Last month, Missouri launched MoSourceLink, a new web-based resource to connect businesses in that state with the resources they need. Based on a similar platform created for Kansas City, called KC Source Link, the statewide platform delivers a customized report in a variety of different formats to the user.
The success of the strategy comes in the detailed front end questions that the platform uses to narrow down its search. The sophisticated front end ensures that the user gets connected to the right resources.
An example: Finding training help in St. Joe
So, for example, the questions first ask for your ZIP code. Next, you answer several questions about the nature of your business or your plan to go into business. Next, you're asked to define more precisely the nature of the resources you are trying to find.
Following this approach, I was able to locate human resource training professionals that can help a start up business in St. Joseph, Missouri in less than five minutes.
The program then delivered the report to my desktop in a PDF file. (I could have asked for different formats including a spreadsheet.)
A model to follow
Clearly the complexity of business assistance demands more sophisticated, flexible and adaptive Internet tools to deliver resources to doorstep of businesses. MoSourceLink provides a helpful model to follow.
