‘Tis the season for joy, laughter, and GIFs. So. Many. Holiday. GIFs. We know you’re busy, so we thought we’d share a few of our faves with you such that you may insert them into your communications to usher the year out properly. Enjoy, and happy holidays!
Want to Have a Meeting? Here are 5 Alternatives to the Coffee Shop
May 31, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Take a hike.
Why Are All-Women Teams Still Receiving Only 2.2 Percent of VC Funding?
May 29, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
How to level the playing field.
The Pros and Cons of Opening Your Business Bathroom to Everyone
May 4, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Are you a saint or a sucker?
Here’s What We Can All Learn From the Girl Scouts
May 2, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
The cookies that ate the world.
Is Your Business a Hobby?
April 30, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
The fine legal line between vocation and avocation.
Are Startups Stagnating?
April 27, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Small businesses are in danger. Blame big ones.
How Much Time Do You Really Need to Spend on Social Media Every Day?
April 25, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Where’s the line between using social and being used by social?
Here’s How to Make Social Media Work For You Even When You Don’t Have That Many Followers
April 23, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Don’t fall for the numbers game.
Business Is a Unicycle: How to Get it Going and Keep it from Falling Over
April 19, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Getting a small business off the ground, and then future-proofing it.
The Cat-Herding Joys of Managing Remote Workers
April 18, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Out of site, out of mind.
5 Weird Business Ideas for 2018
April 17, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
The human body: an ever-popular billboard.
Coping with the Not-So-Freewheeling Life of a Freelancer
April 16, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Freedom is stressful.
'Sources,' 'Experts,' and 'Area Man': Why News Stories Favor Male Voices
April 13, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Yes, there’s even bias in quotes.
Why Exactly Do I Need to Worry About the Pantone Color Wheel?
April 10, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Is it a conspiracy of earth tones and Millennial Pink?
Where Do You Fit in the Future of Journalism?
April 9, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Whether freelancing or in a newsroom, here are the trends and tools you need to know about.
There’s No Such Thing as Too Niche When it Comes to Instagram
April 6, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Find your audience, no matter how tiny. Small is loyal.
Turned Down: Rejection and the Bummed-Out Freelancer
April 5, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
It’s not you … it’s your work. (Wait, that may have come out wrong.)
Freelancers Are Uniquely Susceptible to Imposter Syndrome. Here’s How to Deal with it.
April 4, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Exploring that terrible space between total ignorance and total enlightenment.
Is My Website Worthless? Part 2: Designing a Solution
April 3, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
It’s not reinventing the wheel so much as picking a better font for the wheel.
Is My Website Worthless? Part 1: Diagnosing the Problem
April 2, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
The internet isn’t all cat GIFs anymore. Just mostly cat GIFs.
It's Just Business (When it Comes to Your Bank Account)
March 30, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Keep your personal stuff and your business stuff separate.
Sit Down: 4 Reasons Standing Desks Are Bad For You
March 28, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Or, How to work blinking into your busy schedule.
The Benefits of Office Pets, Told in GIFs
March 16, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Answering the big question: will cats steal your customers?
Here Are the 4 Reasons You Really Need to Fail
March 15, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
It’s the admission price to the Greatness Show.
Here’s Why You (Yes, You!) Need a Logo
March 14, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Your business identity, boiled down to a single image. What could go wrong?
Making Upwork Work for You
March 13, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Rules of the road on the popular freelancing platform.
Get the Words Out: Content Marketing for Small Businesses
March 12, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Or: How to talk about yourself without getting an eye-roll.
Keeping it Real, Sales-Wise
March 9, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Whimsy, built on a foundation of good business sense.
How to Ask for More Money
March 8, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
It’s only your sense of self-worth and financial security on the line.
Does the World Need What You’re Selling (Seriously Though)?
Feb 8, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Not everything can be 'smart.'
Probably Your Cyber Isn’t as Secure as it Could Be. Let’s Fix It.
Feb 6, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Small business doesn’t care how dangerous it is out there.
The Top 5 Places to Live and Work in the U.S. as a Small-Business Owner
Feb 5, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Affordability, workforce development, and barbecue.
A Behaviorist Explains Body Language with the Help of Some GIFs
Feb 1, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Human interaction is a Goldilocks situation: not too much, not too little, please let go of me.
These Are the Top-Earning Bachelor’s Degrees for Freelancers
Jan 31, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Brains is the future, human and otherwise.
The Top Jobs and Fields in the U.S. in 2018
Jan 30, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Still good money in doctoring.
How Many Hours a Day Should You Work?
Jan 26, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Depends on the kind of work you’re doing.
4 Stories about ‘Deals’ That Are Disastrous, Defunct, Delightful, and Door-to-Door
Jan 25, 2018 | Greg Jackson
Who’d have thought coupons could tell the story of America?
If You’ve Never Seen Anything Quite Like it Before, It Might Be a Good Business
Jan 24, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Space-age installations make for a surprisingly effective business model.
Here Are the Most In-Demand Freelance Skills for 2018
Jan 22, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Make pretty words and pretty pictures, and be able to put them online.
Freelancing While Pregnant: A Handy Guide
Jan 19, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Turns out you do have a boss, after all.
How Freelancers Can Kill it on Upwork
Jan 18, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Bill passion projects by the hour.
It’s January. Time to Make Some Micro-Goals.
Jan 17, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
AKA getting your s**t together.
Thinking of Going Cashless? Here are 6 Things to Keep in Mind.
Jan 16, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
No more rolling around on a bed covered in hundreds.
Social Justice as a Brand: Helpful or Harmful?
Jan 12, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
The market punishes phoniness.
3 Ways to Run a Lean (Yet Competitive) Business
Jan 11, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Get into fighting shape.
Should You Open Up Shop In a Neighborhood That's Being Gentrified?
Jan 10, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Small business meets small community.
Walls? We Don’t Need No Stinking Walls: Why Keep a Brick-and-Mortar?
Jan 9, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
It’s as much about community as it is commerce.
What ‘The Future’ (of 2018) Looks Like for Small Business
Jan 5, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
Working remote, freelance, and augmented.
Should You Move to a Cheaper State?
Jan 4, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Make sure there are people there, though.
The Best Freelance and Small Business Books of the Past Year
Jan 3, 2018 | Jessica Ogilvie
Starting a business from a side hustle, finding flow, and running sports teams.
Yes, Yes, Robots, Sure. But What Else Does 2018 Promise for Small-Business Marketing?
Jan 2, 2018 | Stephen Jackson
The savviest generation of consumers ever, for one thing.
How Being Yourself Shapes Your Business
Dec 29, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Money is still involved. (Most of the time.)
How to Get Some Actual Relief From Work Over the Holidays
Dec 27, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Mail your phone to yourself, ground delivery. That’ll buy a few days.
7 Ways to Survive the Holiday Slump
Dec 26, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
The end is nigh. Prepare for the new beginning.
The Best Holiday GIFs, From Our Family to Yours
Dec 22, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
That most special time of year, in two-second bursts.
The Dos and Don’ts of Office Holiday Parties
Dec 21, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
“So, what do you think about what’s going on in the Middle East?”
7 Great Blogs for Small Businesses to Follow
Dec 20, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
You’re in the company of friends.
Fighting the Big Guys, Holiday Edition
Dec 19, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
A story of pies, payback, and entrepreneurial honesty.
The Incredible Growing Business: Adventures in Scaling
Dec 18, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
How to get bigger without collapsing under your own weight.
Master the Out-of-Office Reply to Ensure Prime Vacation Relaxation
Dec 15, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
“I was pulled aboard a UFO and won’t be returning calls.”
What Does Automation Look Like for a Small Business?
Dec 14, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
It looks like transparency and efficiency.
Freelancing with Other Humans: How to Blend in With a Blended Workforce
Dec 13, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Office customs may seem strange, but you can adapt.
It’s the Holidays, So Here are 7 Ways to Protect Yourself from Online Fraud
Dec 12, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
E-commerce sites must be vigilant against those damn digital elves.
Sexual Harassment Is Everywhere. Small Businesses Can Be Uniquely Vulnerable.
Dec 11, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Let’s keep the family vibe from going wrong.
Here Are 4 Grating Workplace Personalities and Suggested Cures for Each
Dec 8, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
It’s Connor, isn’t it? It’s always Connor.
Small Businesses Feel Like Small Potatoes When Dealing With Big Banks
Dec 7, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Sticking with the same-old isn't always the best choice.
You Will Not Believe How Much Money the Government Has Given Out in Small Business Loans This Year
Dec 6, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
You need money. The government’s got money. Work it out.
What Are the Risks of Using a Small Business Loan?
Dec 5, 2017 | Alex Coleman
It’s about balancing growth and debt.
Here Are a Few Things to Think About When Going Into Business With Your Friend
Dec 4, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Staff meetings get real personal.
How Do You Make Must-Watch Videos About Men’s Shorts? Put a Turkey in the Dishwasher.
Dec 1, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
For Chubbies, going viral means rethinking the very definition of marketing. And weekends.
Lessons from a Disaster: 3 Things to Keep in Mind
Nov 30, 2017 | Greg Jackson
Why does a fire end some businesses and pause others? Planning.
Don’t Fear the Automator: 7 Ways to Make Robots Work for You
Nov 29, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
DIY … with algorithms.
How Do You Stay Relevant in the Digital Age? Here are 4 Ways.
Nov 28, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Even on the internet, people can smell a fake.
7ish Great Online Educational Sites for the Intrepid Freelancer
Nov 24, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Keep on learning.
What’s the Best Way to Buy Business Insurance?
Nov 22, 2017 | Greg Jackson
Go mainstream or go indie, but do your homework.
What Will the Amazon-Whole Foods Merger Do to Small Business?
Nov 21, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Could be a battle of the beekeepers.
Freelancing and the Curse of “the Lumpy Income Stream”
Nov 20, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
“Feast and famine” as a personal economic principle.
Preparing for Disaster: How Do You Know If You’re Ready When Everything Goes Wrong?
Nov 17, 2017 | Greg Jackson
Some of it is planning, some of it is luck. We want to focus on the planning part.
5 Types of Home-Office Design to Amaze and Inspire
Nov 16, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
There’s some white, some pink, and at least one not-surprising internet staple.
7 Ways to Express Common Workplace Sentiment in GIF Form
Nov 15, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
*Also handy for life generally.
Call? Text? Meet? What’s the Best Way to Connect? Consult Our Contact Method Index
Nov 14, 2017 | Ian S. Port
An all-encompassing, utterly correct guide to using modern technological methods for business communication, ranked from most to least formal.
Munchery’s CEO on How Serving 100,000 Meals a Week Is Tough Business
Nov 13, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
… But profitable if you can figure it out.
What to Do When You Start to Hate Your Own Business
Nov 10, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Just another day of living the dream. Sigh.
You’ve Written the Blog Post. Now How to Get People to Read the Thing?
Nov 9, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Get control of your images to control your image.
Less Is More: Is Fasting the New Performance Hack?
Nov 8, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
It gets pretty quiet around lunchtime.
Read This Great Blog Post About Writing Great Blog Posts
Nov 7, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
In 6 easy steps!
Why Big Business Screw-Ups Are Small Business Opportunities
Nov 6, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Big-time missteps shake our faith in big-time companies.
I Had a Startup, and I Had Questions. So I Went to One of the Biggest Law Firms in Tech.
Nov. 3, 2017 | Valerie Demicheva
There are tons and tons of business mistakes you can make. Seek professional help.
Hacking the Brain: A Primer
Nov 2, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Hot buttered coffee: jam band or brain stimulant?
Banking for Freelancers and Other Nomads of the Gig Economy
Nov 1, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
In some ways, you’re alone out there. But we want to go with you.
Mindfulness in the Workplace: Conflict Management
Oct 31, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Humans in the wild are unpredictable. They require an enlightened response.
The Freelancer’s Survival Guide, Part Two: Find Your Community
Oct 30, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Find your people.
How Crowdfunding Helps This Small Press Stay in Business — And Fight Back Politically
Oct 27, 2017 | Jennifer Swann
It’s hard enough to make a profit publishing literature, but Fireside Fiction sees it as a team effort.
Parenting Hacks for Small Business Owners with Kids
Oct 26, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
You may be the boss, but there’s at least one person you work for full time.
How to Deal With Health Insurance These Days
Oct 25, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
No, it hasn’t gotten any easier to figure out. But it can be managed.
Mindfulness at the Workplace: Taking Care of Yourself
Oct 24, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
It’s the new smoke break: being present.
The Freelancer’s Survival Guide, Part One: The Basics
Oct 23, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Welcome to the employment frontier. Some things you should know...
Incredible True Tales from the Office Kitchen
Oct 20, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Because you need a reminder that people are animals.
Should I Be Worried About the State of Small Business?
Oct 19, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Small Business is slowing down. How can we make small big again?
5 Things a Really Cool Online Pin Designer Can Teach the Business World
Oct 18, 2017 | Jennifer Swann
Super Team Deluxe is a shop that sells quirky pins, patches, and stickers for the Internet era. It is adorably instructive.
You’re the Boss, So How Do You Pay Yourself?
Oct 17, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
When your heart says take the money and run but your head says otherwise.
The Saloon That Saved the World
Oct 16, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Bringing together two perennial favorites — drinking and do-gooding — in the wake of a hurricane.
Online Marketplaces: The Work is Out There
Oct 13, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
You can build an army to build your chairs, or do any number of other useful things for your company.
Sponsor a Writer Today!
Oct 12, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
A website where writers’ works can be adopted like puppies (writers not included).
Gigs on Gigs: Resources Every Freelancer Should Have
Oct 11, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Transcription services, email-sleuthing, and apps that write make you better.
Be Direct: Paying Employees and Independent Contractors
Oct 10, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
It’s paperwork either way, so make sure it’s the right paperwork.
5 Instagram Accounts to Shake You Out of Your Social-Media Rut
Oct 9, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
The goal here is to feel motivation, not crippling envy.
Four Short TED Talks That All Small Business Owners Need to Watch
Oct 6, 2017 | Jessica P. Ogilvie
No cat vids, no people getting hit in the groin. Therefore, it must be educational.
Tiny, Strange, and All Yours: The Joys of Being a Niche Business
Oct 5, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Even floating in silent darkness can be marketed.
Some for You, Some for Me: Separating Business and Personal Expenses
Oct 4, 2017 | Jessica P. Ogilvie
Thou shalt know what can be written off.
Logos, Colors, and Wearing a Nice Shirt: Branding Fundamentals
Oct 3, 2017 | Jessica P. Ogilvie
What does the idea of your company look like?
15 Things Pop Songs Can Teach Entrepreneurs
Oct 2, 2017 | Ian S. Port
If it works for pop music, it can work for small business.
Finally, Apps Pull Their Weight by Keeping Track of Who Owes Us $$$
Sep 29, 2017 | Brian Merritt
Technology performs its most noble function yet.
Don’t Manspread, and Other Rules of Coworking Etiquette
Sep 28, 2017 | Jessica P. Ogilvie
Another good one is, “don’t hit on everybody.”
7 Podcasts to Inspire, Delight, and Inform
Sep 27, 2017 | Jessica P. Ogilvie
Become a better leader, creative, or “multipotentialite” from the comfort of your own ears.
Who Am I? Sole Proprietorship vs. DBA
Sep 26, 2017 | Jessica P. Ogilvie
Like having a secret identity for your small business.
How to Brand Yourself: Making a Mark Without Getting Burned
Sep 25, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
You want to be yourself, and sell yourself, but not be gross about it.
Thinking Organically: Honest Advertising in the Fake News Era
Sep 22, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Companies have to be socially conscious to appeal to younger consumers. And they have to really mean it.
Productively Buzzed: A Look at Your Various Morning Stimulants
Sep 21, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Cast your vibrating eyes over the features and benefits of coffee and tea.
What’s So Great About Coworking, Anyway?
Sep 20, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
It’s not just a business model. It’s a state of mind. With happy hours.
Time Out of Mind: 5 Apps That Help Prevent Distraction
Sep 19, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
So what you want to do to stay focused is to … hey, over here. Hey!
Finding Your People: The Art of Social Media Branding
Sep 18, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Will you be my e-friend?
Since You Can't Up and Leave Your Job, Here Are 6 Great Reads to Transport You Elsewhere
Sep 15, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Stories about stripping, scraping by, angry bikers, and cake.
So You Want to Start a Podcast. Here’s 8 Things to Keep in Mind.
Sep 14, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Everyone loves ‘em, everyone wants one, but podcasting is the new puppy of digital media: can you handle the responsibility or will it die on you?
Great Idea for a Business? Protect It!
Sep 13, 2017 | Greg Jackson
Yes, people will steal your precious idea. Here’s how to lock it down.
How to Talk to Investors When You’re an Introvert
Sep 12, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Mantras for convincing people you know what you’re talking about.
The Deal With Coworking: Picking the Right Place
Sep 11, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Are you social? Prefer working alone? You’ve got options.
Talking to “The World’s Most Connected Person” About Building a Brand Online
Sep 8, 2017 | Ian S. Port
“There are worse things than people who are getting enough sleep and meditating.”
Get Over the Shame of Your Desk in 5 Easy Steps
Sep 7, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
Take a deep breath and dive in.
So You Have to Talk to the Media: What to Know
Sep 6, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
The fine art of talking about yourself without sounding like a fool.
Small Business History: Where LLCs Come From
Sep 5, 2017 | Greg Jackson
How a once-obscure Wyoming law revolutionized the economy.
How to Sell Lipstick in a Communist Regime (and Other Lessons of Entrepreneurship Under Duress)
Sep 1, 2017 | Valerie Demicheva
One man’s obsession with how we drive, and what that has to do with postwar makeup.
Dispatches from the Hoagie Wars: Lessons From a Successful Pop-Up
Aug 31, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
To pop up or not to pop up?
Is a Legal Subscription Service Good for a Small Business?
Aug 30, 2017 | Gregory Jackson
Small businesses should consider online legal services. Here’s why.
Yes, There Is Video Chat Etiquette. Here Are 10 Rules.
Aug 29, 2017 | Ian S. Port
The selfie as business strategy.
The Biggest Question in the Brand Universe: Who Are You?
Aug 28, 2017 | Valerie Demicheva
A sleek-looking logo and memorable catchphrase aren’t enough to capture and retain customers. There’s got to be more to business life than this.
5 Things Creative Freelancers Should Know Before Entering a Competitive Market
Aug 25, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
Freelancing can take a toll on your mind and bank account. Here’s how to preserve both.
What You Should Know About Those 1099s You Haven’t Filed (Yet)
Aug 24, 2017 | Greg Jackson
Like a beloved plant, contractors require care and maintenance … and paperwork.
Tell No One: Here’s the Story Behind Non-Disclosure Agreements
Aug 23, 2017 | Greg Jackson
Will an NDA protect your million-dollar idea?
How to Craft an Email Signature Block That Doesn’t Make You Look Stupid
Aug 22, 2017 | Ian S. Port
Rules for the art of the email signature.
Three Ways to Not Completely Lose It While Working From Home
Aug 21, 2017 | Stephen Jackson
A true tale of survival from the home office.
How to Get Paid
Aug 15, 2017 | Jessica Ogilvie
You know how to do the work, but do you know how to collect the money?
Sometimes, It’s Best to Talk it Out: When to Pick Up the Phone
May 12, 2017 | Ian S. Port
There’s a tiny voice coming out of my phone! What do I do?
Can You Just Say No to Email?
May 11, 2017 | Ian S. Port
What happens if you just don’t answer emails?
Welcome to Seed: Banking for Small Business
May 5, 2017 | Brian Merritt
When I was growing up in Arizona, my parents ran a small flight school...
It's National Small Business Week: Do You Know Where Your Small Business Is?
May 5, 2017 | Valerie Demicheva
This week, the nation and its institutions are celebrating small business.
Our Investors
Oct 23, 2015 | Brian Merritt & Ryan Hildebrand
In July of last year my co-founder Ryan Hildebrand and I decided to work together to build a new company...
Our Engineering Stack
Mar 6, 2015 | Seed Engineering
At Seed, one of the advantages we have over traditional banks is that we’ve built our technology stack from the ground up, with modern practices that are rarely used within the banking industry...
Our Philosophy
Feb 27, 2015 | Brian Merritt
This is the first in a series of posts that will articulate our approach to building our company...
Modern Business Banking
Feb 17, 2015 | Brian Merritt & Ryan Hildebrand
We’d like to introduce ourselves and give you a hint of what’s to come...