50 Must-Read Blogs for Entrepreneurs
It's easy to find information online about where to invest or how to manage your startup. Finding expert advice catering to your specific business needs is a different matter entirely. The fifty following entrepreneur blogs are the cream of the crop — indispensable resources for entrepreneurs of any trade searching for news, advice, or community involvement.
News, Opinion and Advice – Marketing – Business Strategy – Going Green – Young Entrepreneurs – e-Commerce – Beyond Business
News, Opinion and Advice
Entrepreneur and life-coach Pamela Slim has started a blog with the aim of assisting in the difficult transition from “corporate prisoner” to “thriving entrepreneur.” As a long-time consultant to major corporations such as HP and Charles Schwab and a certified life coach, Slim has the expertise to help any aspiring entrepreneur find success.
As its title suggests, Business Opportunities focuses more on novel ideas for entrepreneurs than strategies for development and expansion. It is best described as a giant bulletin board of news, opinion, and advice for those seeking entrepreneurial opportunities, especially those of the outside-the-box persuasion.
Dr. Jeff Cornwall's long-running (since 2003) blog mixes news, advice, and expert opinion, delivered with equal parts wit and wisdom. His “Quote of the Week” posts pull from a diverse range of sources to offer a broader perspective on entrepreneurship.
Founder Anita Campbell began her career in law but her interest in business inspired her to start her own media and information company. She created “Small Business Trends” as a resource for entrepreneurs seeking advice and insight in the world of small business management. Her helpful “Small Business News Feed” provides periodic updates with news affecting the small business market.
Subtitled “killer resources for entrepreneurs,” Workhappy.net follows through on its claim, including in each post the subheadings describing who makes the product, what exactly it does, what it costs, and most importantly, “Why is it the killerest?” A worthwhile read for any entrepreneurs looking to expand their business.
Denise O'Berry's posts are to the point, informative, and relevant, which makes her blog an excellent resource for small business owners looking for quick-and-dirty tidbits to help jumpstart or revitalize their business. Her blog is categorized into two sections: “Small Business Tips” and “Small Business Tools,” which together summarize the valuable services this blog provides for its readers.
Killer Startup provides 15+ reviews of the latest internet startups. Readers are treated to brief and informative summaries of the startups and asked to vote for the one they believe to be the most “killer” of the day. Startups that receive the most votes are featured on the “Top 10” page.
8. Next Billion
Next Billion contains interviews with financial experts and other notable figures as part of its mission to connect entrepreneurship and social development. In addition to the blog, the authors host a newsroom, a research archive, and a career center with ample job resources.
9. BizzBangBuzz
Anthony Cerminaro brings a legal point of view to entrepreneurial issues, offering commentary on the important obstacles that startups inevitably face and their most practical solutions. His emphasis on the core concepts of smart business decisions makes for concise and highly informative reading.
10. Startup Lucky
Startup Lucky's self-described goal is to “connect startups with investors around the globe as quickly & efficiently as possible,” which it achieves via video interviews with tech startups who claim to have world-changing potential, to see if they are more than just talk. A valuable resource for potential investors and anyone looking for startup inspiration.
11. Ben Lang
Ben Lang may be only 16 years old, but he has the entrepreneurial expertise of a seasoned veteran. His reviews, interviews and Top 10 lists of everything from how to attract news reporters to how to learn entrepreneurship from Twitter are always worth a look.
Marketing
12. Seth Godin
It's no surprise Godin's blog is ranked #1 in AdAge's Power 150 list of top marketing blogs: with at least one (frequently more) well-written and insightful post per day on a business or marketing subject, Godin is one of the most popular and widely respected voices in the world of entrepreneur blogging. With more than 2,500 posts to date, there is enough information here for a book (and he's written eleven, by the way).
Voted “Best Small Business Marketing Blog” three consecutive years by readers of Marketing Sherpa , John Jantsch's “Duct Tape Marketing” is more than a blog. Besides writing multiple weekly posts on topics from social network integration to creative ways to get more referrals, Jantsch does marketing podcasts (roughly every 10 days) and hosts a wide range of tools, products, and services for the entrepreneur looking to start or expand a business.
Drew McLellan excellent blog offers its readership an in-depth look at the ins and outs of marketing in today's volatile economy. By comparing wild successes with abysmal failures, McLellan shows which strategies work and which are a recipe for disaster, using his entrepreneurial expertise to help illustrate what went wrong, and suggest how it could have been avoided.
15. Blogtrepreneur
Blogtrepreneur focuses on Internet marketing strategies such as search engine optimization, social media marketing, and running a profitable blog. Posts such as “8 Tips for Blogging Noobs” offer valuable advice for keeping afloat in the rapidly evolving domain of internet marketing.
16. Top Rank
Top Rank specializes in social media marketing and search optimization, providing expert advice by interviewing leaders in the field. A superb resource for entrepreneurs in need of online marketing tips.
Author Mike Michalowicz has made quite a name for himself both with his blog and as a speaker and lecturer. His blog has been featured in ABC , US News, and the New York Times, and he has lectured at entrepreneurial programs across the East Coast. He writes “Toilet Paper Entrepreneur” so that those who haven't had the privilege of attending his lectures can have the opportunity to learn from his expertise.
18. Chris Brogan
Brogan is one of the most prolific entrepreneurial bloggers around, frequently posting multiple times a day, but never sacrificing quality for quantity. His area of expertise is adopting web technology to increase efficiency and maximize profitability.
Business Strategy
The Rise to the Top's motto is “Smarter, Faster, Cheaper,” three words that encapsulate the key goals of nearly every small business. Author David Siteman Garland helps readers achieve these goals with his interviews of success stories and keen eye for current business trends.
20. Inspired Startup
Andy Liu's blog is distinctive not only for his liberal use of “lolcats” and other internet gag images; the chuckle-inducing graphics are invariably followed by well-written discussions of the pitfalls and hazards that even the most brilliant of startups must face. His unique personality frequently touches on the lighter side of entrepreneurship, but don't be fooled: he means business.
21. Lifestream
Kevin Kelly writes for a whopping nine blogs, all of which are linked to from “Lifestream.” Topics range from the latest and greatest technology, to how people are actually using said technology, to market trends, and Kelly's own personal ideas on business strategy.
22. I Will Teach You to Be Rich
Founded by the author of the New York Times bestselling book of the same name, this blog has one purpose and one purpose only, as indicated by the title: to help you make more money and to make your money go further. Author Ramit Sethi is a voice to be taken seriously, even when he's not being entirely serious, such as in posts like “Who uses a freaking coupon for DEL TACO?”
Good business strategy is the name of the game at “The Six Disciplines,” which organizes its business outlook around the principle that great ideas are useless without solid implementation plans. Each post focuses on a particular entrepreneurial strategy which is then encapsulated into key points in the “Bottom Line” section.
The Home-Based Business is packed with tools for entrepreneurs looking to start a home business, from posts on how to get work done when the kids are at home to a weekly “Ask the Expert” podcast to links to professional journals. An excellent all-in-one home business resource.
25. Shaboom!
Shaboom! is the go-to website for the entrepreneur who is about to release a new product but doesn't know if it's ready for the market (or if the market is ready for it). Step-by-step procedures and lists of dos and don'ts help clear up your uncertainty over whether you have the next big thing or a surefire flop.
26. Mixergy
Mixergy bills itself as “the place where ambitious upstarts mix,” and its four authors (among them Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia) give a panoramic view of the histories and successes of internet upstarts whose guts and good sense have helped them thrive in the post-dotcom-crash web arena. In addition to interviews, Mixergy features a list of upcoming events for investors looking to get in on the fun.
Going Green
27. Triple Pundit
Triple Pundit takes its name from the authors' “Triple Bottom Line,” the three criteria of economic, ecological, and social success in evaluating the success of an organization. Their blog provides information for developing businesses to succeed along all three dimensions, focusing especially on how to maintain profits while switching to more energy-efficient technology.
28. Ecopreneurist
For business owners interested in sustainable and socially responsible entrepreneurship, Ecopreneurist provides frequent updates on the latest eco-friendly technology and expert advice on reducing the environmental impact of your business.
Green Advertising takes a look at “eco-friendly” commercials from around the world, analyzing their effectiveness in demonstrating environmental responsibility while simultaneously marketing a brand. Their “Great Ads” section is an great resource for marketers looking for outstanding examples.
30. Sustainable Business Design
Based on their belief that “sustainable business is good business,” Sustainable Business Design aims to provide a broad picture of how both large and small businesses respond to the call for sustainable practices. The site also features monthly listings of webinars on sustainable business.
Dubbed the “guru of green business practices” by the Associated Press, Joel Makower has the knowledge and experience to help make the dream of a clean, sustainable future become a reality. Makower shows how striving for green business will benefit not only the environment but also the business itself, and emphasizes that going green must extend beyond marketing to all areas of business practice.
Young Entrepreneurs
Launched in 1999 as a social networking forum for startups and investors, Young Entrepreneurs has expanded to become one of the largest online communities for entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds. Its community of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors provides essential information and support for any type of conundrum.
33. Young Upstarts
Author Daniel Goh is currently updating his blog from Singapore, but the innovative ideas he brings to the table are no less applicable to the domestic scene. His “Ideaspotting” and “Rumor Mill” pages provide updates on the latest trends and innovations in the online marketplace.
34. Young Entrepreneur Foundation
YEF is a leading provider of entrepreneurial education for high school students, and its commitment to helping build the next generation of young entrepreneurs extends to its blog. Here you will find resources for aspiring small business owners and connections to top-tier entrepreneurial organizations and programs.
35. Ben Casnocha
Named one of PoliticsOnline's 25 most influential people in the world of internet and politics, Casnocha has been a major figure in the business arena since he founded Comcate, Inc. at the age of 14. His blog combines reporting and opinion on current events with commentary on business trends and strategies.
36. Newly Corporate
Newly Corporate is the young professional's guide to surviving and thriving in the modern marketplace. Posts offer advice on such topics as pre-marital finance issues and how to find time to exercise amid a crammed work schedule.
37. Mind Petals
David Askaripour's blog is perfect for the recent business school graduate looking for advice on the next step in life. His approach to entrepreneur blogging is unique in his focus on the creative side of business strategy and his emphasis on spiritual richness as equally or more important than financial success.
38. Retire @ 21
Author Michael Dunlop's bio states that he is living the Internet lifestyle, meaning “I get to sleep and do what I want, when I want.” He uses his blog to assist other young professionals in attaining similar luxury and freedom in their careers.
e-Commerce
39. Get Elastic
Get Elastic is one of the most popular and successful entrepreneur blogs, mainly thanks to author Linda Bustos's tireless work promoting and critiquing the scores of web analytics and SEO strategies at the hands of e-Commerce entrepreneurs. Her many posts are archived by category for easy searching.
40. e-Commerce and Search Marketing
Entrepreneurs and investors looking to navigate the world of search engine optimization would be advised to use this excellent blog as their guide. The site offers a wealth of strategic and economic advice for maximizing customer satisfaction and loyalty in the world of Internet business.
Exciting Commerce was founded by German tech guru Jochen Krisch in 2001 to explore the as-yet untapped potential of online retailing. His blog keeps readers informed about the latest trends in web technology and Internet startups with a focus on social media.
More of a community hub for many different blogs, podcasts, and webinar hosts to share ideas and news related to e-business, Practical e-Commerce also features its own well-written, insightful news and analysis articles for the online entrepreneur.
The Forrester Blog is a compendium of articles written by analysts for the e-Business & Strategy Channel Professionals group. Besides e-business marketing and strategy, there is excellent analysis of the industry and latest information technology.
44. Income Diary
Income Diary is dedicated to the art of making money online, taught by one of the masters, Michael Dunlop (who also writes the Retire @ 21 blog). Dunlop's blog will help young entrepreneurs maximize their startup's moneymaking potential from start to finish. His “Just Starting” page features an eleven-step procedure for turning an idea into a profit that is beautiful in its simplicity.
Business and Beyond
Australian internet business entrepreneur Yaro Starak uses his life as an example while giving expert advice on becoming a successful web entrepreneur. He often takes a big-picture view on entrepreneurship, bringing issues such as sense of self and the perils of ignorance to bear on his explorations of successful business practice.
Jonathan Fields draws from his varied experiences as a health and fitness entrepreneur, lawyer, yoga teacher, and devoted husband and father to offer “conversations, strategies and solutions” for aspiring small business owners. His unique background comes through in posts covering such topics as spiritualism and psychological studies of intelligence
47. Blog Maverick
Owner of the NBA franchise Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban may be the most recognizable entrepreneur around. His entertaining and informative blog covers current events in business and technology, delivered with opinions worth listening to not only because of his mega-millionaire status but also because he clearly knows his stuff.
Guy Kawasaki is one of the brightest young stars of the entrepreneurial galaxy, and his blog “How to Change the World” shows what the fuss is about. Kawasaki was on the Apple team that marketed the original Macintosh, and helped pioneer the concept of “evangelism”—creating a devoted user following. His blog is an excellent resource for marketers on the hunt for strategic innovation.
49. Erin Blaskie
Blaskie got her career start in Internet marketing, but her blog casts a much wider net, covering issues ranging from social media to ChatRoulette to how to spot a scam. She is also an avid tweeter, with over 20,000 followers eager to hear her daily thoughts.
Rounding off the top 50 is Britt Bravo's marketing blog that is about much more than marketing. She carries out her mission to “facilitate people having fun and doing good while realizing their big vision for a better world” through lengthy, detailed posts in which she argues for having a “big vision” in marketing rather than focusing on minutiae.