Brilliant Business Blogs

I believe it is important to gain inspiration and wisdom by continuing personal education through reading books, blogs, websites, and keeping oneself updated in whatever your chosen field by continuing to attend seminars, conferences and possibly continued further studies.

One of the people I am inspired by is Peter J Daniels, a billionaire Australian who made most of his money before 1990 in property. At that time he owned more property and employed more people in Australia than any other individual. He is now a philanthropist. I heard he never borrows money, he LENDS money to banks! He has written a number of books, the one I enjoy the most is "How to be Happy though Rich".

Here are a few Brilliant Blogs written by women entrepreneurs that are inspirational and have great tips for small business:

The Suitcase Entrepreneur Natalie leads an inspiring business, generously gives practical tips and travels the world, while continuing to be a motivated ambassador for women around the world

She Takes On the World An award winning blog written, named by Forbes.com as one of the Twenty Best Marketing and Social Media Blogs by Women. This blog is written by a team of women who do an amazing job of supporting and inspiring women entrepreneurs. It features interviews with fabulous women entrepreneurs, business resources, and a free directory for women-owned businesses.

Women on Business Reading Women On Business is a like having your own personal mentor. It is written by powerhouse entrepreneur and author, Susan Gunelius, along with other guest contributors.

The Boss of You Co-written by successful entrepreneur duo, Lauren Bacon and Emira Mears, The Boss of You is all about learning to run a business doing what you love.

Successful Blog Liz Strauss delves into one of the most important parts of building a business –building a base of loyal customers. This woman has heart and reaches out to people in amazing ways.

Market Like A Chick Coree Silvera, tells it like it is and examines marketing from a female perspective. Great tips on social media marketing although the last post was in 2010 and the info may be a little out of date (things change so rapidly in the social media spectrum!) She focuses on internet marketing but also writes about business and interviews top women in the marketing industry.

The Barefoot Executive's Blog Carrie Wilkerson has built several successful businesses and now coaches others to do the same. Her blog is a must read for work-from-home women.

I am inspired by these writers and I hope some of them help you too! Although it isn't easy to find time in a busy schedule to read, if you can, they could be a source of great advice, humour, learning, help you grow your business and may provide you with a wonderful network of entrepreneurs.

Have Fun

I believe work is meant to be fun. If I have to spend at least 8 hours a day busy with something (quite honestly, in any new business I find the hours closer to double that, eat, work and sleep the business..) then it must be whilst I’m doing something exciting, something I enjoy so much it feels like play.

If you’re in a situation where every Sunday night you dread waking up the next day to face another week of work, you’re either in the wrong job or if you cannot immediately change the situation, work towards finding an extraordinary and fulfilling after hours interest that makes life worthwhile. If you need to make a change, plan for it. Work on skills or studies that will assist a change of career. I believe if a person is contemplating starting their own small business, a course like those offered at Ikusasa would help ensure success. What’s the point of starting something if it isn’t going to be successful?

The other thing I would recommend if you plan on starting a business (it isn’t always possible) is get out of debt, and ensure you have enough savings in the bank to cover living expenses for at least 6 months.

Several ways you could have fun with a new business include starting a Blog (like this one). It helps get your mind off the daily tasks and step back, even focus on what’s really happening in the business. Another way is via social networking, like the Beautiful Bracelets Facebook Page and Twitter (follow us on @1000bracelets if you don’t already – click on the link top right of this page). Enjoy the face-to-face interactions with new customers for your products or services. Talk about it in queues at the Supermarket, Bank, Post Office...

Love life!