Our first teleconference came to us from Diamond Dar of Eagle Vision Consulting. Here are some of the resources that she discussed as we were chatting:US Small Business Administration
Alaska Small Business Development Center
Establishing a Business in Alaska: a big manual for getting a small business started
Our presenter discussed the major importance of having a business plan, and she recommended doing a search for business plan templates. I found some extensive templates here on SCORE, which connects entrepreneurs with mentors.
I also found a list of free templates here.
Dar also discussed how quickly people make perceptions about businesses, and they will determine their patronage based on the following things:
- Do they know you?
- Do they like you?
- Do they trust you?
- Then they will buy from you.
- Do your research on similar businesses that may exist in other places.
- The emotional things are what get people to buy.
- Social media is IMPORTANT.
- In small communities, the relationships are particularly important.
- Can you collaborate with other people that are doing complimentary businesses?
- Business fairs: could be held at the library, other times that people could get discounts
- In Alaska, people are looking to come to small rural communities and there is a developing market around bed & breakfasts, etc.
- What are unfilled needs in your community?
- "Alaska Made" products are big sellers.
- How are you going to deal with competition if you have it?
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