Running your own business is amazing, but it is also a lot of work. Have you
ever dreamed that you could have someone to help you with business plans, ways to reach your goals, and answer day-to-day questions? Well, guess what? That person actually exists—they are a small business advisor.
Sounds pretty good, right? But you might be asking, what is a small
business advisor exactly? It’s a strategist who helps you build a custom
growth plan and find the tools you need to succeed. They lend their
expertise where there is the greatest business need and where you need the most support.
Before you start Googling local advisors, we teamed up with the Business
Access Advisors, dedicated Black small business professionals that you can
find at U.S. Bank to give all you entrepreneurs some advice on what to
keep in mind when looking for a business advisor.
Small Business Expertise
Small businesses operate very differently from large corporations, so a
coach who understands the special challenges of small businesses is key—
think networking opportunities, securing funding, and keeping up with
technology. See if you can find an advisor who has had success helping
other clients with your biggest business challenge—this way you can jump
right in to targeted solutions.
Industry Know-How
An advisor who specializes in your industry will speak your language,
understand your business concerns, and know a little about your
competitors too. This can be a valuable timesaver because they will just
“get it” without you needing to educate them on what you do.
Long Term Mindset
As an entrepreneur, you’ve identified where you want to be in the next few
years, but you may not know how to get there. If your advisor has a long-
term mentality, then they will strive to identify your big goals, but also set
small ones to help you stay on track. When meeting with potential advisors,
ask them how they’d help you set goals and see if they place an emphasis on long-term planning.
Ready To Get started?
Make an appointment with a local Business Access Advisor for a free
financial assessment and begin leveraging the resources U.S. Bank can
bring to your business today. U.S. Bank Access Business provides
information, connections, and resources to help Black small business owners sustain and grow their business. These advisors can help you connect and network with local resources, advise you on how to meet your goals, and guide you through the process.