Finances

How do you know if your business is successful? Well, you can take a look at your online reviews — good reviews are a good indicator that you’re doing something right. 

Congratulations! Your startup has developed some giddy-up. Sales are robust. Costs are stable. And a steady stream of profit means you have an enviable business problem: what to do with that extra cash.

No matter how steady your profits or loyal your customers, your business will eventually need money to finance its growth. The choice between small business loans and credit cards is a fluid one; most entrepreneurs will use a combination of both to meet their business targets at some point.

If you are like most independent contractors, you value your freedom. You work when you want, where you want, and, if you are really lucky, as often as you want. That freedom does not extend to your business taxes, however.

Whether it’s your first or your fortieth, hiring a new employee is a big step. But how much does it really cost? It’s more than just their salary. The cost of an employees is usually 1.25 to 1.4 times their salary, depending on the benefits you offer and other things.

When it comes to growing a successful small business, profitability is key. To help you determine when you will break even or turn a profit, use this profit calculator.