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Business Resources

How to Start a Business in FloridaIf year-round sunshine isn’t enough reason to lure you to Florida, the state’s shifting attitudes toward business development might be.
5 Ways to Make the Most of Business Presentation Q&AsThe question-and-answer session after a business presentation can help you seal the deal. Here's how to make the most of Q&A sessions.
What is Stunting Small Business Growth? [INFOGRAPHIC]Surviving in a down economy is tough enough for small businesses. Growing is an even bigger feat. NFIB polled business owners about the external factors impeding their businesses' growth. This infographic shows their biggest challenges.
4 Tools to Improve Twitter SearchesWhen you have to navigate through hundreds of tweets, it can be difficult to find relevant information. Luckily, there are many helpful tools to help you keep tabs on Twitter.
How to Avoid Equipment Lease ScamsIt can be easy to fall prey to scams when you’re leasing equipment for your small business. Here's how to avoid them.
5 Ways to Manage Your Business' Social MediaRunning a business is stressful enough, not to mention keeping up with the changing social media networks and technology. Here are a few options for making social media management easier for your small business.
4 Creative Ways to Cross-Sell – A MyBusiness ExtraSometimes the way to boost sales is to get more business from your existing customers. Here are four creative ways to cross-sell your products and services.
3 Ways to Harness the Power of Growing Sectors – A MyBusiness ExtraEven if your industry is stagnant, you can harness the success of growing sectors. Here’s how.
4 Strategies to Focus Your Small Business Goals in 2012Consider these four beginning-of-the-year strategies to get a jumpstart on a successful and productive 2012.
FUTA Credit Reductions: Does Your Business Owe More in Taxes?Learn important information on rate changes and what they mean for employers.
Mixing Business With Friendship: How to Make it WorkFriends can be a boon to your business. They can send new customers your way, and during a business slump they can be a great source of moral support. But friends can also add stress to your work life by expecting special treatment such as discounts and part-time jobs for their kids. There is nothing wrong with extending special favors to friends, as long as everyone involved understands and agrees to the parameters
EPA's Lead Requirements and the Unintended Consequences for Your BusinessThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expanding the scope and cost of its Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) program, which seeks to reduce the spread of lead dust from old paint. Here's how your business may be affected and some of the consequences you can expect.
Can My Business Run a Background Check Before Making an Offer of Employment?Find out the essential trade-offs should you consider before running background checks on job candidates.
Tips for Better Local SEO from #SEOchatExperts in local search engine optimization recently shared their best tips for improving how your business shows up in local results on Google. Find out how to improve your rankings.
Hiring Smart: Conducting Effective InterviewsEvery job applicant wants to know the secrets to ace an interview. But it’s just as important for employers to know how to conduct an effective interview since many employment disputes are the result of poor hiring procedures. Use the following as a roadmap for finding and hiring the best candidate.
Home-based Businesses: How They Do It [INFOGRAPHIC]Owning a business out of your home is increasingly common, but comes with its own set of challenges. This infographic shows how home-based businesses stack up.
Top Daily Must-Reads for Every Small Business OwnerRunning a business can be stressful enough, so try a daily news resource that will give you plenty of information quickly. Here are our recommended daily must-read websites for every type of business owner.
The Home Office Deduction – What's Allowable and What's NotThinking of taking a home office deduction to lower your taxes? Follow these steps to maximize your deduction while avoiding common pitfalls.
3 Small Businesses With Great Google Places PagesGoogle Places is an effective way for customers to find your business online. Learn how to make your page successful from three small businesses.
How to Start a Catering BusinessHere’s a comprehensive guide to help start your catering business.
The Cost of Preparing Taxes [Infographic]Americans spend too much time – not to mention money – on taxes. Here's a visual display of just exactly how much goes into preparing to pay taxes.
When Language is Legal: Are You Mandated to Translate?Learn when the law requires you to translate materials in the workplace for employees who speak a foreign language.
Using Technology to Reunite Small Businesses with their Customers – By Richard QuigleyRichard Quigley, President of Ink from Chase, explains the importance of giving small businesses the tools they need to attract and spend more time with their customers. Making their jobs easier means more jobs across the entire economy.
How to Prevent 3 Types of EmbezzlementAlthough many small business owners think embezzlement can't happen in their company, it's more common than you might think. Here’s how you can detect and prevent 3 common forms of embezzlement.
New Year Checklist for a Good Looking Small BusinessFollow this quick-fix checklist to make sure your business looks its best this year.
Starting a Business When You’re BrokeDon’t let your lack of funds stop you from starting the business of your dreams. There are still ways to get it off the ground, provided you’ve got a clear business plan to help you meet your goals.
Top 10 Small Business Education HandoutsLooking back on 2011, small business owners came to NFIB.com for continuing education and information. Here we highlight the most informative and popular handouts that we provided to small business owners over the past year.
How to Survey Competitors’ Customers to Test Business IdeasReaching out to competitors' customers can be a great way to test new business ideas. Here's how to do it.
5 Great Small Business "About Us" PagesYour About Us page is often the first place potential customers go to get to know your business. Here are five companies that have made their pages stand out.
Top 10 Videos of 2011 for Small BusinessA lot has happened in past year--especially for small businesses. NFIB.com videos were there to document along the way. Review the year and catch the top 10 highlights of NFIB.com videos in 2011.
Top 10 Small Business Webinars of 2011In 2011, small business owners joined NFIB.com for weekly educational webianrs to learn from the experts on everything from tax filing issues and small budget marketing, to immigration updates and employment law 101.
How to Use Social Media to Weather a PR CrisisSocial media can be the perfect tool for reaching customers to clear up PR disasters.
Top 10 How-to Small Business Articles of 2011In 2011, small business owners came to NFIB.com looking to see how the new healthcare law impacts their business, for new funding options to expand or grow a business, and for advice on how to be a more successful owner.
Facebook Seminar Recap: Tips for Small BusinessGet your business up and running on Facebook with these tips from a recent joint seminar presented by Facebook and NFIB.
Should You Open a Pop-Up Store?Pop-up stores have become a great way for more traditional retail businesses to test a new product or market over a short amount of time.
3 Small Business Trends to Look For in 2012Whether you are looking to make your first sale or your thousandth, here are a few trends—from politics and policy to technology—that are sure to play a role in 2012.
10 Ways to Improve Profitability in 2012Jumpstart your business in 2012 with 10 steps that can provide a roadmap for profitability.
Best Business Books of 2011Looking for ways to revamp your small business in the coming new year? Check out small business owners' favorite business books of 2011.
3 Year-End Tax Tips for 2011Take action on these three deductions and credits before the calendar turns.
5 Ways to Start and Run a Company Without Risk -- By Barry MoltzEntrepreneurs typically take a lot of risk, but is it essential? While risk can’t be entirely eliminated, here are several techniques to reduce it in business.
How to Implement Peer ReviewsPeer reviews can be a great way for both business owners and employees to gain valuable feedback. Here we explore the best practices for implementing peer reviews.
4 Ways to Acquire an International Customer BaseSelling products outside the U.S. might seem daunting, but many businesses cannot afford to ignore opportunities for growth. Here are four ways to acquire an international customer base.
How to Address Language Gaps with CustomersIf your target market includes non-English speakers, there are many ways to address that language gap. From hanging a few signs in another language to a creating a dual-language website, here are a few solutions.
4 Common-Sense Tips for Product DevelopmentWhen small businesses are trying to survive a tough economy, owners must pay close attention to the process they use to launch a product. Here are best practices for developing a successful product.
Should Your Business be on Google+? – A MyBusiness ExtraHere are three ways sole proprietors have used Google+, Google's new social network, to drive business.
How to Handle Time Off for BereavementOffering bereavement leave—and handling the issue with care—can help workers get through a difficult time and make your company’s benefits plan more attractive to potential employees.
Pros and Cons of Peer ReviewsPeer reviews can be an effective evaluation of management and employees, but the process has some definite flaws. Consider these pros and cons.
4 Ways to Increase Your Website’s Inbound LinksTo drive more traffic to a website, small businesses should work to increase the number of inbound links to their websites. Here are four strategies to increase inbound links.
How to Start a Business in TexasIf you’re scouting a state in which to start your business, the Lone Star state should be high on your list. Here's how to start a business in Texas.
Does Your Website Need User Testing?Whether your goal is to lower your website’s bounce rate, increase the number of email sign-ups, or sell more products, user testing can be an important tool.
5 Tips for Raising Money through CrowdfundingCrowdfunding, an online method for acquiring small investments in a business from several investors, is ideal for limited financial goals on a niche project. Here are five tips to get started.
Can Crowdfunding Work for Your Business?Crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs to bypass angel investors and venture capitalists by asking people online to invest in their company. Learn how it could work for your business.
How to Shop Your Competition to Test Business IdeasPurchasing products or services from your competition can allow you to test business ideas. Here's how to do it.
Working with Indirect Competitors to Test Business IdeasReaching out to your indirect competitors can be a great way to test your business ideas. Here's how to do it.
Submit Your Best Small Business Saturday Deal for Free Online PublicityBlack 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.
Small Volume? Shipping Options to Save You Time and MoneyShipping can be a logistical nightmare for small businesses. But new online services can help you manage shipping and save you money.
3 Ways to Headhunt with Limited ResourcesFinding good talent can be a tough task. But these tips from small business owners will help you locate them without breaking the bank
3 Best Practices for Creating a Culture of InnovationCreating a culture of innovation within small businesses will not happen overnight. Here are three best practices.
3 Things to Consider Before Breaking Up Your Business PartnershipHere are three things you’ll need to know before breaking a business partnership.
Making the Transition to an Equity PartnershipA smooth transition to an equity partnership is crucial in setting the foundation for growth in the business. Here are steps to facilitate that transition.
Can a One-Page Business Plan Work for Your Business?You don't always need a traditional business plan. In some cases, a one-page plan is sufficient to start and successfully operate a business. Here's how it can work for you.
3 Ways to Fight the Rumor MillWorkplace rumors can have a devastating effect on employee morale and productivity in a small business. Here's how to keep your professional environment trustworthy and positive.
Exclusive: Govs. Mary Fallin and Paul LePage Aim to Reduce Red Tape—My Business MagazineLearn how Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma and Maine Gov. Paul LePage are reducing red tape for small businesses in their respective states.
Landing Page Tips for Small BusinessesYour special offers need special, dedicated web pages that turn prospects into paying customers. Here are tips to turn your landing pages into money makers.
Starting a Franchise Business Amid a Family Crisis Podcast - MyBusiness MagazineNFIB member Natasha Nelson, co-founder of Yogurtini Holdings Inc., a frozen yogurt franchisor in Tempe, Ariz., was starting her first store when a family crisis struck. Find out how she prevailed and why turning the business into a franchise made sense.
MyBusiness Extra: 4 Questions to Ask a Potential Financial PlannerMany small business owners turn to a financial expert for financial planning help. Here are four questions to ask a potential financial planner.
Should Virtual Trade Shows be Part of Your Marketing Portfolio?Exhibitors and attendees can participate in trade show events without leaving the office, taking advantage of virtual trade shows hosted on the Web. Here's how they've worked for two small businesses.
Tips for a Competitive Compensation PlanOne of the most important things you can do as a small business owner is to create a compensation plan that rewards your employees for excellence. Here's how.
Why You Shouldn’t Apologize to CustomersTo avoid a lawsuit, small business owners should choose their words carefully and map out a strategy to deal with apology-inducing situations.
3 Steps to Becoming an “EntreLeader”Author Dave Ramsey urges owners to become “entreleaders,” which he defines as having the traits of an entrepreneur and a leader. So how can you become an entreleader?
What to Look for in an Equity PartnerThe success of an equity partnership depends partly on finding the right match. Here's how to get started.
The Risks and Benefits of Equity PartnershipsTo understand what an equity partnership would mean for your business, consider the main risks and benefits that other equity partnerships have faced.
How to Use Free Trials to Test Your Business IdeasAlthough it might be against your business nature to give anything away gratis, free trials can be a great way to test new business ideas and gain new customers.
How to Hold a Successful Focus GroupWhen you’re testing new business ideas, a focus group can provide valuable insight into your target market. Here are key considerations to keep in mind.
3 Innovative Ways to Launch New ProductsThe way small businesses launch a new product can be as important as the product itself. Here are three ways NFIB members have launched products successfully.
3 Effective Price Anchoring StrategiesPrice anchoring is technique that many small businesses use to drive sales. Here are three ways that it could work for you.
4 Ways to Handle Negative PublicityWhen your business gets negative publicity, the effects can be devastating. From online complaints to word-of-mouth rumors, follow these four tips to handle negative publicity.
Tips for Building Advertising Budgets in Urban AreasIf you’re a small business owner in an urban setting, the media platforms you can include in your advertising budget may seem endless. Follow these strategies to stay ahead.
Startups: Should I Choose a Personal or a Corporate Brand?The decision whether to emphasize a personal or a corporate brand isn’t always clear. Promoting your personal image can propel your business forward, but it can also distract you from selling a good product or service. We help you decide.
How to Lobby a PoliticianOne of the greatest tools for protecting and growing your small business is your voice. Here’s your insider’s guide to lobbying lawmakers like a pro.
5 Downsizing Mistakes to AvoidIn a down economy, sometimes you have to downsize in order to save your small business. But where should you cut? How much should you cut? Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
How to Build Advertising Budgets in Rural CommunitiesBuilding an advertising budget is no easy task for small business owners in rural towns. Here are tips you can follow to build an ad budget.
3 Ways to Improve Your Professional ImagePortraying a poor professional image could prevent you from advancing your business. Consider these steps to portray a more professional image to customers.
How to Retain Customers When Relocating Your BusinessCustomer retention is key to a successful move. Consider these tips to relocate your business without losing customers.
5 Essential Payroll Processing Tips for Avoiding Significant Fines and PenaltiesProcessing payroll for employees can often be overwhelming, and mistakes made can result in sizable financial penalties and fines. Here is some essential information that every employer should know when preparing for payroll processing.
Which Corporate Job Skills Helped Launch Your Business?Going from the corporate world to being a small business owner is a major transition. Here's a look at three small business owners who kept—and dropped—certain corporate skills to launch their businesses.
How to Get Celebrities to Promote Your BusinessGetting a celebrity to promote your small business can attract new customers to your company. From local talent to well-known personalities, here's how to get celebrities to promote your business.
How to Audit-Proof Your BusinessThe odds of being audited by the IRS are on the rise, thanks to dwindling tax revenues and stepped-up enforcement efforts. Here's how to protect your business.
How to Market to All GenerationsAre you marketing to people of widely varying ages and interests? It's important to learn how to market your products and services to the generations you serve.
7 Steps to Re-evaluating a Succession PlanWhen the economy sours, exit-planning experts say owners should consider revising their succession plan.
3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Pursuing a PatentHere are three questions to ask yourself as you consider whether to pursue a patent.
How to Leverage Your Personality on Social Media to Grow Your BusinessAs a small business owner, using social media can help you better connect with customers and make yourself stand out. But how do you maintain your professional image as well?
3 Reasons to Change Employee BenefitsEvery few years, you should look for ways to tweak your benefits packages. Here are three reasons to consider changing employee benefits.
3 Ways to Tactfully Criticize Your CompetitionHere are three strategies owners can employ to differentiate their brands and criticize with tact.
Is Using Facebook in Place of a Website the Right Move for Your Business?Hosting a website for your small business is a great way to share your information and drive sales. But not every company needs a website, and social media can provide a good alternative.
Customize Your Franchise Without Compromising Your Brand: Part IIThe second article in this two-part series focuses on effective collaboration between franchisors and franchisees to develop new products and services that retain brand identity.
Customize Your Franchise Without Compromising Your Brand: Part IThe first article in this two-part series focuses on developing new products and services for your franchise without compromising your brand identity.
3 Tips for Running a Business on the SideIf you’re like a majority of Americans, you have a dream of starting your own business. But in a tough economy that keeps many would-be entrepreneurs sidelined in their day jobs, how do you actually make the leap?
3 Ways to Build a Strong Outside Sales TeamA strong outside sales team can propel your company to success. Here's how to build a team you can count on.
4 Best Accounting Apps for Small BusinessTake the hassle out of crunching numbers with these time-saving applications for your smartphone or computer.
How Your Business Structure Affects Your Vehicle DeductionDid you know the legal structure of your business affects how you can deduct vehicle expenses on your taxes? Here’s how.
How to Claim a Vehicle Deduction for Business TravelDid you know you can deduct travel expenses for your business? Here’s how to claim expenses related to vehicles.
3 Reliable Virtual Shopping Carts for Small BusinessTo build an online store, you'll need a virtual shopping cart. Here are three reliable options to consider.
How to Turn Your Service into a ProductIs your cash flow hurting? Turn your service into a product to create a new stream of income.
4 Ways to Address High Employee TurnoverDo you have high employee turnover? An employment audit can help you get to the bottom of the problem.
MyBusiness Exclusive Interview With Gov. Rick Snyder: Michigan Mounts a ComebackMyBusiness recently spoke with Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder about why economic gardening is better than hunting, the auto industry’s recovery and how small business owners are critical to the state’s future.
Play Diving for Dollars Trivia on NFIB.com to Win $50 a DayFall into fortune for your chance to win some back-to-school cash. Throughout the month of September, answer a trivia question a day and you could win $50 a day plus a chance at our $1000 grand prize. So power up your computer and dive around the website to win.
MyBusiness Extra: 6 Reasons To Harness the Power of Economic Development AgenciesState and local economic development centers aren’t just for new companies—your small business can benefit, too. Here’s how.
MyBusiness Extra: How to Choose a Travel Loyalty ProgramChoosing an airline, hotel or car rental loyalty program can be overwhelming. Here’s how to select a valuable program and maximize the value of your miles and points.
MyBusiness Extra: Finding a Reliable Travel AgentPutting your travel plans into someone else’s hands can help you focus on your business and eliminate the hassle of traveling. Learn how to find the right agent.
Pros and Cons of Data Backup SolutionsYour options for backing up company data are expanding as new technology enters the mix, and there’s no one solution for every company. We weigh the pros and cons of data backup solutions.
How to Self-Publish Your Ebook on Amazon’s KindleWriting your own ebook can help market your business and bring in more revenue. Here are the steps to follow when publishing an ebook on Kindle.
Kick off the New Year With Free EducationSign up now for NFIB's 2012 Small Business Webinar Series.
4 Ways to Save on LodgingIf you or your employees travel a lot, you’re probably always on the lookout for cutting down on travel costs, including lodging. Here are four creative ways to save on hotel stays.
3 Big Vendor Contract Blunders to AvoidHere are three of the biggest vendor contract blunders small business owners make and how you can avoid them.
When Should Your Business Support Local Organizations?Small businesses are often asked to support local organizations. Follow these three tips to decide which ones to support in your community.
Liability and Employee Travel: What Can It Cost Your Small Business?Make sure your workers and your business are protected in the event of work-related injuries during business travel.
Dramatic Ways to Refocus Your BusinessTwo small business owners tell how a break from their routine helped revamp their business.
4 Ways to Save on Meals and Entertainment When Traveling for BusinessKeep entertainment, meals and social events within a budget while you're traveling for business.
3 Ways to Organize Your Office to Promote Productivity and CollaborationOffice renovations aren’t always cheap, and your time is valuable. Consider these three simple, productivity-enhancing updates when designing or re-organizing your office.
4 Major Myths of Work-Life BalanceIf you run a small business, then you may have discovered what so many pioneers have before you: Work-life balance is often about as real as the tooth fairy. Here are four work-life balance myths.
Can This Business be Saved?In this tough economy, many small business owners find themselves on the brink of throwing in the towel. But how do you know when it’s time to shut your doors for good or whether you’ve just hit a rough spot?
How to Negotiate With Daily Deal CompaniesGetting the most out of a daily deal requires more than attracting more customers—it also means getting the best deal from the provider.
I Just Incorporated My Business. How Will It Change?While there are benefits to incorporating your business, it brings a few responsibilities that sole proprietors don’t have.
4 Ways to Give Your Business Card a FaceliftYour business card is a timeless tool for promoting yourself and your company. Here's how to make your card stand out.
What to Do When You Can’t Afford to HireWhen you’re pressed for personnel and crunched for cash, you can feel at the end of your rope. Here are creative ways to address that problem.
3 Best Blogs for Startup AdviceWe assembled a roundup of the best three blogs dishing out solid startup advice.
Small Business Travel: 5 Ways to Save on Car RentalTraveling cheaply is more difficult when you run a small business. Here are tips for saving money on car rentals.
Should I Sublet Part of My Office Space?If you’re looking for extra revenue for your small business, renting out the empty workspace in your office could help.

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