I don't know of a large profitable corporation that doesn't regularly seek professional advice on a whole range of business issues.
As a solo business owner, you may have a tendency to rely strictly upon your own knowledge and skill for all your business needs. You may figure that since you're in business for yourself, it's up to you to find answers to your questions and problems.
In actuality, the smart business owner is one that recognizes and admits he has limitations in certain business areas and will seek out professionals who can advise and help him over the rough spots.
You are less likely to be considered a business professional if you take everything upon yourself and refuse to get help when it is needed. Often business owners are hesitant or even embarrassed to admit they don't understand how to do something.
But let me tell you . . . no one is an expert in every business execution aspect.
Help is available in many forms. Here are a few places you can start:
1. SBA. The Small Business Administration has a great many brochures, pamphlets and guides that will help you with the technical aspects of starting and running a business. They also maintain a useful web site and can be contacted for individual mentoring assistance. They counsel, assist, and protect the interest of small business and free enterprise in the marketplace.
2. SBDC. The Small Business Development Center is a local office (funded by the SBA) often associated with a college or university that can assist you in certain business tasks like developing a business plan, searching for alternative funding options, and marketing your products. They deliver these services through both paid (minimal cost) and free workshops, conferences, seminars, consulting, and online information and networking.
3. SCORE. The Service Corps of Retired Executives is a volunteer non-profit association formed to give mentoring to small business. Working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as volunteer business coaches and counselors to provide confidential mentoring.
4. Public economic development and business associations. Many of the larger metro areas of the U.S. have regional business professionals that offer small business help. These agencies promote full time job creation within their region to help stabilize and stimulate the economy. They are all very different, so contact should be made to see what services they are able to provide. Contact your city or county business department for a list of the public and quasi public agencies in your area that assist small businesses. Many are funded through grants specifically targeted to create jobs in the local economy.
5. Chambers of commerce, downtown business associations, etc. Most small businesses have access (or can gain membership) to these community organizations set up to enhance the business climate by promoting the free enterprise system. They act as the voice of the business community and focus primarily on growth and retention of businesses in the community, facilitating networking within their membership and with other government agencies.
6. Online business resources. There are literally thousands of online small business sites that offer resources and aids for small businesses. Most sell products and services that a small business might need, but there are also many sites that offer paid and free information on every aspect of the business operation.
In addition, there are online business consulting services, newsletters, and private membership sites that offer assistance. And don't overlook the online bookstores and auction sites that sell books, audio tapes, videos and DVDs on topics of interest to the business owner.
I am hesitant to offer specific sites as examples due to the changing URL's in every niche. However, if you will go to your favorite search engine and type in "small business assistance" or something similar, you will be exposed to many resources very quickly.
7. Local institutions of higher education. Community colleges, universities, and business schools often have community education or "night" classes on various topics related to small business operation. Contact the school business department directly for any such offerings. You may also be able to find some excellent leads in business assistance by discussing your needs with the professionals in these business offices.
Wherever you go for help is up to you and will be dictated by your needs and the resources of the local area . . . just be sure to get the help you need. It could mean the difference between success and failure in your small business!
