Look for three educational programs that will give you valuable skills that would directly benefit your small business. Marketing seminars, training for specific accounting software, financial courses, and graphic design programs are a few examples. Your business may require very specific skills that you can develop by getting additional training. If your business is a catering service, for example, you may benefit by taking a program in making pastries. If you own a contracting business, a course in engineering may improve your business. List the programs you have in mind, explain how they would benefit your business, identify the costs and entry requirements for each course of study, and then state when you plan to take the program. None of the programs need be formal courses of study at an educational institution. Some may be available through free tut orial series online. Identify three trade or professional organizations related to your business. These organizations can be sources of information, places to meet other business owners whose experience can directly benefit your business, and perhaps MANAGING YOUR PROFITS 33 even sources of funding. List the requirements for application and continued membership.