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Has anyone used a Score business mentor?
Someone recommended to me that I try Score. Not sure I'm crazy about calling up a stranger and asking for business help. Anyone tried it? How was it? Did you trust the advice?
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5 Answers
Dan, I have used SCORE and have served as an advisor for them. I can tell you that they are a good basic resource with whom to have an initial discussion. They may prove to be a valuable source of information, but they are somewhat limited as the the specific advice and mentoring that they can provide. It depends on the specific skills and experience of the counselor with whom you are matched.
You may also want to have a discussion with a private business consultant. They generally are far more flexible in their advice and counsel.
The first thing you need to do is to work through the reasons why you would have trouble calling someone to ask for help. Are you embarrassed that you are having problems and don't want to admit it? are you concerned that the advisor may divulge trade secrets or steal your idea?
There should be no embarrassment admitting you are having difficulties. That is part of business. I have problems and I readily seek outside advice because I don't know it all. If I did, I would have no problems.
If you are concerned about confidentiality, that can be solved by using a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
You obviously feel that you might need help, but if you don't reach out, you won't get it. You have to get comfortable with being honest with yourself and with the person from whom you seek advice.
As a condition of working with a client, I require them to be completely honest with me. That is the only way that I can provide my client the best possible service. The more you put into it the more you will receive from it.
If you need a NDA agreement or if I can be of any assistance, shoot me a note.
I have used a SCORE mentor for about two years and found him to be one of my best sounding board for my tech business. Through him I realized that even though I know alot about technology. I didn't know that much about marketing and sales. My SCORE mentor suggest that I take classes in sales and marketing and add that to my business. He also suggested that I join Business Matchmaking. That really open doors for me into goverment contracts. Now my businees is listed on several government agencies who are now sending me info on local RFP that my company can bid on. I don't I would have known about that if not for a SCORE mentor.
I think that every small business owner should have a SCORE mentor just for the advice alone.
Howard, great testimonial for the power and benefits of SCORE. Congratulations on your success. They can provide resources not generally available outside of their organization.
I chatted with a SCORE mentor several years ago about our business. It was a nice chat, not of great value. He did not understand much about selling a telecom service. He did help with business operations questions.
I used SCORE's NY branch 3-4 times some years ago and, yes, found them perhaps too general but very helpful nevertheless. One of the sessions developed into an important supplier referral. If you have a "how do i approach this strategy" question, you will find their wisdom helpful. If you are looking for a very tactical advice - you may leave disappointed.
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