Counseling Services  Counseling Benefits Working w/Counselors Technology - SBTDC Women - WBC 
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Working with a Small Business Counselor/ The Counseling Relationship Getting The Most Out Of Your Business Counseling Experience1. Identify your needs clearly. Spend time thinking through what you want to know. Many people are overwhelmed at the thought of starting or expanding a business, and often say that they "don't even know what questions to ask." It is difficult to know where to begin, but a few considered questions will help your Business Counselor quickly assess your needs, and even identify additional issues to address. A few thoughtful questions can guide the discussion and help you get information you want and need.2. Prepare for your meeting. When you call to arrange an appointment with a Business Counselor either for the first time or follow-up, ask what you need to bring, how long the meeting will last, and what you can expect to accomplish. 3. Think of your Business Counselor as a coach. Use his or her professional guidance to help you learn how to do the task at hand. You will learn more, and you will be better able to evaluate the results. You will also have greater control over the outcome. 4. Maintain open and candid communication. If the working relationship is to be successful, you need mutual respect and an ability to communicate. The Maine SBDC has Business Counselors with a variety of styles and backgrounds. If you do not feel comfortable with a particular counselor, it is okay to request a different Business Counselor with whom to work. 5. Set time lines and specific goals. It will help discipline the process and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Counseling is a "work together" process. Make sure that each of you knows what the next steps are and put it in writing. 6. Educate yourself about business ideas and activities. Read newspapers, books and business publications. Find other business owners to talk to or join a business organization. Research trade associations or business information on the Internet. 7. Give your Business Counselor feedback. The only way he or she can determine if Maine SBDC services are helpful to you is if you let them know. 8. Ask questions! Many business owners rely on a variety of sources for the information that they need to run their businesses. A willingness to ask is often the key to getting the right information. 9. Supplement your one-on-one counseling with workshops and training. |
A nascent entrepreneur works with Maine SBDC Center Director and Certified Business Counselor John Entwistle on her business plan as she prepares to start her business.
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