When you’re running a small business, every decision carries weight,  especially the ones that involve time, money, or both. Whether you’re setting up a website, trying to stay on top of customer follow-ups, or just keeping your content organized, it can be hard to know where to start.

For many small business owners, these decisions come with a side of overwhelm. You didn’t get into business to become a tech expert, and most days, there’s barely time to return emails, let alone compare software platforms.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to speak fluent tech to make a smart choice. A little research upfront (and the right guide in your corner) can go a long way in making sure you don’t end up frustrated, overspending, or stuck with a tool that doesn’t really work for you.

Last summer, the thought of networking made me want to hide. Yet over the past six months, it has transformed my career and my life. It has reframed how I see my professional value and ultimately it has led me to launch my own consulting business.

My transformation didn’t happen overnight, but with time and practice, I went from dreading networking to embracing it.