Using expert advice to start your small business

It is always a good idea to get advice from the experts when you start something new, right? Like at your wedding, everyone gives you marriage advice because they are the experts. If only that were true.

It is great to look into any advice you are given about small business ownership, but always consider the source. If someone has been successful they will be able to give you great advice for your business. If someone has had an unsuccessful small business you need to take some caution in their advice, but they may be able to tell you great what not to do. If someone has never even looked into small business, their advice isn't your best bet.

There are so many things involved in starting a new business and advice can be in so many different areas. Here are some pearls of wisdom collected to pass on to you for your new business start.

Getting started

 Have a mentor. Find someone that has had success if your area and listen to them. Make sure that they have your success at heart and they will be the best thing to get you off your feet. They can help you go around the obstacles that face all new business owners.
 Chose carefully your location, name, business structure, and goals. Here is a great time to rely on the help the SBA offers.
 Start small and have room to grow. Be sure that you don't bite off more than you can chew by starting with too much. Get your feet wet and then the sky is the limit!
 Get your finances set up. If you need to you should look into loans or another way of getting money. Be sure that you have a plan for finances right now and in the future.

Staffing

 Follow your gut instincts. This goes for interviews and hiring. If you have a bad feeling, don't go there. If you feel really good about something, go with it.
 Before the interview do your homework. Make sure you check the applicant's references and feel good about them. During the interview ask questions that require them to think, don't accept a prepackaged answer.
 Be open to accepting interns. This is a great way to benefit from giving back to the community. They can make some of your best employees after their internship is over.
 One great way to be sure that you are hiring the right people. Give them a trial employment before a permanent employment. This gives you a chance to make a very informed decision about your staff.

Legal

 Make sure that everything is in writing. Don't rely on verbal contracts as legally binding. They are only as good as the parties' memories. Be sure that you write everything down.
 Have a lawyer on hand. Go over all of your contracts and policies before they are finalized. They can help you in preventing a legal situation.
 Be sure that you are advertising legally. Don't use any false advertising or anything untrue. Have your lawyer go over your ads before they go out.
 Be sure that you have policies and that your company is complying. These are going to help you avoid many legal problems that can stop a small business in its tracks.

There are many other parts of your small business that will benefit from expert advice. Never be afraid to ask for advice from others. Many people love to share their expertise with others. Start up your business the right way!

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