While you’re working through the business planning process for a startup, you have to juggle your operations plan, budget, marketing plan, and more. But how familiar and comfortable are you with the tools and technology you are using?
In my experience, small business owners’ technical skills and comfort level with the software and tools necessary to complete these processes varies greatly. Microsoft, Facebook, and virtually all other software and sites update monthly, quarterly, or yearly, leaving many small business people behind the curve.
Luckily, the Goodwill Community Foundation has compiled a website, gcflearnfree.org, full of tutorials about online tools, as well as life skills and everyday interesting information. If you need help navigating the ins and outs of the ever-changing digital landscape, the site provides an interactive online learning environment.
For example, you can find everything from grammar tips to technical information about the latest version of Microsoft Excel. Considering how many hats a small business owner wears, a go-to source of helpful, handy information is vital. Maybe you have questions about marketing copyright rules or budgeting or employee training. The site can help business owners stay on the front end of changes to the most popular software and online tools – and help you make sure that semicolon really belongs in the new marketing flyer!
One of the best features of GCF Learn Free is the information on social media platforms.
Online marketing is an integral part of small business marketing, since customers expect to find businesses online and businesses want to be found. But for busy small business owners, it can be difficult to keep up with the all the changes made by Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and other social media. The GCF Learn Free site has all the basics for you to learn how to navigate the social platforms, secure your personal information, and lead the social life!
The best part is if the GCF Learn Free website isn’t the top resource for your question, it directs you to the place where you can get more information.
With a resource as powerful as this, why wouldn’t you take an opportunity to take a look?