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Research and reference materials for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Business On Main
Free Online Tools & Resources To Help Start Or Grow Your Business!
www.BusinessOnMain.com
State Farm® Small Business Insurance
Let State Farm® Help Your Small Business Grow. Visit Us Online!
SB Insurance
www.StateFarm.com
RCN Business Services
Business Phone, Internet, Cable. Reliable Service You Can Afford. Service only available in DC, IL, PA, MA, NY.
www.RCN.com/Business
Small Company List
Target small companies. Contact key decision makers. Free Trial!
www.Hoovers.com/Small_Business
Small Business Software
Download the Intel Multi-Core Strategy eBook Now!
Bx.Intel.com
Maid-Rite Franchise.
Funding available. Single & multi- unit developers must check it out.
www.maid-rite.builderspot.com
Help for your business
2 hr Free Business Consultation Alpha has the experience to help
alphabizness.com
401k Business Financing
Invest IRA/401k into a business or franchise- No tax penalties
GuidantFinancial.com
Business Communications
Bottom Line: It Works. Easy to Use, Easy to Scale with 24/7 Support.
PBXtra.Fonality.com/SmallBusiness
Industry Information
Frequently Updated Stats, Analysis & Forecasts. Over 700 Industries.
www.firstresearch.com/Industry
Find Business Info
Access Billions of Public Records. Get Addresses, Names & Numbers Now.
Public-Records-Now.com
Easy Business Credit
Get $200k in Business Credit To Start a Small Business!
InternetSystemProfits28.com
Related Business Topics
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A-Z Small Business Information Resources Provider Directory
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A
About.com - Small Business: Canada
About.com's small-business resources for Canada.
sbinfocanada.about.com
Strategic Alliances: A Key Business Tool for Entrepreneurs
A discussion on the importance of building strategic alliances to expand the reach of the company without committing to expensive expansions plans.
entrepreneurs.about.com
Action Tips for Entrepreneurs
Free ideas for entrepreneurs, sales, business owners and those interested in the world of business.
www.actiontips.com
All Business Network
Information for people who are already in business and for those just starting out. Provides articles and links.
www.all-biz.com
AllBusiness.com
Enables entrepreneurs and managers to operate their businesses by providing opportunities, tools and customized business solutions.
www.allbusiness.com
Building Blocks For Entrepreneurial Success
Four-part article by Ric Lobosco from Allies Consulting Services.
www.alliesconsulting.com
Articles911
Index of free articles on the Internet. Provides access to publications on small business, technology, management, communication and workplace issues.
www.articles911.com
B
B2B Index - UK Business Resources
UK B2B resources for small to medium-sized enterprises.
www.b2bindex.co.uk
The Trouble with Gurus: Responses To Dependence and the Emergence of Employment Practices in Entrepreneurial Firms
Award-winning paper from the National Federation For Independent Business (NFIB).
www.babson.edu
BISON
Site is devoted to franchising and franchise issues. Resource for the entrepreneur and business professional wanting to start a franchise.
www.bison1.com
Biz Hotline
Books, audio and videotapes, trade directories and software created for the purpose of boosting business performance.
www.bizhotline.com
BizPlus Small Business Info
Links to information about small businesses.
www.bizplus.com
Annual Planning: Strategic Steps That Could Save Your Business
Information from the National Association for the Self-Employed.
www.bpubs.com
Business Bureau
UK portal providing news, information and other features on small business.
www.businessbureau-uk.co.uk
Business Burrito
Everything a small business needs to grow, all rolled into one. Information, advice, and insights as well as marketing and advertising help.
www.businessburrito.com
Business Forum
Independent information and resource center for the owners and managers of emerging businesses and entrepreneurs.
www.businessforum.com
Advanced Small Business Information
Tips for smooth operation of small businesses.
www.businesslead.com
Business On Main
Free Online Tools & Resources To Help Start Or Grow Your Business!
www.BusinessOnMain.com
Business Week: Small Biz
News, article archives and resources for finance, technology, market research, travel and staff and benefits.
www.businessweek.com
C
Career Leader
Online program that helps entrepreneurs perform a business career self-assessment. Developed by Dr. James Waldroop and Timothy Butler, directors of MBA career development programs at Harvard Business School.
www.careerdiscovery.com
E
Network Services & Consulting Corporation
Online resource for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and information technology professionals.
www.enetsc.com
Euro Info Centre (EICs)
Provider of a range of specialist information and advisory services to help companies develop their business in Europe.
www.euro-info.org.uk
Avoiding Employee Relations Pitfalls In Smaller Businesses
Article by Ethan A. Winning from Winning Associates.
www.ewin.com
F
Franchise Equity Forum
Information to assist in buying or selling a franchise.
www.fegroup.com
Fortune Small Business
Provider of information and links to small business articles and resources guides.
www.fortunesb.com
H
Small Business Help Center
One-stop assistance center for information on running a small business.
www.helpbizowners.com
I
Strategis
Providing Canadians with direct access to business and consumer information resources, time-saving interactive tools and online and ecommerce services.
strategis.ic.gc.ca
Inc. : Business Resources Product Information Center
Books, video and software tools on business planning, management, sales and marketing, finance, customer service and running an Internet business.
www.inc.00go.com
Small Business Advisor
Advice and assistance for starting and operating a small or home-based business.
www.isquare.com
J
jbv's Complete Web Entrepreneur
News, advice, tools, tips, links and resources related to entrepreneurship and starting an internet business.
www.jbv.com
M
Many Workers Are Getting a Strong Itch to be Entrepreneurs
Provider of links to small-business articles.
magportal.com
Microsoft UK Business Centre
Portal providing information and other features for UK-based small businesses.
www.microsoft.com
MSNBC: Small Business News
News from CNBC and Wall Street Journal on Small Businesses on MSNBC.com.
msnbc.com
MySolutionSpot – Small Business Resource
MySolutionSpot offers business networking to create B2B connections and has resources on starting a business, business coaching and advice.
www.mysolutionspot.com
O
OpportunitiesToday
Website offering information and listings for business opportunities in the areas of education, business, investment and jobs.
www.opportunitiestoday.com
Small Business Support Network (SBSN)
Australian company assisting businesses with ideas and advice to establish an effective Internet presence.
www.ozsmallbiz.net
Q
Quality Plus
Provider of an online catalog with books, tapes and video guides to help entrepreneurs get started in a business.
www.qualityplusco.com
R
RCN Business Services
Business Phone, Internet, Cable. Reliable Service You Can Afford. Service only available in DC, IL, PA, MA, NY.
www.RCN.com/Business
S
Small Business Exchange
Information for small businesses including bid opportunities, legislative and financial information, marketing and price information and customer profiles.
www.sbeinc.com
The Small Business Gateway
Information service provider in the areas of business startup and growth. Regional centers throughout the UK.
www.sbgateway.com
Smart Business Network
Resources for Ohio and Pennsylvania.
www.sbnonline.com
Small Business Television Network (SBTV)
Site that provides video and audio presentations of business stories, interviews with leading business experts and consultants, weekly commentary about the small-business industry and more.
www.sbtv.com
Simon Slade's Blog
Ideas and thoughts from Simon Slade, a businessman and online entrepreneur in Christchurch, New Zealand.
www.simonslade.com
SmallBizManager.com
Small-business resources, links and information for starting, managing and improving your business.
www.smallbizmanager.com
Small Biz Tech Talk
Site offering computer information and advice for small businesses.
www.smallbiztechtalk.com
startbusiness.co.uk
Online resources for starting a business in the UK.
www.startbusiness.co.uk
startups.co.uk
An online resource center for small businesses featuring information, advice, news and reviews.
www.startups.co.uk
State Farm® Small Business Insurance
Let State Farm® Help Your Small Business Grow. Visit Us Online!
www.StateFarm.com
W
Small Business Special Report: The Washington Post
Site with small-business news, resources and factoids.
www.washingtonpost.com
Uncertainty, Technological Turbulence, Competition -- What’s a Manager to Do? Thrive on It
Ian MacMillan has a no-nonsense message for executives: "Instead of continuing to whine about it, what are you going to do about it?"
knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu
Startup.wsj.com
Provider of online services and guides geared toward entrepreneurs and new business development. The services include business venture information, business planning and businesses for sale. Services are provided to multiple industries. This ...
startup.wsj.com
Small Company List
Target small companies. Contact key decision makers. Free Trial!
www.Hoovers.com/Small_Business
Small Business Software
Download the Intel Multi-Core Strategy eBook Now!
Bx.Intel.com
Maid-Rite Franchise.
Funding available. Single & multi- unit developers must check it out.
www.maid-rite.builderspot.com

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Guide to Peer Organizations and Small Business Roundtables

Being a small business owner doesn't mean you have to go it alone

By John Fuller


Small business owners often don't have a staff to turn to for advice and are sometimes the only employee. A peer advisory group, or business roundtable, can help with the daily challenges of running a small business. A peer advisory group is composed of small-business owners who regularly meet, usually monthly, to discuss the issues and challenges they face and offer support.

But don't confuse this with a networking group, which is often comprised of people in the same industry who meet to talk shop, socialize and trade leads. A peer group is different in that members are from diverse, noncompetitive industries, and can openly discuss problems and concerns that they wouldn't air among a group of competitors. Keep in mind that you should join a peer group whose members' experiences and concerns are similar to yours.

The benefits of membership in a peer group are:

  1. Learning from the mistakes and successes of others.
  2. Receiving unbiased feedback. The other members have no stake in your business, as opposed to a board.
  3. Exposure to new ideas. Owners in other industries may have solutions that you can apply to your market.
  4. Avoiding the loneliness or isolation that can come from working for yourself.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Small business organizations

Several peer group organizations are geared specifically to small business owners and operators. In addition, many nationwide and international organizations also offer programs designed for smaller businesses.

I recommend: The CEO Clubs, normally an invitation-only membership, offer an entrepreneurial membership that's open to everyone. Vistage International's Vistage Small Business Program includes problem-solving meetings for the owners, presidents and CEOs of small companies. Direct peer-to-peer learning is the focus of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), a global organization.

Organizations for women business owners

Female business owners face unique concerns, such as work-life balance and overcoming gender stereotypes that exist in some industries.

I recommend: The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) boasts chapters nationwide where women who are sole proprietors, partners or corporate owners can meet and exchange ideas. Ladies who Launch is a nationwide organization with local chapters for women who want to start or expand a business or creative project to come together and share experiences. The Women Presidents' Organization has local chapters nationwide that hold monthly meetings for about 20 women business owners.

Minority owner organizations

Many organizations geared to minority business owners focus on networking and access to financing rather than peer support groups and roundtables.

I recommend: Several Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), such as the Milwaukee SBDC, offer minority roundtables for peer-to-peer problem-solving. Find the SBDC nearest you to see if it offers roundtables. The Minority Business Development Agency has centers nationwide and offers an online forum where minority business owners can exchange information and ideas.

An organization for young presidents

Starting out in business at a young age can be difficult. Earning respect and proving that you're qualified to be in the top spot isn't easy. A number of peer groups geared to younger business leaders have emerged to help with these and other matters.

I recommend: Within each of its more than 175 local chapters, the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) offers a forum for about a dozen young business leaders to share experiences and consult each other in confidence.

Online groups

If you can't devote the time to a weekly, monthly or quarterly meeting; if you don't live in an area where likeminded business owners meet; or if you can't afford the dues for a peer group, consider joining a free online group. Community forums for small business owners provide access to peers around the nation without leaving your office.

I recommend: The Small Business Information Forum is an online community where you can ask questions and share ideas with other small business owners.

Regional organizations

A regional group can help you address challenges specific to your geographic area.

I recommend: Check with your local chamber of commerce to see if they offer business roundtables or peer group meetings for members.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • •  Peer group membership can range anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars a year.
  • •  No solicitors. Most peer groups strongly discourage drumming up business at events. Over time, you may naturally gain business from your new contacts, but let it happen on its own.
  • •  Don't fear intimacy. Join a group with approximately 10 to 15 members. Any more, and you can't develop strong relationships. You also want to join a group with dedicated members who show up regularly.
  • •  Try before you buy. Before shelling out the bucks to join, a reputable group will allow you to sit in for at least part of a meeting to get a feel for the chemistry of the group.

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Peer Organizations and Small Business Roundtables

Being a small business owner doesn't mean you have to go it alone.
Small business owners often don't have a staff to turn to for advice and are sometimes the only employee. A peer advisory group, or business roundtable, can help with the daily challenges of running a small business. A peer advisory group is composed of small-business owners who regularly meet, usually monthly, to discuss the issues and challenges they face and offer support. But don't confuse this with a networking ... Read more
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