Are you considering the exciting possibility of starting your own business? You may have already discovered that a wide range of issues pop up as soon as you begin to move toward your goal. Before you have earned your first income, you will find that there are choices to be made, as well as forms and applications in abundance to be submitted.
As overwhelming as it can be, the good news is that you don’t have to face it all on your own. Experienced business owners understand that it takes a network of connections and relationship with many people to build a business successfully. You don’t have to find that out the hard way; you can call on many different resources and connect with the people who will be your natural allies along the way to achieving your goal of business success.
A Unique Business Model Need Not Be A Lonely One
There are an uncountable number of ways to start a business. They include everything from becoming a consultant in your field of expertise, to converting a hobby into a primary occupation, to purchasing a retail franchise. The possibilities are limited only by the knowledge and ingenuity of the founders who decide to put a plan into action.
Founders need to lay the groundwork carefully, before stepping out boldly or burning any bridges. While there may be many different marketing channels or industry-specific approaches to communicating value, thriving new businesses are often built on the network of channels within the local community, from which they emerge. Networking is an intangible resource; it’s hard to put a price on it, but you know when it’s working. So, here are some of the most helpful resources that are available to first-time entrepreneurs to help you make those first vital connections that will promote the growth of your fledgling business.
The Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration or SBA has a mission to cultivate new small businesses by providing guidance and financial assistance. The agency has an excellent website with information about founding and financing a small business. Even if you don’t plan to seek funding, the knowledge base of the agency is one of the most powerful resources that you can have on your side. The SBA offers mentorships and counseling through SCORE, their network of business advisors and mentors. The SBA should be the first stop on your journey to research your business idea.
Your Local Chamber Of Commerce
Your local or regional chamber of commerce advocates for the interests of business owners in your community. Chambers are well established in most communities; they provide workshops and events that spread knowledge, develop best practices and to build connections. Because of this, your local chamber of commerce is one of the pillars of your community and a meeting point for the people who share an enthusiasm for business ownership.
Networking Groups
Thanks to the Internet and websites such as meetup.com, you can find people who share your interests and create events at which to connect. Meet-up groups are particularly useful for entrepreneurs and investors who might not otherwise ever find one another. Other sites such as LinkedIn.com offer online connections. However by following up on initial person-to-person contact at meet-ups, you can make much stronger connections that support greater trust and longer-lasting professional relationships.
You will meet a broad range of fascinating people at networking events. They’re not hard to find and full of other entrepreneurs who are just as eager to connect with you as you are with them. Don’t let the fear of meeting strangers affect you or hold you back; everyone who’s there for the first time feels the same. If you stick to it, you will find that the value of being there and getting involved will far exceed the initial pressure of interacting with strangers.
Speak With Your Local Business Attorney
Having the right legal advice and establishing a relationship with your local business law experts is going to give you an advantage. He or she will help you negotiate the many forms and paperwork that you will need to complete. It is vital to have the right advice when the pressure is on and when you have to make important decisions, both at the start of your enterprise and throughout the year.
If you are in San Diego County, don’t hesitate to contact LOKK Legal; our attorneys are knowledgeable in all of the aspects of founding new ventures. Or, if you just have questions about all of the many things involved in a startup, we would love to chat and hope to become your San Diego business attorney.