As a new business owner there are several sources for assistance, both free and fee-based, for business development, exploring business structure options and other business advisement and coaching. I found a great free resource for my budding virtual business in the Local Development Center of East New York (LCD), one of the Small Business Administration resource partners through the Women’s Business Center. I received business guidance and encouragement in solidifying my focus-market (financial services and technology), consolidating my list of services (word-processing, project management/organization, event planning) and assistance with business plan development. The LDC also invites guest speakers such as lawyers, financial advisors and an overview of book-keeping systems.

What sources did you or do you utilize in your business development? Feel free to share your free or low cost business development resources.

When you open your doors for business, you expect business to walk right in. For some people, virtual and otherwise, it may happen that way. For others, you may be wondering – when will it happen for me? When you are “standing in the gap”, as it’s sometimes called, what should you do? Fold-up shop? Take down the website? Stop marketing? The answer is a resounding “NO” to all questions. During this time I have gotten virtual support from the VA forums that I frequent. It has been advised that while in the “gap”, you: educate yourself – be on the cutting edge of new products/technology, network – both virtually and face-to-face, sub-contract – to booster your confidence and reaffirm your skills – these are just a few options. What will I do? All of the above, plus anything else that has worked for those gone before me. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery; so I seek to imitate the successes around me.

Are you “standing in the gap”? If so, what are you doing now as you journey to success? Leave me a comment, I’d love to know!