Three Ways to Get Expert Advice for Your Small Business

Books and Seminars

Never underestimate the power of a good business book, DVD, CD or seminar to inspire, teach and save you from the kinds of missteps that come from inexperience. The choice is nearly unlimited, from Business 101-type books like Small Business for Dummies to workshops run by SBA's Small Business Development Centers, frequently located at community colleges.

These resources are helpful in conveying basic business principles and examples as well as providing general advice in areas such as writing a business plan or marketing by direct mail. Consult your local library, university, chamber of commerce or retail or online bookstore for options.

Business Coaches

While self-help resources can provide generic advice, a business coach delivers one-on-one mentoring specific to your enterprise and challenges. Coaches usually charge a monthly retainer that includes a defined number of hours and a specific program plan.

A good coach has years of business experience that he or she can use to analyze your business model, pinpoint flaws, suggest improvements, identify and troubleshoot day-to-day problems and fine-tune areas ranging from sales and marketing to hiring and team management. If sales are slow or customers are complaining, he or she will figure out why and formulate a cure. New business owners are simply too busy minding the store and usually too inexperienced to solve these problems themselves.

In choosing a coach, look for a local person who can see your operation firsthand, provide training assistance and be readily available. Be sure that your personalities mesh and that he or she has specific systems and methodologies to help you run your business properly. Coaching is a long-term relationship that requires good communication and mutual respect.

Also, select a coach with a broad business background rather than someone from your industry. To ensure creative problem-solving, you need an advisor who isn't shackled by preconceived notions of your market. And remember that you're looking for a business coach, not a life coach. There's a big difference.