2014 is on its way out.

I don’t know about you, but as the year comes to a close, I love looking back to consider how the year unfolded. Did everything go as planned? What things were unexpected–good or bad? What did I learn from my experiences?

Finally, what can I take with me to help me improve the next year?

Here at Bplans, a lot of good things have happened over the last 12 months. For one thing, there’s certainly a lot more of you reading our articles than there were at the beginning of 2014. We’re so glad to have you with us!

In the spirit of looking back, and with the intent to share articles with you that you might have missed, I’ve put together the following list. Below, you’ll find our ten most-read articles of 2014.

1. The Key Elements of the Financial Plan

Whatever type of plan you’re writing, there are a few key financial items that you should definitely include. This article explains what they are, why they’re important, and how you should create them.

2. 6 Reasons Your Small Business Will Fail (and How to Avoid Them)

What are the reasons businesses fail to thrive, given a 50/50 chance of survival, and assuming a product or service for which there is a demand? Let’s discuss six reasons businesses fail, and some ways you can avoid business failure.

3. The 22 Best Blogs to Help Grow Your Business (That You May Not Be Reading)

Here’s a list of some lesser known blogs that do a great job of giving actionable advice that you can follow to grow your business.

4. How to Start a Business in 30 Days

A day by day, in-depth guide to help you start your business in one month.

5. 7 Reasons to Create a One-Page Pitch Before You Plan

If you think of your pitch as a tool to develop strategy instead of just a vehicle for selling ideas to investors, you’ll find that there are many reasons why you should start with your pitch and develop a formal business plan (if you need one) later.

6. 35 Great Ways to Fund a Small Business

When it comes to funding, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Read on for 35 ways to fund your small business.

7. How to Read and Analyze an Income Statement

Income statements are based on a few very simple concepts, which you already understand. Here’s how to read and analyze an income statement in seven steps.

8. How to Make Sense of Your Small Business Financials

The truth is most businesses ignore some of the most powerful financial tools in the accounting arsenal: the balance sheet and the cash flow statement. Here’s how to use them.

9. Small Business Grants: The Facts and the Fiction

Here’s what you need to know about government grants for small businesses, who is eligible to receive them, and how to go about getting them.

10. How to Start Your Business and Keep Your Day Job (Without Going Nuts)

If you can manage the stress of day job/dream job double life, chances are you’ve got what it takes to run your own business.

Which article was your favorite? Post your answer in the comments below, or tell us on Twitter: @Bplans

2014 Top Articles

2014 is on its way out.

I don’t know about you, but as the year comes to a close, I love looking back to consider how the year unfolded. Did everything go as planned? What things were unexpected–good or bad? What did I learn from my experiences?

Finally, what can I take with me to help me improve the next year?

Here at Bplans, a lot of good things have happened over the last 12 months. For one thing, there’s certainly a lot more of you reading our articles than there were at the beginning of 2014. We’re so glad to have you with us!

In the spirit of looking back, and with the intent to share articles with you that you might have missed, I’ve put together the following list. Below, you’ll find our ten most-read articles of 2014.

1. The Key Elements of the Financial Plan

Whatever type of plan you’re writing, there are a few key financial items that you should definitely include. This article explains what they are, why they’re important, and how you should create them.

2. 6 Reasons Your Small Business Will Fail (and How to Avoid Them)

What are the reasons businesses fail to thrive, given a 50/50 chance of survival, and assuming a product or service for which there is a demand? Let’s discuss six reasons businesses fail, and some ways you can avoid business failure.

3. The 22 Best Blogs to Help Grow Your Business (That You May Not Be Reading)

Here’s a list of some lesser known blogs that do a great job of giving actionable advice that you can follow to grow your business.

4. How to Start a Business in 30 Days

A day by day, in-depth guide to help you start your business in one month.

5. 7 Reasons to Create a One-Page Pitch Before You Plan

If you think of your pitch as a tool to develop strategy instead of just a vehicle for selling ideas to investors, you’ll find that there are many reasons why you should start with your pitch and develop a formal business plan (if you need one) later.

6. 35 Great Ways to Fund a Small Business

When it comes to funding, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Read on for 35 ways to fund your small business.

7. How to Read and Analyze an Income Statement

Income statements are based on a few very simple concepts, which you already understand. Here’s how to read and analyze an income statement in seven steps.

8. How to Make Sense of Your Small Business Financials

The truth is most businesses ignore some of the most powerful financial tools in the accounting arsenal: the balance sheet and the cash flow statement. Here’s how to use them.

9. Small Business Grants: The Facts and the Fiction

Here’s what you need to know about government grants for small businesses, who is eligible to receive them, and how to go about getting them.

10. How to Start Your Business and Keep Your Day Job (Without Going Nuts)

If you can manage the stress of day job/dream job double life, chances are you’ve got what it takes to run your own business.

Which article was your favorite? Post your answer in the comments below, or tell us on Twitter: @Bplans

AvatarJonathan Michael

Jonathan is the Engagement Marketing Manager for Palo Alto Software, and has spent the last 9 years developing and implementing digital marketing strategies. During that time, he has learned that empathy and authenticity are strengths by which companies can effectively engage with individuals at every point throughout the customer journey.