Jess Lively

For those that are thinking about starting your own business or if you are already on your way, getting one-on-one advice from a business professional is definitely a great idea. An even better idea is getting that advice for free(!!). Which is why if I have one secret to share it is: find a Score counselor to help you on your company’s journey.

So what is Score? Score is a non-profit based on helping entrepreneurs grow their dreams into reality – FOR FREE. Yep, while some people volunteer at animal shelters, other business-types donate their talent helping start-ups. I first used Score in Ann Arbor during college for Jess LC when I needed tax advice. Since I was already in business, my main objective when using Score counselors was to get specific, objective advice about matters in which I knew nada. This was an effective way to get very vague legal and tax advice without paying a professional.

When I came to Chicago I looked up Score here in the city to get some accounting advice. The first counselor I met with didn’t quite mesh. But I surprisingly got a follow up call to a survey I (honestly) filled out asking me to meet with another counselor. I agreed. And on my second visit I met my current mentor and “business coach” who I have worked with for over a year now. We meet once a month and he helps me keep my sights on the stars and my eye on the bottom line. And since I don’t have a boss or other go-to person for wisdom and strategy he helps me work through long term goals, pricing, and execution. Without our monthly meetings I think I would feel just a tiny bit more in the entrepreneurial dark.

So how can Score fit in your business? With 370 branches and over 11,200 volunteers, there is a good chance you can meet with someone near you in person. If not, they also have online counseling as well. I think there are three main ways to utilize this goldmine of professional wisdom:

1. Help you start at ground zero: If you are just in the vision stages of starting a business, reaching out to a Score counselor will help you hone your ideas into actionable  steps. They can walk you through creating a business plan and help you avoid a lot of rookie mistakes. If you need capital or funding, they also have lots of resources at their branches.
2. Help you over the next hurdle: If you are already doing well in your business but you are lacking expertise in a certain area like I was in accounting, legal, and taxes, meeting with someone in that specific field can fill your knowledge gap. This avenue may only last one or two visits.
3. Help you develop over time: I think this is the best route to take no matter what level your company may be at- having another mentor, adviser, and confidant to help you grow and manage your company is always a good idea. Especially someone you respect, has industry experience, and doesn’t charge you money.

So hop over to their site and look up a location near you. When going into business it’s very easy to fall into the “you don’t know what you don’t know” trap and end up wasting a lot of time and money.

[Full disclosure: I was not asked to write about Score by anyone involved with the organization, I really, truly think this is a genuinely great idea for everyone who wants to follow their passion.]