Having a Coach in Your Corner
Question:
I am starting a small residential construction business and my banker suggested that I get in touch with a business advisor through the Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Central Oregon Community College.
What are SBDC business advisors?
Are they actually coaches?
What help can they provide?
A: Congratulations on starting your own business, and we’re grateful for your banker’s referral and your questions. Nick Saban, one of the most successful coaches on the planet, said, “There are two pains in life. There is the pain of discipline and the pain of disappointment. If you can handle the pain of discipline, then you’ll never have to deal with the pain of disappointment.” With that, let me tell you about our free SBDC advising program.
- An SBDC advisor combines the role of coach and advisor into one, providing a sounding board, encouragement and valuable insights to help keep you and your business moving forward and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
- SBDC advisors often have an exceptional business education, extensive networks and important connections within the business community, further enriching the support system for small business managers and entrepreneurs.
- Regular interactions with advisors reinforce the discipline needed to overcome disappointments, maintain focus, resilience and determination in the face of setbacks.
- Ultimately, having both a leadership coach and a trusted business advisor from SBDC equips individuals with the tools, insights and support necessary to thrive among challenges, increasing chances for long-term success and growth.
Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center offers free, confidential professional business advising and a variety of low-cost courses to help entrepreneurs through the business lifecycle. The SBDC’s next Small Business Management Program cohort begins October 9. Visit cocc.edu/sbdc to learn more.
About the Expert:
Keith Sherrill served most of his adult life in the U.S. Army, quickly rising in the ranks within the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Upon exiting the military, Keith applied his lessons learned and leadership to his own entrepreneurial pursuit, building an award-winning microbrewery and beer brand from the ground up. He holds an MBA from William & Mary and is a graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Ignite program.
