Top 10 Daily Sources of Entrepreneurial Nourishment
If you’re like me, every time you launch Tweetdeck (or whatever application you’ve chosen for managing your Twitter stream) you probably find at least one new resource per day to add to your bookmarks bar. And like me, you probably feel lucky to have stumbled upon such a treasure trove of professional goodness, but it’s becoming hard to manage and make use of it all.
I’d like to (with your help) build a list of bookmark-worthy websites that have the potential to carve a spot into your browser toolbar. And I’m not talking about things you find helpful, but rather those sites you can’t get through your day without – your daily nourishment if you will. The stuff that really inspires you and has truly earned a spot in your top bookmarks.
Without further ado, I’ll kick things off with my Top 10:
My Top 5 Social Media/Marketing/Web 2.0 Inspirations
Brian Solis.com – He’s hands down one of the most brilliant minds in all things new media. He’s regarded as one of the best thought leaders in this area and is always on the bleeding edge of industry trends.
ConvinceandConvert.com – I’m not even going to lie. Jay Baer is my social media hero. Bookmark him. He consistently shares great insights, and does an amazing job of tapping into some of the best minds. Be sure to check out his Twitter Interview series.
ReadWriteWeb.com , TechCrunch.com & Mashable.com – I’ve lumped all three together because they all share two commonalities: Their content is drafted by really smart people, and they tell me everything I need to know about emerging social networking, technology, tech news and tech trends. They’re my first clicks of the morning.
HelpAReporter.com – I posted all about this website/free service in an earlier blog post. If you’d like to build awareness for your organization, and you possess a website (guessing you answered yes to both), you simply must get on board with HARO.
ValleyPRblog.com – This one isn’t for you to bookmark (unless you live in Phoenix). From a PR perspective, if there’s one thing you need to do as a small business owner, it’s getting to know your local media. For the Phoenix market, this blog synthesizes everything I need to know, from changes in local media personnel to developing pitch ideas. Point is, find this resource in your own local community. It could really pay off when it comes to scoring a great media hit for your business.
My Top 5 Small Business Hubs
Entrepreneur.com – Specifically, the Entrepreneur.com Daily Dose. This is an aggregator site chock-full of great small business case studies, easy-to-implement ideas, trends and small business news that directly impacts the community.
HowardMann.com – Also known as “The Business Brickyard,” I like Howard’s blog because he reframes some really simple (though thought-provoking) concepts and illustrates how they should apply to your business. More of a big picture kind of guy. I think he’s absolutely brilliant.
SmallBizTrends.com – My second click of the day. Launched by an expert who knows her stuff, Anita Campbell provides this clever tagline to the site: “small business success…delivered daily.” I’ve never clicked a link on this site that hasn’t taught or reminded me of something vital to small business best practices. Totally bookmark-worthy.
DuctTapMarketing.com – Another aggregator of simple, easy-to-implement marketing tactics that can benefit any small business. Great examples here of how small businesses can utilize and integrate social media into their marketing efforts, while keeping a mindful eye on the marketing budget.
NYTimes.com – Specifically, the “You’re the Boss” small business blog. While this one provides small business news like many other blogs, the REAL reason I love this blog is because of the poignant glimpses it provides into the world of real-life small business owners dealing with real-life challenges. I love seeing what those on the front lines are doing to overcome obstacles many businesses face.
Feel free to add these to your bookmark bar, and of course, keep visiting us right here. If you would be so kind, please comment with one (or a few) of your essential internet pit stops below.
Libbie – Thanks so much for the link and your extremely kind words. I really, really appreciate it.
- j
Really appreciate the kind words about my blog and for including me with such great company! Always great to hear that someone is getting value from my writing.
Thanks again and all the best!
Howard
Great Blog
personal assistant
Thank you so much for mentioning SmallBizTrends.com on your list. I really appreciate. We try hard to deliver and we never know if we’re really meeting the mark, until we hear feedback like this. That helps us a lot.
– Anita
At the risk of sounding self-aggrandizing, I’d encourage you to take a look at my site, as well. At the Unchained Entrepreneur I offer regular advice from the trenches on starting, growing and financing a small business.
You all clearly have a handle not only in your respective fields, but also in social media monitoring. ; ) Thanks so much for all of your comments. And Seth, I’m adding you to my bookmarks as well. Great design, great content!