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State-by-State Small Business Registration Information

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:15:15 +0000

If you are in the process of starting a business, you have probably started looking for local resources that will guide you through the business registration process, and help you figure out what licenses and permits you need.

Today's feature article provides a shortcut for U.S. business owners looking for business registration and regulation information. It's organized by state and includes a direct link to each state-specific Small Business Administration page, as well as a link to each state's small business division.

Feature Article:
Small Business Licenses, Permits and Regulations

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Starting and Running a Business on a Bootstrap Budget

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:44:31 +0000

If you have very little capital to invest in your business, you are working with a bootstrap budget. And it's extremely common these days. The good news is, it's completely possible to start and even grow a business with very limited funds. It just takes some forethought, planning and a little creativity.

If you're a bootstrapper, then today's feature articles are must-reads. The first shares four options available for bootstrapping a startup, and the second provides some realistic and relevant tips for keeping your bootstrapped business going strong for the long term.

Feature Articles:

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How to Conduct a SWOT Analysis for Your Small Business

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:03:59 +0000

One of the most versatile tools in a small business owner's toolbox is the SWOT analysis. It's useful in so many situations, from starting a new business, to exploring a new niche market, to creating a new product, to planning a marketing campaign. And it's useful for all entrepreneurs, from those just starting out to experienced small business owners.

Today's feature article walks you through the process of conducting a SWOT analysis, shows you what a SWOT matrix looks like, and lists a number of questions to get you thinking strategically.

Feature Article:
How to Conduct a SWOT Analysis for Your Small Business

When was the last time you conducted a SWOT analysis for your business?

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Incorporating Your Small Business

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:41:23 +0000

One of the decisions you need to make when you start a small business is how your business will be structured. For some, it's an easy decision, particularly when the business will be a sole proprietorship or a partnership. But for other business owners who are deciding between a limited liability company (LLC) and various forms of incorporation, the decision can be much more difficult.

If you are considering forming a corporation, there are a number of pros and cons you should explore before making your decision. The feature articles below will tell you what you need to know.

Feature Articles:

If you've decided that incorporation is the right decision for your business, use this guide to small business incorporation to get the process going.

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Find Out If You're Ready to Start a Business

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:45:13 +0000

There are many factors that go into the decision of whether or not to start a business. Some people know what they should do right away; some take years to figure out if starting a business is the right move for them.

Neither path is right or wrong, but being in the "unsure" phase for a long period of time can be difficult...and it can exacerbate the fear of failure while eating away at your confidence.

If you're on the fence about starting a business, this quiz will give you some insight and direction on what to do next:

Quiz: Are You Ready to Start a Business?

If you have more questions about whether or not starting a business is right for your, these startup decision resources should help. And if you need to review the business startup process after taking the quiz, use step-by-step guide to starting a business. Good luck!

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The Start of a Small Business Glossary

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:14:40 +0000

There are hundreds of small business words and phrases that are important for all small business owners -- new and seasoned -- to know and understand. I have started to create a small business glossary on this site that will serve as an introduction to and reminder of the most important small business terms.

To kick us off, here are the first three of many phrases I'm including in the small business glossary:

Stay tuned for more small business terms defined over the coming months. And leave a comment if there is a specific phrase you'd like to see included.

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10 Small Business How To's You Don't Want to Miss

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:23:45 +0000

I'm a big fan of step-by-step tutorials that teach you how to do something in a straightforward and easy-to-follow way. How to's are one of the most efficient ways to learn something new and apply it immediately.

I compiled 10 of the most popular tutorials on this site, related to starting a small business. Many readers have used these tutorials to get their businesses off the ground, and I hope you can, too!

Feature Article:
10 Powerful Small Business How-To's You Need to Follow

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Win a Free TV Commercial from Staples

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:00:06 +0000

Staples is giving away a total of $250,000 worth of free television advertising to five U.S. small businesses as part of their "Give Your Small Business the Push It Needs" contest. The five winners will each receive $50,000.00 worth of broadcast TV advertising in their local TV market.

How to Enter

Small business owners must submit a 15-second video stating the name, description and location of your business; and a statement about what makes your business unique on Staples' Facebook page.

Entry Deadline

March 14, 2012

Get Video Help

New to video recording? Here are a few articles that will help you make sure you give your business the best chance possible to win:

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Looking for a marketing plan sample or business plan template?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:43:24 +0000

Many readers contact me every week, asking for help with their business planning and marketing processes. I get regular requests for marketing plan samples, business plan templates and other "cheat-sheet" documents. I understand what it's like to be strapped for time and overwhelmed by the process, so I always try to help. Plus, business plans and marketing plans may be two of the most powerful documents you will ever prepare for your business, so I certainly understand why they are hot topics.

The problem with sample documents or pre-filled templates, though, is that they aren't universal. Sure, you could modify some of the information, but unless you're willing to do the research and the legwork to really make those sample plans relevant for your business, they are very limited in their usefulness. They may even hurt your planning process and contribute to you missing key information.

That's why I created a marketing plan tutorial and a streamlined (and less stressful) business plan tutorial. These step-by-step guides will help you create your own plans, based on the information that is most important to your business. These are the kinds of documents that will grow with your business and become your most important tools that you use on a daily basis.

So, I urge you to ditch the marketing plan samples and business plan templates, and put some time into these tutorials. I streamlined and broke down the process into easy-to-follow steps so you can create your own documents that will become blueprints for your small business.

Business Planning and Marketing Tutorials:

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More Small Business Ideas (101!)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:33:58 +0000

A few weeks ago, I shared a list of 47 small business ideas. I received such great feedback on the list, that I decided to expand it into 101 small business ideas. I made sure that I included a mix of home-based businesses, retail businesses, personal services, online businesses, and a little of almost everything in between.

So if you are thinking of starting a new business, but haven't decided on one opportunity yet, this list is a must-read. You are sure to be inspired!

Feature Article:
101 Small Business Ideas

More Business Startup Resources

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