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In the Loop

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Get To Know the Business.gov Community

by Moderator on 10-06-2009 04:52 PM

They say it takes a village to raise a child; we say it takes a community to run a small business.

 

If you haven't already visited, or if you've visited but haven't had a chance to look around, we'd like to introduce you to the Business.gov Community.  The Community provides a forum for you to connect with other business owners for advice, camaraderie, and even potential partnerships. The Community also offers blog articles on topics that run the gamut of small business issues.

 

What will I find?

The Community is designed to cover a broad range of topics, all associated with small businesses. The Community is divided into three areas:

 

In the Discuss Popular Topics section of the Community, members ask and answer questions, and discuss business issues with one another. There are six categories within this section of the Community:

 

This last category, "Other Business Issues", includes questions and answers on advertising, social marketing, the best software to use as a small business, and much more. The Discussion Boards section also includes a listing of small business-focused events - critical for any small business just starting out or looking to reach the next level.

 

The Expert Insight and News section is where government and industry experts provide information in five focused blogs:

  • Small Business Matters, which provides helpful and easy-to-understand tips for small and home-based businesses
  • Business Law Advisor, offering assistance with complying with business laws and regulations
  • Small Business Cents, where you can find the official word on government grants and loans and now with additional financial information for small businesses
  • In the Loop, where you can learn how the Business.gov program is helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed
  • The Industry Word, where notable small business specialists share their expertise

 

And, finally, the Idea Exchange is the place where Community members present and discuss their own topic ideas in a forum style. One of the more recent posts, "What is the one thing you wished you knew BEFORE you started your business?" has been getting a lot of attention and providing a lot of advice for Community members who thinking about starting their own business.

 

How Do I Participate?

Join the more than 5,000 small business owners who participate in the Business.gov Community. Member registration simply requires a login, password, and an e-mail address.

 

It does not cost anything to join; it does not cost anything to participate. In fact, participating may help you save time and money as you gain new ideas and insights into how best to run your small business.

 

Welcome to the Business.gov Community!

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About In the Loop
Provides transparent information on Business.gov’s plans and status.

About the Author
  • Hi! I'm Ari and I am a consultant for the U.S. government, supporting the Business Gateway program. I've been on the team since 2009 and I have a background in small businesses, since my dad has owned one since I was 6! I'm really interested in trying to help anyone out there who has a business question. Enjoy the community and don't hesitate to make the most of all the resources on Business.gov!
  • Caron Beesley has over 15 years of experience working in marketing, with a particular focus on the government sector. Caron is also a small business owner and works with the Business.gov team to promote essential government resources for small business owners.
  • Hi! I am a consultant supporting the Business Gateway program. I look forward to hearing from you.
  • Hello, and welcome to the Business.gov Community. I am a consultant for the U.S. government, supporting the Business Gateway program. Several of my family members own their own businesses, and I'm interested in learning how others in the small business community are doing.
  • Hi, my name is Steve. I am a Presidential Management Fellow working with the fantastic Business.Gov team. Our goal is to continually improve this community to meet your needs, so we appreciate your feedback and participation.
  • Hi! I'm a consultant for the Business Gateway who hosts Business.gov. I have been a small business owner for over 18 years. I'm excited that information on running a successful business is becoming more and more accessible. When I first started it was impossible to get the tax forms I needed let alone figure out how to fill them out. I wish you great success!
  • Hi - I'm Sue and I work as a marketing consultant for Business.gov and the Business.gov Community. Both my husband and I run small businesses so we are very familiar with the highs and lows of being entrepreneurs. I help to promote the Business.gov Community and am excited to be part of such a vibrant community of diverse businesses and experiences. Looking forward to hearing and learning from you!
  • Hi! My name is Zaneta. I'm a consultant for the Business Gateway program and a content manager for Business.gov. I write content for the site; blogs; and send e-mail updates on timely news across federal and state government. I'm looking forward to hearing about topics that interest you and how we can expand and clarify information on the site.