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Entrepreneurs Get Lessons On Starting A Business

The Auburn-Opelika area is nationally known as one of the best small cities to start your own business, and Auburn University is helping many discover their entrepreneurial skills. Auburn's Small Business Development Center is helping people get their dreams off the ground. One of the most important pieces of information that's passed along is know your customer.

"It's not that we have a product to sell to someone. We have a need to fill," said Dr. Jackie DiPofi, SBDC director.

That certainly rings true for Harris Asbury at Alabama Office Supply in Opelika. His store has been in business for 60 years because of the relationships he's built.

"We've been here a long time. We've been in Kiwanis Club with them, and we go to church with them. We do everything like that. You know people, and if they know you, they'll give you first shot at the business most of the time," said Asbury.

Great customer service is just part of getting a business started.

"The most important thing is to plan, and make sure that you have enough financing to carry you through the start-up period when you're not going to have as many customers as you're going to need down the road," said DiPofi.

Asbury said most people work for someone else before starting their own company, and that's when the expenses hit home.

"All of the sudden, they are going to have to pay all their Social Security and half of the Social Security for everybody that works for them. They got a payroll every week, and they got rent every month. They got all these expenses, and they just don't have enough business to carry them," said Asbury.

DiPofi said a small business that can survive for two years is a success, and one that lasts for at least seven years is going to make it for the long term. The SBDC has workshops all over east Alabama, and they're free and open to the public. If you'd like to attend one, you can call (334)844-4220.