Free Business Resources on the Internet.
- Fact 1: running a business costs money upfront.
- Fact 2: One of the best ways to increase your profit is to spend less on expenses.
So with that in mind I’ve tried to put together a selection of free business resources.
As always, if you know of any free business resources, please let me know at myfreebee@gmail.com.
Free Business Resources provides links to a wide range of resources including –
- Business plan templates
- Business Calculators
- Video guides
- Audio guides
- Start up advice
Remember that these resources may be based on practices common in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia and any other English speaking region. You should tailor your work to your business region. Although it can be both interesting and useful to consider how others resolve similar situations.
It is good practice to consider information from several different sources.
- Governments may provide business information but have any of them ever run a business.
- Banks are keen to provide advice but what are they selling you?
- Local enterprise organisations offer training and support. This may be the best source of independent advice but what is the background of the advisers.
- Many websites offer business advice, some of it for specific businesses, use with caution unless they have a positive reputation in your business area.
As always CAVEAT EMPTOR (buyer beware) – as the new or existing business owner you need to carefully consider information and use it effectively.
http://www.businessballs.com/freeonlineresources.htm
Not the most attractive site I’ve ever seen but a whole lot of free business information including business selling, human resources, and communication.
CanadaOne is a well presented website with plenty of useful information. Business guides, articles and franchising advice will be useful to a range of business owners. Two resources I was excited to see ( and will be using) is the Business Directory and Canadian Business Calandar. You can never have to much publicity and promotion.
http://www.actioncoach.com/businesstools
Action Coach is all about personal business coaching. Nothing wrong with that and many small business owners can benefit from working with someone who is business savvy but able to look at the business with dispassionate eyes. To many business owners get so close to their baby that they fail to see when they are becoming a dliquent teenager.
But you’ll also find plenty of other free resources on this site including business library, video, audio and a range of business calculators.
On the front page this site says “My Own Business, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people succeed in business. The free courses are presented by successful business owners who point out the common, avoidable mistakes. My Own Business is the creation of philanthropist and founder Phil Holland.”
Two excellent courses and both free. If you want the certificate you will need to register –
- Starting My Own Business – for those thinking about or just starting out.
- Building My Own Business – for taking the next step.
There are plenty of other resources on this site including a start-up checklist and guide for home based business owners.