Question:
Can anyone tell me where I can find information that will help to organize my business, setting up systems, business plans, etc. I have a landscape maintenance business I started in 1992. We have grown pretty fast and added employees but are still operating like we did when there was only two of us. We have lost a lot of business because we are not organized or very efficient. I am in the process (just getting started) of developing a business plan, operating systems, organization chart, etc., However I do not have a business background or a business education and am having a hard time just getting started. If anyone can suggest a web site, books, or magazines that might help me I would appreciate it very much.

Answer:
Your local library is a great place to start. Even better? university library. Check out the business section, check out a small business management book
Suggests you check into the local SBDC in your area. "Small Business Development Center"  They are normally associated with a college in your area.

However I do not have a business background or a business education and am having a hard time just getting started. If anyone can suggest a web site, books, or magazines that might help me I would appreciate it very much.

Creating a business plan and getting organized are challenges that face every business owner.  If you set aside time, practice diligence, and utilize research tools this can be done with the vision of your company intact. It takes having to step back to look at your organization objectively.

Before you struggle with a "formal" business plan, start a bit smaller looking at simple operational steps in your business.  It is important to train your "business mind" when evaluating your operations.  Take something small, like scheduling, and create a flowchart from initial contact to showing up.  You should look for redundancy, "I don't know what happens next" problems, and ways to improve.  Ask your employees as they are your truest assets (and liabilities <g-) and will add needed objectivity for this initial and subsequent project.

While working on this project, I would suggest reading some books on organization and business strategy.  You may do a search with Amazon or try your local library or book store.  There is no shortage of reading materials available on this subject.

There are several sites available on the Internet which have tools available free of charge. has a plethora of on-line libraries, encyclopedias, and reference tools available to you free of charge.    This is a nice site which offers some aide in creating your business plan This site offers so many wonderful aides to any business.  There are also some forms to help with your business plan. is by far my favorite page of links.  Many sites are listed to aide the business owner.  There are also book reviews available for your viewing to assist in choosing the right reading materials for your business. Let's not forget why we pay our taxes.  The US Government has many resources available to assist the business owners it serves.  There are many more Governmental sites.  If there is anything in particular you need to find, perform a search on which is a site designed to find government sponsored web pages.

I could go on, but I will stop.  I have no business affiliation with these companies, so please practice due diligence as I did.