Recently in a bookstore, I fell upon Unstuck, written by Keith Yamashita and Sandra Spataro. The layout and content of the book are easy to read and engaging without being simplistic; most appreciated after a long day. The duo acknowledge that there are a host of problems any business can experience but most fall under the Serious Seven. The authors share ways to diagnose a company and define long-term goals. There is an interactive website, built for the launch of the book, http://www.unstuck.com, which offers current information and techniques for keeping on course while running any size business.
PR Leapis a free press release service distributing to major search engines, newswires and websites. They pride themselves as being the first PR service built on search engine optimization tools. I got the highest ranking with a PR Leap link when I did a web search for TheStoneJones; so, I presume they can make that claim confidently.
Additionally, they get a nod from this corner for their committment to promoting artists, business professionals, filmmakers and other entrepreneurs. Check out their full range of services at http://www.prleap.com
Fast Companylaunched in 1995 with a glossy look and edgy reporting style not usually seen in business magazines. Their goal was to "chronicle how changing companies create and compete". While the magazine is a stand-alone, refreshing read, the Company of Friends is a nice feature worth the mention about this resource. Their reader's network self-organizes to mentor, support, and network with one another on and offline.
Some business resources while helpful are overwhelming due to the massive amount of information delivered.
Coolsite101 avoids that problem.Their focus is web design tutorials, marketing and business growth within a clean, clear layout. At first glance, the visual sparseness belies the brimming content of effective business development tips, articles and information. If you find that you're not quite up to designing your look yourself, they offer a healthy list of web design firms organized by region. This company is worth the look at http://www.coolsite101.com.
AllBusiness.comhelps "entrepreneurs...save time addressing real-world business questions [with] practical solutions". One of the nifty features at this website is their Ask The Expert corner. Not only do they cover a healthy variety of subject matter, they offer insightful, plain-spoken advice for growing businesses. I especially like 10 Second Tips for Business Success delivered via newsletter. The information usually leads me on to an article that takes more than ten seconds but at least it's worth the link. Find them at http://www.allbusiness.com.
MonsterLinkSwap.comtrades links quickly and easily with other interested web sites.Nice features with this link exchange are (1) you may check the alexa ranking of the exchanging website from the MonsterLink's page and (2) if your link is inactivated, you get an email. More effective uses of your time and rank placement. Visit them at http://monsterlinkswap.com
It's been a long day; you don't have the energy to read anything.
American Express Open for Businesshas a How They Did It section featuring streaming video interviews with 5 business owners. You can merely sit back and watch as these people share how they achieved success. The companies span the business spectrum from hair stylists to cattle ranchers. The layout and presentation is uncluttered and effective. Additionally, you may select a different topic and hear 5 other people speak on a whole new small business subject.
Google Adsenseis an avenue for advertisers to pay small businesses. After your account reaches $100, Google either sends you a check or makes a deposit into your bank account (new feature). You have blank space on your website you might as well make passive income from it. There is no charge for registering with Google Adsense.http://www.google.com/adsense
Websitetips.com specializes in comprehensive techniques and information for improving your site's appearance. Serving as a portal to a bevvy of software and programming resources, this site offers tips basic enough for small business owners while providing extensive information for web designers. The average Joe won't use most of the contents here, but any question about web design can probably begin at their door. Check out their forums, tutorials, newsletters, etc. at http://www.websitetips.com.
Resource-A-Day sends helpful information via daily newsletter for small businesses. Additionally, it comes with quotes and jokes and trivia to break up the seriousness of a day chocked with deadlines and phone calls. It's quite dense and I unfortunately do not get through it daily, but I'd rather have too much small business information as opposed to the opposite. You'll find them at http://www.resource-a-day.net.
