Author Archive

Managing: Lifelong Learning and Business Advice

istock_000005080189xsmallThe More You Give. The More You Get.

This is the advice a SCORE volunteer shared with me. Every time you volunteer–you learn, grow, connect and share success.

People often ask why do successful entrepreneurs and big-time corporate execs. volunteer as SCORE mentors for you. Here’s why: “I can help entrepreneurs reduce risk and increase their chances for success.”

“I learn as much from my clients as I share with them. It’s energizing to exchange ideas with the innovators in America.”

“To gather the knowledge of all SCORE experts and find the right tools, information and advice to help small businesses is a bit like putting together a puzzle. It’s fun.”

“Together, entrepreneurs and volunteers are a unique part of this country. Where else would you find volunteers who give free and confidential advice, simply because they want to see you succeed. That’s inspring.”

Want to learn more about volunteering? Learn more.
Ready to get advice from a SCORE mentor? Ask SCORE online.
Prefer to talk to a mentor in person? Find SCORE near you.

 How has a SCORE mentor helped you? Share your story.

Christine Banning, SCORE
View more posts by Christine

1 comment July 1, 2009

Women Advisors: Mentoring Networks

 Power Up Success with a Board of Advisors

istock_000004943862xsmall

How to Form an Advisory Board.

Worksheet for planning an advisory board. Scroll down page and look for Advisory Board download.

Social Betty succeeds with help from a mentor.

Christine Banning, SCORE
View more posts by Christine

Add comment June 24, 2009

Marketing: Small Business Trends and Stats

Knowledge is Power. What Do You Know About the Power of Small Business?

Economists are saying we are turning the corner on the recession. That’s good news. Now, how can you learn from the reactions of other entrepreneurs over the past six months?

See what entrepreneurs think about the economy in NFIB polls. Try the Small Business Research Board. These can help you gauge small biz sentiment. Think about how it fits with what you see locally.

Small Business trends affect you. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce covers a wide range of issues and may offer some current info and insights helpful to your business.

Yes, census data is dry information. But, it you are trying to see the concentration of business by industry to decide where you should locate this may help. A SCORE mentor can talk with you about how to apply census data to your own market planning. Meet a mentor in person. Find SCORE near you.

Small Business Fact Sheet
Accelerate Your Success with SCORE

Christine Banning, SCORE
View more posts by Christine

Add comment June 17, 2009

Marketing: Small Business Retail Success

blog_woman_retail_therapyRally Your Retail Sales

The recession is turning a corner. June is the time when retailers are planning for the fall season and holidays.

Here are some tools to help.

Tips from Retail Guru Pam Danziger.

New tips for start-ups and features for retailers.

Check out the article: 12 Surefire Ways to Increase Your Retail Sales.
Connect with a SCORE Mentor: Ask SCORE for Advice online.

Christine Banning, SCORE
View more posts by Christine

7 comments June 10, 2009

Success: Small Business Advice Network

Who’s On Your Team? Do You Have a Guide?

Last night, I attended Keith Ferrazzi’s full house, book tour event talking about the power of lifeline relationships that help you achieve success in business and life. Keith says, “It’s important to build your dream team.”

Lifeline Relationships Guide the Way: It’s all about forming mentoring relationships and peer-to-peer connections with people you can trust to have your best interests at heart. The idea is “Whose Got Your Back?” Get business advice you can trust.

Can You Accept Assistance?  At the event, my car was parked in what I thought was an impossible space. The goal to exit that space and arrive at my next destination was clear. But, how to get out of that jam was not.

Q: A valet asked, “May I move that for you? Or, can I guide you?”
A: “Yes, thank you. You can be my guide.”

Success! The car was moved easily. I learned through this simple guidance how to replicate that task next time. Thanks Duane.

This little story about guidance demonstrates how a little help made it so much easier to get from a to b. That’s what SCORE is all about being a guide to make it easier for you to achieve your goal.

It’s amazing what happens when you add to your network, knowledge base and simply accept a guide. Start now, ask a SCORE mentor for advice online.

Christine Banning, SCORE
View more posts by Christine

1 comment June 2, 2009

Starting: Be Your Own Boss

istock_000002285748xsmallSmart, Savvy & Ready to Be Your Own Boss

Check out these tools:

Features by SCORE on how to Start up.
Get advice from a mentor online.
For Young Entrepreneurs.

New & Interesting
Make Mine a Million Race. Opportunity to win $100,000 and access to free tools. Learn more.

Christine Banning, SCORE
View more posts by Christine

2 comments May 27, 2009

NEW: Join SCORE’s Small Business Community

Learn & Share. Join the Conversation.

SCORE Small Business Community

Join the Community. Gather up your colleagues and connect. SCORE has just launched an online, small business community. Thanks to PartnerUp our sponsor. 

More than 100,000 entrepreneurs are already part of this vibrant groups of entrepreneurs: networking, planning and succeeding.

  • Create a profile. Connect with entrepreneurs and opportunities.
  • Access to free tools and resources.
  • Get mentoring.

Success is about surrounding yourself with a strong network. Join SCORE’s small business community.

Christine Banning, SCORE
View more posts by Christine

4 comments May 20, 2009

Small Business Week: Celebrate Success

Celebrate Success & Chart Your Course

blog_woman_rejoicingSCORE is proud to be a national co-sponsor of Small Business Week.

We celebrate your success. SCORE mentoring clients have gotten great advice and with their own savvy and hard work are succeeding in business.

Congratulations to San Diego SCORE winner of National SCORE Chapter of the Year for excellence in serving America’s entrepreneurs. Visit SCORE San Diego.

Christine Banning, SCORE
View more posts by Christine

Add comment May 18, 2009

Cash: Small Business Stimulus Package

Cash is King. Get Your Share.

Get the research report with an overview of elements of the Small Business Stimulus Package and Tax benefits for small businesses.

Economic Stimulus Highlights:

    Funds for indistries that modernize infrastructure and accelerate shift to clean energy.

  • Tax credit for individuals via IRS Publication 15-T on wage withholding. IRS download. There are COBRA subsidies for employees involuntarility terminated from 9/1/08-12/31/09.
  • Accelerated equipment depreciation is available to small businesses under the Section 179 deduction for equipment.
  • Be informed to make the most of provisions that can help you.
    Get the report.

 

More details about the stimulus package and how it may apply to your business appear in the report. SCORE, MyVenturepad.com and SAS participated in the research report.

Christine Banning, SCORE
View more posts by Christine

2 comments May 13, 2009

Spring Training: Speed Coaching Events

Free Events To Boost Your Business

blog_mentor_coupleSpeedCoaching, Quick Seminars & Business Owners in the know. Give it a try. Attend a
SCORE & American Express Speedcoaching event.

Free: Nationwide Speedcoaching Tour 

Planning to attend? Learn how to make the most of mentoring. Focus on the future and be positive, great article from Entrepreneur.com that helps you gear up and move forward with a Positive Outlook.

For all the latest tools and events, follow SCORE mentors on Twitter.

Christine Banning, SCORE
 View more posts by Christine

3 comments May 6, 2009

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