General Business Resources

Economic History of the United States
Education on the history of your country's national economy is desirable in order to build a strong thoughtful foundation for starting a business. The above link provides the basic events and timing for those things that were most important in setting the economic course of America. I have also included a second resource, from San Jose University—click here.

I recommend that readers in other countries search out sources of information on the economic history of their own country. This gives a broad view of the relationship to countrywide economics and the business community…including the business you want to start.

The recommendation for this resource came from Jacob S, of Mrs. Bell's 12th grade Business class.

Stock Market Educational Resources
Although most small businesses will never become a public company with their stock traded on a stock market, it is nonetheless important to know and understand how the market works, how companies are valued, and how ownership works.

In addition, one of the most basic ways to learn about how businesses operate is by reading and studying the annual reports of small public businesses. Relating the financial statements to the notes and narrative of the report can be highly informative. This information is the foundation of the driving forces of the stock market

This educational site was compiled at Kennesaw State University, and though it is a bit out of date it has some very good resources for beginning education about stock markets, how they function, and what it all means.

The recommendation for this resource came from Krista G., of Mrs. Bell's 12th grade Business class.

The SBA's Guide to Starting a Business
This is an excellent resource for the beginning entrepreneur and although I disagree with some of what is presented, this website serves as an excellent checklist of things an aspiring entrepreneur must consider when they are planning to start a new business.

The recommendation for this resource came from Ben M., of Mrs. Bell's 12th grade Business class.

Brand Awareness
Brand awareness is a most important part of the foundation of any business today, and without it a business is likely to struggle, if not fail entirely. The above website presents a pdf report from Cornell University on all the basic considerations of "branding," as well as how to get started in branding your own business. This is an important article for new entrepreneurs.

For more detailed information on "branding" I suggest you read anything by Karen Post, The Branding Diva®. I suggest you read her book Brain Tattoos: Creating Unique Brands That Stick in Your Customers' Minds

The recommendation for this Brand Awareness resource came from Angela P., of Mrs. Bell's 12th grade Business class.

Call Centers for Small Businesses
When consumers think of call centers, they usually think of the unwanted calls we all receive from some sales organization. While this is a small part of the concept, it is better to think of places like Zappo Shoes, or any one of hundreds of online sales organizations. Present day concepts of outstanding customer service are the foundation of call centers…which are becoming more important to small businesses every day.

The above website provides a basic understanding of how a call center works, and how to staff and manage a successful center. A good place to start.

The recommendation for this resource came from Hannah, of Mrs. Bell's 12th grade Business class.

Advertising, Promotion, and Public Relations
This paper by Professor H.H. Friedman of Brooklyn College provides a basic overview of advertising, publicity, and sales promotion concepts, terms, and applications. It is an excellent beginning place for any aspiring entrepreneur to learn the fundamentals of marketing their products or services.

The recommendation for this resource came from Tanner H., of Mrs. Bell's 12th grade Business class.

Branding, Marketing, and Communication
"What is Marketing and why is it important?" This is the first heading of an article on the Wartburg College website. The article presents the basic fundamentals that answers that question in simple terms. This is an excellent place to start when setting out to learn about sales and marketing.

The recommendation for this resource came from Rebecca Lynn S., of Mrs. Bell's 12th grade Business class.