July 10, 2007 | Category: Branding |

Here’s a roundup of a few resources and tips for would-be small business owners and entrepreneurs. Please note that inclusion here is a not an endorsement and that you should thoroughly analyze any of the following that are web services before spending any money.

1. Start your company.
   While incorporating is not something you should jump into without weigh all the consequences, if you want to do it, MyNewCompany lets you incorporate or form an LLC online. Please read their fine print thoroughly before signing up.
2. Get an identity.
   For most consumers, a logo is what they use to start forming a complex opinion of a new business. If you don’t have a logo, it’ll be hard to be memorable. If you’ve incorporated, then a logo is one of the next steps in building your identity. There’s a lot of value in a unique logo design.
3. Have business card replacements.
   Got a logo but don’t have any business cards on your person? If you have a personal website that uses your name, or know that your name ranks #1 in Google (or Yahoo), the next best thing to a business card is to say Just Google Me. Just make sure your name is easy to remember and spell. Having a unique name doesn’t hurt, either. When you do get some new business cards, consider getting some unique mini-cards from Moo, which allows you to incorporate one of your many social networking profiles. My Moo mini-cards simply have my name and my Skype username.
4. Branding help.
   You’ve got your incorporation, logo and business cards. What next? A brand. Zoomstart is offering a free 15-pg PDF ebook on the basics of branding a blog, product, or service. This includes tips on how to define, design and promote your brand.
5. Press releases.
   Now your business is all prepped and ready to go. Now you want to announce it, a product or service. Duct Tape Marketing offers a free online press release creator. Once it produces your nicely formatted press release, you can send use an online press service such as PRWeb.