Small Business Basics Videos

The main reason that people incorporate businesses is for liability protection, meaning something separate from themselves so that litigation won't go through the individual. Find out about income...

Every business is different, and starting a small business can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Learn about borrowing enough money to start a business...

Location is very important for a business, but rent can be a marketing cost if the business is in a highly visible area. Find out how to take things like traffic and travel routes into...

When running a small business, one of the most important aspects is to take the time to make a business plan, in addition to taking the time to set up a record-keeping system. Take the time to...

The first step in developing a business idea is to focus on the need that is being met, and after that, it's important to start planning. Learn about calculating what needs to come out of a...

In order to format a business plan, gather a lot of information about what it's going to cost to start the business, what prices will be charged and what the overhead will be. Gain a better...

Record keeping is important for a small business because it's important to be able to access information in a timely fashion. Find out how to check a record keeping system for accuracy with help...

When starting a business, it's important to be able to demonstrate to a bank what the business will be doing to get the message out. Discover how personal credit is important when trying to obtain...

A small business license is based on the city, state and county of the business, and each of these will have different requirements for licenses, depending on the type of business. Find out how...

A small business needs an employer identification number, or EIN, because it is more secure than using a social security number. Find out why a business without employees should still register for...

A purchase order is a contract between a business and a vendor, and it provides specific information about products, services and any terms and conditions, including the price that has been agreed...

When starting up a new business, it's important to do research to acquire data before setting goals and to write a business plan that will answer the questions of what needs to be done. Discover...

Select a business name that is creative, based on the founder's name or as identification for what the company does or produces. Make sure a business name isn't taken by another company to prevent...

To figure out profits and loses for a small business, input all income and expenses into a software program that will determine how much money has been made and how much money has been lost on...

To improve time management skills, document daily tasks, keep a calendar, and consider using a phone or Palm Pilot to keep track of activities. Make sure there are no gaps in a day when things...

Market a business idea by identifying the customer, figuring out how to reach the customer and using the Internet, newspaper, fliers and word-of-mouth to deliver the message of the marketing...

Getting a sales permit requires visiting the local county or city government offices, filling out the application and paying any fees associated with the application. Be very careful to fill out...

Open a nightclub by gaining experience running or working in a nightclub, researching details on getting a liquor license, and learning about possible competition. Consider buying an existing...

Get an employment background check by searching the Internet for companies that offer criminal, personal or job history background checks, deciding how far back to check and paying the fees...

To open a landscaping business, get experience in the industry, decide whether to buy an existing business or open a brand new business, and develop a business strategy. Come up with a marketing...

Negotiate a business buyout by getting a CPA and attorney involved to write up the contracts, researching the value of similar businesses and using the annual income of the business to come up...

Opening a car for hire business requires deciding what type of cars to use for transport, getting the appropriate insurance, and researching different aspects of the business. Develop a marketing...

Opening a carpet cleaning business requires experience cleaning carpets, a marketing plan that targets potential customers and the equipment required to run the business. Research the logistics...

Opening a jewelry business requires extensive knowledge about the jewelry industry, research on the best locations for jewelry businesses and considerations about the cost of starting a new...

Open a janitorial business by getting experience in the industry, researching current janitorial companies, deciding whether to do commercial or residential service and contacting a business...

To open an online dating business, develop a marketing and advertising plan, researching the online dating sites already in existence, and find a way to make the Web site unique. Earn extra income...

To open a dollar store business, check out the logistics of the business, decide whether to buy an existing business or open a brand new store, develop a marketing plan, and research information...

Get a business license by visiting the local business office or county general administration office, finding the licensing section, filling out an application and paying an applicable fees. Keep...

Opening a computer business requires researching whether to start a computer hardware or software business, identifying potential customers, and developing a marketing plan. Figure out how a...

Open a clothing store by researching who the customers are, developing a budget and marketing plan and considering buying an existing clothing store. Develop an effective way of running a clothing...

Find someone's place of business by doing an online search with the individual's e-mail address, name and phone number. Use reverse searches to locate a specific business with help from a business...

Business expenses can be fixed, which are expenses like rent that are always the same; variable, which are expenses that change from month to month; or a mixture of fixed and variable. Identify...

Name a car wash by coming up with a fictitious business name or by naming the business after yourself. Fill out and file business name paperwork at the local county business office with advice...

Open a cleaning business by getting information on the basics of running a cleaning business, checking out how competitors run their businesses and developing a marketing plan. Have a budget in...

Find people looking for home-based businesses by searching on the Internet for chat rooms and message boards that deal with small business and home businesses. Network with current customers to...

Get a business name by visiting the local county or city government offices, finding the business department, filling out the appropriate application and paying any fees associated with filing a...

To lease a postage meter for the home or a business, search the Internet to find a company that leases the machines, fill out the contract information, and get an account number to use the meter....

Interpret a cash flow statement by looking at the two columns that show the expenses for a business and the income. Use cash flow statements every month for a small business to determine where...

Generate more business in a small restaurant by working on marketing through local fliers, Web sites, the Yellow Pages and newspaper advertisements. Come up with discount coupons and specials for...

To interpret cash flow statements, look at how money is being spent in a business based on the income and expenses listed in the document. Find out how cash flow statements are generally easy to...

Make a business by writing a document that lists out the specifics of what services are being provided for a business and having an attorney look over the details to make sure the contract is...

To open a flower shop, get experience working in the industry, understand the customer base, consider buying an existing business, and create an effective marketing and business plan. Find out how...

Open a boutique by learning the business of running a boutique first, researching what makes existing businesses profitable and using ideas from successful business. Determine how customers will...

Opening a boutique in your home requires an insider's knowledge of how to run a boutique, the correct licensing through the county and a great marketing plan to bring in new customers. Make sure...

Pick a logo by contacting a graphic artist to design a logo that represents what the company or organization stands for as a business. Think carefully about the colors of a logo, and be sure to...

Starting your own consultant business requires determining your ability, figuring out whether the business will be successful in your location, looking at competition and registering the business....

Print advertising requires thinking about the quality of the publication, the shelf life of the publication and whether the publication will reach your audience. Make a print advertisement stand...

Open a small business by thinking of a business idea, considering the financial implications, writing a business plan and opening a business bank account. Incorporate a business with help from a...

To start a home business, consider whether you will be able to focus at home, decide whether the appropriate equipment is available, and think about how to promote a home business. Separate your...

Set up a direct sales company by considering sales experience, determining how attractive you are as a sales person, thinking about customer base and learning about competition. Determine the cost...