There are many websites out there that can help entrepreneurs
grow a bigger, better business--but
there are many more time-suck websites. How can you tell the
difference? By depending on a cheat sheet for the best websites for
entrepreneurs.
Here, a cheat sheet of 50 to get you started:
1. ForEntrepreneurs.com
The name says it all: This website is the result of David Skok's years of experience at Matrix Partners. With an MBA to
complement his background,
Skok's approach to startup techniques and financial modeling is user
friendly, though strongly technical, rich in charts and equations.
2. OneVest.com
One
of the most reputable of crowdfunding sites, this is where you can
raise a maximum of $5 million from investors with a proven background.
If crowdfunding is part of your startup strategy, head to the site with a
reputation in the field for making it easy.
3. AudienceBloom.com
You're an entrepreneur, not an SEO guru, so leave the technical aspects of your online presence to the pros. Plus,
check out the blog to get the latest updates in laymen's terms on internet marketing, SEO, mobile readiness, and the like.
4. Dutiee.com
The
go-to site for social entrepreneurs, you can glean information on how
to succeed as a nonprofit and ways to incorporate social into any type
of business. There's an emphasis on ethically made goods, too.
5. Quora.com
This
one's a no-brainer for many. Some of the most reputable entrepreneurs
and leaders in the tech industry come here to dole out information,
making it among the best websites to get your questions answered.
6. AngelList.com
Do
you dream of finding an angel investor? A product of Venture Hacks,
this is the platform for new companies to get equity from reliable
investors; it also features templates to minimize attorney fees.
7. EpicLaunch.com
Even
though this site is aimed at younger entrepreneurs, it's brimming with
resources no matter what your age. It's a great tool for anyone new to
the world of startups and has proved itself as a catalyst for building
strong foundations.
8. BusinessOwnersToolkit.com
This
simple guide is straightforward with no fluff. There's zero risk of
wasting time here, and it reveres versatility, so it appeals to all
kinds of entrepreneurs. If you want to get straight ito the heart of
things, this is where you start.
9. ChicCEO.com
Designed
for female entrepreneurs, you'll find plenty of downloadable resources
here from a plethora of contracts to business plans. Even though it's
meant for women, there are plenty of resources for both genders.
10. AllBusiness.com
This
site is rich with advice and tips for just about everything an
entrepreneur may need to know. From office etiquette to internet
marketing, it's a favorite daily stop for many small business
owners-to-be.
11. ForteFoundation.com
The product of premier business schools and mega corporations, this site is meant to
encourage women to pursue business leadership roles. It combines the best advice from the best resources around the country.
12. Medium.com
Ev
Williams, co-founder of Twitter, created Medium as a chic platform for
blogging. However, there are also fitting reads focused on careers from
successful entrepreneurs providing first-person perspectives.
13. TheBossNetwork.org
Join
an online community of female entrepreneurs who encourage and support
each other virtually. There's zero tolerance for flaming and trolling
here, so you get just full support from peers and mentors.
14. ASmartBear.com
This
is the platform for Jason Cohen, who doles out marketing and
entrepreneurial advice. More than 40,000 people subscribe and depend on
Cohen's lessons learned to help them shape their business.
15. StartupCompanyLawyer.com
Don't
have the budget to hire a full-time attorney? This is where you can get
the requisite legal advice necessary via posts that tackle the most
asked questions.
16. EscapeFromCubicleNation.com
Read the inspiring blog of someone who
ditched the office
life to become an entrepreneur. It's easy to relate and always a better
option to learn from the mistakes of others than to make them all
yourself.
17. BrazenLife.com
The
startup site for younger professionals, it's worth taking a look at the
entrepreneurial section. The advice is straightforward, easy to digest,
and designed for those ready to branch out on their own.
18. AllThingsD.com
Technically,
this is a news site for technical professionals but it's a must for
anyone who needs to keep up with the industry. Especially fruitful for
coders, this is where you stay up to date on tech news that impacts
entrepreneurs.
19. VentureBlog.com
Find
out what Dave Hornik or August Capital has to say about venture
capital. Whether you're looking for investors or want to become one,
this is where the inside scoop is found.
20. Reddit:startups
You
might go to Reddit to distract yourself, but it's actually an
incredibly useful website if you can avoid the time-suck spots. Head
over to the startup section to find truly helpful advice from those who
have been there.
21. CopyBlogger.com
You
don't need to be a marketer to benefit from one of the best marketing
blogs around. Get tidbits of advice that apply to entrepreneurs and
startups (and not just in the marketing realm).
22. CrunchBase.com
Everything
you need to know about funding your startup can be found here. Plus,
learn about the early days of startups, get notified of changes to your
industry, and find out how cataloging rounds work.
23. Entrepreneur.com
Another obvious one, right? However, signing up for Entrepreneur's notifications or
getting the app can help you stay up to date on the latest strategies and news affecting entrepreneurs. It's a must for founders.
24. 500Hats.com
Dave
McClure started this blog to share his pearls of wisdom on being an
entrepreneur. It's enjoyable to read, and learning from the founder of
500 Startups is a great way to get wisdom.
25. FTC.gov
The
Federal Trade Commission has a section on the Franchise Rule that you
need to get comfortable with. Find out all of the legal issues involved
with franchise purchasing before you get in too deep.
26. HBR.org
The
Harvard Business Review blogs are a fantastic place to learn from the
best. It's the hub of MBAs from the Ivy League and features regular
updates focused on entrepreneurs.
27. News.YCombinator.com
Dubbed
the techie Reddit site, Hacker News is where you'll find all things
entrepreneurial with a coding edge. It's the product of Incubator Y
Combinator and provides and insider's view on the industry.
28. KISSmetrics.com
More and more entrepreneurs are
managing their own websites,
which means they need to stay on top of metrics. This site helps you go
above and beyond Google Analytics, complete with a two-week free trial.
29. Microsoft.com
Head
on over to the Small Business Hub at Microsoft.com and find phenomenal
videos, newsletters, and other resources for small business owners. The
information is useful, relevant, and designed to be easy to digest.
30. Noobpreneur.com
Don't
let the kitschy name veer you away from this reputable source for small
business tips and tricks. It takes a user-friendly approach to dishing
out advice, and it's easy to soak up the truly good information.
31. Mixergy.com
The
site that was built by entrepreneurs just for entrepreneurs showcases a
series of interviews from startup founders who were once in your shoes.
Learn from the best, and know you're in great company.
32. MarieForleo.com
Forleo
is an entrepreneur who's enjoyed immense success, but it's her
personality and character that make this blog a must-see. She's
optimistic, light, and bubbly, and she knows what she's talking about.
Many readers consider her a huge inspiration.
33. SBA.gov
The
Small Business Administration has been an invaluable resource for small
business owners for years. There's a chapter in every major city, but
the site itself is chock full of the latest news and information for
entrepreneurs, too.
34. QuickSprout.com
Need to learn the
basics of search engine optimization
(SEO) in a jiffy? The leader in entrepreneurial traffic, Neil Patel, is
at your service. Whether you're an SEO newbie or a pro, there's
something Patel can teach you.
35. Score.org
Whether
you prefer your workshops in the real world or virtual, Score is the
nation's leading mentorship platform for entrepreneurs. Find out how to
grow your business smart by depending on the best.
36. SaaStr.com
Web startups
interested in monetizing
can get started at this platform. It calls itself "curiously famous"
and is renowned for helping entrepreneurs make passive income online. It
sounds easy, but it's an art and skill that you need to learn.
37. TheStartupDonut.com
Even
though this is a U.K. site, it's applicable to startups on either side
of the pond. Find the tools you need and the articles necessary to get
your startup off the ground. It's especially useful if you have dreams
of going multinational.
38. StartupMeme.com
Back
in 2007, this site was the "unofficial" how-to guide for Facebook, but
today it runs the gamut when it comes to covering websites. Want to stay
up to date on the latest entrepreneurial news and website? This is your
secret weapon.
39. TED.com
The
talks TED features are inspiring and revealing, and though the site
isn't "just" for entrepreneurs, there's a strong community of founders
there for a reason. Many of the featured talks are compliments of
successful entrepreneurs.
40. TheFunded.com
With more than 18,000 entrepreneurs and CEOs on this site, this is the place to
talk about investing and fundraising. Whether you're a startup or your established business could just use a boost, don't overlook this resource.
41. boss.blogs.nytimes.com
Better known as "The Art of Running a Small Business," this
Times
blog is the ultimate tool for entrepreneurs and founders. The advice is
current and easy to consume, and if you download the app, you have the
latest information right at your fingertips.
42. blog.guykawasaki.com
Kawasaki's
"How to Change the World" blog is a comprehensive platform from one of
the best. Some of the most common themes include human capital,
management, and advice just for entrepreneurs.
43. YourSuccessNow.com
A
business blog designed to suit every industry, this is where you can
get the support and encouragement necessary to keep moving forward.
Enjoy the latest entrepreneurial news as well as features that highlight
how some of the most successful of founders made it to the next level.
44. Under30CEO.com
Are you a young entrepreneur with dreams of
making it big
before the big 3-0? If so, then this blog is for you, but you don't
necessarily still need to be a twentysomething to benefit from it.
Advice for younger founders can be just as relevant no matter what your
age.
45. Marco.org
The
founder of Instapaper, Marco Arment, blogs regularly to help other
entrepreneurs avoid the mistakes he made early in his career. Personable
and realistic, Arment is your insider source.
46. StartupDigest.com
A
newsletter worth subscribing to? It's true when it's StartupDigest,
which focuses on information for entrepreneurs without ever getting off
course. If distraction is an issue for you, it won't be with this
offering.
47. Innerpreneur.com
The
spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well at this blog, where it's
all about encouraging personal growth. It's something founders can put
on the back burner, but it's crucial to be a well-rounded CEO.
48. TheEconomist.com
This
is not specifically for entrepreneurs, but the commentary makes it a
requisite for any business professional. You need to stay up to date on
all news, not just entrepreneurial news, to cultivate partnerships.
49. Inc.com
The
famous magazine has an excellent section for startups. Find out the
latest in tips, news, and resources for entrepreneurs from one of the
most reputable magazines in the industry.
50. Forbes.com
When you run a business, it's important to
foster relationships
with peers, colleagues, and partners, which is why keeping up with
business news is crucial. Let Forbes make sure you're up to speed on the
latest topics.
Of course, the most beneficial website is the one that works for you. Get to exploring, but keep an eye out for time wasters.