Build a business.
Solve what’s next.
Practical guides for founders and small business owners. Find a path from the beginning, or get help with the decision in front of you.
Find my starting pointWhat’s on your list?
Search a question, topic, or toolStart with your goal. We’ll connect the steps.
A little direction goes a long way.
Follow a path, or pick up wherever you are.
Turn a possibility into a business.
Work through the decisions that matter: what to sell, who it’s for, how it will earn money, and what you need to get going.
Open the starting-a-business guideEvery part of
owning a business.
Go deeper on a subject. Each guide connects you to the next useful decision.
Browse all guidesStarting or Buying a Business
Ideas, market research, formation, acquisitions, and franchises.
All starting or buying a business guidesFinance & Accounting
Bookkeeping, cash flow, profitability, payroll, and business taxes.
All finance & accounting guidesFunding & Capital
Funding options, loans, equity, lenders, and the cost of capital.
All funding & capital guidesMarketing & Sales
Reach customers, turn interest into sales, and keep people coming back.
All marketing & sales guidesOperations & Technology
People, processes, websites, software, insurance, and AI.
All operations & technology guidesOwner Wealth & Exits
Owner pay, personal finances, business value, exits, and succession.
All owner wealth & exits guidesIndustry Guides
Business models, market economics, margins, and industry trends.
All industry guidesThe right tool for the job.
Start with what you need to do.
Then compare the options.
Keep your
numbers in order.
Compare accounting software for the way your business works.
Accounting softwareGive your business
a home online.
Find a website builder that fits your needs and experience.
Website buildersStay in touch.
Bring customers back.
Compare tools for newsletters, campaigns, and automations.
Email marketing toolsSet up business email
Your everyday business inbox
Use a domain you own for an address such as you@yourbusiness.com. Choose an email host for your team, connect the domain using the host’s instructions, and create the addresses you need. Turn on multi-factor authentication and test sending and receiving.
Choose and buy your business domainNewsletters and marketing campaigns
Use an email marketing platform for opt-in newsletters, campaigns, and customer automations. This is a different job from hosting your everyday inbox.
Compare email marketing toolsBusiness is personal.
The advice should be useful.
Nick Braun co-founded Cloud Water Filters and founded PetInsuranceQuotes.com, which was acquired by Petco. At DailyDime, he shares practical lessons from building and running businesses.
Meet Nick Braun & the story behind DailyDime