Where to turn for help when starting a small business

Starting a new business is a major undertaking and a number of people are often too embarrassed or too proud to ask for help. Whether they need money for financing the business or just help to get it running asking for help doesn't portray any type of weakness! Starting a business entails a lot of time, money, and paperwork. Having the right people around to help you up may alleviate some of the pressure you are feeling to get the financing and all the equipment you need to get started.

Networking
A great way to get started is by networking. One of the best aspects of networking is that it allows you to depend upon other people that have the skills you may be lacking. If you have a friend, family member, or business associate in real estate, talk to them about finding office space for your new company. This gives you an insider's edge to hopefully land a great location at a lower cost.

Financing
Finding a business loan can also be a daunting task, but if you have a family member in the banking industry, they may be able to help. Some people are uncomfortable talking to their family member about their financial situation. Even if you do not want to tell your family members how much you are making, you can at least find out what you need to have set aside financially in order to start your business. They will be able to provide you with needed insight into the business loan world and can refer you to other lenders that can help you obtain your business loan.

Organization
One way to determine how to start your business is to take a look at all the different things you need to do. Create a chart that assigns certain tasks to other individuals that have the right skills and talents. If you are able to do most of the tasks on your own, you won't have to pay money to outsource, but you will burn yourself out in a hurry. Check with your network to see if they have some experience and can hook you up with some of their connections as well. When you have everything organized efficiently, you won't stress out nearly as much and you will be able to get all the tools you need to start your business.

Documentation
When it is your business, you can easily become worried about so many little details that it is easy to overlook important things. The business plan is vital to your business as lenders need it to determine if you are a worthy candidate for a loan. Ask your partner or friends to look over your business plan and other documents before you go to the bank with the paperwork. This way, you will know if you have made any mistakes and your chances of obtaining a loan will be much higher.

Small Business Help
The Small Business Administration can also provide you with the help you need to get your business up and running. The SBA's provide small businesses with financial advice, hiring advice, and other things you may need to start your business. Another great aspect of the Small Business Administration is their ability to refer small businesses to lenders and other connections that may help. Never be afraid to ask for help when you are starting your small business, you never know how far it may take you.

There are a number of free sources out there that can help you get your new business up and running so take your time to look for them and give your business the best chance to succeed.