Business Info Guide: Small Business, Internet Marketing, Entrepreneur Interviews & Resources » Industry Guides

There are several ways you can locate wholesale suppliers. One of the best ways is to attend trade shows for your industry. Virtually every industry hosts trade shows throughout the year. Visit the tradeshow network at http://www.tsnn.com for a good directory of events.

Along the line of trade shows, you can also check out trade associations for your industry. For example, if you want to sell specialty coffee, you can join a coffee trade association. These associations typically publish newsletters that list vendors and other resources for people in the industry, not to mention great networking opportunities. To locate associations, try an internet search with the following combinations:

trade association (industry)
association (industry)
resources (industry)

An internet search is also a great way to find wholesale suppliers. For example, you can search for:
wholesale (industry)
supplies (industry)
resources (industry)
distributor (industry)

Finally, you can also contact vendors directly. For example, I own a bookstore and we sell unique gifts and greeting cards. I always have my eye out for interesting products whenever I’m out shopping in a new city. When I come across something interesting in a gift shop, such as a neat line of bookmarks, I buy one and then get in touch with the company listed on the label. Sometimes the company sells at wholesale directly, or they may refer you to their distributor.

Once you make contact with a few vendors, you might be surprised by the number of catalogs you start to receive! You should end up on a variety of mailing lists and soon you’ll have your choice of all kinds of products.

Books for Opening a Retail Store:

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RETAIL INDUSTRY ~ RETAIL BUSINESS ~ OPEN A STORE ~ WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS

Author – Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:26:14 +0000

Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing – Resources for Getting Published

Interested in getting your book published? Following are resources for learning about traditional publishing and self-publishing.

Articles for Authors:

Visit BIG’s Industry Guide for Freelance Writing

Visit BIG’s Industry Guide for Infopreneurs & e-book marketers

Thinking about publishing a book? Visit AuthorityPublishing.com for custom book publishing and author marketing services. We specialize in business, self-help and non-fiction books.

PR Splash: Submit an online press release using our simple system. Registration is free, and you may choose from either free or paid submissions. Paid submissions allow you to submit links to your site and images such as company logos.

Trade Associations for Writers:

Small Publisher’s Association of North America (SPAN):http://www.spannet.org

American Society of Business Publication Editors: http://www.asbpe.org/

American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA):http://www.asja.org/

Arizona Book Publishing Association: http://www.azbookpub.com/

Association of Authors and Publishers: http://www.authorsandpublishers.org/

Bay Area Independent Publishers Association: http://www.baipa.org/

Book Publishers Northwest: http://www.bpnw.org/

Cat Writers Association: http://www.catwriters.org/

Catholic Book Publishers Association:http://www.cbpa.org/

Colorado Independent Publishers Association: http://www.cipabooks.com/

Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association: http://www.aboutcapa.com/

Directory & Database Publishers Forum & Network: http://www.dpfn.com/

Editorial Freelancers Association: http://www.the-efa.org/

Florida Publishers Association: http://www.flbookpub.org/

Illinois Women’s Press Association: http://www.iwpa.org/

Independent Writers of Southern California: http://www.iwosc.org/

Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc.: http://www.ire.org/

Minnesota Book Publishers Round Table: http://www.publishersroundtable.org/

National Association of Women Writers: http://www.naww.org/

National Writers Association: http://www.nationalwriters.com/

New Mexico Book Association: http://www.nmbook.org/

Northern California Publishers & Authors Association: http://www.norcalpa.org

Online News Association: http://www.journalists.org/

Publishers Association of the South: http://www.pubsouth.org/

Sisters in Crime: http://www.sistersincrime.org/

Small Publishers, Artists, and Writers Network: http://www.spawn.org/

Society of American Business Editors and Writers: http://www.sabew.org/sabewweb.nsf

St. Louis Publishers Association:http://www.stlouispublishers.org/

The Writers Collective: http://www.writerscollective.org/

Wisconsin Regional Writers Association: http://www.wrwa.net/

Writers League of Texas:http://www.writersleague.org/

Forums for Writers:

Writers.net

Yahoo Group: Self Publishing

Yahoo Group: Internet Authors

Yahoo Group: POD Publishers

Yahoo Group: Ebook Community

Backspace

AuthorZone

Ryze Writers & Editors

Writing Forums

Ecademy Writers and Publishers

Media Bistro

The Next Big Writer

Fan Story

Publishing Industry & Book Publishing:

Writers.net - Resource for writers with discussion forums and agent info.

Predators and Editors offers a listing of literary agents along with warnings and recommendations.

Association of Authors Representatives – Agents who are members must follow a code of conduct.

Publishers Weekly is the news source for book publishing and book selling.

Author Link provides resources for editors, agents, writers, and readers.

Book Expo America is the industry’s leading event for authors and publishers.

Shaw Guides – Provides a comprehensive list of writers’ conferences.

Write News – News on the publishing industry.

Government information on registering a copyright for your literary works.

Publishing Central - Publishing industry links and information.

Hokum Home - Information for fiction and technical writers.

Publishing Trends – Information on trends in book publishing.

Publishing Syndicate – Resources for writers and contributors to Chicken Soup for the Soul series books.

Self Publishing and Print on Demand:

Authority Publishing – Custom publishing/self-publishing assistance and author marketing services. Specializing in business, self-help and non-fiction books.

Page Free Publishing – Print on demand service.

Aventine Press – Print on demand service.

Book Locker - Print on demand and eBook service.

iUniverse – Print on demand service.

Xlibris – Print on demand service.

Lulu – Do-it-yourself publishing.

Para Publishing – Dan Poynter’s website for self-publishing information.

Book Zone Pro offers resources for publishing.

The Small Press Center provides resources for small publishers.

Publish on Demand.net – Comparison information for leading publish on demand service providers.

Digital Printers:

Lightning Source/Ingram Book Group digitally publishes books and also produces ebooks for publishers. Ingram handles distribution. Located in TN.

On Demand Press prints books for publishers. Located in GA.

Books Just Books prints books for publishers. Located in NY.

Book Marketing:

Publishers Marketing Association

Small Publishers Association of North America

Authority Publishing - Provides author marketing services for non-fiction authors.

Entrepreneur-Authors – Free Facebook group for entrepreneurs who are authors (or aspiring authors).

Interview by Jenna Glatzer of AbsoluteWrite.com with Publicity Hound, Joan Stewart. Great book promotion tips.

Book Market – Information for marketing books, eBooks, etc.

Book Page – Book reviews on all subjects, advanced review copies accepted.

Karen Villanueva is a publicist for authors.

The Midwest Book Review publishes influential book reviews and is especially friendly to self-publishers.

Get Known Now – Marketing information for writers of self-help.

The Independent Book Publishers Association – resources for self-published authors.

Francine Silverman’s Book Promotion Newsletter includes tips and real-world examples of effective book promotions.

Combined Book Exhibit allows publishers to promote their books at industry trade shows.

Blogs about Books

Books About Publishing, Self Publishing:

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GET PUBLISHED ~ PUBLISH A BOOK ~ AUTHORS ~ BOOK PROMOTION ~ PUBLISHING RESOURCES

Professional Speaker/Professional Speaking Business

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:53:22 +0000

Become a Professional Speaker or Start a Professional Speaking Business

Articles for Authors and Professional Speakers:

Industry Resources:

The National Speakers Association offers dozens of resources and benefits for members.

The American Seminar Leaders Association offers resources for members and a certification program.

Speak and Grow Rich.com is Dottie Walters’ site for speaking professionals. Subscribe to Sharing Ideas magazine for valuable industry information.

Speakernet News is a newsletter for people in the speaking profession.

Tom Antion’s site offers information on becoming a public speaker.

Toast Masters is an organization where speakers can perfect their skills. There are local chapters and regular meetings.

Professional Speakers Association offers benefits for its members.

Locate statistics on the public speaking industry from Para Publishing.

Audio Visual Headquarters – Audio & video equipment for events.

The Learning Annex has locations in major cities across the U.S. and seeks expert instructors for classes on all kinds of subjects.

Speaker’s Bureaus and Directories:

Speaker Match

Premiere Speakers

World Class Speakers and Entertainers

Authors and Experts

School Bookings

Eagles Talent Connection

Brooks International Speakers Bureau

21st Century Speakers

Clifford Agency

International Speaker’s Bureau

Speaker Services

Books for Professional Speakers:

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PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER – PUBLIC SPEAKING – BECOME A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER

Professional Organizer/Organizing Business

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:44:47 +0000

Start a Professional Organizer/Organizing Business

Professional Organizer Industry Associations and Resources:

Educating Organizers – Provides virtual training for new and existing professional organizers.

The National Association of Professional Organizers – Mission: To develop, lead, and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry. This site also offers local and regional chapters across the nation.

Professional Organizers Web Ring – Networking and promotion opportunities for professional organizers.

Professional Organizer Training Programs – Education for new professional organizers.

Organizing Network – Site to promote your professional organizing business.

National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization – Learn about the psychology behind those that are chronically disorganized (just for professional organizers).

Faithful Organizers – Provides community support and networking opportunities for Christian Professional Organizers.

The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers – Additional organization training to further promote your ability to your clients.

OnlineOrganizing.com – Meet other professional organizers. Has good articles and opportunities to write your own articles.

Professional Organizers of Canada – Trade association for organizers in Canada.

Other Useful Links:

Organize.com

Organizeatoz.com

Storables.com

Containerstore.com

Neatreceipts.com

Books for Starting a Professional Organizer Business:

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Pet Services Business – Doggie Daycare, Grooming, Pet Sitting and More

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:36:13 +0000

Start a Pet Business – Doggie Daycare, Dog Grooming, Dog Walking, Pet Store or Other Pet-Related Business

Dog Grooming Business:

National Dog Groomers Association of America

Pet Groomer – Pet grooming info and message boards.

Pet Products:

Pet Food Institute – Pet Food Industry.

American Pet Product Manufacturers Association

World Wide Pet Supply Association

Healthy Pooch – Healthy pet products.

Pet Age – Resource for retailers.

Doctors Foster Smith – Retail pet products.

PIDA.org – Pet Industry Distributors Organization.

Pet Chow Express – Source for holistic pet food.

Pet Business Industry Information:

Pet Business – Pet industry magazine.

Pet Age Magazine – Pet business information.

Planet Pets – Business to business portal for pet-related businesses.

Pets Hub – Information on various pet businesses.

Pet Health:

American Veterinary Medical Association

American Animal Hospital Association

Special Needs Pets – Information for disabled pets.

Pet Health Guide – Pet health information.

Pet Insurance – Information on pet insurance.

Pet Education – Pet information from Doctors Foster & Smith.

Ask the Vet – Answers to pet health questions.

Pet Sitting:

Vet Tech Pet Sitting

Eclipse – Software for pet sitting and training.

Pet Sitting Info – Information on pet sitting.

Pet Sitters Biz

Petsit.com – Pet Sitters International website.

Petsitters.com – Pet sitters information.

Pet Sitter How-to – More pet sitter biz info.

Pet Sitters Insurance – Insurance for pet sitters.

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Other Animal Info:

EquiSearch – Resources for horse owners.

Dog Services:

Camp Bow Wow – Doggie day care franchise.

Association of Pet Dog Trainers

American Boarding Kennels Association – Information for boarders and dog day care providers.

Books for Starting a Pet Business, Pet Sitting Business, Grooming, Doggie Daycare Business:

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START A PET BUSINESS ~ PET SITTING ~ DOG GROOMING ~ DOG TRAINING ~ BUSINESS

Online Business/Internet Business

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:46:03 +0000

How to Start an Online Business/Internet Business

If you’ve been thinking about starting a website or online business, you’ve come to the right place. Here we provide you with the resources to help you get started. We even share the vendors we use to manage our own internet businesses. Learn how to get your internet business started today!

Internet Business Articles:

Website Hosting:

We trust Yahoo! to host this website. Packages start at less than $12 per month!

Website Design Software:

We use FrontPage to maintain this site, though Dreamweaver is another popular option for site developers. For a great resource on learning how to develop websites, visit www.webmonkey.com.

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Website Templates:

Use a template to build your website (we did!). Templates allow you to save a lot of time on website design so you can launch your online business right away. Website templates start at around $20 from The Template Store and we think they are worth every penny:

Credit Card Payment Processing & Shopping Cart Solution:

The costs for setting up merchant account services can be quite high. PayPal has come to the rescue of small businesses everywhere with excellent services for payment processing. They even have free shopping cart software which works great for small businesses!

Automation:

You can evaluate numerous vendors to obtain shopping cart software, merchant card processing, affiliate programs, and auto-responders to manage your email correspondence, just be sure that all of the services can work together. Or you can turn to a provider that offers all of these solutions in one package: 1ShoppingCart.com does it all!

Marketing:

Overture offers one of the most popular pay-per-click advertising programs to help drive traffic to your website.

For more small business resources, visit our Business Tools Directory and our Service Providers Directory.

ONLINE BUSINESS – START A WEBSITE – INTERNET BUSINESS – START AN ONLINE BUSINESS

Mobile Notary Service Business

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:34:11 +0000

How to Start and Run a Mobile Notary Service Business

Notary service providers witness the signing of important documents such as real estate transactions, insurance, marriage and divorce papers, and letters.A state exam is required for certification. This service is in high demand with realtors and title companies and can be conducted from home, in restaurants or title company offices. Fees are usually charged as a flat rate per service.

National Notary Association – Provides resources for notary service providers, supplies, insurance, and additional information.

Notary-Services.com – A membership directory providing listings of businesses who contract notary service providers.

Accurate Sign-ups - A directory of mobile notary service providers.

Notary Websites.com – Provides website design and hosting for notaries along with a service directory.

Notary Certification Information for All Fifty States:

Alabama * Alaska * Arizona * Arkansas * California * Colorado * Connecticut * Delaware * Florida * Georgia * Hawaii * Idaho * Illinois * Indiana * Iowa * Kansas * Kentucky * Louisiana * Maine * Maryland * Massachusetts * Michigan * Minnesota * Mississippi * Missouri * Montana * Nebraska * Nevada * New Hampshire * New Jersey * New Mexico * New York * North Carolina * North Dakota * Ohio * Oklahoma * Oregon * Pennsylvania * Rhode Island * South Carolina * South Dakota * Tennessee * Texas * Utah * Vermont * Virginia * Washington * West Virginia * Wisconsin * Wyoming

Books for Starting a Notary Business:

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NOTARY SERVICE INDUSTRY GUIDE ~ START A NOTARY BUSINESS ~ START NOTARY SERVICE