Are You Your Best Small Business Resource?
A Home Business Article Contributed by Andora Henson
Are You Your Best Small Business Resource?
You may very well be your best small business resource. You're ready to start your own small business; you have the idea, the motivation, the support of friends and loved ones, you've even saved a few bucks in preparation for those first lean months. There's only one thing missing: everything else. Not to worry, there are resources for small business owners everywhere, even inside of you.
The Internet is a Gold mine of Small Business Resources .
If you have a computer, (and if you have a small business you should), then you are just a click away from resource overload. Enter the keywords "small business resource" in your search engine and keep the Java coming because there is enough information there to keep you up all night.
I suggest you begin with a list of specific resource information you need, such as; financial resources, small business advertising opportunities, legal information, organizational software, office products and furniture, educational opportunities relating to your small business or management courses. Use your printer or save the information that seems promising, keeping it labeled specifically so that you can find it later, and then move on, you have a lot of ground to cover.
Check your local Telephone Book as a Small Business Resource
Your local telephone directory has many advantages as a small business resource. First, it has the advantage of listing local resources. While you will want to let your fingers do the walking as much as possible, there are times when only a handshake and some face to face question and answer time will do. Secondly, the "blue pages" will point you in the direction of good old "Uncle Sam" and he can be mighty useful to the small business owner.
Visit your local Small Business Assistance and Information Center. They are a great resource for more information than you could imagine and they offer a limited amount of assistance as well.
Your Brain is a Small Business Resource Machine!
The most important small business resource you have is: YOU! You are an intelligent and thoughtful individual or you wouldn't have put so much time, thought and effort into your small business. Mine that memory! Who do you know that might be interested in your service or product? What contacts do you have, and what contacts do they have? Are you a member of any organizations, clubs or groups? The people you have been playing golf with for three years now could very well be your mentor, teacher, perhaps even investor. Make a list of all the resources in your head. You just might be impressed.
A Small Business Resource is near you.
If you are resourceful, and you know that you are, you can find the information you need to succeed. If you look long enough you might also find funding, record keeping helps, ideas for advertising on a budget, mentoring or shadowing programs, tuition assistance for classes related specifically to your small business and much more. There are a plethora of resources available to you but you have to use your most valuable asset,time, in order to find them.
