For most entrepreneurs the government sometimes feels like your worst enemy (unless you are selling a product or service to the government, then you love them). With zoning boards, corporation commissions, secretaries of state, the IRS and more government hoops to jump through than a 3 ring circus, the entrepreneur may feel that the government is out to get them.
There is a shining star of hope that the government is on the entrepreneur's side. The organization's name is SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives).
What is SCORE and how can they assist in my business efforts? SCORE is a nonprofit association that is a resource partner in connection with the SBA (Small Business Administration). SCORE has 370 chapters throughout the US (and probably has a chapter in or near your home town). With 11,200 volunteers, SCORE offers inexpensive classes on a variety of business subjects (from web marketing to obtaining an SBA loan to learning how to streamline the sales process). Classes are taught by successful professionals whom have been through the entrepreneurial battle and have come out the other side victorious.
It gets even better! Besides the inexpensive classes, SCORE offers FREE counseling. SCORE Counselors are local business executives or small business owners that have been extremely successful in their field. To receive the best advice from SCORE counselors, be honest and tell them you do not want "sugar coated" advice. These counselors are a wealth of knowledge; get the most out of your SCORE experience.
SCORE's history is extensive and having helped 8.4 million businesses throughout the years such as Vermont Teddy Bear, Vera Bradley Designs and Jelly Belly Candy, SCORE is a resource that has to be utilized. At Xpleo Media, we have attended numerous SCORE classes and have met many great contacts and Clients. During the question and answer sessions throughout the class, you will learn more about other businesses (garnering ideas you may not have thought of before) and will learn more about your business by translating these ideas into ways to market to or assist your current and future clients. Contact your local SCORE chapter for more information: http://www.score.org/explore_score.html
