Going Back To School is Good for Business! I love this time of year: back to school. There’s nothing like that new box of crayons smell. Whether you’re a parent sending your children off to their first day at kindergarten or college, or an adult headed back to school, this is a time for new beginnings. It is also often the time of year when people think about or begin the process of starting a new business. If you fall into this category, you should approach the process of starting a business as if you were going back to school: Take advantage of every opportunity to learn everything you can about starting and operating a business. After all, if you decided to become a vet after having been a banker, you would have to go back to school. Fortunately, “going to school” to become a business owner is easier, cheaper and won’t require years in the classroom. You will, however, still have to do math (sorry). Unlike the traditional classroom, there are many ways you can get out there and learn how to run a business. Universities, colleges and organizations across the state of Maine are offering a wide variety of courses, seminars and workshops this fall. Subjects include everything from starting a business to writing a business plan, from financing and marketing to protecting an invention and much more. Offerings range from one hour seminars and full day conferences to longer-term courses and trainings. It is easy to find one or more that suits your needs, your pocketbook and your schedule. It would require much more space than I have here to list all of the classes, courses, seminars and workshops available this fall. Fortunately, the state of Maine has created a one-stop Web site that is the best resource for this information. Check out www.mainebusinessworks.org. My fall calendar is full with small business seminars and conferences I will be attending or teaching. I strongly recommend that anyone thinking about going into business – or anyone currently in business – take advantage of these opportunities. Not only are the seminars a great way to learn what you need to know to be successful, they also create some great networking opportunities. What better way to learn how to run a business than by speaking with other people who are doing it? Attending these events also creates a great marketing opportunity. By telling people what you are planning to do, you are likely to find a future customer, partner or someone who knows someone who might be of assistance to you. We’re never too old to return to school, to keep learning, to start a new chapter in our life. If starting a business is your next chapter, then grab your new notebook and backpack and head to class. If I see you there, I’ll share my new crayons with you.