HowStuffWorks Newsletter
Business management explores how businesses are run and the issues they face. Whether you're an entrepreneur or are curious about different business models, these articles will answer some of the most common questions about the world of business.
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You can learn about leadership in the darnedest of places. Like the 1980s television program "The Transformers."
Rooftop gardens and nap pods sound cool, but that's not what employees really value, nor do they help the bottom line, say experts.
By Dave Roos
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If advertisers buried hidden messages in commercials or print ads, would you be susceptible to them? Or are subliminal messages just a hoax?
In the past, you practically had to get an MBA to learn how to write a business plan. But investors today value plans that are sharp and to the point — and you can easily figure it out online.
Creating a website can be a pricey proposition for a small business. There are grants out there that can fund website development, but the competition is fierce — and the grants often come with strings attached.
From Disney and Mattel to Apple and Amazon, countless U.S. business staples have started in someone's home. The Internet only makes this feat easier. Could your home be the incubator for the next big online company?
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Is it true that online businesses have lower startup costs than traditional companies? Sometimes. Etsy shops are fairly cheap, but it'll be a different story if you're trying to launch the world's next great technology.
Licensing seems so arbitrary — why do you need a license to catch a fish, for example, but not to be a parent? Sometimes, though, you need to follow the rules and get one. Is selling things online one of those times?
Many companies that used to have dedicated business servers are now switching to cloud-based storage solutions. But cloud computing isn't for everyone, so take a few minutes to read this article before you shut down that server.
Improving Google rankings is an obsession for many businesses, and for good reason — it leads to more clicks, which leads to more customers. What can you do to beef up that all-important ranking?
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Americans didn't always eat bacon for breakfast — it became a staple thanks to a cleverly created public relations campaign in the 1920s. And diamonds for engagement rings? Another clever PR job.
Is two days too long to wait for that package? Amazon's counting on it.
Some dot-coms were flat-out terrible ideas, while others were simply ahead of their time. What's the story behind these online companies with real-world failures?
The idea of an incubator sounds like something forged in the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, but the business incubator concept dates back to 1959. Could a tech incubator be better than starting your business alone?
By Dave Roos
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If you've had to work for someone to earn your weekly paycheck, the idea of being your own boss may seem incredibly liberating. Thanks to the rise of e-commerce, it's easier than ever to start your own business — as long as you have a few skills.
You have a great idea for the next disruptive technology, but you sure could use some cash and advice in order to attract a big-pocket investor. Could an accelerator be the answer?
By Dave Roos
Congratulations, you're opening your own small business. You'll face many decisions along the way, and one of the most important is determining the best business structure.
By Julia Layton
Forming a limited liability company (LLC) for your business -- a popular option -- may be to your tax advantage. Find out whether it is right for you.
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Whether you own a neighborhood coffee shop or a used car dealership that pulls in a few million, you need make sure that you're smart about your taxes (even if you hire a professional). Ready for a quick crash course?
By Julia Layton
It seemed like a good idea when AOL merged with Time Warner. But it wasn't. Here are 10 super bad business decisions and why they seemed really great back in the day.
By Dave Roos
Not every buggy whip company died with the advent of the motorcar. Some nimble businesses are able to reinvent themselves to keep pace with modern life. You might be surprised at what some of today's biggest companies used to do.
By Dave Roos
Hate the idea of sheepishly handing out business cards to strangers while "selling yourself”? Try these tips for easing the pain.
By Dave Roos
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In February 2013, Yahoo employees found a surprising e-mail in their inboxes –- no more teleworking. Remaining Yahoo folks will start being "physically together" in the office come June. Was decreased productivity behind this now infamous move?
You're a human. You need a house. Should you buy one or rent one?