I’m always looking for creative, economic and efficient ways to maximize my time and productivity. As a small business owner, I rely on the support and networking of online groups, newsletters, and most of all, free resources. The internet is full of excellent sites. I focus on those catering to women and moms in small business.

Women for Hire is always a wealth of information on so many different levels. I love the articles and tips, which always give me a heads up on what is current and hot in the job market. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you haven’t already!

Another great free resource is Skype, which is free if you call computer to computer. It enables you to network and communicate with associates and contacts without breaking the bank. I often visit the SCORE site which offers samples of business plans and tips on how to survive the recession.

A great site that offers networking and smart advice from like minded moms is mompreneursonline.com. Since time is always of an essence for me, I look for great online courses that I can take at my convenience.

The Small Business Administration site offers some great opportunities for free small business courses. Publicity can be a powerful tool and finding free publicity tips is often the key to success. I love The Publicity Hound’s site which is filled with ideas on how to maximize your business exposure.

I really believe in the power of networking and making the most of your opportunities. I have found the professional career advice here invaluable, as well as the personal advice from our fellow bloggers and readers. I frequently visit my favorite sites to network and learn, and I am constantly amazed at how much I benefit from these resources. What are some of your favorite free resources? Feel free to share!