The average citizen has access to swarms of advisors and mountains of advice; not all of it either dependable or well informed. One can call in to radio talk shows and receive top of the head counsel on every subject from pimples to presidential peccadilloes. Psychologically challenged? Call a talk show! Unsure of how to think about a possible politician's "errors?" Call in and be told that you need not think, but simply and mindlessly, adopt the host's viewpoint.

The course of business and innovation in all enterprises might drastically be altered if entrepreneurs blindly follow the advice provided by "experts." Think how the world would differ had some or all of the following advice been heeded:
? "Heavier than air flying machines are impossible." Lord Kevin, President, Royal Society, 1895.
? "Everything that can be invented has been invented." Charles Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899.
? "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." Ken Olson, President and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977.
? "We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out." Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.

SCORE counselors have a combined total of nearly 4,000 years of business experience to draw upon for advice to entrepreneurs, small/medium sized businesses, and any owner facing difficult challenges in his/her operation. While not infallible, SCORE guarantees that our advice is infinitely better than the above. For experienced consultation from any of 70 San Diego SCORE counselors, simply call SCORE at (619)557-7272 weekdays, or your local Chamber of Commerce.

SCORE also offers monthly Women's Breakfast Roundtable meetings in North County at the Windmill Restaurant: the June 17 meeting will feature Lynn Scheurell, Creative Catalyst, on the topic of "Networking for Introverts, Keep Your Pipeline Full Throughout the Summer." In Mission Valley, Debra Simpson, Magic in Words, a Carlsbad Chamber member, speaks on the topic of "ABC's of Internet Marketing."

The SCORE workshop schedule includes: June 18, How to Start and Manage Your Own Business; June 28, 16 Successful Business Tactics; June 11, How to Develop Your Competitive Advantage; June 25, How to Write a Winning Business Plan; June 9, Marketing, Advertising & Branding; June 22, QuickBooks Basic; June 4, QuickBooks Advanced. Save up to $193 when you pre-register for seven workshops at a cost of $350.

Pre-register for any SCORE program through the Web site, www.score-sandiego.org, or phone weekdays at (619) 557-7272. Also, check out the SCORE Web site section on "free business stuff."

Hasler is a SCORE counselor at both the Carlsbad and Vista Chambers of Commerce.

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