DVR counselors don't have the time to spend hours on small business success, but their self-employment customers do. Tell your customers that it pays to do their homework, and it's free. The Entrepreneur's Handbook--59 Resources for First Time Entrepreneurs offers a variety of links from accounting basics, to marketing, to living frugally (just until they hit the big time!). Another valuable resource is
One of the most important business skills every entrepreneur needs is bookkeeping. Simply stated, there are two parts to keeping track of money. First, file all receipts. An envelope marked “May 2010 Receipts” is good enough. When the month is over, put it in a file or larger envelope, and make a new one. Second, keep a record. An auditor does not want to go through all of your envelopes any more than you do!
I had just laid out the results of the feasibility study and run through the three year cash flow projections. It was a great business idea, and the client was both skilled and motivated, so I was enthusiastic about the promise of success. Why wasn't the client bubbling over with anticipation too?
Finally, she said, "Wow. It's all so much."
She couldn't take it all in. I realized I needed to slow down and give her only the information she could absorb, waiting until she was ready for more.