| If you were thinking of starting a business, maybe you | | | | not only start a business but succeed at it. When you |
| are not sure how, or you do not think now is the right | | | | succeed you create jobs which create wealth. They |
| time, then turn to other sources to help you answer | | | | can help you with managing your business, expanding |
| these questions. There are literally hundreds of people | | | | it, increasing sales with some helpful advice, financing |
| out there right now that want to help you with your | | | | through guaranteed loans and of course ongoing |
| business idea or ideas. They range from your own | | | | support. You can visit their website by typing Small |
| friends and family, to venture capitalists, to even your | | | | Business Administration into Google. Get to know that |
| own government. | | | | website and what the SBA can do for you. |
| I will tell you that it won't be easy, but the more | | | | 3] S.C.O.R.E. (Counselors to America's Small Business) |
| prepared you are will help you through the peaks and | | | | - This organization is made up of thousands of |
| valleys as you embark on an incredible journey of | | | | volunteers (10,500 to be exact) who are still in business, |
| business ownership. Preparation is the key to a lot of | | | | retired or worked as professionals in specific areas. |
| challenges you tackle in life and starting, running and | | | | You more than likely have a few dozen counselors |
| owning a business is no different. You must be ready | | | | within a few miles of your home right now. I personally |
| when business is slow, and be prepared to expand | | | | have worked with 13 different counselors in fine tuning |
| when business is great. So what are these sources | | | | my own business plan. These counselors are a great |
| that can help you get started? | | | | source of knowledge and experience. |
| 1] The Library - Or more specifically your local library. | | | | Don't forget about your own local municipal, county and |
| With the popularity of the internet for doing research | | | | state government offices. They also want to see your |
| many people have forgotten about this valuable | | | | business succeed. Growing businesses help create |
| source. Not only does it contain millions of books, | | | | jobs which in turn increases the value of the |
| magazine articles and tools to help you succeed, but | | | | municipality and of the state in which it resides. So for |
| the people that work there are invaluable to you. My | | | | your local and state government offices not to help |
| library has a person that works there for the sole | | | | you would be foolish. |
| purpose of helping to fine tune and polish your business | | | | Get to know these sources and get to know them |
| plan. I am sure yours has one also. | | | | well. They will be your guiding force on your journey |
| 2] SBA (Small Business Administration) - The | | | | towards your entrepreneurial dreams. |
| government would love nothing more than to help you | | | | |