Top MBA Connect

October is here, and it's time for Round 1 deadlines. Now what? To help you answer that question, here's our MBA Application timeline for October. If you are just beginning the MBA application process, it's time to choose the schools you want to go to. For those of you who are sending in your applications this month, it's time to finish up your application form answers and essays.

Social media helps build brand awareness -- a crucial step building your startup. As an entrepreneur usually ends up wearing many hats, however, it can be hard to find the time to promote your business. Social networking tools, however, can help entrepreneurs be more efficient in how they engage in social media, and Internet Media Labs is a company that provides several of those tools.

You've probably read a lot of articles on MBA websites (such as this one), which discuss how MBA admissions officers are looking to create diverse classes. But, what do they mean by diversity? And, how does diversity benefit MBA students?

If you prefer to learn on a one-on-one environment or are looking to improve a specific area, GMAT tutoring may be the right choice for you. Luckily, if you are a New Yorker, you have many GMAT tutoring options available to you.

While many people associate startups with the consumer Internet and big tech spaces, there are also several interesting startups that are finding new ways to apply technology to the food industry. According to Poets & Quants, 7% of last year's Stanford's MBA entrepreneurs created food startups. The new Columbia Business Labs is also home to several food and beverage startups, such as Urbavour and Cup & Compass. Here is a list of some growing food startups, including four MBA-founded food startups.

Since more people are using their MBA to start their own business, there are more MBA entrepreneurs who are competing for startup funds. Crowdfunding websites allow you to raise money for your business without relying on venture capital or angel investors. RocketHub is an example of an increasingly popular crowdfunding website that has allowed entrepreneurs to successfully launch or expand their businesses.

As US military operations wind down overseas, a large number of veterans will be transitioning into civilian life and looking for post-military work opportunities. For example, 68,000 US troops serving in Afghanistan are expected to return home to the US by December 2014 according to NBC News. While most veterans will be looking to work for other companies, many could be applying the skills they learned in the military to creating their own business.

Since there are so many GMAT prep companies in New York who offer classroom instruction, it can be tough knowing which one to choose. That's why we have provided details about the most popular GMAT courses in New York.

When you think about MBA employers, odds are that a toy company may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know that LEGO hires several MBAs for marketing roles? In fact, they have a new event designed to identify future hires -- LEGO Brand Camp.

Are you an NYC entrepreneur who is looking to connect with the city's largest startup investors and advisors? Then, you should attend Hatch Match 2012, an evening of facilitated entrepreneur networking that is being held at the Fashion Institute of Technology on Thursday, October, 18.