The Best Places to Learn About Entrepreneurship

If you’re looking to start your own business, you’re in luck! There are thousands of amazing people and organizations, ready to share all of their tips and tricks.?

But with all of the resources available to you, it can be easy to get overwhelmed, especially when the advice starts to become contradictory.

If you have found yourself in this “excited but overwhelmed” mindset, you aren’t alone! I remember how I felt when I first started Emily Writes. There is so much information out there; it can be hard to identify what will actually work for your business.

So let me help! Here’s a list of resources that have helped me on my entrepreneurial journey.

Free Online Blogs and Email Newsletters

Blogs are one of the best places to get started. Personally, I am a big fan of Social Media Examiner. SME has a ton of free and paid resources that I use, but the blog is an especially great place to catch up on all of the latest tips and trends to help market your business. Be sure to sign up for the email newsletter, too!

Another incredible free resource is VeryGoodCopy’s blog and weekly newsletter. The CEO, Eddie, writes a ton of great micro-content about copywriting that will leave you feeling inspired without taking hours to read. I look forward to his email every week!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I love Agorapulse for my social media management. But did you know that they also have a blog packed with educational content to improve your social media marketing? I love reading it to keep up with all of the latest news on the digital marketing front.

Ignite Visibility is another solid blog for all things digital marketing. They cover everything from Facebook ads to Google SEO tips. If you’re running a business that needs the digital world in any way, shape, or form, you need to put this blog on your list.

Mandy McEwen of Mod Girl Marketing is another knowledgeable content creator that I suggest for new entrepreneurs. She frequently posts valuable tips on her LinkedIn page and on her website’s blog. She covers everything from content production to networking. I always learn something new when I read her work.

Business Podcasts

Podcasts are an incredible way to up your entrepreneur game. You can easily listen to them as you’re driving, when you’re working out, as you’re catching up on emails…Whenever!

Here are some of my absolute favorites:

• Online Marketing Made Easy - Amy Porterfield
• Goal Digger Podcast - Jenna Kutcher
• Chalene Johnson’s Build Your Tribe
• How I Built This with Guy Raz
• Social Media Marketing with Michael Stelzner
• The Brand Boss Show

All of these podcasts bring a different and interesting perspective to the world of entrepreneurship. I highly recommend finding your favorite, or binging ‘em all.

Industry Conferences

Conferences are a great way to immerse yourself in your industry for a few days and come out feeling refocused, inspired, and ready to change the world (or just your business!)

My favorite is the annual Social Media Marketing World conference. I’ve attended this one for a few years now and I honestly think it’s the best one available. The name is a bit deceiving, though, as it makes it look like only social media managers will benefit from attending. The conference leaders and speakers actually cover such a range of topics that I think anyone who does any type of marketing would enjoy it.

College-Level Courses

Whether you take a few courses or workshops at your local technical college or you go back to school for a higher-level degree, it never hurts to continue your education!

Almost every technical or community college offers social media marketing or business courses, where you can learn new skills to help you run a successful business.

You can also go back for a master’s or a doctorate in your field. I have my MBA from St. Norbert College in Wisconsin and I truly think that has benefited my business in so many ways. Whether I’m tapping into the writing skills I sharpened in my classes or applying business management techniques, I use my MBA every single day!

Find a Mentor

Finding a mentor is a great way to move your business forward. There are plenty of networking groups like SCORE or BNI that operate chapters all across the country. You can also try alumni groups for your college or graduate school.

These networking groups are good places to connect with other entrepreneurs or professionals who have been in your field longer than you have and who might be willing to offer you guidance and support.

You can also connect with a mentor in an Online Mastermind group or a Facebook group for entrepreneurs. Of course, LinkedIn is always an excellent place to connect with people in your field, including potential mentors.

Now, it’s your turn! Tell me some of your favorite business resources in the comments section below. Let’s grow together!

-

Like content like this? Whether you’re brand new or you’ve been around for a few years like I have, you can always join my email list! My biweekly newsletter is always full of educational information, as well as new tips I’ve learned along the way. Consider it a free way to learn from someone who’s learning right alongside you. I can’t wait to watch you grow your business!