2 Dec

Research and Utilize a Variety of Resources to Help You Gain Business Knowledge

By Firm

December 2, 2013

We’ve all heard the stories of some successful entrepreneur who started a multi-million dollar company with little more than some garage space and $100 in their pocket. But those are the rarities, a handful out of the millions of people who jump into the entrepreneurial pool. That business model simply won’t work for the vast majority. And the hard work required can never be underestimated.

In a previous article, I discussed how important it is to have the right team for starting and growing a business. Having legal counsel to guide you on the legal matters, and an accountant to assist with the financial issues, are a given.

But there are a number of areas that don’t necessarily require a retained expert. Business owners should actively seek out and utilize resources that could be invaluable to helping grow a better understanding of the basics and developing the skills necessary to run a successful business.

The State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development recently announced a series of interactive, educational audio conferences addressing basic information about worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, fair employment and labor standards. The sessions are free and open to the public, running from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Topics and dates of upcoming sessions are:

• 12/13/13 – Workplace Harassment

• 1/10/14 – An Overview of Wisconsin’s Labor Standards Laws

• 2/7/14 – Worker Misclassification

• 3/7/14 – Understanding the Principles of Worker’s Compensation Law

• 4/4/14 – Agriculture Laws for Employers

• 5/2/14 – Preparing for Fair Employment Hearings

For more information, or to sign up, visit http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/laborlaw/frifund.htm.

The University of Wisconsin – Madison Small Business Development Center also offers a number of more in-depth programs that small business owners should check out. While the courses are not usually free, they offer more extensive coverage of topics involving starting a business (e.g., planning to start a business, developing a business model, tax basics), growing a business (e.g., financial management and accounting, human resources, marketing and communications), and leadership (e.g., supervisor training and leadership development). The SBDC also offers programming on other topics, which can be viewed at http://bus.wisc.edu/cped/sbdc.

The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) has been around for over 25 years providing education, technical assistance and access to financing for business owners.

Even banks and accounting firms offer seminars and “webinars” that could be worthwhile to many business owners. For example, you could check out First Business Bank and BakerTilly. I’m certain there are many, many more. I even found a good list of business resources on the “Downtown Madison” website. Visit their website here.

There is no reason business owners should have to go it alone. Just a few minutes of research could provide a lifetime of valuable education. And know that we at Palmersheim Dettmann, S.C., are always here to assist in any way we can.