SCORE and SBA.gov tips
// September 25th, 2009 // View Comments // Small business, business startup
So you’re looking for some advice on the next move to make in your business. You ask around and people recommend going to your local SCORE office or visiting SBA.gov.
After all, just walk in with your business idea or frustration and they’ll help turn it into a million bucks.
Sounds great doesn’t it?
Well…
I want to dispel the myth that SCORE and SBA.gov are the be-all-and-end-all of your small business consulting needs.
Here are some areas where SCORE and SBA.gov are outstanding resources.
1. Reviewing your business plan and giving “book-smart” advice
2. Talking to you about traditional funding options like SBA loans, grants etc.
3. Looking at your financials and helping you find pitfalls/opportunities
4. Pointing you to local resources like the chamber of commerce, economic development office, convention and visitors bureau for help
5. Giving you access to traditional educational tools and best practices
Here are some areas where SCORE and SBA.gov are NOT outstanding resources.
1. Actionable strategy on how to generate growth in your company
2. Hands-on help in actually generating the growth
3. Solutions to the issues of entrepreneurial life
4. Actually helping you raise capital for your startup or small business
Remember, that your SCORE office is primarily staffed by retired executives from large corporations. They will have excellent skills in book-smart areas that you may be weak in. Areas such as financial planning, cash flow management, business plan preparation etc.
However, to expect them to help you solve entrepreneurial challenges or even roll up their sleeves and go to work in your business is like asking a ballet dancer to fix your car.
Then there is SBA.gov which is staffed with government employees.
So asking them for help generating growth in your business is like asking a pygmy for tips on how to drive safely on the autobahn.
So keep things in perspective. SCORE and SBA.gov are powerful resources when used correctly. Go to them with the right expectations.
If it is a tactical issue, go to them.
If it is a strategic issue, don’t.
