Guides


How to Structure a Partnership

Partnerships are incredibly common--and incredibly hard to sustain. Here's how to set up a partnership that is equitable, efficient, and mutually rewarding.

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Start-up

How To Write Off Travel and Entertainment Expenses

Are you perplexed by the newly released 13-page IRS guidelines for deducting travel and entertainment expenses? Inc.com's shorter (less complicated) guide wi...  Read more

The Pros and Cons of Setting Up a C Corp

Converting a company to a C Corp can help you establish some legal and financial separation between you and your business. But the switch involves more paper...  Read more

How to Read a Term Sheet

Looking for venture capital? Don't be so quick to sign on the dotted line. Here's what you need to know about liquidation preferences and preferred stock.  Read more

How to Fill Out a Loan Application

When it's time to ask for a loan to kick your idea into existence, the loan application – usually a standard form from your lender – is something you sim...  Read more


Running a Business

How to Make a Splash at SXSW

It seems as if every company is looking to create buzz at SXSW in Austin this week. Here are some strategies for making a memorable impression.  Read more

How to Run a Family Business

Whether you're a third-generation CEO or starting a company with a sibling or spouse, running a family business presents particular challenges and rewards. H...  Read more

How to Manage Multiple Business Locations

Many companies expand by adding offices or stores in different cities. But geographic growth involves logistical complexity and management finesse. Here's ho...  Read more

How to Find a Good Patent Lawyer

Filing for a patent with the government is just one step along the road to protecting your idea. To do it right, you'll need to know how to seek and intervie...  Read more


Money and Finance

Tips On Streamlining Accounts Payable

Is your bookkeeping system failing to keep up with the rate of growth at your business? Here are some tips for upgrading your accounts payable process.   Read more

How to Set Up Accounts Receivable

Who owes you money? Here's how to set up a bookkeeping and billing system to keep track of your accounts receivable.  Read more

Tips for Streamlining Accounts Receivable

If you feel you are not getting paid promptly and in full by your customers, here are some simple ways to upgrade your billing system.  Read more

How to Structure an Earn-out

When there's a valuation difference between what a buyer thinks a business is worth and what the seller expects to profit, an earn-out can bridge that gap. H...  Read more


Leadership and Managing

How to Provide Constructive Criticism

Telling an employee how to improve his or her performance is always important and never comfortable. Here are some tips on how to do it right.  Read more

How to Set a Workplace Vacation Policy

A guide to structuring a vacation policy that sets the tone for your benefits package and keeps employees happy and motivated - not to mention gives your com...  Read more

How to Develop a Business Growth Strategy

There are many ways to guide a business through a period of expansion, including geographic growth, growth through acquisition, and franchising. Here's how t...  Read more

How to Write a Code of Ethics for Business

A code of ethics can help a business determine its priorities and values. It can also help you down the line if one of your employees or vendors drags you in...  Read more


Sales and Marketing

How to Reduce Your Cost of Sales

There are some smart ways to trim your cost of sales short of taking the dangerous step of slashing your sales force compensation.  Read more

How to Use Google's Tools for Building an Online Storefront

For small businesses just beginning to build an online presence, turning to cheap - or free - Google tools can be a simple solution.  Read more

How to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Your presentations skills are just as important as the information you are presenting. This guide will help you prepare for a presentation and polish your sp...  Read more

How to Hire a Marketing Director

Looking for a manager to develop and execute effective marketing solutions to cultivate growth? Here are some tips for incorporating the best hiring practice...  Read more


Managing Technology

How to Make Money on iPhone Apps

Sure, the marketplace is teeming with competing apps. But there still is tremendous opportunity for scoring big—if you have a great idea.  Read more

How to Handle Online Credit Card Processing

If you are ready to take your small business's website to the next level and create a retail component, it is vital that you find a reliable (and affordable)...  Read more

How to Advertise on Facebook

Here are 4 tips to make your ad stand out among the site's status updates, party photos, and comments.  Read more

Your 10-Step Guide to Blogging

Inc.com blogger Maisha Walker lays out a 10-step guide to starting, writing, marketing and monetizing your company blog.   Read more


Innovation

How to File a Trademark

Protecting your business logo from creative theft is a crucial part of growing your brand. Here's how to file a trademark with the United States Federal Gove...  Read more

How to Protect Your Trade Secrets

Advice for the small-business owner on protecting trademarks, writing nondisclosure agreements, and other tools for protecting intellectual property.  Read more

How to Outsource R&D

R&D isn't just for big corporations. Here's how you can use innovation to build your business, from selecting projects to tax advantages.   Read more

How to File for a Patent

This step-by-step guide describes the legal process of filing for a patent.  Read more