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By Dexter Lunde
In order to stay up-to-date with the latest information and trends in entrepreneurship and small business, you have to read up. That doesn’t just mean stock market news. I mean books, magazines, and websites.
We give out a lot of great information about small business here at Danjur. You can check out our list of topics from our team of business savvy writers here.
If you want even more information, here are my favorite sources (in print and on the web). They cover topics from getting the start-up cash, to managing your employees and team members.
#1) Gaining Momentum
If you need a little push to build your momentum into success in business, look no further. I’ve got a couple websites and a great book to get you going.
On Startups is a great website that is run by a guy named Dharmesh Sha, who also cofounded a website called HubSpot. They offer some great advice for newbie small business owners. I suggest that before you delve into your own business, check out some of the articles to see what kinds of problems, issues, and situations you may run into.
For Entrepreneurs is another great website for new business owners. This is a blog run by a man named David Skok, who is a five-time serial entrepreneur. On his landing page, you will find a list of links to the most popular and informative posts on his website.
Chris Guillebeau takes the term “entrepreneur” to a whole new level. He has written several books about pushing yourself to follow your passions, working on what will make you happy, and finding the means to do so comfortably. His latest book “The $100 Startup” talks about taking advantage of your own strife, opportunities, and circumstances so that you can turn your passion into something profitable.
#2) Legal Issues
If you’ve got a question about some legal issues or need some general legal advice, check out Startup Lawyer. Sure, it’s always better to go to someone in person but you may find that you don’t want to have to pay a fee just to ask one simple question. I love their glossary and their dropdown menu of various categories (different types of businesses).
#3) In the Art of Being Persuasive
Guy Kawasaki is a big name in entrepreneurship. If you don’t know who he is, you should be ashamed of yourself (he works for Google and Motorola, and has a number of entrepreneurial books under his belt). His latest book, “Enchantment“, is a great read. It is about how to influence people while keeping your virtue intact. He teaches you how to impact and persuade others while keeping a strong code of ethics.
You will find some great tidbits of info that you can use when you talk with your team, your potential clients, and your long-time customers.
#4) Focusing on Innovation
If you’re looking for something that can jump-start your creativity and innovation, consider subscribing to Fast Company. This monthly magazine covers anything from technology to design to leadership techniques. A one-year subscription will run you about $50 but it’s an investment that will pay off if you take their advice.
#5) Business-Owner’s Manual
There are some things that we wish came with a how-to manual. Wives and kids are the first that come to my mind. However, running your own business should come with one as well. With that said, enter the Business Owner’s Toolkit.
This is a wonderful resource that has information and tips on starting, running, and maintaining your business. It even has free downloads like customer satisfaction surveys, OSHA forms and guide, job description templates, tax forms, and personal finance worksheets.
#6) The Classics
If you look in my office bookshelf, you won’t see Pride and Prejudice or Hamlet; I don’t like the classics. However, if I find a book that I can turn to again and again for advice, I consider that book a classic. Here are my favorite business classics:
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: Every business deals with people (even if it’s not in person). Even if this book is 70 years old, it still has sound advice that you will be able to turn to.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: This is a great book. I could summarize the seven habits for you but it wouldn’t nearly be as effective as actually reading it.
Like in almost every hobby, skill and practice, keeping yourself well-informed in your field will give you a head start on tomorrow’s innovations. Businessmen who focus only on what they know and don’t look for new knowledge and technology will find themselves being pushed aside by younger and more knowledgeable entrepreneurs.
Keep yourself well-informed by reading the latest books about your field, going to workshops and conventions, subscribing to magazine and online subscriptions that you will be able to use, and bringing in new, fresh ideas.