As a small business owner, the deck is stacked against you. Most businesses fail after the first five years, and even if you do hang in there, the chances of you becoming the next Facebook are really not very likely. 95 percent of all small businesses in the world never gross over 1 million in revenue, nor do many of them revolutionize their industry, net a profit, or change the way people do something. But even in the face of all of that, now is still a great time to start a business. The world is still waiting on a better mousetrap. Technology has made it so much easier to do business and run your company from anywhere. The challenge is that your competition can do it too, and the competition, in many cases, is global and not local. Getting your new start-up off to a great start is essential to building a profitable and sustainable small business.
There are lots of places to get good information on running a successful business. Many entrepreneurs have come through the struggle of building their businesses, and many are happy to prepare you for your entrepreneurial journey. I have gathered the 8 best start–up resources to help you to launch your small business.
| SCORE is a nonprofit organization that provides expert business counseling to small business owners. SCORE’s Web site provides on-line counseling, and offers great e-mail newsletters. What I like best about their newsletter program is, it allows you to select which level of information that you want. From operations, to financing and expansion plans SCORE has a vast database of experts to assist your small business. |
| You’re The Boss Blog, New York Times offers an insider’s perspective on small-business ownership. It gives business owners a place where they can compare notes, ask questions, get advice, and learn from one another’s mistakes. By the way, I write for this publication as a regular contributor on social media and small business, but I read this blog long before I started writing for it. |
| Huffington Post Small Business America includes blogs, news, and community conversations about Small Business in America. A great example of the quality content on this site is the article by Faisal Hoque Growing a Small Business with 5 Essential Principles http://huff.to/17JdrFv |
| Business on Main is an online destination for small-business leaders and entrepreneurs who are looking for information to take their companies to the next level. I especially like their engaging original videos, featuring business stories that will inform and inspire you on the path to success |
| Founded in 2003, Small Business Trends is an award-winning online publication for small business owners, entrepreneurs and the people who interact with them. It is one of the most popular independent small business publications on the web. |
| Inc. is a great magazine and an even better website. They say they offer everything you need to start and grow your small business now. |
| Entrepreneur Magazine provides business ideas and trends on start-up, finance, marketing and franchising tools and tips and they have a great website, too. You can also read about the latest news, expert advice, and growth strategies for small business owners. |
| The Self Employed is a website created by Steve Strauss, small business columnist for USA Today and bestselling author of the Small Business Bible. It provides lots of great advice for solopreneurs in particular, on start-up, finding clients, insurance and tax issues. |