https://sidekixhq.com/library.html Guides, answers and essays for people starting and building a business, from SideKix. en-us Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000 https://sidekixhq.com/assets/k-mark.png https://sidekixhq.com/library.html https://sidekixhq.com/blog/team-building-tips-for-your-new-hires/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/team-building-tips-for-your-new-hires/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000 How founders can help new hires settle in and work well as a team: onboarding and integration, mentorship, meaningful first work, and quick team building exercises. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/marketing-hacks-for-the-entrepreneurs-who-skipped-business-school/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/marketing-hacks-for-the-entrepreneurs-who-skipped-business-school/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Four marketing approaches that work without an MBA: SEO and a Google Business profile, social media and email, word of mouth and referrals, and paid ads. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/we-didnt-get-the-time-back-ai-is-making-the-same-promise/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/we-didnt-get-the-time-back-ai-is-making-the-same-promise/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Smartphones were supposed to handle the practical stuff so we could spend more time with the people we love. What the research says actually happened, and what it tells us about AI. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/trust-recession-what-would-it-take-to-rebuild-it/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/trust-recession-what-would-it-take-to-rebuild-it/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Trust in each other and in government has fallen for decades, while confidence in small business holds. What that means for people starting something, and the standard SideKix is holding itself to. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-quickly-increase-your-business-revenue/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-quickly-increase-your-business-revenue/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Five ways to raise small business revenue: know what sells, look after your customers, expand your offerings, raise prices strategically, and increase your presence. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/america-entrepreneurship-gap-not-information-gap/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/america-entrepreneurship-gap-not-information-gap/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 61% of Americans have had a business idea. 92% never pursued it. Two national surveys show what actually sits in that gap, and it is not a shortage of information. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/why-most-people-never-start-a-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/why-most-people-never-start-a-business/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Around 165 million US adults have had a business idea and roughly 5.6 million applications get filed a year. What sits in that gap, and what closes it. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/sole-proprietorship-vs-llc/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/sole-proprietorship-vs-llc/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Liability, cost, tax treatment and how each looks to clients. Plus the ways LLC protection gets lost, which matters more than the formation decision itself. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/small-business-survival-rates-what-the-data-says/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/small-business-survival-rates-what-the-data-says/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 BLS cohort data on business survival at one, two, five and ten years, plus the caveat that makes the failure rate lower than the headline number suggests. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-start-a-business-step-by-step/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-start-a-business-step-by-step/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The actual order for starting a business: structure, state registration, your EIN, banking, licenses, and the free federal help available at every stage. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-start-a-business-in-north-carolina/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-start-a-business-in-north-carolina/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Registering with the NC Secretary of State, getting an EIN, licenses and permits, plus the free state and federal advisors available at every step. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-price-your-product-or-service/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-price-your-product-or-service/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Cost-plus, competitive and value-based pricing, how to find your floor, why billable hours change the math, and how to raise prices on existing customers. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-calculate-your-breakeven-point/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-calculate-your-breakeven-point/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The breakeven formula, how to split fixed from variable costs, what the number tells you about pricing and cuts, and the mistake that makes it useless. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-build-a-support-system-as-a-founder/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-build-a-support-system-as-a-founder/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Why building alone is the statistical norm, what isolation costs in decision quality, the four types of support, and where to find each one free. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-build-a-business-alone/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-build-a-business-alone/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Nearly eight in ten US businesses have no employees. What solo actually involves: pricing, structure, handling every function, and where the free support is. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-small-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-small-business/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The three cost categories that decide your real starting number: one-time setup, monthly burn, and the runway most budgets leave out entirely. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/free-government-resources-for-small-business-owners/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/free-government-resources-for-small-business-owners/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 SCORE mentoring, SBDC advising, Women's Business Centers, VBOCs, SBA loan programs and federal certifications. What each does and who it is for. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-manage-being-overwhelmed-as-a-founder/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-manage-being-overwhelmed-as-a-founder/ Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Being a founder can be freeing and exhilarating, but it also means you’re constantly busy. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/business-startup-checklist/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/business-startup-checklist/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 A business startup checklist ordered by risk, not paperwork. Five phases from deciding and validating through setup, build and first customer. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-get-help-starting-a-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-get-help-starting-a-business/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Where to actually get help starting a business: free SBA-funded mentoring through SCORE and SBDCs, local resources, peer accountability and paid advisors. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-business/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 What it really costs to start a business: universal costs, cost by business type, LLC fees by state, hidden costs like self-employment tax. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/business-advisor-vs-coach-vs-consultant/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/business-advisor-vs-coach-vs-consultant/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Mentor, advisor, coach or consultant? What each role actually does, when to hire which, typical costs, and five questions to vet anyone before you pay. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/questions-to-answer-if-you-want-to-be-an-entrepreneur/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/questions-to-answer-if-you-want-to-be-an-entrepreneur/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The lightbulb went off and you’d like to make your business idea into a reality. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/tools-every-entrepreneur-needs-before-launching/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/tools-every-entrepreneur-needs-before-launching/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The time has finally come to launch. You’ve put in the blood, sweat, tears, and elbow grease for months if not years. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/founder-myth-you-need-everything-figured-out/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/founder-myth-you-need-everything-figured-out/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Whoever made this claim doesn’t understand what entrepreneurship truly entails. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/popular-small-business-ideas-in-2026/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/popular-small-business-ideas-in-2026/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Thinking of owning and running a small business but not sure what kind of business you want it to be? https://sidekixhq.com/blog/lead-your-dreams-becoming-the-person-you-need-to-be/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/lead-your-dreams-becoming-the-person-you-need-to-be/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 What if dreams aren’t meant to be followed, but led? A powerful reflection on identity, courage. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/from-thats-not-for-people-like-me-to-im-actually-doing-this-an-entrepreneurs-guide-to-closing-the-gap-between-who-you-thought-you-were-and-who-youre-becoming/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/from-thats-not-for-people-like-me-to-im-actually-doing-this-an-entrepreneurs-guide-to-closing-the-gap-between-who-you-thought-you-were-and-who-youre-becoming/ Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 A guide for first-time entrepreneurs on closing the gap between who you thought you were and who you’re becoming. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/what-to-do-after-having-your-business-idea/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/what-to-do-after-having-your-business-idea/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 You’ve just had an idea for a business– the lightbulb is glowing and you’re so inspired that you’re ready to get to work. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-build-a-business-while-working-a-9-to-5/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-build-a-business-while-working-a-9-to-5/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 So you’re at work, tray on your shoulder or folding clothes or typing at a desk- whatever 9-to-5 it is, you’re good at it. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/the-loneliness-of-entrepreneurship-and-what-to-do-about-it/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/the-loneliness-of-entrepreneurship-and-what-to-do-about-it/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Explore the issue of entrepreneur loneliness and discover ways to connect with others for support and collaboration in your journey. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/the-biggest-solopreneur-challenges-and-how-to-overcome-them/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/the-biggest-solopreneur-challenges-and-how-to-overcome-them/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Solopreneur challenges can slow growth, increase stress, and lead to burnout. The five biggest obstacles of building alone, and what changes with a team. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/5-reasons-smart-people-never-start-their-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/5-reasons-smart-people-never-start-their-business/ Fri, 29 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Starting a business, taking that first huge step to turn a great idea into a reality, is one of the most daunting challenges to take on. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/sidekix-is-the-business-operating-system-for-entrepreneurs-who-need-structure-support-and-direction-to-build-their-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/sidekix-is-the-business-operating-system-for-entrepreneurs-who-need-structure-support-and-direction-to-build-their-business/ Sun, 24 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Overcome business obstacles together. Business is hard. You shouldn’t have to build alone; find your support network. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/weekly-business-check-in-template/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/weekly-business-check-in-template/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Use this free Weekly Business Check-In Template to stay focused, review your progress, and plan ahead. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/small-business-strategy-guide-plan-focus-execute/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/small-business-strategy-guide-plan-focus-execute/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The Small Business Strategy Guide: learn how to plan, focus, and actually execute your business goals. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/sidekix-business-playbook-roadmap/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/sidekix-business-playbook-roadmap/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The SideKix Business Playbook is your complete roadmap from idea to momentum. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/entrepreneur-mindset-guide-think-like-builder/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/entrepreneur-mindset-guide-think-like-builder/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Develop the mindset of a successful entrepreneur with this practical guide. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/best-tools-small-business-owners-2025/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/best-tools-small-business-owners-2025/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Discover the best tools for small business owners in 2025 that actually save time. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/biggest-roadblocks-entrepreneurs-how-to-overcome/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/biggest-roadblocks-entrepreneurs-how-to-overcome/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Discover the 7 biggest roadblocks entrepreneurs face and how to overcome each one. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/taking-small-actions-when-stuck-entrepreneur-guide/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/taking-small-actions-when-stuck-entrepreneur-guide/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Feeling stuck in your business? This guide shows you how taking small, consistent actions breaks through overwhelm and builds unstoppable momentum. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/support-system-checklist-entrepreneur/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/support-system-checklist-entrepreneur/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Build your entrepreneurial safety net with this free Support System Checklist. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/small-business-ideas-for-beginners/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/small-business-ideas-for-beginners/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Explore 20+ small business ideas for beginners with low startup costs and high earning potential. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/side-hustle-vs-small-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/side-hustle-vs-small-business/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 What is the difference between a side hustle and a small business? This guide breaks down the key distinctions in mindset, structure, taxes. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/personal-growth-that-actually-works/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/personal-growth-that-actually-works/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Personal growth that actually works: a practical guide to self-improvement for entrepreneurs and professionals. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/networking-outreach-template-small-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/networking-outreach-template-small-business/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Four outreach templates for small business owners: approaching an advisor, following up after an event, contacting a collaborator, and asking for a referral. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/milestone-tracker-template-entrepreneur/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/milestone-tracker-template-entrepreneur/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Free Milestone Tracker Template for entrepreneurs. Celebrate progress, track achievements. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-turn-your-skills-into-a-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-turn-your-skills-into-a-business/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Five steps from skill to paying customers: identifying what you are good at, packaging it into an offer, setting a price, building proof, and scaling what works. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/stop-feeling-isolated-small-business-owner/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/stop-feeling-isolated-small-business-owner/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Feeling isolated as a small business owner is more common than you think. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-stay-motivated-while-building-a-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-stay-motivated-while-building-a-business/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Learn how to stay motivated while building a business through the inevitable hard seasons. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Learn how to start a business with no money using bootstrapping strategies, free tools, and creative funding methods. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-overcome-fear-entrepreneur/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-overcome-fear-entrepreneur/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Why the fear of starting a business is normal, what it looks like in practice, and the approaches founders use to keep moving while the fear is still there. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-network-when-youre-just-starting-out/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-network-when-youre-just-starting-out/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Networking with no track record yet: where to start, how to lead with what you can give, and why being specific about what you are building gets better replies. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-grow-small-business-practical-guide/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-grow-small-business-practical-guide/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Learn how to grow a small business with this practical guide for independent owners. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-go-from-employee-to-entrepreneur/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-go-from-employee-to-entrepreneur/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Ready to make the leap from employee to entrepreneur? This guide shows you how to plan your exit, validate your idea. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-get-funding-for-your-business-idea/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-get-funding-for-your-business-idea/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Learn how to get funding for your business idea — from bootstrapping and grants to investors and loans. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-find-a-job-modern-playbook/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-find-a-job-modern-playbook/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The modern playbook for how to find a job in today's market. Updated strategies for job seekers covering LinkedIn, networking, applications. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-find-a-business-mentor/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-find-a-business-mentor/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Learn how to find a business mentor — and actually land one. Discover where to look, how to approach potential mentors. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-find-support-small-business-owner/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-find-support-small-business-owner/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Discover how to find support as a small business owner — even when you don't know where to look. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-build-community-small-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/how-to-build-community-small-business/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Learn how to build a loyal community around your small business. This guide covers content, events, partnerships. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/fear-audit-template-entrepreneur/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/fear-audit-template-entrepreneur/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 A five part worksheet for naming the fears behind a stalled business idea: a fear inventory, a rating pass, a deep dive on the biggest one, an action plan, and evidence. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/community-engagement-template-entrepreneur/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/community-engagement-template-entrepreneur/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Free Community Engagement Template for entrepreneurs. Learn how to show up, add value. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/business-roadmap-template-small-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/business-roadmap-template-small-business/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Download this free Business Roadmap Template to map your path from where you are to where you want to be. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/best-ai-tools-for-small-business-owners/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/best-ai-tools-for-small-business-owners/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Discover the best AI tools for small business owners in 2026. From content creation and customer service to bookkeeping and marketing — AI tools. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/accountability-partner-template-entrepreneur/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/accountability-partner-template-entrepreneur/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Set up your first accountability relationship with this free Accountability Partner Template. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/90-day-goal-setting-template-small-business/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/90-day-goal-setting-template-small-business/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Free 90-Day Goal-Setting Template for small business owners. Break your big vision into actionable 90-day sprints and finally make consistent progress. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/make-money-online-without-feeling-lost/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/make-money-online-without-feeling-lost/ Fri, 22 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Learn how to make money online without feeling lost or overwhelmed. SideKix breaks down the best legitimate ways for entrepreneurs and side hustlers. https://sidekixhq.com/blog/90-percent-of-americans-want-to-be-their-own-boss/ https://sidekixhq.com/blog/90-percent-of-americans-want-to-be-their-own-boss/ Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 90% of Americans want to be their own boss. Why the real dream is owning your time and values, and what has to change about how startups get built.