Where do small-business owners get information to help them run their companies? According to a recent survey, the most popular sources are magazines and newspapers, followed by books and software. The next choice? Local business organizations such as chambers of commerce and Rotary Clubs. That doesn't surprise the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, since 75% of its members are businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Mary Lou Bessette, president of Bessette & Co., a home-based consulting business in Phoenix, even uses her state chamber of commerce office for client meetings. "I can meet customers at my home," she says, "but if they don't like miniature dachshunds, I'm in trouble."
| Where do you get information about running a business?* | |
|---|---|
| Magazines and newspapers | 25% |
| Books and software programs | 22% |
| Associations (such as chambers of commerce) | 15% |
| Past personal experience | 11% |
| Education and training | 9% |
| U.S. Small Business Administration | 7% |
| Friends and family | 5% |
| Nowhere | 4% |
| Other business owners or businesspeople | 3% |
| State and federal government | 2% |