Business
Business is the organized efforts and activities of individuals to produce and sell goods and services for profit. Learn how businesses are organized, and their strategies and legal structures.
![Aerial view of a woman analyzing business graph on a laptop computer while sitting at restaurant desk with notebook, pen, and eyeglasses.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/AIxqIzyxKyQhjh9j9p-E-1AQCT8=/8192x5464/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1456193345-2cc8ef3d583f42d8a80c8e631c0b0556.jpg)
How to Use AI in Business Planning
![College soccer players chasing after a soccer ball during a game](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/2s0OGcDKu343UmB_dCP7N1nRF6E=/5089x3374/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-AR4347-001-e25792918a36466b9b1eb47b3daa5513.jpg)
NIL Deals and Tax Implications: A Guide for College Athletes
![Shawne Alston (20) of the West Virginia Mountaineers carries the ball against the Marshall Thundering Herd](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/OtzUAYugX4gTSYULnyonyVpSMSU=/3000x2055/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-151311702-a935ed8794c64194a53b5741d4be05f3.jpg)
NIL and the NCAA: What Are the Rules?
![Name, Image, Likeness: The rights of college and high school athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness through product endorsements and other activities.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/8TetmZz-ehanb8bxYL06fBguPBc=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/name-image-likeness-8558991-FINAL-1-9fce4283c0fd426aa7d90dc500387cfe.png)
What is NIL? Understanding Name, Image, and Likeness Rules
![Bronny James of the USC Trojans warms up prior to the start of an NCAA basketball game.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/BdIY93RYG5yksRQz4vjePPcrFOM=/4800x3300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2003911725-f0ed4fc03b4840a4a61872fbae932899.jpg)
Should College Athletes Be Paid?
Explore Business
![A business owner reviews information on a device.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/IGCXHApGc3AwczJO4jV-FjBLyp8=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/businessowner2-6add02d23a3f4b4fa235e8083eaec5ac.jpg)
How Long Does It Take to Get an SBA Loan?
![The National Labor Relations Board: An independent federal agency that enforces and guarantees private sector employees certain rights.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/54rOr0VNUUADYz9NU3l3zLOks1w=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/National-labor-relations-board-7644669_final-ed8f310e6f0842d989f5a13d3361f303.png)
The National Labor Relations Board: Protector of Employee Rights
![Quiet Quitting](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/Nx-MZ-ZnEakdrYhbrnmCQ3WN2Po=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/what-is-quiet-quitting-6743910_final-8294898fff4d4ca1b39e02e72e9740f4.png)
What Is Quiet Quitting—and Is It a Real Trend?
![Chamath Palihapitiya](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/WbvdudVb4eWGYP6eFTedQTKLE5Y=/3881x3066/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-615650710-53342cca030f437bbc4d25f2579b971a.jpg)
Who Are the Financial Leaders of Tomorrow?
![The courthouse for bankruptcies in Dayton, Ohio, showing Ionic-style columns and the word "BANKRUPTCY"](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/W59_pCBIC_MOBaFKfkajA3QHuZU=/3504x2336/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-182148217-bankruptcycourthouse-d0a5bb756821447a8cb7b8392efb7ef2.jpg)
Texas Two-Step Bankruptcy: Meaning, Criticism, Example
![A woman sits at a low table, looking at her phone with paperwork nearby.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/CoTz4T46v2Rl032WvAXtQAOmF94=/6720x4480/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/womanusingapptomakemoney-914f30eb52634b9fac0fa6df1e738e73.jpeg)
Best Money-Making Apps
![Business to Consumer (B2C)](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/4VHeIGc-m9lNPHj1bzFdS_W1EII=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/btoc.asp-final-37a45954e5a846b8b1db4ac6a5e688e9.jpg)
B2C: How Business-to-Consumer Sales Works, Types, and Examples
![Project Management](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/0UtYxdoxULqQ5WmFI6gn_at7B1c=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/project-management.asp-Final-0c4cd7f77aad40228e7311783c27f728.png)
What Is Project Management and What Are the Types?
![Business Ethics](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/yKmuYYsyOshv0-hxoYC4S9fabD0=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/business-ethics_final-78b960a3df9a4f5b9b44b77e831323b2.jpg)
What Is Business Ethics? Definition, Principles, and Importance
![Person working on a laptop at a small pottery business](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/3p_xPH-hVkkHvluf1LY6ugPtLUE=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1175416806-ebec2b7f33c54ef684824de1d55f4aa0.jpg)
Undercapitalization: Definition, Causes, and Examples
![Business Risk](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/GLXEyCw_yoK0iHtOYTDbZhw_t1k=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Business-Risk-04c7a4bb9cb94bba818125a01bbafb74.jpg)
Business Risk: Definition, Factors, and Examples
![Business Plan](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/RaBwJj0LUfRUtoT-rQeQGczEji4=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Term-b-business-plan-70c26342d5374095b3cd7e860d016168.jpg)
Business Plan: What It Is, What's Included, and How to Write One
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/kHoxn4Xko1K_5VTiRe27Ae7j47A=/380x254/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rbv2_53-5bfc2b8ac9e77c0058770499.jpg)
Corporate Headquarters (HQ): Definition, Importance, and Example
![Here are Three Types of Investment Risk You Should Consider Before and While Investing Your Money](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/eJ8fTTKVrc2PQGX6yCIl4eUbc3A=/3364x2965/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TypesofInvestmentRisk-5684887a5f9b586a9e0bdf97.jpg)
What Is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), and How Does It Work?
![Best-malpractice-insurance-5025092](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/4rIQgCI4M-iB74KHD1DxAN85ABg=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MalpracticeInsurance_4kodiak-240df127e9e14ad28e24918d45c473e2.jpg)
Best Malpractice Insurance Companies
![Best Online Excel Courses for June 2024](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/CgNMGgtqM7ubN51CmYvlrWoB9RE=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-online-excel-classes-4845516-FINAL-2-1b5c8990f9e64f13ba946062456ff353.png)
Best Online Excel Courses for July 2024
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/8FjQGPFgqDQD8C5dEGT8ZMlTDBo=/680x440/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/corporate-5bfc37cac9e77c0026b840b3.jpg)
The Basics of Corporate Structure, With Examples
![Man with beard in suit drawing whiteboard](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/If68yAHivFdwcbOe_SAszNaV5Sk=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1134449645-68332e075af847e9ab14865821dc2669.jpg)
Corporate Hierarchy: Definition, How It Works, and Configuration
![Close up Hands of Businessman Working With Business Document and Laptop on the Table](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/bIwa39_hTgjEUq9XP0ttbx8W7mY=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-953844116-6e06cd30aadd40b996dd7eaad4e97711.jpg)
Interpreting a Strategy Performance Report
![Organizational Structure](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/pPfxUiJLD4LZ9mBYuI5Eo1BUOeE=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/organizationalstructure-final-5d4f333cdb174faea796402175ff305b.png)
Organizational Structure for Companies With Examples and Benefits
![Industrial Revolution](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/R5DhKtldUh3ut8v4CWDirDys1vE=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Industrial-Revolution-V2-7493ff6ba09e4612b1c1e3d5c2eb49c5.jpg)
Industrial Revolution Definition: History, Pros, and Cons
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/-zhhJkjtdWtM7LtIDUo_mY1vSq8=/680x440/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/thinkstockphotos_80410231-5bfc2b97c9e77c0026b4fb20.jpg)
Business Exit Strategy: Definition, Examples, Best Types
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/0_Sud1D07_LYP8_6aZ16LzvPiMY=/680x440/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shutterstock_112522391-5bfc2b9846e0fb0051bde2d3.jpg)
Using Appreciative Inquiry to Solve Management Problems
![Businessperson Working With Business Document and Laptop on the Table](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/i6wyJtjJtKEqF9uiWOxk5LYS_SU=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-953844116-e4f0cfa5d9f84bda8ffe6f3355cb6b83.jpg)
Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights: The Basics
![Restructuring](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/R1TYL4bsmL7j3AkJLS10Q9nQNeQ=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/restructuring.asp-final-f8769b6a589a4bccaf5bc601c07b4917.png)
Restructuring: Definition, Meaning, Process, and Example
![Counterparty: The party on the other side of a transaction.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/yQKU9W6e5wrOaYdzClnbWMhOAV8=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/counterparty.asp-final-a38189722e09441086d8a5a7280782fd.png)
Counterparty: Definition, Types of Counterparties, and Examples
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/0KZNn6pasSDDpFL8x0d9GdOpvJ0=/680x440/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/122582497-5bfc2b8d46e0fb005119b24b.jpg)
Opening Transaction: What It Is, How It Works
![TANSTAAFL](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/ha-AGMdYDKfcrGv5Y0K_yfAHBIY=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-88689453-1--57485c8d3df78ccee1b80144.jpg)
There Ain't No Such Thing as a Free Lunch: Meaning and Examples
![A Wall Street street sign in front of the New York Stock Exchange](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/UaAlLr7ZsTdzHHq11QKh5X9iqL0=/680x440/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shutterstock_253136563-5bfc2b98c9e77c00519aa7a8.jpg)
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Meaning and Features
![Abstract mirror building texture](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/91gygtf_wuqcKW25rrt_I8apQu8=/2117x1416/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/abstract-mirror-building-texture-1027237872-b97473a76afd421f886da92f046bc9fb.jpg)
Baptism by Fire: What It Means in Business, With Examples
![Business](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/ckxzFWOBXIZutHJfyBSXeSKkacY=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/business-9536b19e48b54a638b8fd2a8aee60d25.jpg)
What Is a Business? Understanding Different Types and Company Sizes
![Midsection Of Woman Holding Box By Table At Office](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/ei0DhrQIPYt-1MhbB48ZIComJgo=/4520x3013/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/midsection-of-woman-holding-box-by-table-at-office-894717312-a73600e943394d0bb6b11b66eb919abb.jpg)
8 Reasons Why Valued Employees Quit
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/yCwPel6UyceQ9KnxP2S1KdQ8jJs=/205x136/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/investing17-5bfc2b8fc9e77c00519aa64c.jpg)
What Is Empire Building? How It Works, Strategies, and Examples
![Person working as a mechanic in a garage](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/b42jDIX_JLjoBUCybD61crVPalI=/5472x3648/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WhatIsUnskilledLabor-2ea33f0cea804db5b4bae8c7bd83a5bf.jpg)
What Is Unskilled Labor and Why Is the Term Outdated?
![Unrecognizable businessman choosing between insourcing and outsourcing.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/t3QyphlZRcf7w5trV96C6icz_10=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1748016531-f3626e60dd8f4545b3b0c360210c3e45.jpg)
Outsourcing vs. Insourcing: What's the Difference?
![Businessman stopping domino effect.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/ktUdF0cK1upTZKnbzHZrutRokic=/2469x1213/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-629768058-7ed1abfda6914ae2998dcdb8b5f17035.jpg)
Risk Management Framework (RMF): Definition and Components
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/WD7DPrQHUkyc5ShhXpfd_-SA5vc=/680x440/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wall_street_179681980-5bfc2b9746e0fb0083c07d29.jpg)
Which Financial Principles Help Companies Choose Capital Structure?
![Warehouse with shelves stacked full of packing boxes](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/wXqcCC8rRwx16i8dY4CFiB9rnwI=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/inventory-2b2cb6fce6ea47fe924717fac0a24b50.jpg)
Trade Credit Insurance: Overview, Advantages, Alternatives
![Person monitoring market activity on two screens at home at night](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/MfuT-qlEaZE1bEsdP4Qgx7mfo0E=/8660x5773/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/INV_TopETFsforLong-TermInvestors_GettyImages-1397862835-f590c8fbc2134e638d4a4f865145eea4.jpg)
3 Ways to Measure Business Risk
![Man working on differents monitors creating statistics in modern office.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/O9O0UpmpAVrNJXRMbzclZUFf2t0=/2120x1415/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-817442226-941eb98ce7ac4b85a64ba444d36aea42.jpg)
What Strategies Do Companies Use to Regain the Market Share They've Lost?
![Smiling mature female business owner listening during presentation during meeting in office conference room](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/tniXAgxRGI3OYpMKaLRVhJoXEaQ=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smiling-mature-female-business-owner-listening-during-presentation-during-meeting-in-office-conference-room-1129489636-c96456073555451d8374d781e5e4af2c.jpg)
Why Are Business Ethics Important? A Guide
![Workers installing steel roof sheet](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/muzxZoa5o2mbRiWexFoUL3BASow=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1302233521-c2ba6b7532c740baaa9b2a8192aeb60e.jpg)
Why Use Bank Guarantees in Long-Term Project Contracts?
![Aptitude Test: An exam used to determine an individual's skill or propensity to succeed in a given activity.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/yw1EJwxFJFlUvHHJ_PiYfMWBbrY=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/aptitude-test.asp-final-be33bca5e4ae41929c0ea4b2c79a508a.png)
Aptitude Test: Definition, How It's Used, Types, and How to Pass
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/0_Sud1D07_LYP8_6aZ16LzvPiMY=/680x440/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shutterstock_112522391-5bfc2b9846e0fb0051bde2d3.jpg)
What Are Some Ways to Make a Distribution Channel More Efficient?
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/ysr0rTMIQ2yqXSf-BSx3sm9HuQc=/205x136/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/investing18-5bfc2b8fc9e77c005143f183.jpg)
Acceptance Sampling: Meaning, Types, and FAQ
Bookie: Definition, Meaning, Duties, How They Make Money, and Fee
![Baby Boomer](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/KR9euoXK0a6IwKDKiELOdUoowBQ=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TermDefinitions_Boomer-d08c5f49b23f485995fc1357b1b55603.png)
Baby Boomer: Definition, Age Range, Characteristics, and Impact
![Midsection of Businessman Using Calculator and Laptop at Desk](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/4TyUD7IhxhO15iJYepRBVhd5qKo=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1053748996-d352c8826ee64c44a73d5d6668e1ce78.jpg)
Personal Assets vs. Business Assets: What's the Difference?
![Call center employees](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/hZkZnpdLJn4OdzikHZ4nVgYcUi4=/5085x3438/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hispanic-businesswoman-working-on-computer-98187050-a301133e0f654068b66fba562c92e56c.jpg)
The Unintended Consequences of Outsourcing
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/ysr0rTMIQ2yqXSf-BSx3sm9HuQc=/205x136/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/investing18-5bfc2b8fc9e77c005143f183.jpg)
Hit the Bid: What it is, How it Works, Examples
![Branch Manager: An executive in charge of the branch office of a bank or financial institution.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/LQAh5gW4jVnUuvMMyeY-Dh-Eb-8=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/branch-manager.asp-FINAL-1-03d69f58e1c44e788b53e89c28489f0b.png)
Branch Manager: Definition, Job Description, and Salary
![Drawdown](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/R27UV4m_rBXlCJEtr1JwQPkBRS0=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Drawdown_final-c94ef9799eba416485173480a681a70e.png)
Drawdown: What It Is, Risks, and Examples
![Financial advisor talking to customer in front of tablet.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/3y02E5_l5zUXdvV5hi6qGWBvHC8=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-138710659-aab6bb5968a54f8698483c15251f2468.jpg)
Client Facing: What It Means and Why It’s Important
![Group of business people having video conference](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/D64h07aaweOCnQO7zea9i-zKLZc=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1132120753-e789b3edc3b94f50818c6ec970170d01.jpg)
Continuous Bond: What it is, How it Works, Examples
![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/Y0dCpb_LTYPdH8gsk-q7GrvTdb0=/205x136/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/investing16-5bfc2b8fc9e77c00519aa657.jpg)
Financial Buyer: What it is, How it Works
![man interviewing for new job](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/NP4uXr9-RqiUeXHzMCxouxIHiPw=/2120x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-10565436161-86ce62eabe744ecca7440ae7ceb42fd8.jpg)
Employment Agency Fees: Meaning, Overview, Types
![A smiling financial advisor with a digital tablet and paperworks.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/vb3h3DgtioEaoQk9u5aILjFnl-A=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-944064282-e5ec2e417097483c86d500d1517b4c24.jpg)
Fiscal Agent: What it is, How it Works, Alternatives
![Contrarian](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/ygADtLDwIdskfIqrCZeVLYa6zHg=/1000x667/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/contrarian-5c6e6cb6c9e77c0001cda26b.jpg)
What Is a Contrarian? Strategy in Trading, Risks, and Rewards
![Magnifying glass over a paper that shows text that reads "very very fine print."](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/f5pJHuHHvGaOFZrz7g8_EiTz-Zs=/2121x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-103405221-8696f029989f4b7bb3270a18ac983aaa.jpg)
Fine Print: What it is, How it Works, Criticism
![Government Actuary](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/2aCumOnzavenblM6yrC1ZPJBkBw=/4000x2700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/government-actuary_v1-64c8d34bfd6f457d988ca8f55b03d2ec.png)
Government Actuary