Hints and help for the would-be entrepreneur

November 24, 2007 · Posted in Education, Entrepreneurship, Inspiration, Management, Motivation, Self-help

O.K. You’ve finally have a big idea but you don’t know what to do or where to start. Don’t panic yet. Attempt to corral all your energy, get a pen and paper or find a computer terminal with internet access. Soupornuts is here to offer his help.

The first thing you have to realize is that everything you need or want to know is available.
The second thing is that you have to actively search for it.

The following is a list of web sites that offer a tremendous amount of information. Some better than others. Visit them and glean from them the information that you find helpful. If I feel very strongly about a site, I will offer a note or two. You will also find intermingled with these web resources a number of hints that I feel will help you.

SCORE – one of the best business information sites available – free, no agenda and lots of info. There is a reason that I have it listed first - it’s the best!
Helpful Hint – when you visit a site, look for a links page or a resources page – this info can take you to sites (and info) you may have never considered
Inc – great site and lots of info – take notes
Helpful Hint – search the web for any and everything you can think of related to your “big” idea – potential customers, potential competitors, suppliers, etc.
Helpful Hint – get the Firefox browser if you don’t have it. With this browser, you can add-on a bunch of search engines and cut down on your search time. The Firefox down load is quick, simple and easy. You’ll thank me a million times.
Allbusiness – advice, business blogs, online videos and forms and agreements ( I purchased a package of forms and was well pleased)
Inc – online version of Inc. magazine – wealth of info - somehow it made the list twice – must be really good!
Get Motivation – inspiration and motivation – articles and quotes
Entrepreneur – business tools, resources, online videos and more
Helpful Hint – Down load the Web2.0 tool bar today – with this tool bar installed you can search the social book marking sites (del.icio.us, Digg, Technorati and more) as well as a host of blog directories. Easy down load and install plus it is a mega feed aggregator – you’ll appreciate this
Small Business Administration – your government at work providing you with (free?) business startup info and more
Hot Points – blog authored by Bob Parson’s, owner of Godaddy.com – unique perspective, motivational and helpful – search the archives
Helpful Hint – if you go to a site, look for the articles section, these are usually free, but sometimes you have to search for them
Helpful Hint – when you finish reading an article, look at the author’s info ( usually in a box at the bottom ), there will be a link to their site or more info, if you are so inclined
My Own Business – free online course
Better Business Bureau – educating online business
SuccessMethods – inspiration and motivation, but you’ve got to do a little searching – hint scroll down the pages
Startup Journal – a Wall Street Journal source produced for entrepreneurs
Goals Guy – this link will take you to his articles, but explore the rest of the site
Harvey Mackay – this is a direct link to his best of columns – great writer and motivator
My New Company – startup info and help
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