Need help with your business? Learn where to look for your most trusted business advisors.
As much as it is rewarding, growing your business is challenging. It requires many skills and talents you may not have expected to need.
Luckily, with a mentor or team of experts guiding you, you can get tailored help for your businesses. They’ve already been down the road you’re on and know every unexpected mistake that most new business owners make.
70% of small business owners that receive mentoring survive for five years or more. That’s twice the rate of those who don’t get help.
Support and coaching from experienced mentors can be the difference between staying afloat and growing into a sustainable enterprise.
If you’re wondering, “Who can help me with my business?” This article is for you.
You’ll learn about the organizations and individuals who can help you grow your business into a success story.
People Who Can Help With Your Business
As you want to scale your business, having a mentor (or several mentors) in your corner can give you a significant advantage. These experienced professionals can provide the insights, advice, and support you need to make your business a success.
Here are some of the individuals who can help you grow your business:
1. Friends & Family
While finding a mentor in the business world may seem daunting, you may not need to look any further than your family or friends. There could be someone you look up to in your family or friend circle.
Ask yourself, “Who can help me with my business?”
Maybe someone in your circle who’s a successful entrepreneur, a patent holder, a business executive, etc., could act as your hero, mentor, and business advisor.
Approach them with your business idea. They could provide insightful guidance about the practical steps to growing a business and the broader considerations you should weigh.
The unique thing about family is that they know you better than anyone else.
They understand your personality, work habits, life circumstances, and what makes you happy. That makes them the perfect candidate to offer valuable support and advice when making crucial business decisions.
2. Professional Business Advisors or Mentors
As an entrepreneur, having a go-to professional mentor or a business advisor is a great asset. Not only do they provide invaluable advice and guidance, but you can also benefit from their experiences.
47% of businesses fail due to poor strategic planning. So, there’s no shame in recognizing you need a mentor if the survival of your business is at stake.
Your mentor has already gone through the same trials and tribulations you will likely face, so take advantage of their wisdom.
From learning from their mistakes to sharing their successes, your mentor can offer insight you could never get from books or online resources.
Your mentor may also be able to introduce you to a larger social circle, which you may not have been able to access before. Cultivate lasting relationships with trusted advisors.
That way, you’ll garner valuable insight into different industries and departments while building solid trust between both parties.
A mentor can open doors of opportunities by helping entrepreneurs stay ahead of the curve with timely advice. Ultimately, help you improve your chances to succeed with clarity and confidence.
Where to Find Professional Business Advisors or Mentors
If you’re looking for qualified business advisors, plenty of helpful resources are available.
Professional associations bring together experts and entrepreneurs, while incubators and accelerators can provide support with mentorship and resources.
Online platforms such as Clarity.fm and Thrive Global offer connections to experienced professionals in the field.
Networking events are great opportunities to meet people in your industry who may point you in the right direction.
Your trusted network of family, friends, and colleagues may also have valuable referrals for a mentor or advisor who is well-suited for your business needs.
3. Accountants
Accountants make ideal mentors for small business owners. They can advise you on how to fund your new venture and make financial decisions to ensure success. If you’re unsure how to create a budget, an accountant can guide you through the process.
An accountant could be someone you are looking for—someone who helps you run a business sustainably with financial success.
When profits start rolling in, accountants can analyze the overall health of your business. They can identify areas for improvement and help create solutions that will get your business back on track if it’s flagging.
If you’re hiring, an accountant will be able to set up payroll systems and ensure taxes are correctly calculated and paid on time. You can also regularly consult with accountants to assess the financial health of your business and to see if any adjustments need to be made in how you’re handling cash and finances.
4. Lawyers
A lawyer is an invaluable asset for any startup. Businesses often find themselves stuck in a nasty legal situation.
If you find yourself in hot water, such as a lawsuit against your company, call your lawyer and tell them, “My business needs help.”
If there is a legal solution to your problem, they’ll offer you one.
They can also assist you in the following activities:
- Establish a formal business structure
- Draw up a viable business plan
- Register your business as necessary
- Obtain any required licenses
- Purchasing or financing a business
- Securing intellectual property
- Collecting any unpaid debt from your customers.
When seeking out legal representation for your business startup, make sure to hire a lawyer who has experience with small businesses specifically.
5. Recruiters & HR Personnel
It can be challenging to hire employees, especially if you don’t know what type of employee you need. If that’s the case for your business, consider turning to recruiters.
Work with an experienced recruiter in your industry to bring expertise and knowledge to your hiring process. They can help you craft a job description that targets suitable candidates for your business needs.
Plus, recruiters can manage the sourcing and screening of applicants and provide professional advice during interviews.
That’s why having a recruiter present when interviewing candidates could be beneficial to finding the perfect match for your company.
6. Other Business Owners
It’s natural to look up to those who represent the values and accomplishments you aspire for. Consider it even away from the business scene.
At some point in your life, you might have considered someone as your role model. Even in college, we seek mentors to be better at learning. That could be someone in your senior year or even a classmate who has accomplished what you are after.
You watch how they manage their time, carefully listen to any advice they offer, and try to emulate them. That way, you can start off on the right track.
The same can be said for business: learn from seasoned business owners who have been in your position before. They understand what it’s like to be in your situation and can guide you with that insight. Plus, business owners can offer a perspective unlike professional mentors; they’re sharing from first-hand experience.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to get help with your business, ask business owners who specialize in the same niche as yours if they have tips they can share with you.
Businesses in your target market know about valuable resources such as accountants, lawyers, and recruiters that may benefit your needs.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to competing businesses. You’d be surprised at how simply asking them, “I need help with my business; could you please help?” could act as an icebreaker and lay the foundation for your success.
Develop friendly relationships with them, as they could give you the support you need, especially during difficult times.
Talk with other local business owners to get another layer of expertise about running a business. You can get valuable insights from issues concerning the local economy to tips on marketing or the busiest season trends.
As such, seeking knowledge from them creates a helpful network of mentors whose wisdom is invaluable for businesses like yours.
Organizations That Can Help With Your Business
In the United States, countless support organizations are accessible to business owners. Within a few miles of most towns and cities, you can find organizations devoted to assisting individuals in managing their small businesses.
What makes these organizations so great is that most of their services are either free or very affordable. You can receive information related to financing or attend classes dedicated to social media.
Also, listen to talks concerning technology and even network with other entrepreneurs who share your passion and goals. All these resources are accessible to help give your business the competitive edge it needs to succeed.
Here are the most popular organizations to get help with your business:
Small Business Administration – SBA
Still wondering, “Who can help me grow my business?” Consider reaching out to the SBA. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers free and low-cost business counseling and training programs through its district offices across the country. As the name suggests, they specialize in small business mentoring.
You can find specialized business development services in your local area, regardless of your business stage. You’d find the SBA helpful whether you’re just beginning or have an established business. The SBA’s diversity makes it an ideal option for entrepreneurs from all walks of life.
Small Business Development Centers – SBDC
SBDCs offer invaluable help to existing businesses seeking to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace.
Thanks to partnerships between leading universities and major state economic development organizations, entrepreneurs of all levels can benefit from the resources SBDCs provide.
If you are an owner looking to take your business to the next level, these centers offer an invaluable opportunity for growth.
Chamber of Commerce
The local or regional Chamber of Commerce is a vibrant community that facilitates, educates, and advocates on behalf of its members.
Chambers of Commerce offer various services to help companies with their local business development needs.
Some examples of these services include the following:
- Networking events
- Educational seminars
- Leadership development programs
- Marketing strategies
- Special offers from other member businesses.
If you are interested in making meaningful connections and achieving success through local networking, you should connect with your local Chamber of Commerce.
Women’s Business Centers – WBC
The Women’s Business Centers (WBC) are a national network of nearly 100 educational centers providing comprehensive training, counseling, and support in multiple languages to women entrepreneurs.
They are especially beneficial for women who may be economically or socially disadvantaged.
Supported by the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership, these centers are well-equipped to help startups and growing businesses.
If you are a female business owner seeking guidance on your journey to success, the WBC is where to go for business advice. They provide valuable resources for growth.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers – VBOC
The SBA’s Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP) initiative provides veterans with specialized business training, counseling, and mentoring services.
Sixteen different organizations support Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs). This program is designed to provide veterans with the necessary resources to help their businesses succeed.
If you have served and now want to start a business or grow an existing venture, the VBOP offers vital assistance.
Procurement & Technical Assistance Centers – PTAC
PTACs provide tailored assistance that is specific to each business’s needs. This includes in-person counseling, training services, and guidance from certified specialists with vast experience in government procurement processes.
These services are available either free of charge or at a very low cost and are designed to help business owners get ahead in the competitive federal, state, and/or local government markets.
If you are interested in this sector, consider utilizing these resources to gain an advantage over those who have yet to discover them.
United States Export Assistance Centers – USEAC
A range of professionals from institutions such as the Small Business Administration, the Department of Commerce, and the Export-Import Bank staff USEAC.
Their combined mission is to help small and midsize businesses succeed in global markets through export assistance.
Their services provide entrepreneurs with the information and support they need to compete confidently internationally. This includes guidance on finance, logistics, legal compliance, and more.
If you are a business owner who needs help entering international markets, USEAC is where to go for business advice.
Certified Development Companies – CDC
Certified Development Companies (CDC) are non-profit organizations regulated by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
They collaborate with various lenders to provide debt financing for small business purposes. These purposes include purchasing capital equipment, acquiring another company, or entering a new market.
There are currently over 270 CDCs located nationwide, each of which is assigned a specific geographic area. These companies provide entrepreneurs like you with the resources they need to access loans and pursue their dreams of business ownership.
Who Can Help Me With My Business: FAQs
Who can help me with my business?
Someone who helps run a business:
- Friends and family
- Professional business advisors or mentors
- Accountants
- Lawyers
- Recruiters and HR personnel
- Other business owners.
Organizations that can help you with your business:
- Small Business Administration
- Small Business Development Centers
- Chamber of Commerce
- Women’s Business Centers
- Veterans Business Outreach Centers
- Procurement & Technical Assistance Centers
- United States Export Assistance Centers
- Certified Development Companies.
Where do small business owners go for advice?
- Small Business Administration
- Small Business Development Centers
- Chamber of Commerce
- Women’s Business Centers
- Veterans Business Outreach Centers
- Procurement & Technical Assistance Centers
- United States Export Assistance Centers
- Certified Development Companies.
Where can I talk to entrepreneurs?
Web communities like StartupNation, Young Entrepreneur, and EntrepreneurConnect are great resources for solo entrepreneurs. These online forums provide a platform to discuss shared issues, exchange resources and offer support to each other. This sense of community can make starting a business much less intimidating and help boost your confidence as an entrepreneur.
Wrapping Up: Who Can Help Me With My Business?
As a business leader, you must acknowledge that you don’t know what you don’t know. It’s great to admit when you need help with your business.
Work with a business advisor; they are a priceless resource for any business that helps you make decisions and prevent costly errors. A great mentor gives you the strength to embark on your journey confidently.
With the right advisor, you will have the insight needed to pursue what you set out to do—now and in the future.
Scaling With Systems can provide insights, strategies, and professionals who will guide you on your journey to success. We can help you build profitable client acquisition systems explicitly tailored to your core strengths while helping you maximize each step in the process. Book a free consultation call today to learn more.
