Make Decisions
Decision-Making FAQs In his book Small Business Management (published by West Publishing Co.), Michael Ames gives us the following reasons for small business failure:
You will be your own most important employee, so an objective appraisal of your strengths and weaknesses is essential. Some questions to ask yourself are:
Try the Quiz for Small Business Success
Usually, the best business for you is the one in which you are most skilled and interested. As you review your options, you may wish to consult local experts and businesspersons about the growth potential of various businesses in your area. Matching your background with the local market will increase your chance of success. The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth, and success of small businesses nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the Small Business Administration. SCORE Association volunteers serve as "Counselors to America's Small Business." Working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as volunteer business counselors and provide confidential counseling and mentoring free of charge. The U.S. Small Business Administration has offices in nearly every major city in the country. The SBA operates the toll-free Answer Desk at 1-800-8-ASK-SBA (1- 800-827-5722) to give callers direct referral to appropriate sources of information. Sponsored by the SBA are a variety of counseling, training, and information services, including the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and Women's Business Centers (WBCs). In addition, procurement center representatives can be found at each major military installation. More than 2,700 chambers of commerce are located throughout the country to provide additional assistance. |