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Resources to plan your small business

When you’re thinking about starting your own business, get off on the right foot by planning ahead—from determining what licenses you’ll need to drafting up your business plan.

Plan

Plan your business: top articles

Business referral: entrepreneur writing a thank you for your referral letter.

How to write a “thank you for your referral” letter

Learn how to write a “thank you for your referral” note that helps build your customer base and drive sales.
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Boutique business plan: entrepreneur at work in her fashion boutique

Boutique business plan: 7 sections to include

Here’s what you need to include in your boutique business plan template to build a thriving retail shop.
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business owner writting description of service on laptop

How to write a description of service: 7 tips plus examples

A well-written description of service can bring you new customers. Learn how to speak directly to your target audience and drive business.
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Types of business insurance: insurance agent and an entrepreneur discussing a contract

9 types of business insurance you may need right now 

Learn about the different types of business insurance you can purchase so you can focus on growing your company no matter what comes your way.
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Cash flow management: entrepreneur using a calculator and holding a tablet

Cash flow management: 5 mistakes to avoid to stay financially fit

Learn how cash flow management gives your business the best chance to succeed. Plus, discover five common pitfalls to avoid.
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Distribution strategy: entrepreneur using a laptop

Craft a distribution strategy to win loyal customers

It’s critical to choose the right distribution strategy for your business goals—and to reevaluate that strategy frequently to keep up with industry trends.
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Recruitment strategies: applicant shaking hands with an employee

5 recruitment strategies to hire the best employees

Use these top recruitment strategies to stand out from the noise and and captivate well-qualified job seekers.
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Car detailing business plan: car detailer polishing a car

How to create a polished car detailing business plan

Learn how a car detailing business plan can boost growth whether you’re launching a new company or running an existing shop.
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9 employee retention ideas

9 employee retention ideas for keeping top talent

Use these employee retention ideas to retain top talent and improve the employee experience for everyone in your workplace. 
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Product research: entrepreneur working using her laptop

6 simple tips to do product research online

Brainstorming an exciting new product? Learn how to do quick and easy preliminary product research without spending money, hiring a consultant, or wasting time.
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Break even analysis: employees discussing documents and using a laptop

How to conduct a break-even analysis in 3 easy steps

Use this 3-step, break-even analysis to get hard facts that will help you see if your business idea can consistently cover associated costs.
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Business ideas with low investment: entrepreneur opening his store

6 great business ideas with low investment

Check out these six business ideas with low investment to become your own boss without spending a lot of money upfront.
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lp-ban-woman-serving-man-foodtruck

How to write an effective food truck business plan

Follow this guide to create a food truck business plan that will help you make better business decisions and access the funding you need.
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lp-ban-woman-using-a-laptop-office.jpg

Sole proprietorship vs. LLC: choosing the ideal structure

When it comes to sole proprietorship vs. LLC, learn which business structure is the best option for your small business or startup.
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How to calculate profit margin and boost profitability

How to calculate profit margin and boost profitability

Learn how to calculate profit margin (and ways to improve it) so you can keep your small business in tip-top financial shape.
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What is a vision statement: entrepreneur happily working

What is a vision statement and how do I create one?

What is a vision statement? It’s a goal for what you want your company to achieve in the future. Use these examples and tips to create your own.
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What is a value proposition: man using a computer

How to write a value proposition for your small business

What is a value proposition? Here’s what you need to know about this valuable statement and how to craft one of your own.
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How to patent a product: man happily comparing a photo of a robot to a real version

How to patent a product and protect your idea

Learn how to patent a product to avoid copycats and maximize your success.
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Entrepreneur researching how to trademark business name

How to trademark a business name and protect your brand

Follow these steps to trademark a business name, protect your brand, and create a greater impression for consumers.
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Small business startup costs: business partners working together

How to prepare for your small business startup costs

Starting a company can be risky without proper planning. Use this guide to learn about small business startup costs so you aren’t left in the dark.
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4 tips for crafting a business mission statement

4 tips for crafting a business mission statement

Learn what a business mission statement is, why it's important, and which actionable steps you can take to craft one of your own. 
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How to write a press release: happy woman in a virtual meeting

How to write a press release that gets attention

Discover the step-by-step process for how to write a press release to share news about your small business.
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How to create a PR kit to promote your small business

How to create a PR kit to promote your small business

Learn what a PR kit is and how to build one that catches media attention so you can promote your business.
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A marketing plan example to guide your strategy

A marketing plan example to guide your strategy

Following this marketing plan example step-by-step will help you build a strong, measurable strategy for your business.
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