Using SCORE to Build Your Business

I mentioned this back in August, but if you haven't checked it out yet, it's time you did!

Didyou know there is a free resource to help you create and refine your businessplan and give you guidance as your start your new home inventory servicebusiness? It's called "SCORE" (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and you'll find tons of free advice, from marketing to business-startup, and more.

Here are some of my favorite resources:

• 60-second marketing plan
• Business plans and worksheets (breakeven analysis, and more)
• Growing Your Business Section

Plus, it has a good Disaster Prep section.

Get Free Help for Your New Home Inventory Service Business

Most people who start a home inventory service business are not "serial entrepreneurs" -- instead, this is likely your first business. Because the statistics for start-up businesses overall aren't that great (it's estimated that fewer than 50% of business make it to the five-year point), you can increase your likelihood of long-term success by getting help with your new company.

One excellent source of help is SCORE, which stands for "Service Corps of Retired Executives." Their new Online Training programs are FREE, and can help you with your business start-up:
http://www.score.org/online_courses.html

With courses on business planning, financial management, tax compliance, advertising, and technology, you'll get ideas for establishng a solid foundation for your business. You can also take advantage of their free network of business advisors/mentors -- available in communities across the nation and now online!

There are also dozens of "how-to" articles online.

They also have a section on disaster preparedness (targeted towards business owners, but it has a lot of useful information for home inventory service business providers too!):
http://www.score.org/disaster_preparedness.html