When you’re a business owner, people expect you to have all the answers. This includes everyone from your employees to customers, suppliers, and even competitors. The problem is that you’re only human and don’t know everything. You need someone who you can bounce your ideas off as well. Continue reading to learn more about resources for business owners who need expert advice on managing various aspects of their company.
National Association for the Self-Employed
NASE bills itself as the largest resource in the country for entrepreneurs. It publishes a magazine entitled Self-Informed, operates a philanthropic division, and helps members navigate media relations. In addition to providing daily support for a host of business issues, NASE provides members with increased buying power normally only available to larger organizations. It has hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and micro-business owners as members and exclusively focuses on companies with 10 or fewer employees.
Due to its large size, NASE can represent its members in Washington, D.C. on issues that could have a great impact on their business. It offers benefits such as health and dental insurance discounts, savings on tax preparation, legal information, and much more.
The Alternative Board
This organization, commonly known as TAB, consists of approximately 3,000 business owners in a wide range of industries. Some of the most commonly represented ones include manufacturing, construction, contracting, distribution companies, and service firms. Members aid one another by providing tactics, strategies, business ideas, and more in a small group setting. You can also request one-on-one coaching with a mentor from your specific industry. Your membership dues allow you to access webinars on a variety of business topics, including:
- Business partner challenges
- Employee issues
- Exit strategy
- Family business issues
- Operational issues
- Sales and marketing
- Work/life balance for business owners
Small Business Administration
The SBA is where many people turn for help with creating their initial business plan or to inquire about SBA-backed loans. The federal organization offers a wealth of resources on planning, launching, managing, and growing your business. When it comes to management, check out the SBA for help with the following issues:
- Hiring and managing employees
- Emergency preparation
- Information about purchasing or leasing equipment and other assets
- Legal compliance
- Financial management
- Legal compliance
- Payroll, sales tax, and other business taxes
- Selling or closing your business
The SBA offers free business counseling to anyone seeking it. The person you would meet with would likely be a retired volunteer in the same line of work.
Work with a Local Small Business Consultant or Coach
While national and larger organizations serving business owners have a lot to offer, you can often get the best results by working with a local consulting company like Lowcountry Business Advisors. We offer business valuation, coaching, planning, advisory boards, and several other services. Let’s meet for coffee and see how we can work together. We’re excited to help you take your business to the next level.
