When 'free stuff' can be helpful
Here we stand, looking at almost an entire new year with, for some entrepreneurs, very little written on the planning sheet.
Don't be part of the "some." We're facing opportunity that shouldn't be missed. Not only is there still time to put some 2019 thoughts together, but many of the opportunities to be found are free, and free can be a good thing.
Be aware, of course, that some of the free programs and materials are worth exactly what you pay for them. Still, it can't hurt to check out a program or two.
First a calming word: Before my fellow consultants, nearly all of whom legitimately charge for their ideas, advice and work, complain about my suggestion that potential paying clients go for the free stuff, let me note that I, too, charge for the advice and ideas I provide in my consulting business. Still, it's a good idea for business owners to at least explore available free services.
Some of the opportunities are ones business owners, even those just opening their doors, already should know. For example, Fox Valley Score offers a variety of meetings, discussion groups and mentoring support. One, a Business Plan Basics discussion, is tomorrow night (6:00 to 7:30) at the Downers Grove Public Library, and it is free.
That's tight scheduling, but Fox Valley offers several such opportunities in the eight suburban counties it serves. The best starting point for more information may be https://foxvalley.score.org. Phone number is 630-692-1162.
There's a Chicago SCORE chapter as well; it mostly serves business owners in Cook, Lake (Illinois) and parts of Will County. Start at HTTPS://scorechicago.org.
SCORE members tend to be older, which is mostly a good thing: They already have battled many of the issues the rest of us are facing, and they're willing to share what they've learned. Services typically are free - or very low cost.
Small Business Development Centers are another resource worth checking. Many closed their doors in the not-so-long-ago days when the state of Illinois, which provides a portion of SBDC funding, had no budget. Many stayed open, however; others have come back. Either way, the programs SBDCs offer are worth checking out.
I've had the best luck finding an up-to-date SBDC list at https://viewer.blipstar.com/blipstar?uid=5161672. Classes and seminars are somewhat more structured than SCORE seminars but generally are well put together and good - and often free.
Several SBDCs are located at community colleges. A handful can be found at more traditional four-year institutions. You might check out what support - perhaps an internship program - local colleges have available.
Keep in mind that free stuff can work both ways. If your restaurant is struggling to attract diners on, say, a Tuesday evening, think about making Tuesday a Free Dessert Night with a specified entree. You'll need an ad campaign or customer email addresses so you can alert diners to Grandma's Great Chocolate Pie on Tuesdays, but business owners can benefit from offering - as well as exploring - free stuff.
© 2019 Kendall Communications Inc. Follow Jim Kendall on LinkedIn and Twitter. Write him at Jim@kendallcom.com. Read Jim's Business Owners' Blog at www.kendallcom.com.