One of the most common mistakes made in starting a business is trying to do
so without the necessary training and experience. Before you start a business,
you should ask yourself whether you actually have the background, experience and
training that is required. For example, a retailer would need some expertise in
management, sales and buying. The management experience would need to include
personnel, record keeping and marketing, as well as other skills.
If you do not already have this experience, how do you get it? Generally, it
is best to work for a time in a company similar to your proposed business. This
gives you a closer look at what that type of business entails without risking
your investment during the learning period. Another suggestion for gaining
expertise is to take courses at your local college or university. Most area
schools offer both credit and continuing education courses. Various seminars and
workshops are also offered throughout the year.
There are many publications available that offer help and insight to many of
the day-to-day problems that a small business owner faces. The Small Business
Administration (SBA) issues a wide range of management and technical
publications to assist the small business owner. To obtain a list of the
available publications go to:
Small Business Administration Publications
SBA Business and Community Initiatives
(202) 205-6665
http://www.sba.gov/library/pubs.html
The Government Printing Office also publishes several useful books that are
available by writing:
Government Printing Office
Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20402
(202) 512-1800
http://bookstore.gpo.gov/ or http://www.gpo.gov
Government Printing Office Titles (partial listing):
The Dictionary of Occupational Titles - Descriptive information about many
types of jobs in the American Economy.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook - Description of jobs and qualifications
with job requirement projections.
The local library and area bookstores can also provide relevant reading
material.
The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce maintains a “Resource Room” with various
publications that are helpful in small business development, as well as a
computer with links to many web pages, and templates for developing handbooks. A
copy of “The Code of Alabama” is also available. The Alabama Code is also
available on-line at:
http://alisdb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/default.asp or
http://www.legislature.state.al.us/CodeofAlabama/1975/coatoc.htm
It is not necessary to be an expert in every aspect of your business. Many
small business people rely on outside services, such as those of qualified small
business lawyers and certified public accountants. Also, other paid professional
services are commonly available.
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