How Businesses Can Utilize Local Resources
Small businesses across the nation work hard every day to get their name out there and customers in the door. Sometimes business comes easy, and other times it might take a little extra work. That one extra marketing campaign or another hundred fliers for the recreation center in town. When businesses find themselves looking for ways to meet their goals or start expanding, the best place to look is to local resources. Within a community, there are mentors, networking opportunities, and organizations designed specifically to help businesses. All owners have to do is ask!
Find a Mentor
Someone might be a member of a talented team of construction workers looking to start their own company or know a group of court reporters Portland looking to start working independently. In both of these scenarios, starting a business with the right group of people is a great idea, but finding a mentor to help get things off the ground is even better.
Especially for new business owners, knowing the right steps to take and when can be a challenge. That’s why having someone who knows about business, has been in the industry for a long time and is a good teacher can be a huge asset. These people can set new owners or managers on the path to success and take every step of the way with them until they reach their goal.
Finding a mentor can be easier than it seems. All owners have to do is visit their favorite stores or find other business owners who are successful and who they respect. These are the people to approach as a mentor. If they have the time and the energy, they’ll probably happily agree to get a new business off the ground.
Network
Every business needs support and the best way to build a strong support system is through networking. Plenty of communities have small business organizations, co-ops, clubs and meetings that provide a place for owners to come together and share stresses and solutions. The best way to network is to get involved in these events.
Another easy place to network with potential customers is at community events and festivals. Restaurants, for example, can set up a booth at the annual county fair or offer catering services to local non-profits hosting fundraisers. Anything that helps get the business in front of potential customers is a great way to create a network of loyal patrons.
Even relying on a mentor to connect the business with other qualified experts in the area or abroad can be a great way to connect with more help. Getting to know people who have unique business acumen might give owners access to a wealth of knowledge they couldn’t find in their communities. All of these situations provide exposure, support and potential for guided growth.
Utilize Government Resources
Aside from community support, small businesses have access to a treasure trove of government resources designed specifically to help their business model. As an added bonus, most of these federal opportunities keep local chapters so owners can get help from someone nearby.
1. The Small Business Administration. This is perhaps the best resource for small businesses, and most towns keep an office for local enterprises. They offer advice on how to run a business, opportunities for funding and loans and free online classes for business owners.
2. Chamber of Commerce. People might automatically think of the federal branch of this organization, but every city and town has its own chamber of commerce too. These organizations often offer business training, networking opportunities and leadership programs to business owners in the area.
3. SCORE. This is a mentorship organization that specializes in providing help for people trying to start and grow their new businesses. They offer mentorship services as well as classes to help people learn good business strategies and decision-making.
Small businesses can have the best chances at success if the owners find a mentor, effectively network and take advantage of local branches of government resources.
