I'm a big fan of step-by-step tutorials that teach you how to do something in a straightforward and easy-to-follow way. How to's are one of the most efficient ways to learn something new and apply it immediately.

I compiled 10 of the most popular tutorials on this site, related to starting a small business. Many readers have used these tutorials to get their businesses off the ground, and I hope you can, too!

Feature Article: 
10 Powerful Small Business How-To's You Need to Follow

Photo © nkzs

Staples is giving away a total of $250,000 worth of free television advertising to five U.S. small businesses as part of their "Give Your Small Business the Push It Needs" contest. The five winners will each receive $50,000.00 worth of broadcast TV advertising in their local TV market.

How to Enter

Small business owners must submit a 15-second video stating the name, description and location of your business; and a statement about what makes your business unique on Staples' Facebook page.

Entry Deadline

March 14, 2012

Get Video Help

New to video recording? Here are a few articles that will help you make sure you give your business the best chance possible to win:

• 7 Tips for Better Audio Recording
• Record Webcam Videos That Look and Sound Great
• Make Great Videos With Your Phone

Image © Staples

Many readers contact me every week, asking for help with their business planning and marketing processes. I get regular requests for marketing plan samples, business plan templates and other "cheat-sheet" documents. I understand what it's like to be strapped for time and overwhelmed by the process, so I always try to help. Plus, business plans and marketing plans may be two of the most powerful documents you will ever prepare for your business, so I certainly understand why they are hot topics.

The problem with sample documents or pre-filled templates, though, is that they aren't universal. Sure, you could modify some of the information, but unless you're willing to do the research and the legwork to really make those sample plans relevant for your business, they are very limited in their usefulness. They may even hurt your planning process and contribute to you missing key information.

That's why I created a marketing plan tutorial and a streamlined (and less stressful) business plan tutorial. These step-by-step guides will help you create your own plans, based on the information that is most important to your business. These are the kinds of documents that will grow with your business and become your most important tools that you use on a daily basis.

So, I urge you to ditch the marketing plan samples and business plan templates, and put some time into these tutorials. I streamlined and broke down the process into easy-to-follow steps so you can create your own documents that will become blueprints for your small business.

Business Planning and Marketing Tutorials:

• How to Write a Small Business Marketing Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Write a Simple Business Plan

Photo © lusi

A few weeks ago, I shared a list of 47 small business ideas. I received such great feedback on the list, that I decided to expand it into 101 small business ideas. I made sure that I included a mix of home-based businesses, retail businesses, personal services, online businesses, and a little of almost everything in between.

So if you are thinking of starting a new business, but haven't decided on one opportunity yet, this list is a must-read. You are sure to be inspired!

Feature Article:
101 Small Business Ideas

More Business Startup Resources

• The Basics: How to Start a Business
• 10 of the Most Common Small Business Startup Mistakes
• Business Plan Help for the Overwhelmed Small Business Owner

Photo © kristja