When we discover great resources we want to let you know about them.
If you are ready to join the ranks of business owners committed to growing their business and enjoying life more, sign up to attend a workshop or call Dave Ferguson at 847-968-2468 to arrange for a complimentary consultation. If you have suggestions for this list, email the information to Dave Ferguson at d.ferguson@TheGrowthCoach.com .
Free Informational and Services Websites
FAMEE Foundation was created by Curt Clinkinbeard and offers free marketing courses to entrepreneurs. The book and workbook he created are offered as free downloads, but I recommend making a personal donation to the foundation of $60 to get the printed versions. http://www.famee.org/
QuickMBA is a good source of business knowledge, forms, and spreadsheets: http://www.quickmba.com/entre/
FindLaw for Small Business provides forms and articles addressing most of the legal challenges a small business faces. While we don't recommend being your own attorney, working with yours will be easier if you understand the issues. http://smallbusiness.findlaw.com/
Kayak is a great comparative website if you are looking for pricing on Flights, Rental Cars, or Hotels. I recommend booking directly with the providor once you know the available price. http://www.kayak.com/index.jsp
Pricegrabber is a comparative website for pricing on any number of the business or personal items you might buy online. Again, I check prices here to get educated and then buy direct. http://www.pricegrabber.com/
Inc. magazine is available online. Yes, the articles are posted about a week after the print version is mailed, but the information is the same and it is easier to use the electronic version. http://www.inc.com/
Entrepreneur magazine is also available online. It caters more to the entrepreneur's business and personal issues. Good articles can be found in every issue. http://www.entrepreneur.com/
411.com is a free white pages and yellow pages phone directory. It also lists the people who are neighbors of the person you look up. And, you can do reverse look up to get a name to associate with the number you have. http://www.411.com/
Ezine is an online collection of articles on diverse subjects. Dave Ferguson's articles have been accepted for publication and he has achieved Expert Author status. The site is an excellent way for people to get published and read. http://EzineArticles.com/
Primopdf.com is a website where you can download free software to convert your files to pdf. The tools are good, the process is fast. http://primopdf.com
LinkedIn is a sophisticated networking site for people in business. With the opportunity to post your profile, photo, and information about your business and position, it allows you to connect with others on LinkedIn to get introductions and exchange information. Here's a link to my profile: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/1/996/33A
Networking Monkey a website dedicated to listing the networking events in the Greater Chicago area. Membership is free and the resources are good. http://www.networkingmonkey.com/
People and Services We Recommend
BoddSplosion is a new service from OddBodd that will post your articles and blog entries to multiple sites for maximum web exposure. All you need to do is create one post each week and they will do the rest. To get more information and to sign up visit their website: http://www.boddsplosion.com/
Ezdirectmail offers a convenient, full turnkey approach to reaching both new customers and existing customers using direct mail. They provide targeted consumer and business mailing lists, exceptionally high quality, yet affordable color printing services as well as addressing and mailing services. http://www.easydirectmail.com/
Leslie Lipps of Angel Lipps Photography did the head shot you see on the "About Us" page. She's easy to work with and has a knack for getting the right shot. Her studio is in Grayslake. http://www.thelipps.com/
Suited To You provides fine clothing for men, with a personal touch. When you want to look your best -- business, casual, even formal -- they'll help you look good and feel comfortable whatever the occasion. I know, I'm a customer. If looking good is important to you, and your success, talk to David Rubin at Suited To You. http://www.suited-to-you.com/
1&1 Internet is the web hosting service I use. They are very reasonable, offer domain registration and some reasonably easy to use templates that allow you to create and maintain your own website. http://www.1and1.com/?k_id=10622836Constant Contact is the host of my newsletter email list. It's easy, affordable, provides statistics and offers support and instruction. They even offer a free trial for up to 200 email addresses so you can try it before you buy it. Email Newsletters - 60 Day Free Trial
BNI, Business Networking International, is a great way to develop relationships with other business owners. http://www.bnimarketing.com We have even created a website for our own chapter, http://www.bniratedr.com/.
We belong to two local Chambers and recommend them highly: The Lake County Chamber of Commerce, and The GLMV Chamber of Commerce. The key to membership is to consider it an investment - the more effort you invest, the greater the return on that investment. http://www.lakecountychamber.com http://www.glmvchamber.org/
Prima By Design, Inc. provides practical and personalized organizing and relocation/staging services for homes and businesses. They work with their clients to help them gain control of the disorganized elements of their lives and develop systems to keep their clutter under control. http://www.primabydesign.com
The Growth Coach Organization
For more information on coaches throughout the country and the franchise opportunities: http://www.thegrowthcoach.com/