Do you like to read good content online? I sure do. One of the key secrets to being successful in business is to be a voracious reader. I learn a great deal by reading individual and corporate blogs online. If you're like me, I bet you want to to know who provides the most valuable content at every stage of business ownership. I put together a list of 10 top small business blogs to follow to help you improve skills for running your small business. Remember, you must grow yourself to lead your business effectively.
1. Harvard Business Review
If you want great content about leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation there is plenty to read on hbr.org. They have a ton of experts and regular writers who examine all aspects of building a growth engine for your business.
What I Like About It: They do a great job with categorizing the content so that you are reading exactly what you are interested in.
2. FedEx Small Business Center
The FedEx Small Business Center blog is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed, with easy access to innovative and actionable ideas, tips, and solutions.
What I Like About It: Pretty much any question you could have about how to launch an ecommerce business, go international or handle logistics is answered here.
3. Bplans Blog
While this blog, run by Bplans, a company that sells business planning software, covers a wide range of business-related topics, by far, its strength is its information on business planning. Tim Berry, the founder of Bplans' parent company, is an expert on business plans, and has plenty of content on the blog.
What I Like About It: In addition to fabulous content, the site also offers a ton of business plans to review, free business calculators, templates, and tools.
4. Small Business Trends
If you have to pick one comprehensive site that provides how-to tips, industry news, and trends, it should be Small Business Trends.
What I Like About It: Rather than covering just one component of running a business, this blog covers the gamut, from technology to marketing to finance. They're also cutting-edge on delivering breaking news that's relevant to entrepreneurs.
5. Nextiva's Blog
I'm fortunate enough to contribute to Nextiva's Blog, which has an impressive stable of writers like Barry Moltz, Yaniv Masjedi, and Rieva Lesonsky.
6. Hubspot's Marketing Blog
Another great resource for marketing is Hubspot's Marketing Blog. Hubspot is one of the thought leaders in the marketing world, and constantly releases reports, data, and research that people around the world quote.
What I Like About It: While Hubspot's Marketing Blog provides really insightful content, it's not the only valuable resource there. There's also a Sales Blog, as well as an Agency Blog, and more free marketing resources than you have time to read.
What I Like About It: Because each business expert has his or her own area of thought leadership, all the content is well-written and specific to that niche.
7. Infusionsoft's Blog
If you're weak in marketing, Infusionsoft's blog can get you on track. The blog offers a well-rounded selection of content about email marketing, networking, growth, and sales.
What I Like About It: The content is straightforward, well-written, and simple. Some blogs over-complicate what should be direct and easy.
8. Smart Hustle
Less of a blog and more of a magazine, Smart Hustle focuses on helping entrepreneurs accelerate their growth. You'll find interviews with successful business owners like the investors from Shark Tank, as well as insightful commentary on what's happening in the small business world.
What I Like About It: Hearing what business celebrities like Guy Kawasaki and Daymond John is always inspiring, and there are plenty of interviews with these folks on the site.
9. Side Hustle Nation
While most small business blogs target entrepreneurs who are full-time in their endeavor, Side Hustle Nation appeals to a smaller -- but still very relevant -- niche: those who start their businesses while working a day job.
What I Like About It: In addition to the great information in the blog posts, you can also listen to the blog's podcast.
10. Microsoft SMB Blog
Security and technology are two areas that many entrepreneurs overlook, but they're just as important as any other component of running a business. In this Microsoft blog, written by Vice President Cindy Bates, you can stay on top of security risks and technology trends.
What I Like About It: I love the fact that Cindy, as busy as she is, consistently delivers really valuable content for the small business audience.
And here's my shameless plus don't forget to check out my blog too, succeedasyourownboss.com for tools and tips on how to grow a business and leverage social media.
Which small business blogs do YOU read?