When you're running a business, even the best product in town won't help if you don't have a solid financial education to support it. Understanding how every aspect of the business effects your bottom line is critical, which is why all business owners should seek out financial education and training and keep current on the latest trends and developments.

There are a few different ways that you can get finance training. The one that you choose will depend on your training budget as well as the amount of time you have to dedicate to a class or seminar. Some of your options include:

1. Finance classes, generally taken at your local college or university

2. Financial training seminars, held over the course of a week or a weekend

3. A personal financial trainer, who will come to your home or office and help you understand the fundamentals at your own pace

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make the most of your busy schedule by attending financial education seminars

Financial education training doesn't have to take up a great deal of your time or money to be effective. Many companies and consulting firms offer financial education seminars held over the course of a weekend or a few weeknight sessions. These crash courses can give you the tools you need to be successful without a lot of fluff or filler.

I recommend: Look into several seminars to find out what sort of materials they cover. The American Management Association offers a few different courses that are tailored to managers. You learn the fundamentals of accounting, as well as how to use those numbers when making critical business decisions. Skill Path also offers financial seminars across the country.

Don't underestimate the value of a good financial education and background

It's never to late to get a good education, which is why many business owners are going back to college to get the financial education that their position requires. Thanks to the Internet, you can take classes in the evening or on weekends in the comfort of your home or office. These college courses are more in-depth than a weekend seminar.

I recommend: Learn all you can about online educational programs. The University of Phoenix is known for its flexible hours and relevant courseware. American InterContinental University is another good choice for those seeking online business degrees.

Call in the experts for one-on-one financial training

Many businesses choose to forgo the traditional routes for financial training and instead call in an expert in the field. Hiring a consulting firm that specializes in financial matters can be a great way to get the most relevant and up-to-date information for your company. If you have inventory, for instance, a consulting firm can tailor its lessons to teaching you an effective way to keep up with and save money on your inventory.

I recommend: Speak with a few different firms to find just the right financial training company to fit your needs. Statman Consulting and Sirco Consultants are both excellent places to start. They each offer a variety of financial training courses that can boost your business expertise.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Not all finance courses are created equal, so if you're attending one, ask for a syllabus ahead of time to make sure that the material the instructor plans to cover is relevant to your business and industry.