by Janet Attard
Don't be a loner when you're starting or running a business. Look online and offline for groups where business owners share information about vendors, suppliers, software, hardware and all aspects of running a business. Such discussions can help you find vendors of office supplies, software and hardware, find web design help, find wholesalers and much more.
Locally look both for associations or groups that have members in a broad range of fields such as a Chamber of Commerce, and for industry specific groups such as a manufacturers' or technology association. Attend local trade shows, too, to find out what business products and services are in your region.
Online, look for forums such as the Business Know-How small business forum and for industry-specific mailing lists.
