Our last post for this series is all about research. It's a way to receive new and relevant information every day so you can grow your knowledge and stay up to date with changes both in the world of small business and the specific industry you work within.
If you are not familiar with Google Reader, you will quickly learn that it can be both your best friend and your worst enemy at the same time. What Google Reader allows you to do it compile every blog/website/online information source into one place so you don't have to visit each bookmarked URL to check for new posts. It is a time saver, but once you start reading new articles and updates, you will be be surprised at how fast time will past. Make sure to monitor how much time you spend on Google Reader - it can become very addicting!
The first thing you need to do it set up a Google account if you don't have one already (Gmail is a google account) then go to www.google.com/reader and login. You will see the screen below:
Click on 'Add a subscription' at the top left to add the feeds of blogs you want to follow. Where do you find these 'feeds' you may ask? On the Take Root Creative blog it is the orange and white symbol on the right side of the page.
When you click it, you will be directed to the 'feed' of the blog. Copy the URL at the top of your web browser (the 'www.' part) and paste it in the box that appeared when you clicked 'Add a subscription' in Google Reader.
What should you follow? Anything that you find interesting or relevant to your business. You can start with our blog, as well as the blogs of other local businesses in your area. Here are a few other recommendations to get you started:
Mashable.com - this is a great resource for social media news, technology and business tips
American Express Open Forum - this forum features short but extremely relevant articles by contributing business owners.
The Financial Post - features articles online from the print version of the paper
Another way to find relevant blogs is to check out any trade publications your receive in the mail. Chances are high that they have a blog you can subscribe to. Have any favourite resources you already follow? Let us know in the comments section.
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