Cons of a Cash-Only BusinessDeciding whether or not you should accept credit cards? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of only accepting cash.
Should I Offer Disability Insurance for My Employees?Short- or long-term disability insurance can help you compete for top talent. Here’s what you need to know before you decide to offer it.
Which Social Media Platform is Best for Your Business?Here’s how to determine the best social media site for your business.
3 Ways to Find Affordable, Environmentally-Friendly Office FurnitureYou don’t have to break the bank to furnish your office with environmentally friendly furniture. Here’s how to find it if you’re on a budget.
5 Ways to Prevent Your Small Business from Getting SuedGetting sued can be a huge burden on your business. Take these steps to avoid it.
Key Person Insurance: How It WorksIn the event of the death of a key colleague, key person insurance can help keep your business afloat. Here’s what to consider.
4 Myths About ExportingExporting is easier than you think. Here, four common misconceptions are laid to rest.
How My Restaurant Launched a Food TruckStreet food has come a long way from corn dogs on a stick. Learn how three restaurateurs put their restaurant on wheels.
Do's and Don'ts of Direct Mail for Small BusinessConsider these best practices for sending direct mail to your customers.
Keep It Cool! Preventing Heat Exhaustion in the WorkplaceExtreme heat is dangerous and can have a large impact on your workforce. Learn preventative measures to stay cool and keep your business growing.
6 Myths About Lighting Legislation DebunkedGrainger sheds some light on the lighting legislation and debunks myths that could keep businesses in the dark.
From Google Places to Google+ Local: What Your Business Needs to KnowChances are your business is listed on Google Places (and it should be!). But Google’s recent changes to the service mean you need to pay attention to keep your business front and center to search users and potential customers.
Bankruptcy 101: What Your Business Should KnowDid you know that there are six different types of bankruptcy? If your business suffers financial hardship and you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it's important to know the differences and procedures of bankruptcy.
6 Online Tools That Small Business Owners Should Be UsingTry these online tools to improve communication within your business.
5 Ways to Save Money on Your Phone BillsDrowning in phone bills? Learn how to save money on both mobile and landline phones.
How to Set Up a Remote Business Site While Recovery Takes PlaceIn the event of a natural disaster, a remote business site can help you stay in business. Here's how to set one up.
Avoid a Claim: Know These Employment Law BasicsThe number of employment related claims filed against employers has risen sharply over the past few years. Learn what you need to be thinking about as a small business owner to avoid these costly lawsuits and protect your business.
3 Ways to Cut Business Costs with the iPadTablets aren’t just for fun. We take a look at businesses that are cutting costs with these popular devices.
3 Ways to Change Your PerspectiveBurned out? Small business owners share their advice on how to recharge your batteries
How to Start a Business in OhioThinking of starting a business in Ohio? Find out how to navigate setting up a business in this state.
How to Stay Competitive in a Mobile Food WorldOwn a food truck? Here’s how to make your wheels stand out from the pack.
Women Small Business Owners Shed Light on Lessons Learned from the RecessionMike Nagle, General Manager of Ink from Chase, highlights new research that looks at the challenges women-owned businesses face and the decisions they made to navigate the severe economic downturn. One thing is clear -- the recent recession left us with a new breed of women small business owners who are better able to compete in today’s difficult environment.
4 Ways to Retain Email SubscribersFind that your email subscribership is dwindling? Follow these steps to hang on to your subscribers.
How Small Businesses Can Use Facebook TimelineRead up on how to use Facebook timeline to brand your business and keep fans coming back, time and time again.
How to Conduct a Job Interview on SkypeIf you’re hiring freelancers or remote employees, Skype can help ease the interviewing process and give you better insight into a candidate.
9 Ways to Boost Your Profits from Father's DayHolidays are great opportunities to highlight your small business' products and services. Here are 9 techniques for doing more business this Father's Day.
How Did Women-Owned Businesses Survive the Great Recession? [INFOGRAPHIC]How are women-owned businesses surviving the Great Recession? We polled 760 business owners to find out how the recession changed the way they do business. Social media use is way up and headcount is starting to increase again. This infographic highlights what they said.
How to Capitalize on a FadLearn how to make the latest fad your next big opportunity.
How To Create a Company SurveyWe highlight best practices for surveying employees.
How 3 Small Businesses Use Instagram for MarketingUsing Instagram, small business owners can instantly put a face to their businesses’ name—and watch their customer relationships and sales flourish as a result.
Don't Be a Victim of "Yellow Pages" ScamsEver receive an invoice or a phone call from someone claiming to be with the directory service Yellow Pages? You may want to think twice about paying up. The FTC has noticed an increase in scammers plaguing small businesses with fake bills. Find out what to look for and how to avoid falling prey.
How You Can Help Re-Build the Economy: Hire an InternTimes are tough. Everyone knows it. But did you know that as a small business owner, you might also be able to help turn our economy around and train our future workforce? Learn how hiring an intern can set a foundation for recovery.
The 7-Step Path to Getting Your Business Online Fast and FreeMarketing your business online can seem overwhelming but with a roadmap in your hands, you can navigate the steps it takes to get started fast and free. Guest columnist Chris Wight explains the seven step path that all small business owners should follow.
Rest & Meal Breaks: What Employers Need to KnowThe idea seems simple, but laws governing meal and rest breaks in the workplace can be complicated. Find out what the federal and state laws mean for your business.
Everything Your Mother Taught You is Terrible Business AdviceYou're not wearing THAT, are you? Did you grow up in a barn? If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. These popular momisms might work well with kids, but could following this business advice lead to your business getting grounded?
4 Car Insurance Essentials if You Have Employees Behind the WheelIt's vital to have auto insurance when employees driving on behalf of your business -- regardless of who owns the vehicle. Here's what you need to know about insuring business vehicles.
Car Wraps: Tips for Turning Your Vehicle Into an Attention-Grabbing AdHave you ever thought about wrapping your business vehicle in a giant ad like some radio stations do? Many business owners are finding vinyl wraps lead to more sales. Here's what to consider before you turn your car into a moving billboard.
What Does Sudden Growth Do to a Small Business? [Infographic]If your business were to double in size, would you need to double your staff? How else would your business change? NFIB polled 750 business owners about the benefits -- and the costs -- of growing a business. See the top findings in this handy infographic.
4 Things Your Business Needs to Do OnlineAs a small business owner, it’s important to maximize your time and the impact those activities deliver for your business. When it comes to Internet marketing, you need to make sure your business is everywhere your customers are looking for you or your competition. In the live webinar on May 9th, we’ll look at four ways you can market your business to deliver an impactful result and give you visibility online.
What You Need to Know When Using Criminal Background Checks in HiringNew guidelines have been issued for employers using criminal records in employment decisions. Make sure you know the rules and the limits of how you can use background checks when hiring.
How Will Healthcare Reform Affect Your Health Insurance Premiums?Have you ever wondered how healthcare reform may affect you and your family's health insurance? Phases of the healthcare law have already begun and more will take place next year and especially in 2014. Find out how these changes could affect you.
Payment for Unauthorized Overtime: Urban Legend or Ticking Time Bomb?If your employee handbook says that unauthorized overtime won't be paid and your employee works unapproved overtime anyway, do you have to pay? According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the answer can be Yes. Read on to find out how to protect your business.
How to Ditch Paper ReceiptsIf everything else is going electronic, why are you still fumbling with paper receipts? For small businesses that are ready to trade in paper for something more efficient, whether it's at the point of sale with customers or for your own expense tracking, here's how to get started.

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