STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – New businesses abound throughout Staten Island – from St. George to New Dorp to New Springville to Tottenville. But as a recently published Staten Island Advance article points out, not all new enterprises succeed.

The article, “7 Reasons Why Staten Island Small Businesses Fail,” addresses such common entrepreneurial errors as: Not properly researching factors that influence a business, such as overhead expenses; choosing a poor location; not understanding the general difficulties of running a commercial enterprise; not preparing for online competition; deciding upon a venue with inadequate parking; offering products, but not services, and inadequately dealing with government regulations.

If you were to expand the entrepreneurial-errors list, you could include “the lack of a viable business plan, inadequate cashflow strategies, no effective marketing, failure to make use of beneficial technologies, inadequate guidance, and numerous other catalysts for failure,” said John Amodio, SCORE Staten Island first vice-chair and business mentor. “Many failed businesses could have succeeded if the owners had the assistance of experts to guide them in the right direction.”

Entrepreneurs face a myriad of hurdles when opening and operating a business, Amodio said, “and it often requires the guidance of well-qualified experts to help them make the right choices.”

Plenty of help is available. Amodio’s organization, for example, is the Staten Island chapter of the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors who are dedicated to assisting small business owners at no charge – every step of the way, from dream to startup to growth.

“There’s no need to go it alone, Amodio said. “SCORE Staten Island business mentors are here to help businesses succeed.”

ADVANTAGEOUS TECHNOLOGIES

One modern-day component of business success is the use of new technologies.

“Small business owners need every advantage to stay competitive, and embracing advanced technologies can provide them with an edge,” Amodio said.

According to the Small Business Administration, of which SCORE is a partner, technology can help increase business efficiency and even expand operations. With this in mind, the small business mentors of SCORE Staten Island suggest entrepreneurs consider taking advantage of the following technologies:

• ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE

This is important, even if you have your own accountant or bookkeeper. Accounting software allows you to see your profits and losses at a glance. It can also help you design and maintain a budget for your business.

• PLANNING SOFTWARE OR TOOLS

A calendar system is a must. There are many online planning systems that can be utilized to help you keep your calendar organized. Find a system that meets your business’ needs and be sure to stick with it.

• TIME TRACKING SOFTWARE

A time tracking device will help you determine what tasks result in a profit and what tasks do not. This will help you determine what tasks can be eliminated, outsourced, or improved.  If you’re looking at software that requires a fee, ask for a free trial first to make sure it’s the right software for you.

• EMAIL MANAGEMENT

As a business owner, you probably use several email accounts to manage the various aspects of your company. If you streamline these emails to one account, you’ll be able to stay organized and abreast of your emails.

• MOBILE INTERNET ACCESS

Access to the Internet on your mobile device will not only make your life easier, it will also help you maintain a positive reputation for your business. For example, if you are able to follow up with a client by email immediately after a meeting, you will be showing that you are accessible, timely and professional.

Once you decide which types of technology are right for you and your business, you’ll be on your way to being more organized and efficient.

About SCORE Staten Island

SCORE Staten Island is dedicated to fostering a vibrant small-business community within its borough by providing cost-free mentoring and education to both aspiring and established entrepreneurs. Headquartered at 1855 Victory Blvd., in the Staten Island neighborhood of Castleton Corners, the organization is Chapter 476 of the nationwide SCORE, a nonprofit association and resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, SCORE of Staten Island may be visited at https://statenisland.score.org; telephoned at 718-727-1221; emailed at info@SCORESI.org, and visited on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SCOREofStatenIsland).

Media Contact: Barton Horowitz
Relevant Public Relations, LLC
Headquarters: 718‑682‑1509
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Email: Bhorowitz@RelevantPR.com