Hearing successful entrepreneurs’ stories can inspire and educate aspiring business owners. Often, people who are successful in implementing their ideas can provide helpful tips to others who want to follow in their footsteps.
If you’ve got a great business idea and need the motivation to get started, you might be looking for a mentor to guide you. Fortunately, the internet is full of helpful resources. Here are a few of the best.
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1. EverybodyWiki
EverybodyWiki is similar to Wikipedia. It’s an online encyclopedia that offers extensive articles on millions of topics, complete with footnotes and sourcing. Along with searching for information, visitors can also review the biographies of successful individuals in their field.
For instance, EverybodyWiki users can find biographical information on standout business leaders, such as this bio of entrepreneur Steve Streit, a successful venture capitalist who birthed the prepaid debit card industry with his company, Green Dot Corporation.
Users can search EverybodyWiki to find other entrepreneurs in their industry and learn more about their path to success.
2. Forbes
Forbes is a well-known source of information on various business topics, including investing, personal finance, economics, and current events. Forbes often asks influential figures to contribute articles to their website. Many entrepreneurs regularly share their stories through Forbes or its sister site, Forbes Advisor.
A brief search of the Forbes website using the term “entrepreneur” turns up literally thousands of articles. Readers can find tips for managing their startup finances as well as advice from individuals who’ve grown from grassroots ventures to full-fledged money-making machines.
3. Inc.
Inc. is an entrepreneur’s dream. It prides itself on being the go-to site for business owners looking to expand their footprint in their market and features tons of content concerning business ownership, startups, and innovators in various market sectors.
Inc. divides its articles into half a dozen different categories: startup, grow, lead, innovate, technology, and money. The lead category offers advice on managing small businesses from top leaders in various sectors. In it, you’ll find articles containing valuable guidance from Warren Buffett, Elon Musk, and Ron Shaich, the founder of Panera Bread.
4. Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur is another top source for business owners just starting out and those looking to take their organizations to the next level.
Similar to Inc., it offers actionable tips to individuals early in their business journies. New entrepreneurs will find advice on starting and growing a business, managing their finances, and implementing novel ideas.
Entrepreneur regularly publishes articles from individuals who have gone through the startup process and overcome the many hurdles it presents. It’s an essential source of information and wisdom for anyone excited about getting their start in small business but needs motivation from people who know what they’re going through.
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn, the popular social media platform that connects career-minded individuals, is a fantastic source for entrepreneurs looking to network and establish professional relationships.
You can use LinkedIn to follow businesses that inspire you or connect with business leaders who you admire. Once you’re connected with these pages, you’ll be able to view everything posted there, including exclusive advice and informative tidbits.
Beyond networking, LinkedIn regularly publishes content on different topics, including leadership, finance, innovation, and technology. You can browse using hashtags and get regular notifications in your feed.
6. Podcasts
Podcasts are another excellent resource for entrepreneurs who don’t have the time to read through dozens of articles every day. There are dozens of noteworthy podcasts out there that regularly release new episodes on a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship and leadership.
Try searching for a podcast that educates or sheds light on current trends within your industry. For instance, if your company offers marketing services, you might queue up “How I Built This” or “Scale or Die.” Both shows provide helpful information on essential marketing topics.
Seek out Actionable Advice
The internet is a treasure trove of priceless information produced by successful entrepreneurs for their up-and-coming industry peers. Use sites like WikiEverybody, Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur to learn about other business owners and their paths to success.
