By Ted Albenesius
Contributing Writer

Entrepreneurs are dreamers who see the possibilities and realists who recognize the truths and risks of building a viable enterprise. They know that not every aspect of running a small business is glamorous, and they also understand how each necessary task factors into profits, financial independence and personal satisfaction.

At its most basic level, a small business requires research, planning, commitment and hard work.

If you are considering becoming your own boss, a good place to obtain advice on entrepreneurship, even if you are already familiar with the nuances of running someone else’s business, is with the local Service Corp of Retired Executives’ office.

In December 2004, Allen J. Lejeune and Robert S. Steitler, recent graduates of the College of Charleston, visited the SCORE office, where they met counselor Ram Dachepalli.

The pair proposed to find a retail location in the tourist traffic area of downtown Charleston where they would sell maps, globes and similar merchandise. Lejeune and Steitler had completed an extensive and costly market survey of the greater Charleston area and found that there were no shops offering such specialized items for sale.

Dachepalli discussed with them margin analyses and a need to determine fixed costs, suppliers of the merchandise they would sell, suggested selling prices, store location and other items critical to a business plan.

Dachepalli strongly suggested that the duo consider a Web site and sell as a company on eBay, in addition to their storefront sales. He also suggested that they consider attending the upcoming SCORE small business seminar.

Lejeune and Steitler twice returned to the SCORE office in May 2005 to review their business plan. The two further consulted with a second SCORE counselor, Burdette Luckert. They also spoke with their counselors about sources of loans to supplement the equity capital they had on deposit to begin their operations.

In August 2005, the pair informed Dachepalli that they had selected and rented a store for their new business, The World Traveler Map and Globe Store, at 161 1/2 King St. The entrepreneurs also set up a Web site, www.worldtravelermap.com. The store opened in October 2005.

Lejeune and Steitler also recently rented a booth at Gaillard Municipal Auditorium during the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.

In addition to entrepreneurship counseling, SCORE offers low-cost workshops and seminars on a variety of business topics ranging from how to start a business to developing a succession plan.

If you are thinking about starting your own new business or if you have recently started a small business, visit the local SCORE office at 2750 Speissegger Drive in North Charleston. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays or visit the Web site at www.score285.org.

If you would you like to become a SCORE counselor, call 805-3068.

Ted Albenesius is a retired Charleston businessman and past chairman of the local SCORE chapter.

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