Are You Struggling with Your Start-Up?
Most everyone who has owned or operated a business knows that getting it off the ground is not easy in many cases. If you are struggling in this area – you want to get your business off the ground, but don’t quite know what steps to take, I would like to encourage you to take a look at SCORE, if you have not already.
What is SCORE?
According to its website, SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. SCORE is funded by the Small Business Administration and delivers services at very low or no charge. Services include free business mentoring by phone, email, or video, free business tools, and inexpensive or free business workshops (in-person or online).
My Experience with SCORE
Let me say this – I was so amazed at the services SCORE provides that I was inspired to write about my experience and encourage others who are wanting counsel, encouragement, and some accountability in the beginning stages of their business to check them out. Several months ago when I hit a stalling point, I was looking for some educational seminars to help grow my business. That is when I happened on a Get Found on Google webinar sponsored by the Small Business Administration. When I asked a question regarding the material covered, a fantastic SCORE mentor responded. Not only did she answer the question I had, but she recommended resources to assist me and followed up to see how I was doing. Anything that she personally could not help me with, she has directed me to the right people that can. On our phone calls, she gives me a plan of action, and I report my progress with the action items at our next appointment. Since our phone calls have started, and I have followed her advice, my business has gained some great momentum. I don’t have numbers in yet, but I am expecting an increase after implementing and sticking with the strategy which has been advised.
Final Thoughts
So, if you are struggling to gain some traction, don’t have a business plan, a marketing plan, or you just need another set of eyes to see what you are doing and give you some ideas on your next steps, I encourage you to set up an appointment with a SCORE advisor, and see how they can help get you going in a positive direction. You may have to rearrange your schedule to work around their busy schedule as they are volunteers, but it is well worth it. Check their website out at www.score.org.