Starting and Operating Your Small Business Receiving advice and guidance when starting and operating a small business can be daunting and present a number of unique challenges. Finding reliable resources offering assistance and advice for getting your small business up and running can make all the difference in success or failure – from experienced business mentors to online forums – there are various resources out there available that offer guidance for small business. Here are some great places where advice can be obtained for your startup venture.
1.Online Forums
Online forums provide the ideal setting to gain feedback and advice on your business idea as well as learn what others in your field are up to. There are forums dedicated to everything from specific industries such as finance or manufacturing, to marketing or sales – plus much more.
- Entrepreneur.com: Entrepreneur.com has an expansive community of entrepreneurs, experts, and business owners that can offer valuable advice about your business plan or products. They will give feedback that will assist with decision-making for success.
- GrowthHackers.com: GrowthHackers is an invaluable source for feedback regarding product ideas and marketing strategies for your business.
- Reddit.com Entrepreneur: Reddit’s Entrepreneur subreddit provides an excellent place for you to ask any business-related queries and receive help with managing your venture.
- Quora.com: Quora offers a question and answer service focused on business topics that you may find useful.
2. Business Advice Websites
There are numerous websites offering advice and information on various aspects of running a small business. These resources can greatly expand your knowledge, whether you are new to the world of entrepreneurship or seeking to hone existing abilities.
- Inc.com: Inc is one of the premier online publications for entrepreneurs, featuring articles pertaining to starting and running small businesses.
- Harvard Business Review (HBR): HBR is an established business publication which features in-depth articles covering all facets of management and operations management.
- First Round Review is an invaluable source of business advice, providing daily insight and knowledge.
3. Business Networks
Business networks entail online communities where you can receive advice, feedback and support from various entrepreneurs and business owners. Business networks can be a fantastic way to network with like-minded people while receiving guidance on all aspects of running your own company.
- Top Rank Online Marketing is an ongoing business coaching program. Each week, you’ll have a video call with your coach to discuss and explore new aspects of your business.
- C-Level Network: C-Level Network is an online business network designed for senior executives. You can join one or more online communities focused on particular industries.
- Rainmaker.net: Rainmaker.net is an online business forum focused on marketing and sales strategies, boasting thousands of members in its forums that can offer invaluable feedback about products or strategies you wish to promote.
- Business Owners IdeaExchange (BOIE): The BOIE provides a hub of entrepreneurs interested in discussing various aspects of entrepreneurship.
4. Small Business Associations
Small business associations are organizations aimed at the needs of small businesses. They provide mentorship and advice for new and growing enterprises alike. One such association is Young Entrepreneurs Organization (YEO), which acts as an international network for entrepreneurs and small business owners alike. Mentorship, advice, and support from experienced business owners in your industry is available from numerous organizations. Women’s Business Council: This network of senior women businesswomen specializes in mentoring new entrepreneurs as they enter business ownership.
Women’s Business Owners Network: Women’s Business Owners Network is a social network designed specifically for female businesswomen and entrepreneurs. National Association of the Self-Employed (NASE): NASE provides an important network for self-employed business owners.
5. Professional Advisors
Professional Advisors Professional advisors provide advice and guidance in exchange for a fee, offering assistance on specific aspects of your business like legal or financial issues. When selecting your advisor it’s essential they be reliable, trustworthy, knowledgeable and trustworthy in your chosen area of focus – Accountants provide valuable financial advice on your business including tax planning and forecasting; while lawyers help navigate complex legal matters such as intellectual property or employment laws.
6. Government Small Business Resources
There are various government resources designed to aid small businesses. Many of them focus on funding, mentoring and advice for start-up businesses.
- Business.gov: This government website provides an excellent source for everything related to businesses. Here you’ll find information on everything from starting your own venture to leading one successfully.
- Business.gov/entrepreneurs is an ideal starting point for budding entrepreneurs looking to start their own small businesses, providing information and advice about funding, marketing and other essential topics related to starting up a small enterprise.
- SBA.gov: The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency dedicated to supporting small business growth. Their website can help you learn about funding sources available for small businesses, plan and organize your enterprise efficiently and manage it successfully.
- SCORE.org: SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) offers experienced business owners advice and mentorship from thousands of volunteer mentors in every industry, who offer personalized guidance in starting and running their own small businesses.
- SBDCnetwork.com: SBDCs can provide invaluable one-on-one mentoring and advice, offering businesses free mentorship. If you want more individualized assistance this could be ideal.
Also Read : The 8 Best Business Opportunities You Can Start With Less Than $100