Category: Growing a Business

How To Calculate Total Financing Costs and ROI

How To Calculate Total Financing Costs and ROI

Key takeaways: Financing costs refer to all the expenses related to borrowing money, including interest and any fees. ROI, or return on investment, is calculated by dividing net profit (or loss) by the cost of the investment. For small business owners with limited time and resources, calculating financing costs and ROI can be particularly challenging. Still, these metrics are essential for managing cash flow, evaluating investment opportunities, and deciding when to borrow. When is it worth it to borrow money… Read More
Inflation and Rising Costs: What Businesses Should Know in 2024

Inflation and Rising Costs: What Businesses Should Know in 2024

Inflation rates have “hugely” affected LaToya Redick’s business Redick Beauty Affect, a company that sells all natural skin care and cosmetics. As a relatively new business owner, Redick says she has not been able to participate in the in-person events she is confident would be valuable for connecting with customers. She’s found herself “trying to figure out how to keep it up and going with little to no resources.” She’s not alone. CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, and SurveyMonkey’s quarterly… Read More
Must Do Checklist for Small Business Financial Checkup

Must Do Checklist for Small Business Financial Checkup

Every Friday, Margo Burr, a public speaking trainer and Founder of B7 Media Relations, reviews her business finances. Using her accounting software and spreadsheet, she spends about 30 minutes checking in on her business spending and revenue. She also sets quarterly goals and checks in monthly.  “It holds me accountable,” she says, “and helps me see in real time what I spent.” Whether you are a small business owner with a startup, or have several years under your belt, regular… Read More
What is the Highest Possible Credit Score for Small Businesses

What is the Highest Possible Credit Score for Small Businesses

Quick question: what’s a good business credit score? When I’ve asked small business owners this question in webinars and workshops, they often guess numbers like 700, 750, or sometimes, 100.  The answer, I respond, is “it depends.”  That’s in part because the number that represents the highest possible credit score for small business depends on the scoring model used. And the other reason it depends is that each lender decides for itself how much risk it's willing to take. To… Read More
Our Top 9 Pricing Strategies for Service Based Business Owners

Our Top 9 Pricing Strategies for Service Based Business Owners

Key takeaways: Service providers often struggle with setting prices, afraid that a high price will scare off potential customers, or charge too low a price to create a sustainable business.  Small business owners need to set a pricing structure that helps them attract their ideal customer, while meeting their own financial goals.  There are a number of pricing strategies that can work, based on the type of service you offer and the value you provide.  Research pricing strategies and revisit… Read More
Building Business Credit History With Everyday Expenses

Building Business Credit History With Everyday Expenses

“I don’t want to take on debt for my business.”  That’s a frequent comment I’ve heard from small business owners who are trying to understand how to establish business credit. They are under the impression that the only way to build credit is to borrow money with small business loans or other types of financing. Here’s the answer I gave that business owner: "You don’t have to use debt to build good business credit scores." You can build business credit… Read More