Three Ways to Get Expert Advice for Your Small Business

Written by Brad Sugars of Entrepreneur.com

Every entrepreneur thinks he has a business idea that will put him on Easy Street. After opening day, reality hits. Merchandise isn't moving. Expenses are too high. Profits are too low. You're not sure what went wrong or how to fix it. Suddenly you're in panic mode.

Many start-up crises can be averted by seeking expert guidance in the planning stages, long before leases are signed or business cards are printed. Like a savvy career counselor or financial planner, the right advisor can help you build a solid foundation as well as steer you through choppy waters once you open your doors.

This is particularly true if you're a first-time entrepreneur who has never coped with problems like weak repeat business, poor cash flow, flawed order tracking or fulfillment systems. Getting help from outside experts can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a sinking ship, both at start-up and as your business matures.

Where to Look

When you're looking for a shoulder to lean on, there are three types of expert resources available.

• Seminars, books and other self-help materials are useful and affordable for any business rookie.

• Business coaches are long-term advisors who can help polish your initial business plan and offer strategic problem-solving skills moving forward.

• Consultants are short-term advisors hired for their tactical expertise in specific areas such as computer networking or employee recruitment.

These options are not mutually exclusive. Each kind of resource serves a different purpose. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an assortment of outside specialists to shepherd a small business through the start-up phase. A mix of these three types of assistance can not only prevent mistakes at start-up, but also provide valuable ideas and tools for shaping and growing the business.