Resources – Practical
This page contains two sections, the first contains entrepreneurial how to guides, information and tips while the second section contains information regarding services and resources related to business necessities.
GENERAL INFORMATION, TIPS & GUIDES
GUIDES
Your Entrepreneurial To Do List
TIPS
Use your local public library. It’s easy and cost effective. Once you visit a branch to register, you can usually search the library’s catalogue on-line and request that the book be sent to the branch of your choice. If your library doesn’t have what you need, ask the librarians whether they can borrow it from another library or add it to their purchase list. To find your local public library, search on-line for “[name of your city][name of your state - if your city’s name is popular] public library.” When you register, be prepared to how proof of your address. Usually librarians like to see a utility bill of some sorts addressed to you at your home address within the appropriate city limits.
VARIOUS BUSINESS NECESSITIES
GRAPHIC DESIGN for websites, logos, business cards, etc.
ThinkDoBeCreate‘s Stephanie Scharf is professional, creative and thorough. I know from personal experience that she can provide your business with the graphics it needs for a competitive price.
HEALTH INSURANCE:
I’ve worked with Brian Leichner of ProSource (pro_source_inc@yahoo.com). He’s an experienced entrepreneur himself and works with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Email him, I suspect you’ll find that you can afford health insurance.
PROGRAMMING (websites, apps, custom software for your company, etc.)
I’m just now starting to work with a company and hope to give it a glowing recommendation next month. In the meantime, here is a link to a blog entry that really helped me to understand programmers. http://www.kevinwilliampang.com/2008/08/28/top-10-things-that-annoy-programmers/
SOCIAL MEDIA (what is Twitter, should I blog, does my company need a Facebook page etc.):
Crush It! Why Now is the TIme to Cash in on Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk is a great resource for strategy and building your confidence in managing the process and tools.
If you need more help after reading Crush It! (I did) Toolulu‘s Christy Nelson and Deb Averett are priceless. Toolulu offers affordable consulting and regular classes to enable you to competently navigate this world. Both Christy and Deb have their own successful blogs, ChristyNelson.net and FreshNestDesign.com.
The Social Media Club in Lincoln is another great source of knowledge. The group brings in excellent speakers once a month and members provide each with advice from their own experiences (both good and bad). While I haven’t yet attended a meeting, I have met many of the groups members and am confident that they would warmly welcome you to any of their meetings.
TRADEMARK SEARCHES & FINDING NAMES for businesses, products and everythibg else. Easy to follow how to guide.