As a business owner, you know your stuff. After all, you started this venture because you were an expert in the field. While this is true, you may have more than a few questions when it comes to things like government contracts and data management. Chances are, they don’t stop there.
The good news is, there are plenty of resources and tools you can use to help ensure your small business success. There are more than a few things to consider, from software solutions like QuickBooks Pro to resources from business-related organizations. Keep reading to learn what resources will help ensure your business venture is successful.
Small Business Association (SBA)
Some of the best resources available for small business owners in the U.S. are provided by the SBA. On this website, you can find studies, articles, grant opportunities, and more. You can also print off business plan worksheets, which help anyone who has just started their business or trying to get more funding. Even if you have more experience as a business owner, you can find counseling services that may help you along the way. The loans and grants offered by the SBA are designed specifically for small business owners, so you should take advantage of them.
Free Online Courses
Any seasoned entrepreneur will let you know that learning should never stop. This is true even if you have received an advanced degree. The good news is, learning something new doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Today, there is a huge selection of online courses to take. Even major universities, like Stanford and MIT, offer these. Many are provided for free.
While these classes may not be credited, the information is invaluable. You can also find online sites that are dedicated to nothing but online classes. Usually, these will include worksheets and video content. Also, most digital classrooms offer a community of others interested in learning the same thing. Because of this, you have the opportunity to network with other people in the business world.
Meetups and Networking
As mentioned above, regardless of what your business does, networking is an essential part of it. It is important to find and take advantage of gatherings of entrepreneurs. You can reach out to your area’s Chamber of Commerce and the SBA to learn about any upcoming networking events or other get-togethers for businesspeople that are in your area.
If you want to meet other entrepreneurs in your area, consider using Meetup. It’s an app that lets you find other, like-minded businesspeople nearby. This is a great way to grow your network and your business.
The Small Business Agency in Your State
Besides the SBA (mentioned above), there’s a good chance your state government has several free resources for small business owners. This is your tax money that has created these programs, so be sure to take advantage of them. Most states have a small business development center, which is essentially a mini version of the SBA.
These locations can help you figure out the types of registrations and permits required, and you can find education information and funding options. You can visit the SBA website to find out about each of these agencies.
Google Maps
Creating and curating your presence on Google Maps is essential for businesses today. You can change your contact page on Google. Here you can also update your business’s contact information and additional images. Make sure that the contact information remains updated on Google Maps and that it is correct.
You can also use a “Click To Call” button on Google Maps. This is going to help you ensure everything is correct. The tool lets users access the Near Me feature on Google Maps. It is also an effective way to send new customers to your door, even those who did not know your business even existed before looking on Google Maps.
Google My Business
This one is similar to Google Maps, and it is necessary to make sure the information about your business is accurate and up to date. By doing this, you can feel confident that if someone searches for your business, they will receive quality, updated information. Beyond phone numbers and addresses, you can add other information, too, such as menus and your open hours.
When your Google My Business page is complete, it will give you an advantage in the search engines, too. Keep this in mind as you work toward your goal of business growth.
Implementing the right tools and resources for your small business will pay off and help ensure your success. Keep the tips and information here in mind, which will help you figure out what tools you should be using. Your business success depends on your ability to run things smoothly and successfully. Be sure to keep this in mind.
