Welcome To The Free Small Business Resource Center

Those wanting to start a small business, or succeed with an existing small business are faced with a wide array of challenges, not the least of which is learning and continuing to learn how to make the enterprise a success in changing conditions. Make no mistake about it. Running a business challenges a person to learn continuously, expand one's horizon and find new resources and ideas.

The mission of the Free Small Business Center is to find the best articles, guides, resources, advice, and so on available on the Internet (or in the physical world) and related to builiding and succeeding at the small business game.

We've been there. We've successfully run a small business for fifteen years. We can recognize good advice from bad, and we'll also provide you with your own insights in our small business blog (where you can also interact).

For additional details about the features of this site, check out the site features box.

Below are the newest small business resources you can access from this site:

• Franchise Your Business in 7 Steps

  By Carol Tice - Becoming a successful new franchisor entails making many thoughtful decisions early on that will affect your business for years to come. There's also a lot of legal paperwork to wade through to make sure your business complies with federal and state laws that regulate the franchise industry. (Added: 31-Mar-2010 Hits: 214)

• Is 2010 the Year to Franchise Your Business?

  By Sara Wilson - While 2010 might actually shape up to be a good year to franchise a business, the waters are still rocky and require some careful navigation. So how do you know if the time is right? Christian Faulconer, CEO of Franchise Foundry, believes that 2010 could be the right time provided the following criteria are met as outlined in this article. (Added: 31-Mar-2010 Hits: 177)

• Are Franchisees 'Really' Entrepreneurs?

  By Rieva Lesonsky - According to the author, most business people -- including franchise owners -- are not considered 'real' entrepreneurs. See why R. Lesonsky disagrees with this opinion. (Added: 31-Mar-2010 Hits: 176)

• 5 Ways to Grow in Any Economy

  By Jennifer Brown - Learn to keep your company moving even when things are stagnant. (Added: 31-Mar-2010 Hits: 264)

• When the Little Guy Goes Big

  By Gwen Moran - Turning a small business into a franchise can look like a good idea in this economy. Here's how to figure out if it actually is. (Added: 31-Mar-2010 Hits: 193)

• Putting Your Business On The Map With Google Maps

  By Mikal Belicove - Here's a really short item, but well worth your consideration. Take a minute or two put your small business on the map! (Added: 31-Mar-2010 Hits: 221)

• How To Write A Corporate Twitter Strategy

  By Neil Williams - The author shares his 20-page strategy for writing a corporate twitter strategy that outlines the plan and execution. It's free for those who may find it useful. (Added: 27-Mar-2010 Hits: 337)

• Defeating the Dark Side of Social Networking

  By Joseph Hughes and Chris Boudreaux - Companies can't rein in the conversations happening on social networks and blogs, but they can respond to their most vocal customers. Read more about the dark side of social networking. (Added: 27-Mar-2010 Hits: 314)

• Debunking Six Social Media Myths

  By B.L. Ochman - Success in social media marketing is not an overnight success story, and this article will share with you the likelier reality. Likewise, for the notion that social media is cheap. Read this article before you leap into the social media world. (Added: 27-Mar-2010 Hits: 290)

• Twitter Marketing: Why You Don't Need to Mass Follow Twitter Users

  By Maki - '...do you really need a large number of followers to promote yourself successfully on Twitter? The answer is no. Not at all. But many people still persist in mass following users. Let’s look at some of the reasons why you don’t need to use this marketing tactic.' When you read this, you learn why twitter marketing is more than just getting followers and what that means to your small business bottom line. (Added: 27-Mar-2010 Hits: 204)

• The Importance of Social Media Marketing: Why You Should Learn and Master It

  By Maki - This demonstrates the values of marketing through social news websites, and shows you the tangible benefits for your website. Listed are four great reasons for you to practice social media marketing starting today. (Added: 27-Mar-2010 Hits: 222)

• How To Create A Business Succession Plan

  By Mark P. Cussen - Learn what it takes to create a business succession plan. Methods of transferring a business are discussed, and entity-purchase agreements are explained. Read this article for information as to why you need a business succession plan. (Added: 24-Mar-2010 Hits: 246)

• 7 Steps To Selling Your Small Business

  By Brigette Yuille - Do you think you know what makes your small business appealing to a prospective buyer. Read this article to find out. Here's some good tips for timing the sale, using a broker, and find a buyer. (Added: 24-Mar-2010 Hits: 233)