links

The Internet is an incredible resource for business. Here is a very small sample of primarily not-for-profit, social network, and government sites that are worthy of exploration. The commercial sites are rather obviously commercial, but provide a distinctive insight into new business trends. None of these sites have a financial relationship with vSC Web Group; but vSC Web Group may have membership in them.

Business-oriented Social Networking Groups

The contemporary digital version of the business social club -- Rotary, Kiwanis, Sertoma, Optimists -- has emerged over the past decade. These also connect people via proximity but on many more levels than simply geography. Participation tends to come from younger, tech, and entepreneurial business. The focus tends towards networking.

Smaller Indiana	This is a social network group open to businesses in Indiana. There are various boards, forums, some under development. It's worth looking at all, as content isn't categorized.
At the Top Networking	This Indianapolis group has filled something of the space of the well-regarded Entrepreneur's Alliance. The group holds a spring and fall conference with high intensity interaction. As the group says, "At The Top is for business people on the fast track."
Linked In	LinkedIn isn't locally based, but it has become one of the major groups for business networking. Many Indianapolis professionals have joined. The most successful members are the most active.

General Social Networking

Although one might relegate social networking sites as a group to the young, they are becoming an important tool for business. The links provided to the commercial side are provided as an idea starter.

Twitter	Twitter started out with a simple concept -- allow users to type a maximum of 140 to anyone who wanted to read. One wonders what the value is. But, Twitter has become a virtual office water cooler -- where people share a quick opinion or what's happening at the moment. This link shows Twitter's guide for businesses.
Facebook	Facebook began as a social network for college students. It has become the largest social network worldwide.
foursquare	Foursquare tracks your whereabouts by your login. It's like a location-specific Twitter, where users can post reviews of restaurants, movies, etc. It offers another way to connect with possible visitors by creating an account at your physical address.
yelp	Yelp's purpose is to allow people to rate businesses, and is one of the most popular of such. You'll want to check it out to find out what's being said about YOUR business. Those yelpers can be a boisterous bunch.

Indiana-focused Online Resources

Government has many programs and much information available to support small business. Many programs are tailored to specific needs, and may not be appropriate for all comers. But, there is a wealth of impartial information available, networking possibilities, and grant funding. Here are some links.

Federal Small Business Resource for Indiana
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Indiana Small Business Development Center
Indiana Economic Development
Multi-service State agency	Disadvantaged, minority and women business enterprises
Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana
SCORE	"Counselors to America's Small Business"
Indiana Small Business Development Center
SBA Indiana Focus
2010-2011 SBA Indiana Guide	Details on setting up a business
Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce	Check Connecting for networking events