Congratulations!  You have a new product coming down the pipe. Or maybe you have a special project that is sure to boost business. Now comes the hard part. Do you have all the resources and information within your company to make this product or project a success? Better yet, do you even know what information or resources you need?

In the past, business leaders seemed to have all the answers, and if they didn’t, they just improvised. Anything less challenged the role of the all-knowing business owner.

The truth is no one can know everything necessary to run and grow a successful business. And in today’s technological and interconnected world, improvising no longer works. Things move too quickly, change constantly and what may have been the right approach last time, probably isn’t the answer today.

First and foremost, use the Internet! This worldwide base of knowledge is invaluable.  Chances are pieces of what you are thinking about have been thought about before.  Perhaps in another state or even another country, but why not learn from someone else’s mistakes and successes? You will probably find a wealth of free knowledge to help you move ahead with your project and altering your perspectives along the way.

When I need experience on top of information, I have a broad range of insights available to me from more than 35 years of cultivating relationships. Having a network of like-minded business owners and industry “friends” to turn to for advice and direction on almost any matter has been invaluable to me. I can talk to associates and bounce ideas off of them. They may have recently experienced something similar and found what works or what doesn’t work.

On top, don’t forget the professional services that any business requires, and that you already retain — attorneys and accountants. Responsive and well-connected firm members have plenty of knowledge and resources they can share on a variety of business matters. If they don’t know themselves, they will likely just pick up the phone and get what I need by just asking around their circles.

One resource that has served me very well over the years is my membership in a business association.  This forum consists of a group of like-minded business owners that come together for regular meetings. Having a reliable source for supply and referrals has been exceptionally valuable in today’s challenging economy.  I don’t believe one can find a better resource for services than from someone you will be seeing every week or two.

Business associations are also the perfect forum for brainstorming and asking questions.  The members generally understand what it is like to be in your shoes.  Use their experience and knowledge to forge ahead.