HCC program can help small businesses succeed

So you want to be your own boss.

Debbie Workman owns 123 Fit in the new Fred Meyer complex at Midway. Leslie Newman is a successful realty agent who opened her own brokerage in Burien. Michelle Codd and Keli Sim have been running Poggi Bonsi, a gift shop in Burien for a couple of years. Barry Rodda, of SeaTac, owns a landscaping business. He needed a plan to build his business. He was great at designing a beautiful back yard, but he didn't know enough about attracting customers. Jerrod Sessler runs Hometask Handyman Service.

All of those people have a couple of things in common. They used to work for someone else, and they all turned to the Small Business Development Center at Highline College for help.

At the college, they met its director, Zev Siegl, whose background includes being present at the birth of Starbucks. Siegl is a Certified Business Advisor, courtesy of the State of Washington's Small Business Development program created roughly five years ago to assist budding entrepreneurs at various stages of creating their own companies.

"The first meeting that we had with him was like a shot of adrenaline that was very much needed, he encouraged us to think about our business in a way we hadn't done before." Michelle Codd-Keli Sim Poggi Bonsi.

Siegl advises nearly 200 business owners annually to get them on the right track and keep them there.

"I do believe I received some very valuable help from the SBDC ... particularly in constructing my business plan and confirming my financial projections, which required a little tweaking," said Debbie Workman of 123 Fit.

As one of 30 business advisors for the SBDC across the state, Siegl spends his days advising business owners at various stages of their careers. And he does it all for a great price... FREE. The state has funded the program since 2002 in an effort to reduce the failure rate for those owners willing to take the advice.

The question foremost in Zev's trained mind is "Where are those business owners at?" and Where do they want to be?" This sounds like goal setting, but is really a blue print to help establish a good end result. Siegl explained that many people are doing things "very right" and don't need his help. "There are some very smart people running their businesses," he said. They come to him and often get that response if he does not see a need to change anything.

"Zev has offered thoughts, suggestions, advice and ideas on recruiting, retention, and business practices that I had not previously considered. I am amazed that someone would be so interested in my success. Zev has made me look at the hard questions and the what ifs." I cannot speak highly enough of Zev and the Small Business Development Center," Leslie Newman ReMax Team One said.

Siegl is resourceful. He's a great listener. He calls himself "an early stage guy", a moniker given him by associates who admire his ability to see the needs of a start-up. He won't count your inventory, he won't make your sales calls and he won't do your books, but he understands how it has to happen to make you more efficient and less stressed on the path to success.

"Zev has helped me think through challenges, opportunities and successes for several years. He is a great man and has unique and deep skill for understanding people and business. The SBDC is lucky to have him," according to Jerrod Sessler, CFE, CEO Hometask Handyman Service.

Siegl likes to emphasize that the role of business advisor is often to correct the course of action. He'll guide applicants on applying for a loan, seeking legal advice or improving their marketing strategy. He can help them connect with the right people. But, he has limits. He won't help you scam anyone. He does not work with non-profit organizations, he won't loan you money (ethical standards imposed by the state) and though he will come on site to see your operation, he won't babysit your staff or answer your phone.

If you are interested in the services of the Small Business Development Center at Highline College, call 206-878-3710, Ext. 5151 or 253-943-4002. The location is 23835 Pacific Highway South, Suite 101, Des Moines, Wa.. Email sbdc@highline.edu