Resources

Free Business Development Resources

I promised some great business development resources and here they are. I’ve broken them down into categories to help you find what you need. Enjoy!

Local Search (Directories where you can list your business for free)

Google Places for Business – If you have a business that serves a location or has a physical address get on Google Places! Click here if you need help.
Yahoo Local
Bing Business Portal (Beta)
Yelp for Business Owners

Ready for more?
HubSpot’s Ultimate List: 50 Business Directories For Local Marketing – This list is great because you can link directly to the directory.

Social Media Sites (You don’t have to be active in them all—pick one or two and master them first)

Facebook Pages – Separate and different from your personal Facebook profile.  This site is the biggest and the best (for now). Use it you truly want to interact with your clients/customers. Don’t use it as just another sales page. Laura Roeder and Mari Smith do a great job at keeping up with the latest news about changes (see links below).

LinkedIn – The worlds largest professional network. Control your online identity, stay in touch with colleagues, and expand your professional network.

Twitter – I have to admit I haven’t mastered this one yet, so here’s the official definition: Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest information about what you find interesting. Very productive if you use it right (and regularly).

YouTube Channel – Create your very own channel. Then get busy recording videos. Upload to YouTube, embed on your website,blog, or email marketing pieces—then hope you go viral! People love the personal touch of video. Remember to tag your videos location (geotag) so they show up higher in local searches.

Google+ Pages - This is the new kid on the block, but growing like a weed. Get in and learn as it grows. Word is there will be huge benefits for businesses.

Social Media Experts (Facebook, Twitter, Google +, YouTube, and more)

Laura Roeder – Social Media Marketing guru. Laura keeps it simple and her newsletter is awesome—very short and always includes a useful tip or info about new things to help your business.

Mari Smith – Facebook expert! Mari is great at keeping up-to-date on all the Facebook changes. Liking her Facebook page is an easy way to follow her.

Social Media Examiner – Another fun site to keep you informed of everything “socail”.

Other Experts I Follow

Marie Forleo – Marie is outrageous! For solopreneurs and on-line business owners. If you want to get serious and grow your business check out her weekly video’s on Marie TV. I went through her (and Laura’s) Rich, Happy, and Hot B-School class—LOVED IT!

EOS Worldwide – Stands for Entrepreneurial Operating System. A system to help you align all the pieces of your business. We are implementing this strategy in our businesses—more reviews to follow. Also recommend their book “Traction” by Gino Wickman.

Copyblogger – The BEST site if you want to learn to write effective headlines and great copy. So many great articles it’s hard to keep up.