To better understand and improve the customer experience, it's important that you collect the right data. Peter Boyd, founder of PaperStreet Web Design, says emails are a must to proactively communicate, while Brian David Crane, founder of Caller Smart, recommends making it easy for customers to leave feedback and voice their opinions.

Members of the Forbes Business Council highlight the most creative ways brands can capture the attention of TikTok users such as CoolSys' Adam Coffey, who suggests encouraging consumers to use products in unique spaces. Other experts point to the value of discussing current issues to connect with a community, sharing authentic testimonials, conducting hashtag challenges and demonstrating a charity affiliation to demonstrate goodwill.

Simply deciding to set audacious stretch goals is an important step for companies and individuals, provided the goals are clear and accountable, writes Nick McLean of Four Pillars Investors. "Shooting for the stars requires stretch goals that might feel uncomfortable to some, yet clear goals and achievable growth metrics make it possible," McLean writes.

There are still many funding possibilities now that the Paycheck Protection Program has closed, and choosing the right options will depend on the specific situation a company is in, writes Randa Kriss. From regional and community banks to Small Business Administration loan programs and online lenders, Kriss stresses the need to have an In-depth understanding of loan terms.

Discussing the differences between personal and business loans, Jasmin Suknanan helps provide clarity on when it might make sense to use these different loans to start a business. The key is to have an idea of your expected revenue, "and know how you're going to pay back the loan before you even apply," says financial expert Ashley Russo.

Business insurance costs are often deductible, so Nicole Urbanowicz reviews what you can and cannot write off. It's important to remember that "you generally cannot deduct expenses in advance, even if you pay them in advance," Urbanowicz notes.

Taking over a landmark business, brothers Ben and Will Shattuck have focused on making new additions to Davoll's General Store while honoring the heritage and community feel. Adorning every nook and cranny in the store with local products and merchandise, the walls have been opened up to connect a new cafe and pub into a continuous space for their customers.

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It isn't often that one goes from being a high-powered attorney working for the Obama Administration to becoming an ice cream shop owner. But that's precisely what Victoria Lai did in 2013 shortly after winning a D.C. area ice cream contest -- and she's never looked back. NRF spoke with Lai, owner of Ice Cream Jubilee, about her entrepreneurial journey and being a Chinese American retailer in a challenging small business climate. Learn more.

College students and their families plan to spend $1,200 on average for back-to-school this year. Source: NRF's Annual 2021 Back-to-School Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics