Starting a business requires significant research, planning, financing and organization. As an entrepreneur, you need a lot of resources to manage and support your startup. From project management software to research tools, you can find a variety of programs and educational materials designed for business owners. In this article, we list and explain the most useful and important things for entrepreneurs.
Resources for entrepreneurs can range from books that explain how to start a successful business to complex software systems designed to make business easier.
Here are the 14 best resources for entrepreneurs.
1. Business website
The Internet gives entrepreneurs access to a lot of free
information and advice about setting up a business. Look for reliable sources
from agencies like the Small Business Administration. Make sure your business
is in compliance with tax laws by visiting the IRS' Small Business and
Self-Employed Tax Center. Learn more about patent, copyright, and trademark
filing at the US Patent and Trademark Office website. You can easily manage the
many legal, financial and corporate aspects of starting and growing an online
business.
2. Blogging industry
Learn from entrepreneurs who have already started successful
businesses by reading their blogs. Search for blogs about startups and small
businesses and people working in the same industry as you. Business blogs are
useful because they provide advice based on experience. Read the blog to find
useful information on topics such as naming a business, writing a business
plan, financing, investing, starting a franchise, and buying a business.
3. Crowdfunding Platforms
Crowdfunding, which raises money from a large group of
people, can be a reasonable way to support your startup. Many popular online
advertising platforms make it easy to let people know about your business plan,
promote your startup on social media, raise money, and meet fundraising goals.
The benefits of crowdfunding include getting passive income for your business
while promoting your business online. Some demographic resources focus on a
specific industry, such as technology jobs, which you can consider when looking
for the right one.
4. Incubators and Accelerators
Innovators and Accelerators are programs and organizations that
help startups establish and grow into successful businesses. They provide
services and advice on the important aspects of starting a business, such as
finance, workplace, advertising and e-commerce. Many connect entrepreneurs with
investors and advisors. You can search and apply or subscribe to different
types of incubators and specific companies online.
5. Starter Kit
Download apps, many of which are free, designed to help
entrepreneurs start their business, get feedback and grow. You can find startups
that provide you with business documents, introduce you to entrepreneurs and
other entrepreneurs, help you create a business presentation, find a job site,
or design a website.
6. Web Architecture
You can create a basic (or complex) business website quickly
and easily using a variety of free and paid programs. First, use a domain
search site to select and purchase a unique domain name for your business
website. Then use a web publishing tool or content management system with
templates and features to create a website. These programs allow entrepreneurs
with no programming skills or knowledge to create beautiful and functional
business websites.
7. Mobile Phone Applications
If you want to connect with your customers and allow them to
buy or use your service from the comfort of their smartphone, you need to
create an app. You can design professional and functional applications yourself
using a variety of tools, many of which are free on the Internet. Look for
resources and companies that offer prototyping, application development,
manufacturing tools, feedback, and testing.
8. Project Management Software
Manage project management tools that allow you to organize
and manage everything you work on. These programs often include scheduling,
communication, collaboration, project management, workflow, deadlines, and file
sharing features. You can use project management tools if you work with a team
or manage multiple projects and details at the same time. Some project
management platforms offer services specifically for startups and small
businesses.
9. Customer Communication Tools
If your startup offers products or services to customers,
you need to communicate with them quickly and effectively and answer their
questions. Customer communication tools can help you connect with your target
audience, providing services such as:
• Discussion about issues
• Live chat
• Message bots
• Information services
Some customer communication tools are available on your
company's website, while others allow you to communicate with customers via
email and social media.
10. Professional Communication Technology
You need to communicate with advisors, investors, clients
and team members from anywhere. Video communication tools make this possible,
allowing you to record videos, chat, collaborate, and host video meetings,
conferences, and webinars. Some plans are free, while others require you to
sign up for a pro account that gives you unlimited plans and advanced features.
11. Records
Make sure your business plan and professional communications
have correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation so you make a good impression
on potential investors and customers. Use a digital writing aid or install a
free extension on your web browser that lets you know when a text box needs
revision. You can also find apps that help you write better and make your
emails and messages easier to read.
12. Research Tools
Analytics tools provide businesses with valuable data,
helping them measure performance indicators, learn what's working, and identify
areas that need improvement. You can use these tools to track your email usage
or website traffic and understand your audience and their behavior. The metrics
provided by analytics tools can help you make informed decisions about your
next startup strategy.
13. Competitive Analysis
Successful business leaders analyze and analyze their
audience and the analysis of their competitors to try to improve their
marketing efforts and get more customers. You can easily do this by using
programs and tools that track your competitors' website traffic, referral
points and other web analytics. Some resources track your keywords and send
notifications when your competitors lose or gain backlinks.
14. Manufacturing Tools
Stay focused and use your time effectively, especially if
you're planning or managing your new home business, as well as tools and
equipment. Tools available to help entrepreneurs:
• Create a daily to-do list with due dates
• Take notes and organize ideas
• Organize and create plans as a team
• Time to play
