You've weighed all the options, you've considered your strengths, weaknesses, and passions, and you've decided that the time has come to build your own business.  The entrepreneurial spirit is beginning to flow through your veins and you're all keyed up and ready to rumble, right?

As returning readers know, PRMama is quite convinced that continuing education is vital to the growth of any business, and business person.  This is especially important for sole proprietors or owners/operators of small businesses.  Unless you've got a very generous silent partner or recently hit the lottery, your budget is not likely to match those of the "big dogs".  Every entrepreneur strives, however, to be one of the big dogs, and there are plenty of ways to learn what those folks know.

Whether you're just starting out in your field or are just in the mood for a refresher course, or perhaps have decided that the time has come to change the vision or pace of your business or organization, there really are plenty of places to find good, solid information.  Look to websites and trade publications focused on your passion or niche for up-to-date information that really pertains to your needs.  In the case of companies marketing to homeschoolers, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is the highest-quality "trade" journal you will find.  You'll be able to learn more about the various methods of home education, the many resources available to the homeschooling community, and you'll begin to "meet" the top publishers and product providers in the marketplace.  Information like this is VITAL to the continued growth and prosperity of any small business.  You cannot compete in a market that you have not taken the time to research.

This concept applies to all markets, of course.  Then there's the larger issue at hand: what do you do if you are brand new to being the one in charge?  How do you create a business plan, if you're still in the idea stages?  Where do you find resources for leaders when you are accustomed to being the one following orders?

First of all, hit your local library or favorite bookstore.  Ask your librarian or bookseller to point you toward the business and management sections.  Don't just hone in on general business and accounting items, although those are important too.  Since many sole proprietorships or small businesses are home-based, you might look for books such as Working at Home While the Kids are There, Too (ISBN 1-56414-305-8).  Titles along these lines are obviously focused on those who are parents, but they offer suggestions that all home-based business owners can benefit from.

Be sure to look for items that discuss public relations, marketing, and retail opportunities.  Online "storefronts" are increasingly popular, so don't forget to look into ways to build your business at a fraction of the cost of a brick-and-mortar storefront.  This may be one economical way of creating your own business on a shoestring budget!

While you're at the bookstore, don't forget the newsstands.  Publications I personally enjoy are Fast Company (not only for their interesting articles but for the fun, slightly irreverant tone), BusinessWeek SmallBiz (in fact, the Fall 2005 issue has a feature about web business!), and Worthwhile (gotta love their tagline: "Work with Purpose, Passion and Profit").  If you sign up for a subscription to any of these publications, do me a favor...spread the word about PRMama!  Tell them you heard about them HERE.

Then come back and tell me what your favorite small business resources are!

Comments

Favorite Resources

10:17 PM, Jan. 1, 2006, posted by FamilyBusiness

One of our favorite resources for online & passive income is Jim Edwards' blog. Not only is it humorous (see his Christmas decorations video), but it offers much insight into what really works online. Here's the link: http://www.igottatellyou.com/blog/

Kerry Beck
www.FamilyEbiz.com