Question:
I started my own business because I am independent, determined and I want to run my company my way — but how do I know who I can trust to help with things like hiring people and managing my books?
A: I totally get it. Having owned several businesses myself, I know how hard it is to find answers. Small business owners are often short on time, money, or both, and vetting a potential coach or adviser can be difficult. As in many industries, there are plenty of predatory parties out there who just want some of your hard-earned money — and may not have the expertise they claim. Here are a few tips:
- Look at the “why”: There are many organizations whose sole purpose is to support small business. They are funded through your tax dollars, so they are able to offer services for free or very little cost. Examples include the Small Business Development Center, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers and APEX. These experts have a heart for service and a wealth of knowledge. Website bios and client testimonials can help you find the perfect match.
- Join a networking group: Other businesses in a similar industry could have valuable resources or maybe already faced the challenge you’re facing. An added bonus is finding a group of like-minded people which could even lead to lucrative collaborations!
- Start a conversation: Ask your local economic development council, chamber of commerce or city officials if they could recommend an expert — or connect with us at the Small Business Development Center. This relationship-building is key to getting your business known in your community. Even if folks don’t have a recommendation right off the bat, it opens the door for further conversation.
- Be preemptive: Start building a reputation as someone who is helpful and willing to mentor or coach other business owners and you’ll be amazed at what can happen. Once you extend your knowledge to someone else, they often return the favor.
- Upskilling options: Consider taking some classes to enhance the skills you are lacking. Whether it be marketing, pricing, hiring and retaining staff, bidding jobs or understanding your finances and taxes, there are many options for both online and in-person courses. A small investment in time can pay big dividends.
Learn more with Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which offers free, confidential professional business advising and a variety of low-cost courses to help entrepreneurs through the life cycle of a business. Visit cocc.edu/sbdc to learn more.
About the Expert:
Jennifer Gould is the director of COCC’s Small Business Development Center. A former small business owner — including in the fields of self-defense and martial arts — she has been a certified business adviser since 2014 and holds an MBA in leadership from the University of Washington Bothell, where she taught marketing and management courses for the School of Business. She also holds certificates in adaptive leadership and digital transformation-business analytics.
