Our SCORE volunteers dispense plenty of free advice but often do not know exactly what impact they have had.  Clear-cut success stories are rare.  However, our volunteers have been successful in their own businesses.  They have technical knowledge and wisdom to share.  Their reward is their faith that the knowledge they share can truly change a life—can tip the balance between success and failure for someone who has a dream of owning his or her own small business.

We in SCORE have set some goals for 2008.  We want to build relationships in order to spread the word that we are committed to providing resources and expertise to maximize the success of existing and emerging small businesses.  Building relationships is a goal we may have in common with you.  The New Year is a good time to reflect on what has been working and what does not work.  Setting goals can be tricky.  What will happen if you cannot make the goals you set?  Will that discourage some in your organization from participating?  If you set your goals too low, where is the incentive to do better?  Measurable goals must be set so you have to stretch a little, but not so high they will be impossible to make.

What will 2008 bring?  It will be one more year of service by SCORE volunteers with the same purpose.  We will keep trying to tip the balance for businesses that need help.  Our successes will strengthen our community and that is our purpose.

Jean Kruse,
SCORE Chairperson