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
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/
pdf995.com is a website where you can download free software to convert your files to pdf. Yes, you will have to look at an ad before your pdf file opens, but sometimes this kind of free is OK. http://pdf995.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
Services
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/
Red Zone Marketing works with financial advisors to grow their practices. Maribeth Kuzmeski is a nationally recognized speaker at many events around the country. Her book, Red Zone Marketing is a valuable tool for growing a financial services practice. http://www.redzonemarketing.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/index_main.asp We have even created a website for our own chapter, http://www.bniratedr.com/.
We belong to three 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/
The ProNetworkeris a website dedicated to listing the networking events in the Greater Chicago area. Membership is free and the newletters are good. http://www.thepronetworker.com/Jack & Jill Communications offers writing, editing and public relations services for businesses and organizations. They can put your message into the words that will resonate with your customers and stakeholders. www.wentupthehill.com
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
Professional Organizations
I am a member of The International Coach Federation, ICF, a nonprofit, individual membership organization formed by professionals worldwide who practice business and personal coaching. Our mission to be the global forum for the art and science of coaching, where we inspire transformational conversations, advocate excellence, and expand awareness of the contribution coaching is to the future of humankind. http://www.coachfederation.org/ICF/
The Growth Coach Organization
For more information on coaches throughout the country and the franchise opportunities: http://www.thegrowthcoach.com/