SCORE Naples Free Business Counseling

PRE-START

...Are You Ready for business ownership? Are your reasons to go into business sound? Do you understand the myths and truths about small business? SCORE will help you determine whether you are suited to be an entrepreneur by providing a thorough self assessment of your potential opportunity.

PLAN

...Your Business needs a business plan in order to start and proceed in the right way.

SCORE will counsel you on your plan and the tools you need to manage like quality, customer service, marketing and we will work with you if times get tough.

LAUNCH

...Your Business will involve many decisions, each one bringing you a step closer to the day it is up and running and making money. SCORE will counsel you on those decisions or point you toward the state and local offices and agencies that are best suited to help.

GROW

...Your Business begins with a dream but realizing it takes hard work. There will be setbacks, but as an entrepreneur you must persevere and devote time and money to make that dream a reality. You will need a map or plan, one that is clear, flexible and measurable and SCORE counselors can help you with it at no cost.

EXIT

...Your Business exit strategy is an important element of any business plan. Sometimes that strategy may change depending on your life situation, the evolution of your business, or your personal goals. Whether it's selling to an equity investor, competitor or strategic buyer or leaving it to an Heir, SCORE can help you.

QUICK START YOUR BUSINESS

Written by Gray Poehler/George Ahearn
Tuesday, 10 August 2010 01:19
QUESTION: Your local website www.scorenaples.org references a workshop series titled "QuickSTART". Can you provide more detail as to the subject matter covered? I am particularly interested in the best way to develop a working business plan and the financial data necessary to obtain a loan. ANSWER: The "QuickSTART" workshop series is a program developed by SCORE National and is being offered by a limited number of it's member chapters several times a year. It is a five-part series designed for both new and existing businesses and covers the following subjects:
Read more...

IS A FRANCHISE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Written by Gray Poehler
Tuesday, 03 August 2010 01:19
QUESTION: I am considering the purchase of a franchise. Can you recommend a resource that will help me do my due diligence before making a final commitment? ANSWER: Buying into a proven franchise has many advantages over starting a new business from scratch. The primary benefits of a franchise include: Name Recognition – A familiar brand name and logo go a long way to establishing instant credibility in the mind of the consumer. Business Model – A proven business plan that may need only a little tweaking to accommodate your personal vision for the venture. Training and Ongoing Support – Most franchises offer training programs that ensure you will start off on the right foot. No need to learn the hard way, from mistakes.
Read more...

HAS THE CONCEPT OF CUSTOMER SERVICE BECOME OBSOLETE?

Written by Gray Poehler
Tuesday, 08 June 2010 17:23
QUESTION: I own and operate a small service business and pride myself on offering customer service, a term that seems to be somewhat obsolete these days. Your suggestions how to become even more "user friendly" will be appreciated. Adrian C., Naples ANSWER: Wow, you have really hit a nerve with this question. Given the current economic slowdown, job losses, and other uncertainties, it's no wonder that the masses look to save a penny any way they can. The big box retailers and discount stores are the beneficiaries of this mentality. However, when they compete solely on price, you should expect to deal with certain inconveniences, like no helpful sales clerks and long checkout lines.
Read more...

Score Naples Graduates First QuickSTART Class

Written by george Ahearn

Saturday, 29 May 2010 00:01

The first series of QuickSTART workshops to help enterpreneurs reach a go/no go decision on their business concept was completed on May 22nd. The series is being introduced by SCORE's national organization at selected beta chapters throughout the nation.

It is held over a four week period and 70% of those attending the free inroductory session signed on for the series.Class reaction was extremely favorable and counselors are assigned to each attendee for continuing free advice and counsel going forward.

SCORE Naples will offer another QuickSTART cycle starting in October; look for promotion of the free introductory session starting in September. The chapter plans to continue with additional cycles throughout the year along with its regular schedule of workshops.

HOW TO START YOUR OWN SMALL BUSINESS

Written by Gray Poehler
Tuesday, 13 July 2010 18:25
ASK SCORE QUESTION: I was recently laid off from my job of 20 plus years. I am considering going into business on my own. Can you provide some resource information to guide me through the process? ANSWER: There are a number of organizations and local government entities that offer advice and assistance to the small business community. This article will offer links to some of the more active ones but, first, let's focus on some basic elements you should consider before taking the plunge: · The written Business Plan is a critical piece of the puzzle. There are a number of software providers that offer sample plans, but it is necessary for you to construct your own plan, using the outline and samples only as a guide. One such plan can be found at www.PaloAlto.com
Read more...

Help Others with Your Expertise-Join SCORE Naples

Written by Bill Maltarich

Monday, 07 June 2010 21:14

Join a group of local, successful business men and women like yourself who supplement their tee times and other leisure activities by helping small business owners. At SCORE Naples we are recruiting for full time SW Florida residents who have business expertise to share with our local small businesses.

Bill Maltarich Director of HR SCORE Naples We are in particular need of volunteers who have legal, manufacturing and accounting expertise. In addition to business counselors we are looking for leaders who can help run our Chapter as well as manage and conduct workshops.

Naples is recognized by SCORE’S national organization as one of its highest achieving SCORE Chapters in the United States.

If you are interested in helping us be even better send us an email to learn more about how you can join our team. Contact us today.

DOES THE HARD SELL REALLY WORK?

Written by Gray Poehler
Tuesday, 20 April 2010 15:25
QUESTION: Turn on the television and we are constantly bombarded with loud, obnoxious sales pitches. Do these high pressure tactics really work? Jamie D., Naples ANSWER: There are many schools of thought on this subject. The mere fact that we see so many of these commercials and infomercials suggests that some people can and do buy into the hype. However, most people dislike being hustled or slick-talked into doing something, even if it is good for them.
Read more...

Newsflash

SCORE Naples Speakers Bureau Visits PROVUS

SCORE Counselor and member of our Speakers Bureau, Gray Poehler, was the invited speaker at the February 10th meeting of PROVUS. The group, consisting of retired business men and women, meets monthly at the Vineyards Country Club for lunch and presentations covering topics of local interest. One of the coordinators is John Brooks, a neighbor of Gray, who is aware of his involvement with SCORE Naples.

Gray was asked to share his experiences as a small business counselor and the work SCORE does in the greater Naples community. Most were surprised at statistics indicating that over 44% of those employed in Collier County work for businesses with fewer than 20 employees. Gray used information provided by counselor Vince Izzi who has delivered similar lectures on behalf of the chapter. An active question and answer period followed the presentation.

Site Sponsors

Resource Partner

Free Help

Upcoming Workshops

Everything You Need to Know to Succeed Online

09-11-2010 09:00 AM

QuickSTART Session #1 Basic Start-Up

09-18-2010 09:30 AM

QuickSTART Session #1 Basic Start-Up // Evening Session

09-23-2010 05:30 PM

Help SCORE Naples

SCORE Naples is constantly improving its free services to you and our community. Your donation will help us to serve you even better in the future. Please get in touch with our fundraising team to find out about our sponsorship opportunities or just use the donation button underneath.

Latest News