Starting a Small Business
Practice Makes Perfect: How a Soft Opening Can Boost Your Business
By: Carissa Tham
A soft opening tests menu, flow, and staff before paying customers walk in.
Carissa is the SEO + GEO Managing Editor at Homebase, with 13 years of experience in content marketing and SEO strategy. She’s created foundational guides on starting a business, navigating payroll, and managing teams, and helped solo lawyers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs grow their web presence and organic traffic.
Carissa's Articles
HR & Benefits
Understanding Employer Rights and Responsibilities in California
By: Carissa Tham
California stacks employer rules across wages, leave, and notices. Read up.
Hiring & Onboarding
Help! I Have to Onboard Someone for the First Time
By: Carissa Tham
Your first hire deserves more than a handshake. Free onboarding checklist.
Hiring & Onboarding
10 Employee Exit Interview Questions to Ask Departing Employees
By: Carissa Tham
Exit interviews reveal why people leave. Use that intel to fix what's broken.
Hiring & Onboarding
Ban-the-Box Laws: What They Are and How They Impact Your Business
By: Carissa Tham
Ban-the-box laws delay when you can ask about a record. Rules vary by state.
Small Business Software
The 5 Best Time Entry Software to Make Business Easy in 2026
By: Carissa Tham
Five time entry tools compared on accuracy, integrations, and pricing.