Starting a small business can be daunting and exciting at the same time. Even after running a business for several years, you still have questions and challenges and you still need support. We have put together this resource guide for your reference of “where to go.” It is by no means exhaustive, but it will get you headed in the right direction.FOR THOSE STARTING OUT OR WHO HAVE BUSINESS STRUCTURAL QUESTIONS:
General Business Needs:
• Sunbiz™: Check out www.Sunbiz.org to find out information on registering a business, rules and regulations, forming an LLC or partnership, trademarking and more. If you have questions about a vendor, you can search for a company and verify that it is a legitimate business.
• SCORE: A nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Its work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a network of over 11,000 volunteers, so it is able to deliver services at no charge or at very low cost. Visit www.score.org for more information.
• Small Business Administration: www. sba.gov has a wealth of resources for small businesses.
Money and Finance:
• Hire an Accountant: If you do not have an accountant, it is a good idea to get one. Ask colleagues for references, interview them, and find one who understands your business and you can work well with.
• QuickBooks: Check out quickbooks. intuit.com as a great tool to manage the financial end of your business. They have different promotions throughout the year to help you save.
• Florida Department of Revenue: Check out dor.myflorida.com to find out information on sales and taxes as well as how to register, collect, file and pay taxes. You can save time and money by paying online at www.dor.myflorida.com/dor/eservices/filepay. html. If you have questions, call the local office at 386-418-4444. They are very helpful in answering questions. Social Media How To’s, Reference Guides and Tips:
• Facebook Business Guide: Check out www.facebook.com/business/ overview as a way to see the bigger picture for Facebook Business Pages. This resource will walk you through setting up your page and advertising.
• Twitter Business Guide: Check out www.business.twitter.com for all your Twitter business questions. Just like the Facebook Business Guide, this source will help you determine if Twitter is right for your business as well as how to tweet.
• Mashable: Check out www.mashable.com to stay caught up with all that is happening with social media, technology and other trends. A great blog to keep you in the know. Articles are posted constantly!
Technical Needs — Just Part of Doing Business:
• Computer, Networking & Mobile Device Help: Sometimes, your phone crashes or you need to call in the big guys. Do your research. There are many IT companies in Gainesville. Consult with each first to find the best match for your needs and budget. Companies we have worked with for our various needs include ComputerCare LLC, CRASH Technicians, GatorTec, Re-Tech and ComSys.
• Phone and Internet: eVoice.com is a low-cost way to take calls when you’re not at the office, have an 800 number, transcribe messages and forward your calls. Cox and Verizon also offer VoIP and Internet services. Compare services to get the best value for your dollar and your needs.
Get Involved & Support the Community — Help People Get to Know You:
• Chambers of Commerce: There are a variety of local chambers you can join based on your location, or you can join them all! Make sure not to spread yourself too thin so that you can get involved, attend meetings and events and join committees.
• The Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF) is not just for those in the building, construction, real estate and home improvement industry…it’s actually for anyone, and it’s a great networking opportunity. Visit www.bancf.org for more information.
• National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is 325,000 small and independent business owners united to promote and protect your right to own, operate and grow your business. Check out www.nfib.com to find how-to articles from a comprehensive online library for entrepreneurs.
• LinkedIn is great reference to create a LinkedIn Professional Profile and then search and join associations while also reaching out to related professionals.
• Great Resource: Associations, whether industry specific or broad based, are a valuable resource and can also provide useful tools for growing your business and discounts on services you are already using.
Giving Back — Help the Community:
• Find one to three organizations to get involved with through volunteering or sponsoring. This not only helps get your brand out there but it also helps the community at large. It’s important to give back a little.
• To be a responsible giver and find organizations you are interested in supporting, visit Charity Navigator, GuideStar and GreatNonprofits online to read reviews, ratings and review financial data.
— www.charitynavigator.org/
— www.guidestar.org/NonprofitDirectory.aspx
— www.greatnonprofits.org/
Mentorships — We Can All Learn Something From Those Around Us:
— Establish a small group of professionals you can collaborate with as you grow your business. Need bio You can grow together, share ideas and challenges.
— Seek out someone with more experience than yourself who would be willing to mentor you, provide accountability and help you look at your business goals in a new way to make them achievable.
— Never, ever, be afraid to ask questions.
Continuing Education:
• Santa Fe College offers classes through the Enrichment program on money, finance, computers, technology and more. www.sfcollege.edu/cied/communityed/
• Find a good quality conference that will provide you with information.
Please note there are many other useful resources out there. We covered a few of the basics and those that have helped us and our clients succeed.
LISA RENSHAW is the founder of Blu Dove Designs, a team of creative and advertising professionals with a combined 30+ years of experience. By providing one-on-one time with all of their clients, they fully understand the client’s business and focus on their growth with short and long term goals in mind.
NATALIE FISHER is the Director of Sales, Marketing, SEO and Social Media at Blu Dove Designs. She assists clients with their needs and the team on project management.Visit bludovedesigns.com for more information.