ASK FOR HELP

Perhaps you are brilliantly creative, but how good are you at business? Don't be proud or secretive, ask for help when you need it. Learn from other people. If you have a problem to solve and you know someone that had to solve that same problem, go to the person and ask for advice. Don't struggle through the hard way when there is a quicker, surer way.

Find a trade association or business group with the help of the local Chamber of Commerce to meet people who can offer advice. Go to The Association Database to find association near you. Your local Small Business Administration office may have networking programs to help in the search. Help from the SBA is also as close as your computer keyboard; check out their fantastic Web site (http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov.) It is a huge site with tons of information so, set aside a block of time before accessing it. The SBA also has SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives,) an organization of very talented, experienced people. Frequently, a retired executive has the skills you are lacking and makes a perfect mentor.

Unknown source -

"Experience teaches you to recognize a mistake when you've made it again."

A wonderful association for crafters is the Hobby Industry Association. You can find much information at their site.

Learning should not end when you leave school. Be curious; ask, "Why?" Find the answers - go to an expert or look it up yourself. A library can be one of the most important places in your life. Not only as a source of reference, but this can be your best source of self-help books. Also, what better place to find the spare time, fun reading that everyone needs in one's life?

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses enables you to turn to a person who has the strengths you lack. Choose a mentor. It will take time and energy, but will benefit you in the long run.

There are certain traits to seek in a mentor. Be certain that your mentor has had a successful business and will share experiences with you. Find a person who has the time to meet with you regularly and train you. Be compatible with the person. Find a mentor who will tell it like it is! When you are going in the wrong direction, you need to be steered onto the right road and praised when you are going down the correct path. Find a mentor who is dedicated to your goals and is willing to offer advice.

Plan to operate your business legally. At the very beginning, find a lawyer who can

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