Best resources for women business owners

When you start a business, you often know what you want to do but maybe not necessarily how/when/where to do it.  After all, you are an expert at what you do, but not necessarily an expert at starting a business.

Below is my first list of the best resources for women business owners in Seattle.  We are lucky to live in a city with so many good things to offer, so feel free to add your favorites  in the comments.  And be sure to subscribe so you can catch future "best of" columns.

Best Business Newspaper

• The Puget Sound Business Journal:  A weekly dose of what's going on in the region with an events calendar, promotions page, and plenty of special editions on topics from healthcare to small business.  Don't get the PSBJ?  Contact Elizabeth Case for a free 5-week trial.

Best Online Networking Group

• Biznik:  Dan McComb and Lara Eve Feltin have created an amazing network of online networking, learning, and business promotion and added a unique layer missing from other social networking sites:  actual human interaction.  Join Biznik and attend dozens of local learning and networking events (most of them free), and follow up with your new contacts online.  Go with the paid membership and forgo a few coffees each month - the search engine optimization you get for your business will be worth the price of membership alone.

Best Networking Group for Women

• eWomen Network of Seattle is one of dozens of chapters across the United States and one of the biggest in the nation.  100+ women regularly meet in both Bellevue and Seattle each month for networking, lunch, and a guest speaker.  Develop your "dream team" of supportive entrepreneurial women through this group and grow your business.

Best Business Attorney for Women

• Stacey Romberg has been in practice for over 20 years and is located in Greenlake.  Besides volunteering her time with some pro bono work, Stacey also partners with other professionals like financial advisors to help you get your business in order. 

Best CPA for Women Business Owners

• Chris Sullivan of Stanford Munko is the most personable and interesting CPA I've ever met.  He answers questions - dumb and not so dumb - and never misses a deadline.  He takes time with his clients and is conveniently located near Hale's Brewery in Ballard (for celebrating your good fortune!). 

Best CoWorking Space

• Meeting clients on the East Side?  Check out The Village Bellevue for their convenient location, free parking, and excellent customer service.  Another bonus:  you never know what kind of interesting people you will meet working there.  You can also catch a variety of networking events in their lounge area.  Full-time members can even have receptionist and mail delivery services.
• Staying in Seattle for business?  Indies love working at Office Nomads on Capitol Hill.  They even have a great 5-day free trial (read the website for details).  Convenient parking in the garage across the street, or take the bus if you are in the city. 

Best Mail Service:

• Please don't start a business without a business address.  If you work from home, use a post office box or one of dozens of UPS Mail Centers in the area.  UPS will receive your mail, hold packages, send/receive faxes, and take care of all your copying, printing, and shipping needs.  Go to www.ups.com to find a location near you. 

Now that you have your workspace, business address, financial, legal, and networking needs sorted out, we'll tackle marketing, publicity, and sales next time.