I went to a short course in writing a business plan Saturday morning, and what a gem of a morning it turned out to be!

For years I've known I should write a business plan, and I even halfheartedly began to once or twice, but this short, inexpensive ($35.00) seminar finally gave me the motivation, knowledge, and tools I needed to begin. I loved the instructor, he was a retired CEO full of wisdom, humor, enthusiasm, and valuable insights.

I've been working on my plan this morning - it's been completely painless, and am already a good part of the way done. My home business is indeed very small as small businesses go, but writing a business plan is forcing me to think things through, measure my results, and get a better handle on what I've accomplished, and what my options are for moving forward.

The seminar was sponsored by a great organization called SCORE, a branch of the SBA that provides professional small business guidance via volunteer business executives, many of whom are retired.  In addition to very affordable seminars, they also offer free business counseling, which is my next step.  I signed up on the Miwaukee SCORE website, and was able to specify what kind of business I am, and what kind of guidance I am requesting.  I'll let you know how that unfolds.

I know a number of you who read my blog are on a path similar to mine, and wanted to let you know about this great resource.  If any of you have already utilized SCORE, or have written a business plan, I'd love to hear about your experience.