Oil prices fell more than 3% on Wednesday, continuing a streak of volatile trading, as the Group of Seven (G7) nations considered a price cap on Russian oil above the current market level and as gasoline inventories in the United States built by more than analysts' expected. Brent futures for January delivery fell $2.95, or 3.3%, to settle at $85.41 a barrel. U.S. crude fell $3.01, or 3.7%, to $77.94 per barrel. In early trade, both contracts had risen by over $1 a barrel. U.S. gasoline stocks rose by 3.1 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration, far exceeding…

As e-commerce continues to expand its market share, having a website is the bare minimum for small businesses – but it's not enough to convert site visitors into customers. Good site design, says Squarespace founder and CEO Anthony Casalena, can be a competitive advantage. And as the New York City-based company announces 100 product innovations and features through its annual Squarespace Refresh release, Casalena says that Squarespace is increasingly focused on helping small businesses and people who facilitate transactions through their websites, like independent creators, to improve conversion. Fluid Engine, a drag-and-drop editor that allows Squarespace users to fully customize…

My favorite thing about teaching is question and answer sessions. I recently participated in a Q&A session with two entrepreneurs who had read my book, Hungry Start-Up Strategy. This brought to mind a basic question: What are the vital questions from investors, customers, employees, suppliers and others that business leaders must answer to keep their companies growing. While not comprehensive, I came up with four vital questions for company success and how business leaders can find compelling answers. 1. How large is your addressable market and how fast is it growing? This question is vital because if there is no…

We all know the best way to deal with truly toxic people is to cut them out of your life. That sounds simple but in business, sometimes it's just not possible. If the party on the other side of a make-or-break transaction is a drama queen, your new contact at a big client has a flair for manipulation or a key supplier tends towards histrionics, simply walking away can be impossible. What do you do then? Mental health startup BetterUp has a therapist-recommended suggestion with a memorable, descriptive name: try "gray rocking." Visualize yourself as a gray rock The name…