Small Business Resources FOUNDING MEMBER PRE-LAUNCH OFFICIAL LAUNCH: SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 I've been quietly building something for the last few months, something I wish existed when I started my businesses. It's our Business Resource Library, and it's for people who are looking to build and scale, whether you're
Small Business Resources Small Business Survival Guide: How to Keep Your Doors Open When 1 in 5 Businesses Fear They Won't Make It to 2026 If you're a small business owner feeling like you're barely keeping your head above water, you're not alone. The statistics are sobering: nearly 1 in 5 small businesses are pessimistic about surviving the next five years, and 13% of businesses without access to financing
AUTHORGROWTHLAB Amazon KDP vs. Other Publishing Platforms: Which Should You Choose? So you've finished your manuscript and you're ready to share it with the world. Congratulations! But now comes the crucial decision: where should you publish? With so many platforms available, Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu, Draft2Digital, how do you choose the right one for your book and
logistics How to Do Courier Work Through Professional Gig Apps: Your Complete Guide to Logistics Success The gig economy has evolved far beyond food delivery, creating exciting opportunities for professional courier work through specialized logistics platforms. Unlike traditional food delivery apps, these professional courier platforms focus on business-to-business deliveries, specialized transport, and high-value logistics services that offer better pay and more professional working
logistics How to Secure Contracts for Your Box Truck Business: A Complete Guide Starting a box truck business can be a lucrative venture, but success depends heavily on your ability to secure steady, profitable contracts. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your existing operation, this comprehensive guide will walk you through proven strategies to land contracts that keep
makerssystem How Pietra Transformed My Candle Business - The Complete Platform Guide When I first started my candle business, I was stuck in the classic maker trap: spending more time hustling for sales than actually making candles. Then I discovered Pietra, and everything changed. This platform became my bridge from small-batch creator to legitimate private label manufacturer, connecting me with brands
AUTHORGROWTHLAB Building Your BookTok Presence: A Guide for New Authors So you've just published your first book and you're seeing advice everywhere about building a "BookTok presence" to promote it. If you're feeling overwhelmed by this advice or unsure where to start, you're not alone. Let's break down
logistics Forklift Hit Your Van? Here's What to Do When Loading Goes Wrong Just had my worst nightmare happen at a loading dock today – a forklift operator managed to damage both my bumper and roof while loading cargo. If you're reading this because something similar happened to you, take a deep breath. I've been through this process, and I&
logistics What is BOC-3 and Do I Need It for My Motor Carrier Authority? If you're starting a trucking company or expanding your transportation business into interstate commerce, you've probably encountered the term "BOC-3" during your research. This federal requirement is often misunderstood but is absolutely essential for obtaining and maintaining your motor carrier authority. Let'
makerssystem Festival & Fair Profit Optimization Guide for Product Businesses Pre-Event Planning & Selection Choose the Right Events * Research event demographics and match them to your target customer profile * Prioritize events with high foot traffic and spending power over just large crowds * Consider event timing (avoid competing with major holidays or local conflicts) * Factor in booth fees, travel costs,
News From Buy-Backs to Breakdowns: Business Lessons from Slutty Vegan & Uncle Nearest In the unforgiving arena of American business, two brands have captured attention not just for their products, but for the remarkable journeys of their founders. Slutty Vegan and Uncle Nearest represent two very different paths in entrepreneurship, one marked by spectacular growth followed by near-collapse and recovery, the other
makerssystem The Complete Permits & Compliance Guide for Your Candle Business Starting a candle business involves more than just perfecting your wax blends and choosing the right wicks. Before you can legally sell your first candle, you need to navigate the world of business permits, licenses, and compliance requirements. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know
makerssystem The Complete Guide to Marketing Your Candle Business: From Scent to Sale The candle industry has experienced remarkable growth, with the global market reaching over $13 billion and continuing to expand. As a candle business owner, you're entering a market filled with opportunity, but also fierce competition. Success isn't just about creating beautiful, fragrant candles; it's
logistics The Art of Gig Stacking: How to Maximize Your Earnings Across Multiple Apps If you're driving for just one gig app, you're probably leaving money on the table. The most successful gig workers have mastered the art of "stacking", strategically using multiple apps simultaneously to maximize earnings, minimize downtime, and create a more stable income stream. But
logistics Stop Selling Yourself Short: A Newbie's Guide to Profitable Freight Pricing for Box Trucks and Couriers If you're new to the freight industry and driving a box truck or doing courier work, you've probably heard the complaints from seasoned carriers: "These newbies are destroying rates by accepting lowball offers!" While it might sting to hear, there's truth to
logistics Contract Lead: Pharmaceutical Delivery Opportunities with Medical Delivery Services (MDS) If you’re looking to enter the medical courier industry or expand your existing delivery business, Medical Delivery Services (MDS) currently has openings for Pharmaceutical Delivery Drivers in various cities across the U.S. This is a prime opportunity to contract with a reputable medical logistics provider and deliver life-
logistics How to Get a USPS Postal Contract: A Step-by-Step Guide The United States Postal Service (USPS) contracts thousands of independent businesses each year to move mail, parcels, and freight. These Highway Contract Routes (HCRs) and other postal transportation contracts can be lucrative opportunities for logistics companies, box truck owners, and couriers. But winning a USPS contract requires preparation, compliance, and
AUTHORGROWTHLAB Do the Colors of Your Manuscript Pages Matter? When it comes to publishing, most authors obsess over cover design, editing, and formatting, but hardly anyone stops to ask: Does the color of my manuscript pages matter? The short answer is: Yes, but not in the way you might think. Let’s break down what matters, what doesn’t,
AUTHORGROWTHLAB What is an ARC and Why Do I Need Them? If you’ve ever scrolled through Amazon and seen a book with dozens of reviews on release day, you’ve probably witnessed the quiet power of ARCs in action. ARCs, short for Advance Reader Copies, are one of the most important tools in your book marketing arsenal. Yet, many new
AUTHORGROWTHLAB Building Your Pre-Launch Buzz Plan: 90 Days to a Book Launch That Sells Most authors make the same mistake: they start promoting their book the week it’s released. By then, it’s too late to build momentum, and they miss out on one of the most profitable parts of the launch: the pre-launch phase. The 90 days before your launch are
AUTHORGROWTHLAB Define Your Author Brand: The First Step to Selling More Books Most writers spend years perfecting their craft, polishing their prose, developing memorable characters, and plotting page-turning storylines. But when it comes to marketing, many hit a wall. The truth is: it’s not enough to write a good book. Readers have to find you, remember you, and trust you
Small Business Resources What Is a NAICS Code, And Why Your Business Needs One (Especially If You Want Contracts, Certifications, or Funding) If you’re applying for grants, trying to get certified as a minority-owned business, or signing up on SAM.gov to bid on contracts, you’ve probably been asked for your NAICS code. And if you’re like most small business
makerssystem How to Create a Custom Blend: Let Your Creativity Lead the Way In a world full of mass-produced products, the magic lies in creating something uniquely yours. Whether you’re making candles, body care products, teas, or essential oil blends, learning how to create a custom blend is more than just mixing ingredients, it’s about infusing your personality, vision, and
makerssystem How to Wick Your Candle Jars: A Step-by-Step Guide for Clean, Even Burns Wicking might seem like a small step in candle making, but it’s one of the most important. Choosing the wrong wick can lead to tunneling, mushrooming, excessive soot, or even candles that won’t stay lit. If you want a candle that burns beautifully from edge to edge and
Small Business Resources What is an Operating Agreement, What Should Be Included, and Why You Need One (With Downloadable Template) When you form a Limited Liability Company (LLC), one of the most important documents you can create is an Operating Agreement. While it’s not always required by law, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make to protect your business and avoid future disputes. What is an
