Starting a Business: How to Become an Entrepreneur
Starting a business can be extremely exciting, challenging and fulfilling. The Web sites below will help you weigh the sense of ownership and accomplishment associated with entrepreneurship against the long hours and potential stress. These resources will also help you start your business and provide the necessary information to keep it running smoothly. Finally, this guide can connect you with the entrepreneurial community.
Expand All Guide SectionsEntrepreneurial Self-Assessments
Have you ever had a great idea for a business, but weren’t sure if you should or could take ... read more »
Starting the Business
Now that you’ve decided entrepreneurship is for you, it’s time to start your own ... read more »
Connecting With the Entrepreneur Community
You’re certainly not alone in your business endeavors. There’s a large community of entrepreneurs out there, and if you network with them, they may be able to help you develop your business. Use these great Web resources to find other entrepreneurs and make useful contacts for advice, for partnership or just for camaraderie.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many online communities of entrepreneurs include businesspeople from all sorts of industries; even if you’re not selling the same item or dealing with the same clientele, you’ll still be able to get valuable advice from other new business owners.
- For additional networking resources, see the findingDulcinea Career Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For professional networking sites …
StartupNation
has an online community where you can use your StartupNation profile to find "buddies" on the site who might serve as potential industry connections. Take a look at the forums where you and other entrepreneurs can ask advice of one another and even post job openings.
LinkedIn
is a networking site that allows you to set up a profile, then connect with past and present colleagues and former classmates, or search for other people in your industry.
Ziggs
lets you create a profile and add links to sites with your professional information and examples of your work; it’s a great place to add a link to your new business Web site. Make some new friends by having a cup of coffee delivered to your business associates through Ziggs, or save time by simply clicking an icon to pay clients or vendors using PayPal.
For entrepreneur conferences, trade shows and events …
TSNN.com (Trade Show News Network)
makes it easy for you to find industry trade shows. Search for events by name, industry, location or all three. Also look for product/service providers in your area or profession, or find venues where you could hold an event or trade show.
AllConferences.com
has a fairly comprehensive list of upcoming industry conferences and events around the world. Search by industry or keyword on the homepage, or use the advanced search feature to search by specific event name, country, city, date, business category or keyword.
For entrepreneur blogs …
The Entrepreneurial Mind
is a frequently updated blog written by Jeff Cornwall, Director of the Belmont University Center for Entrepreneurship. Read the blog to explore issues affecting the business and entrepreneurial communities, including the task of hiring executives for the business, as well as handling problem employees.
Small Business Trends
is edited by Anita Campbell, the CEO of Small Business Trends LLC, an information and media company. Find current events and issues that may affect entrepreneurs in an easy-to-understand format. Campbell writes some of the entries herself, and compiles other articles for the blog.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
