Selling jewelry can be a very viable business model for a new crafty entrepreneur. But before you set up shop, you need to get a feel for your specific product line. The best place to sell your jewelry depends on exactly what type of items you create. If you create handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces, you might use Etsy or sell at local craft fairs. You could also create high end items out of precious metals and open your own online store or a local storefront. If you’re selling vintage pieces, you could rent a booth at a local antique mall. Ideas for Jewelry to Sell Whether you’re selling jewelry on eBay, at local retail stores or in your very own online shop, there… [Read More...]

The United States has had 45 presidents in its history. And many of those presidents were generals or served in politics as governors, senators or other positions. But seven presidents were entrepreneurial and ran small businesses before entering the White House. In addition, a handful of other presidents had meaningful business experience or ran businesses after leaving the presidency. Once you hit the “Finish” button, information about each correct answer will be revealed. A passing score is 70%. Take the quiz and see how you do! Quiz: Presidents Who Were in Business Results – Congratulations! You passed! Scroll down to see more details about each answer. Sorry, you need to brush up on your U.S. Presidents. Scroll down to see correct answers. #1 This President was a… [Read More...]

The path to small business success is never smooth. Sometimes, you may feel like quitting and joining a regular job because you are not making progress towards your goals. But should you really go back to the 9-to-5 grind? According to a new survey from FreshBooks, 96% of the self-employed professionals have no desire to return to a “regular job”. And 70% of them say that being self-employed gives them a better work-life balance. If you, as a small business owner, sometimes, feel like going back to a regular job because of the never-ending struggle, you have not given all of yourself to your business. Building a successful small business is a long race, not a sprint. Big Dream of Being Self… [Read More...]

Ask any entrepreneur why they went into business, and improving their quality of life will almost always rank in the top three answers. And more often than not, the location of the business and where they live will also play an important role. According to research from SCORE, rural entrepreneurs are reporting a better quality of life compared to their urban counterparts. This is despite the fact they face more challenges when it comes to the workforce, access to digital technology, and funding. But overall, they seem to be more content. For small business owners, rural or urban, the challenges are an accepted part of being an entrepreneur. And even with these challenges, their entrepreneurial spirit is exemplified by the more than 30+ million small businesses in… [Read More...]

There are thousands of thousands of chambers of commerce in communities throughout the U.S. There’s a good chance that your local community has one. And your state and/or industry almost certainly has one as well. If you haven’t joined a chamber of commerce organization, you might not understand all of the different benefits that these groups offer. Here’s a rundown of exactly what chambers provide and what you should consider when joining one. What Is a Local Chamber of Commerce? A chamber of commerce is a network of local businesses or businesses within a particular niche or industry. The organization works to further the interests of businesses in the area or industry through advocacy, networking opportunities and various other member benefits. Every… [Read More...]

Sponsored Post Does your business feel a little boring these days? Are things flagging a bit? Trust me, I know that feeling! From time to time I’ve had it. It’s common for energy in business to ebb and flow. If your business is going through one of those low-energy periods, I have good news: it’s a normal thing. It happens and it’s usually temporary. You can turn it around. With just a few simple strategies you can boost your company’s energy — and when you do, it seems like magic happens. Your zest for running your business redoubles. Team enthusiasm goes through the roof. Sales increase. Customers are happier. All it takes is a few tweaks and adjustments. I partnered with … [Read More...]

Small towns may not be known as huge business hubs. But every town, even those without a huge population, need some small businesses. What Business Does Every Small Town Need? If you live in a small town or are thinking about relocating and want to contribute to the business landscape there, here are some businesses that every small town should have. Grocery Store Everyone needs to buy groceries. And small towns aren’t usually attractive targets for huge chains, making them perfect for independent grocers. Convenience Store Small town shoppers also need a convenient place to buy drinks, snacks and other items that might not require a full grocery shopping trip. Gas Station Help local drivers fill up their tanks and get some extra business from those… [Read More...]

Every business requires a strong foundation. From your website and business plan to your online marketing efforts, it’s important to have many of these elements in place early on. If you’re thinking about starting a business or have recently jumped into the world of entrepreneurship, check out these tips from members of the online small business community. Create a Business Website with a Few Simple Steps When you’re just starting out with a new business venture, you might not have a lot of money or resources to build your website. But it’s still essential for you to have an online presence. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to create a solid site for your brand. Katie Lundin of Crowdspring outlines… [Read More...]