Photo by Karen Wilson-Bonnar
Entrepreneurs don’t just build a business; they build an image. That image plays a crucial role in determining success. Enterprising entrepreneurs craft detailed marketing plans, polish sales approaches, and develop effective business communications. They also hone their “elevator pitches,” 30- to 60-second summaries that state who they are, what they do, and why their listener should care—all told in a short elevator ride. Developing a perfect pitch prepares them for communications opportunities and also helps them clarify and distill the business image they project.
Marketing is an ongoing process that focuses on a product, getting it to customers, pricing it, and promoting it. Follow the Entrepreneurial Resource Center's links for assistance in each of those areas.
A source for more than 4 million acronyms and abbreviations.
An online media and e-commerce company that offers how-to articles, business forms, contracts and agreements, expert advice, blogs, business news, business directory listings, product comparisons, business guides, a small business association, and more.
Learn how to build a website, get a domain name, create an online store, market your business online, and more.
Ideas and resources for small business and home business.
Marketing guides and more than 5,000 pages of cost-cutting tips, checklists, case studies, startup advice, and business templates for small business owners and entrepreneurs. The site also offers a monthly newsletter, news articles, and an advice column.
An extensive resource for all facets of marketing.
A free marketing portal and community serving marketing professionals and including information about high-tech marketing.
Marketing basics, program planning, and evaluation. The website also provides resources for leadership and management, covering approximately 650 topics and spanning 5,000 links. Topics include key practices to start, develop, operate, evaluate, and resolve problems in organizations.
A world leader in the science of customer, brand, and market research.
Email updates of the latest relevant Google results based on requested query or topic and useful for monitoring a developing news story and keeping current on a competitor or industry.
Help for business websites such as analyzing traffic, improving visibility, and setting up sales and payments online.
Today’s patterns and trends are revealed through statistics automatically generated based on the millions of searches conducted on Google over a given period of time.
Company profiles and business industry information. Special sections include a small business center and a marketing and sales performance center.
Columns, how-to guides, articles, ask the expert, and recommended resources.
Internet marketing links, readings, video, and PowerPoint presentation.
Extensive resources for entrepreneurship, finance and accounting, human resources, sales and marketing, products and services, and operations.
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania shares its intellectual capital through the school’s online business journal.
Free tutorials covering the principles of marketing and a database of links to marketing articles.
Through this award-winning, entrepreneurial venture, advanced students provide low-cost design, technical, business, and marketing services to local businesses and organizations. Services include logo and identity design, website development, business cards and letterhead, folders and brochures, promotional materials, marketing strategies, and packaging and label prototyping.
Academic preparation in marketing can lead to work in product development, sales, advertising, retailing, research, and more. Courses provide a solid foundation and preparation for entry-level marketing positions.
The website of the American Marketing Association (AMA) supplies marketing professionals and AMA members with information, products, and services required to succeed in their jobs and careers.
Sample business plans, marketing plans, templates, sample contracts, and business agreements that help entrepreneurs start and grow a small business. Information about startup, business planning, marketing, management, legal and accounting, and technology.
Respected provider of legal information for consumers and small businesses. Offers section on patents, copyright, and creative services.
Information and online seminars.
This AMA chapter helps entrepreneurs stay connected to Silicon Valley's marketing leaders and informed about the latest marketing issues and techniques.
Free marketing guide.
Information, articles, forums, and blogs covering all facets of entrepreneurship.
Tips for successful marketing plans.
The Statistical Abstract of the United States is a comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the U.S. Use the abstract for statistical reference and as a guide to resources.
How-to guides for all areas of marketing, sales, and advertising.
Information about using sales to grow a business.
This website of the successful business speaker, author, and consultant offers free newsletters, tips, and a blog.
Information about how a business can sell to the state of California. Find out what the state buys and discover the most effective ways to become a supplier.
Information source for state contracting opportunities.
Free forms, tips, and tools for marketing sales.
Sales basics, general advice, and trends. The website also provides resources for leadership and management, covering approximately 650 topics and spanning 5,000 links. Topics include key practices to start, develop, operate, evaluate, and resolve problems in organizations.
Offers columns, how-to guides, articles, ask the expert, and recommended resources.
Selling tips and guidelines including "strategic salesmanship commandments."
News, research, and opinions about the advertising industry.
Promotion, advertising, and public relations information and more than 5,000 pages of cost-cutting tips, checklists, case studies, startup advice, and business templates for small business owners and entrepreneurs. The site also offers a monthly newsletter, news articles, and an advice column.
The world’s most recognized international advertising awards competition.
A free graphics generator for web pages and logos.
How-to guides and information about advertising campaigns, hiring an ad agency, and planning an advertising budget.
Advertising and promotions topics. The website also provides resources for leadership and management, covering approximately 650 topics and spanning 5,000 links. Topics include key practices to start, develop, operate, evaluate, and resolve problems in organizations.
Free tutorials about advertising theory, practice, and trends.
Guide for deciding on advertising media.
