Don't Be Afraid To
Ask For Help
When considering the assistance of professional consultants, many
owners of small business ask themselves: Is it necessary? Can I afford
one? Can I afford not to get the help of outside experts?
The problem that faces many owners of new small businesses is how to
afford professional help at the point when they will probably need it the
most: usually when it is most difficult to pay for. But professional
advice need not be expensive. Businesses can find assistance through local
attorneys, consultants, accountants, bankers, the U.S. Small Business
Administration, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, chambers of
commerce, trade associations, and business libraries, to name a few.
Most important, consultants say, is knowing what kind of help you need,
and then getting it early enough.
"It's a shame more small businesses don't tap into the resources
of a professional to help them realize their full potential," notes
Howard Cohen, economist and chartered accountant in Tiburon, CA.
Urges Dale Morseman, owner of Industrial Graphic Arts in Concord, CA,
"Gather advice from all available sources, particularly business and
trade associations. When you have questions or problems outside your area
of expertise, seek professional help."
The owner of a small business consulting firm recommends the
appointment of a board of directors with whom you meet regularly. Your
board should be made up of experienced business professionals who can
offer practical advice and help you solve the kinds of problems new owners
face.
You needn't only turn to professional consultants for assistance.
Newspapers, trade publications, specialty newsletters and magazines, and
business libraries can point you toward the answers you need. Moreover,
your local chamber of commerce and many financial institutions publish
how- to books for a small fee or just for the asking.
The resources don't end there. Free counseling is available through the
SBA and SCORE, the volunteer organization it supports. SCORE is staffed by
experts who have had successful careers as business owners, chief
executives, manufacturing chiefs, bankers, economists, attorneys,
engineers, and sales and marketing managers. In addition to one-on-one
counseling, they run "Entrepreneur Training" workshops and
publish a number of practical guides and handbooks. SCORE counselors are
experts who appreciate what small business means and who want to share
their experiences and knowledge with any small business owner who needs
help.
|
Internet Marketing Tools | Marketing Software
© 1998 -2006
WGSjostrom Co., All Rights Reserved. This page can not be altered in any
way. Webmasters and publishers are invited to cut and paste this
document (as long as you include this resource box at the end of this
document) to your web site or electronic newsletter.
Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of
the user of this document. Please do not make any substantial editorial
changes without prior to approval to your publication. Links within the
article and resource box can not be altered, and must be 'clickable' on
a web page, Ezine or in an eBook.
http://www.biznetcenter.com |
|
