Obtaining Business Financing
When obtaining a business loan for a donut shop business, it is imperative that you have a properly structured business plan that will assist you in showcasing how you intend to operate your Donut Shop, how the business will operate, how you intend to market the business, the anticipated financial results of your company, and how you intend to repay your debt obligations. This sample loan business plan will provide you with the framework that you need in order to acquire a business loan for starting or expanding this type of business.
Executive Summary
Introduction
When obtaining a business loan for a donut shop, it is imperative that your business plan has a clear and concise executive summary that provides an outline of what are seeking to accomplish, how much capital you are seeking to raise, the management biography of the business owner, and an overview of the anticipated profit and loss statements of the business. Here is an example of how the title paragraph should be written:
Donut Shop, Inc. ("the Company") is seeking a business loan of $100,000 in order to launch the operations of a donut shop business that will be based in San Francisco, California. The Company was founded in (Insert Year). The business was founded by Mr. John Doe.
Products and Services
In the next segment of the business loan and business planning document, you should showcase the products and services that you will be providing to the general public. For instance:
As stated above, Donut Shop, Inc. will specialize in the retail sale of donuts, pastries, and beverages that are commonly found among retail locations that specialize in these products. The business will produce its donuts and pastries on site so that customers are provided with only the freshest products on a daily basis.
The third section of the business plan will further discuss the operations and products offered by the Donut Shop.
Business Loan Terms
Now it is time to discuss the anticipated terms of the business plan that you are seeking. An example paragraph of how this is stated:
At this time, Mr. Doe is seeking a conventional business loan in the amount of $100,000. The interest rate, loan terms, and loan covenants are to be determined during negotiation. However, this business plan assumes that the business will receive a seven year business loan with a seven percent interest rate due on the outstanding principal balance.
Management Biography
Now that the summary of the business has been provided, it is time to provide a brief overview of the owner of the business. An example paragraph summing up the owner is as follows:
Mr. Doe is a highly experienced business person that has years of experience regarding the direct ownership and management of business. He will be able to effectively bring the operations of the Donut Shop to profitability while ensuring that the business loan's payments and its covenants are met at all times.
Financial Statements
The most important thing to your lender when applying for a business loan is how you intend to repay the bank. In this section of the business plan, you should provide an overview of the finance's of the business discussing the anticipated revenues, expenses, and profits/losses. You can also discuss the applicable collateral within the business plan that will be used to secure your business financing.
Expansion Plans
One of the most important aspects of your business plan is how you intend to expand the business over a three to five year period. Banks and finance companies always want to see that the business will experience a moderate to strong level of growth. This is especially true in business lending because as your business grows the cash flow that secures your business loan will decrease proportionality against your monthly credit obligations. An example of how this is stated is as follows:
The Donut Shop will continue to expand through organic means including increasing the Company's advertising budget via the reinvestment into the after tax cash flows of the business. Additionally, if the business is highly successful then the Company may seek to establish additional Donut Shop locations after the third year of operations.
The Financing
Use of Business Loan Proceeds
In this section of the business plan you should focus on how the proceeds of the business loan will be used. An example of this would be as follows:
* Donut Establishment - $50,000
* Kitchen Equipment and Opening Inventory - $10,000
* Working capital - $40,000
Management Equity
In this section of the business plan you should discuss the percentage ownership of the business among the owners of the business. For example:
Mr. Doe will own 100% of the Donut Shop.
Board of Directors
When applying for business financing, the bank will also want to know who serves as the board of directors. For small businesses, usually the owner serves as the director of the business. An example of how this is worded:
Mr. Doe will be the sole director of Donut Shop, Inc.
Exit Strategy
Any bank or financing company is also going to want to know what you intend to do with the business over a set period of time. Many business owners will develop and expand a business with the intent to sell the company to a third party at a later time. When drafting this part of the business plan you should focus on what you intentions are in regards to potentially selling the business. This is often worded as:
Mr. Doe would most likely sell the Donut Shop to a third party for a significant earnings multiple. Donut Shops usually sell for approximately one to three times earnings given the financial strength of the business. In this event, the business would be sold by a business broker and the business loan sought in this plan would be repaid according to the covenants of the business loan agreement.
Products and Services
When developing a business plan that is appropriate for obtaining a business loan or other business credit facility you need to clearly showcase the services or products that you will be offering to the general public. An example of how this section is worded goes as follows:
The Donut Shop will pride itself on only providing the freshest donuts to the general public of San Francisco. The business will sell a wide variety of donuts, pastries, and beverages (including coffee and teas) that will generate substantial gross margins for the business. As stated in the executive summary, all donut and pastry products will be produced on a daily basis directly within the Company's location.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Unplanned Business Exit
For some, planning a business exit can be a predictable, methodical process. We know the competition; we understand market demands, know when we want to sell and might even know the actual date. But for far too many business owners, the business exit comes as a harsh reality and often unplanned event.
Protecting your business
and assets against the dreaded six D’s of an unplanned business exit can give whole new meaning to the term “Disaster Management”. While every business may experience unexpected pitfalls, careful planning to ensure risk exposure is minimized can assist in keeping you in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing
your company. Familiarize yourself with the six D’s of an unplanned business exit: debt, death, disability, divorce, departure and disaster. Know the enemy and look to address all six D’s in your operating and buy / sell agreements.
The Six D's of an Unplanned Business Exit
Debt:No one goes into business and plans on it not succeeding, but 40,000 businesses fail every month in the United States. When debt exceeds revenue, it is critical to exit timely in order to minimize loses. Understanding limitations and protecting critical assets are key to successful divesture.
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We Buy Your Business
For some, planning a business exit can be a predictable, methodical process. We know the competition; we understand market demands, know when we want to sell and might even know the actual date. But for far too many business owners, the business exit comes as a harsh reality and often unplanned event.
Protecting your business
and assets against the dreaded six D’s of an unplanned business exit can give whole new meaning to the term “Disaster Management”. While every business may experience unexpected pitfalls, careful planning to ensure risk exposure is minimized can assist in keeping you in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing
your company. Familiarize yourself with the six D’s of an unplanned business exit: debt, death, disability, divorce, departure and disaster. Know the enemy and look to address all six D’s in your operating and buy / sell agreements.
The Six D's of an Unplanned Business Exit
Debt:No one goes into business and plans on it not succeeding, but 40,000 businesses fail every month in the United States. When debt exceeds revenue, it is critical to exit timely in order to minimize loses. Understanding limitations and protecting critical assets are key to successful divesture.
Death:Many businesses are solely dependant on their owner’s abilities, relationships, and passion to drive success, and when there is a death of an owner or partner of a business, it can have significant impact to a business almost immediately. While no one wants to consider their own demise, the strength and longevity of a business relies on being able to plan for such a critical loss even if it means downsizing or reorganization. The survival of a business in relation to key individuals needs to be evaluated and exit strategies planned accordingly.
Disability:Unbelievably, death is not as likely to end the business as a disability. A disability to a business partner can put a significant drain on cash flow, daily workloads, and excess down time, all of which can be devastating. Insurance and financial planning
towards alleviating such an impact needs to be carefully evaluated especially when dealing with small business start ups where funding and resources are limited.
Divorce:No one wants to plan for a business or personal divorce, yet while Pre-nuptial agreements may be gaining in popularity many people never look to manage such impact to their businesses. What happens when the partners cannot get along? Or worse, you inherit another partner due to a personal divorce settlement? Exiting the business might be the only alternative you are provided.
Departure:It does not sound as bad as death, but it can wreak the same results. A partner, key employees, or other resources decide to go to the competition, retire, burn out, or win the lotto. When they leave, how does this impact your business going forward?
Disaster:If the five D’s above where not enough to impact your business, there are no limit to the other disasters that may occur that were never planned on: robbery, sickness, employee theft, employee turnover, natural devastating events, etc. In today’s post Katrina, 911 world the impact of the chaos theory is enough to keep even the best business minds awake at night. Plan for the worst; strive for the best and know when to get out if need be.
For the typical business owner, each one of the six D’s has special demands on the family, income, taxes, and control of assets. An agreement, commonly called buy/sell agreements, can be used to plan for the impact associated with the dreaded six D's. A successful sustaining business exists as a separate entity from personal concerns and risk can be reduced by developing mutually fair and equitable agreements prior to these events occurring.
Business is an evolution and travels a diverse path. While some may look on an unplanned exit as a failure others may see an opportunity for growth and freedom.
Protecting your business
and assets against the dreaded six D’s of an unplanned business exit can give whole new meaning to the term “Disaster Management”. While every business may experience unexpected pitfalls, careful planning to ensure risk exposure is minimized can assist in keeping you in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing
your company. Familiarize yourself with the six D’s of an unplanned business exit: debt, death, disability, divorce, departure and disaster. Know the enemy and look to address all six D’s in your operating and buy / sell agreements.
The Six D's of an Unplanned Business Exit
Debt:No one goes into business and plans on it not succeeding, but 40,000 businesses fail every month in the United States. When debt exceeds revenue, it is critical to exit timely in order to minimize loses. Understanding limitations and protecting critical assets are key to successful divesture.
Online Share Trading
It All Started With ICICIdirect.com Open Integrated 3-in-1 Account Now!
ICICIdirect.com
Apply For a Personal Loan
Amounts up to Rs 10 Lakh. Cash No Guarantor Required.Apply Now!
Online.citibank.co.in/CitiFinancial
Syndicate this Article
We Buy Your Business
For some, planning a business exit can be a predictable, methodical process. We know the competition; we understand market demands, know when we want to sell and might even know the actual date. But for far too many business owners, the business exit comes as a harsh reality and often unplanned event.
Protecting your business
and assets against the dreaded six D’s of an unplanned business exit can give whole new meaning to the term “Disaster Management”. While every business may experience unexpected pitfalls, careful planning to ensure risk exposure is minimized can assist in keeping you in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing
your company. Familiarize yourself with the six D’s of an unplanned business exit: debt, death, disability, divorce, departure and disaster. Know the enemy and look to address all six D’s in your operating and buy / sell agreements.
The Six D's of an Unplanned Business Exit
Debt:No one goes into business and plans on it not succeeding, but 40,000 businesses fail every month in the United States. When debt exceeds revenue, it is critical to exit timely in order to minimize loses. Understanding limitations and protecting critical assets are key to successful divesture.
Death:Many businesses are solely dependant on their owner’s abilities, relationships, and passion to drive success, and when there is a death of an owner or partner of a business, it can have significant impact to a business almost immediately. While no one wants to consider their own demise, the strength and longevity of a business relies on being able to plan for such a critical loss even if it means downsizing or reorganization. The survival of a business in relation to key individuals needs to be evaluated and exit strategies planned accordingly.
Disability:Unbelievably, death is not as likely to end the business as a disability. A disability to a business partner can put a significant drain on cash flow, daily workloads, and excess down time, all of which can be devastating. Insurance and financial planning
towards alleviating such an impact needs to be carefully evaluated especially when dealing with small business start ups where funding and resources are limited.
Divorce:No one wants to plan for a business or personal divorce, yet while Pre-nuptial agreements may be gaining in popularity many people never look to manage such impact to their businesses. What happens when the partners cannot get along? Or worse, you inherit another partner due to a personal divorce settlement? Exiting the business might be the only alternative you are provided.
Departure:It does not sound as bad as death, but it can wreak the same results. A partner, key employees, or other resources decide to go to the competition, retire, burn out, or win the lotto. When they leave, how does this impact your business going forward?
Disaster:If the five D’s above where not enough to impact your business, there are no limit to the other disasters that may occur that were never planned on: robbery, sickness, employee theft, employee turnover, natural devastating events, etc. In today’s post Katrina, 911 world the impact of the chaos theory is enough to keep even the best business minds awake at night. Plan for the worst; strive for the best and know when to get out if need be.
For the typical business owner, each one of the six D’s has special demands on the family, income, taxes, and control of assets. An agreement, commonly called buy/sell agreements, can be used to plan for the impact associated with the dreaded six D's. A successful sustaining business exists as a separate entity from personal concerns and risk can be reduced by developing mutually fair and equitable agreements prior to these events occurring.
Business is an evolution and travels a diverse path. While some may look on an unplanned exit as a failure others may see an opportunity for growth and freedom.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Free Yoga Studio Business Plan
Obtaining Business Financing
When obtaining a business loan for a yoga studio business, it is imperative that you have a properly structured business plan that will assist you in showcasing how you intend to operate your Yoga Studio, how the business will operate, how you intend to market the business, the anticipated financial results of your company, and how you intend to repay your debt obligations. This sample loan business plan will provide you with the framework that you need in order to acquire a business loan for starting or expanding this type of business.
Executive Summary
Introduction
When obtaining a business loan for a Yoga Studio, it is imperative that your business plan has a clear and concise executive summary that provides an outline of what are seeking to accomplish, how much capital you are seeking to raise, the management biography of the business owner, and an overview of the anticipated profit and loss statements of the business. Here is an example of how the title paragraph should be written:
Yoga Studio, Inc. ("the Company") is seeking a business loan of $100,000 in order to launch the operations of a yoga studio business that will be based in San Francisco, California. The Company was founded in (Insert Year). The business was founded by Mr. John Doe.
Products and Services
In the next segment of the business loan and business planning document, you should showcase the products and services that you will be providing to the general public. For instance:
The Yoga Studio will provide a broad number of classes that pertain to training the body via yoga and related stretching practices. The business will generate income from the ongoing fees associated with yoga classes at the studio while concurrently generating secondary revenues through the sale of yoga mats and related accessories used during the course of yoga training.
The third section of the business plan will further discuss the services offered by the business.
Business Loan Terms
Now it is time to discuss the anticipated terms of the business plan that you are seeking. An example paragraph of how this is stated:
At this time, Mr. Doe is seeking a conventional business loan in the amount of $100,000. The interest rate, loan terms, and loan covenants are to be determined during negotiation. However, this business plan assumes that the business will receive a seven year business loan with a seven percent interest rate due on the outstanding principal balance.
Management Biography
Now that the summary of the business has been provided, it is time to provide a brief overview of the owner of the business. An example paragraph summing up the owner is as follows:
Mr. Doe is a highly experienced business person that has years of experience regarding the direct ownership and management of business. He will be able to effectively bring the operations of the Yoga Studio to profitability while ensuring that the business loan's payments and its covenants are met at all times.
When obtaining a business loan for a yoga studio business, it is imperative that you have a properly structured business plan that will assist you in showcasing how you intend to operate your Yoga Studio, how the business will operate, how you intend to market the business, the anticipated financial results of your company, and how you intend to repay your debt obligations. This sample loan business plan will provide you with the framework that you need in order to acquire a business loan for starting or expanding this type of business.
Executive Summary
Introduction
When obtaining a business loan for a Yoga Studio, it is imperative that your business plan has a clear and concise executive summary that provides an outline of what are seeking to accomplish, how much capital you are seeking to raise, the management biography of the business owner, and an overview of the anticipated profit and loss statements of the business. Here is an example of how the title paragraph should be written:
Yoga Studio, Inc. ("the Company") is seeking a business loan of $100,000 in order to launch the operations of a yoga studio business that will be based in San Francisco, California. The Company was founded in (Insert Year). The business was founded by Mr. John Doe.
Products and Services
In the next segment of the business loan and business planning document, you should showcase the products and services that you will be providing to the general public. For instance:
The Yoga Studio will provide a broad number of classes that pertain to training the body via yoga and related stretching practices. The business will generate income from the ongoing fees associated with yoga classes at the studio while concurrently generating secondary revenues through the sale of yoga mats and related accessories used during the course of yoga training.
The third section of the business plan will further discuss the services offered by the business.
Business Loan Terms
Now it is time to discuss the anticipated terms of the business plan that you are seeking. An example paragraph of how this is stated:
At this time, Mr. Doe is seeking a conventional business loan in the amount of $100,000. The interest rate, loan terms, and loan covenants are to be determined during negotiation. However, this business plan assumes that the business will receive a seven year business loan with a seven percent interest rate due on the outstanding principal balance.
Management Biography
Now that the summary of the business has been provided, it is time to provide a brief overview of the owner of the business. An example paragraph summing up the owner is as follows:
Mr. Doe is a highly experienced business person that has years of experience regarding the direct ownership and management of business. He will be able to effectively bring the operations of the Yoga Studio to profitability while ensuring that the business loan's payments and its covenants are met at all times.
Free Dry Cleaner Business Plan
Obtaining Business Financing
When obtaining a business loan for a dry cleaning business, it is imperative that you have a properly structured business plan that will assist you in showcasing how you intend to operate your Dry Cleaner, how the business will operate, how you intend to market the business, the anticipated financial results of your company, and how you intend to repay your debt obligations. This sample loan business plan will provide you with the framework that you need in order to acquire a business loan for starting or expanding this type of business.
Executive Summary
Introduction
When obtaining a business loan for a dry cleaner, it is imperative that your business plan has a clear and concise executive summary that provides an outline of what are seeking to accomplish, how much capital you are seeking to raise, the management biography of the business owner, and an overview of the anticipated profit and loss statements of the business. Here is an example of how the title paragraph should be written:
Dry Cleaner, Inc. ("the Company") is seeking a business loan of $100,000 in order to launch the operations of a dry cleaning business that will be based in San Francisco, California. The Company was founded in (Insert Year). The business was founded by Mr. John Doe.
Products and Services
In the next segment of the business loan and business planning document, you should showcase the products and services that you will be providing to the general public. For instance:
The Dry Cleaner will provide the outsourced cleaning of clothes to the general public and to other dry cleaners that solely operate in a drop store capacity. The business will generate substantial revenues from these services. In regards to maintaining a competitive advantage, the business will provide regular drop off and delivery of clothes that need to be dry cleaned on a regular basis to residents within the Company's targeted market of San Francisco, California.
Business Loan Terms
Now it is time to discuss the anticipated terms of the business plan that you are seeking. An example paragraph of how this is stated:
At this time, Mr. Doe is seeking a conventional business loan in the amount of $100,000. The interest rate, loan terms, and loan covenants are to be determined during negotiation. However, this business plan assumes that the business will receive a seven year business loan with a seven percent interest rate due on the outstanding principal balance.
Management Biography
Now that the summary of the business has been provided, it is time to provide a brief overview of the owner of the business. An example paragraph summing up the owner is as follows:
Mr. Doe is a highly experienced business person that has years of experience regarding the direct ownership and management of business. He will be able to effectively bring the operations of the Dry Cleaner to profitability while ensuring that the business loan's payments and its covenants are met at all times.
Financial Statements
The most important thing to your lender when applying for a business loan is how you intend to repay the bank. In this section of the business plan, you should provide an overview of the finance's of the business discussing the anticipated revenues, expenses, and profits/losses. You can also discuss the applicable collateral within the business plan that will be used to secure your business financing.
Expansion Plans
One of the most important aspects of your business plan is how you intend to expand the business over a three to five year period. Banks and finance companies always want to see that the business will experience a moderate to strong level of growth. This is especially true in business lending because as your business grows the cash flow that secures your business loan will decrease proportionality against your monthly credit obligations. An example of how this is stated is as follows:
The Dry Cleaner will continue to expand through organic means including increasing the Company's advertising budget via the reinvestment into the after tax cash flows of the business. Additionally, if the business is highly successful then the Company may seek to establish additional Dry Cleaner locations after the third year of operations.
When obtaining a business loan for a dry cleaning business, it is imperative that you have a properly structured business plan that will assist you in showcasing how you intend to operate your Dry Cleaner, how the business will operate, how you intend to market the business, the anticipated financial results of your company, and how you intend to repay your debt obligations. This sample loan business plan will provide you with the framework that you need in order to acquire a business loan for starting or expanding this type of business.
Executive Summary
Introduction
When obtaining a business loan for a dry cleaner, it is imperative that your business plan has a clear and concise executive summary that provides an outline of what are seeking to accomplish, how much capital you are seeking to raise, the management biography of the business owner, and an overview of the anticipated profit and loss statements of the business. Here is an example of how the title paragraph should be written:
Dry Cleaner, Inc. ("the Company") is seeking a business loan of $100,000 in order to launch the operations of a dry cleaning business that will be based in San Francisco, California. The Company was founded in (Insert Year). The business was founded by Mr. John Doe.
Products and Services
In the next segment of the business loan and business planning document, you should showcase the products and services that you will be providing to the general public. For instance:
The Dry Cleaner will provide the outsourced cleaning of clothes to the general public and to other dry cleaners that solely operate in a drop store capacity. The business will generate substantial revenues from these services. In regards to maintaining a competitive advantage, the business will provide regular drop off and delivery of clothes that need to be dry cleaned on a regular basis to residents within the Company's targeted market of San Francisco, California.
Business Loan Terms
Now it is time to discuss the anticipated terms of the business plan that you are seeking. An example paragraph of how this is stated:
At this time, Mr. Doe is seeking a conventional business loan in the amount of $100,000. The interest rate, loan terms, and loan covenants are to be determined during negotiation. However, this business plan assumes that the business will receive a seven year business loan with a seven percent interest rate due on the outstanding principal balance.
Management Biography
Now that the summary of the business has been provided, it is time to provide a brief overview of the owner of the business. An example paragraph summing up the owner is as follows:
Mr. Doe is a highly experienced business person that has years of experience regarding the direct ownership and management of business. He will be able to effectively bring the operations of the Dry Cleaner to profitability while ensuring that the business loan's payments and its covenants are met at all times.
Financial Statements
The most important thing to your lender when applying for a business loan is how you intend to repay the bank. In this section of the business plan, you should provide an overview of the finance's of the business discussing the anticipated revenues, expenses, and profits/losses. You can also discuss the applicable collateral within the business plan that will be used to secure your business financing.
Expansion Plans
One of the most important aspects of your business plan is how you intend to expand the business over a three to five year period. Banks and finance companies always want to see that the business will experience a moderate to strong level of growth. This is especially true in business lending because as your business grows the cash flow that secures your business loan will decrease proportionality against your monthly credit obligations. An example of how this is stated is as follows:
The Dry Cleaner will continue to expand through organic means including increasing the Company's advertising budget via the reinvestment into the after tax cash flows of the business. Additionally, if the business is highly successful then the Company may seek to establish additional Dry Cleaner locations after the third year of operations.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Free Yoga Studio Business Plan
When obtaining a business loan for a yoga studio business, it is imperative that you have a properly structured business plan that will assist you in showcasing how you intend to operate your Yoga Studio, how the business will operate, how you intend to market the business, the anticipated financial results of your company, and how you intend to repay your debt obligations. This sample loan business plan will provide you with the framework that you need in order to acquire a business loan for starting or expanding this type of business.
Executive Summary
Introduction
When obtaining a business loan for a Yoga Studio, it is imperative that your business plan has a clear and concise executive summary that provides an outline of what are seeking to accomplish, how much capital you are seeking to raise, the management biography of the business owner, and an overview of the anticipated profit and loss statements of the business. Here is an example of how the title paragraph should be written:
Yoga Studio, Inc. ("the Company") is seeking a business loan of $100,000 in order to launch the operations of a yoga studio business that will be based in San Francisco, California. The Company was founded in (Insert Year). The business was founded by Mr. John Doe.
Products and Services
In the next segment of the business loan and business planning document, you should showcase the products and services that you will be providing to the general public. For instance:
The Yoga Studio will provide a broad number of classes that pertain to training the body via yoga and related stretching practices. The business will generate income from the ongoing fees associated with yoga classes at the studio while concurrently generating secondary revenues through the sale of yoga mats and related accessories used during the course of yoga training.
The third section of the business plan will further discuss the services offered by the business.
Business Loan Terms
Now it is time to discuss the anticipated terms of the business plan that you are seeking. An example paragraph of how this is stated:
At this time, Mr. Doe is seeking a conventional business loan in the amount of $100,000. The interest rate, loan terms, and loan covenants are to be determined during negotiation. However, this business plan assumes that the business will receive a seven year business loan with a seven percent interest rate due on the outstanding principal balance.
Management Biography
Now that the summary of the business has been provided, it is time to provide a brief overview of the owner of the business. An example paragraph summing up the owner is as follows:
Mr. Doe is a highly experienced business person that has years of experience regarding the direct ownership and management of business. He will be able to effectively bring the operations of the Yoga Studio to profitability while ensuring that the business loan's payments and its covenants are met at all times.
Financial Statements
The most important thing to your lender when applying for a business loan is how you intend to repay the bank. In this section of the business plan, you should provide an overview of the finance's of the business discussing the anticipated revenues, expenses, and profits/losses. You can also discuss the applicable collateral within the business plan that will be used to secure your business financing.
Expansion Plans
One of the most important aspects of your business plan is how you intend to expand the business over a three to five year period. Banks and finance companies always want to see that the business will experience a moderate to strong level of growth. This is especially true in business lending because as your business grows the cash flow that secures your business loan will decrease proportionality against your monthly credit obligations. An example of how this is stated is as follows:
The Yoga Studio will continue to expand through organic means including increasing the Company's advertising budget via the reinvestment into the after tax cash flows of the business. Additionally, if the business is highly successful then the Company may seek to establish additional Yoga Studio locations after the third year of operations.
The Financing
Use of Business Loan Proceeds
In this section of the business plan you should focus on how the proceeds of the business loan will be used. An example of this would be as follows:
* Yoga Studio Establishment - $50,000
* FF&E - $10,000
* Working capital - $40,000
Management Equity
In this section of the business plan you should discuss the percentage ownership of the business among the owners of the business. For example:
Mr. Doe will own 100% of the Yoga Studio.
Board of Directors
When applying for business financing, the bank will also want to know who serves as the board of directors. For small businesses, usually the owner serves as the director of the business. An example of how this is worded:
Mr. Doe will be the sole director of Yoga Studio, Inc.
Exit Strategy
Any bank or financing company is also going to want to know what you intend to do with the business over a set period of time. Many business owners will develop and expand a business with the intent to sell the company to a third party at a later time. When drafting this part of the business plan you should focus on what you intentions are in regards to potentially selling the business. This is often worded as:
Mr. Doe would most likely sell the Yoga Studio to a third party for a significant earnings multiple. Yoga Studio usually sell for approximately one to three times earnings given the financial strength of the business. In this event, the business would be sold by a business broker and the business loan sought in this plan would be repaid according to the covenants of the business loan agreement.
Products and Services
When developing a business plan that is appropriate for obtaining a business loan or other business credit facility you need to clearly showcase the services or products that you will be offering to the general public. An example of how this section is worded goes as follows:
As stated in the executive summary, the primary revenue center for the business will come from ongoing yoga classes hosted at the Company's retail storefront location. For each yoga session, Management intends on charging a fee of approximately $10. The average yoga class will have five to ten students. Classes will be held five to six times per day.
The business will also generate sales through the sale of yoga mats and other products as they related to yoga training.
Industry and Market Analysis
The Current State of the Economy
It is important to let your financial institution know that you are well apprised of the financial situation of the general economy when you are applying for a business loan. This is especially true in today's environment where lending has become more difficult and will remain more difficult in the foreseeable future. Specifically, you should gear this section of the business plan analysis towards the industry that you are operating within. For example:
The current economy has remained difficult over the past few years. However, Yoga Studios have faired well despite the current economic issues. This is because yoga, by its students, as seen as an integral part of their lives. As such, the Yoga Studio will be able to remain profitable and cash flow positive in any economic climate.
The Yoga Studio Industry
In addition to providing your business loan officer with an understanding of the general economy, it is important that you showcase that you have an equal understanding of the industry in which you are operating within. As such, you will need to provide you business loan institution of a brief overview of your industry and any potential changes that may affect the way that your company does business. An example of how an industry overview is as follows:
Within the United States, there are approximately 10,000 locations that operate as Yoga Studios. The popularity of yoga has increased substantially over the past ten years as more Americans have become concerned with their fitness. Each year, the industry generates more than $600 million of revenues. The excepted growth rate of the Yoga Studio industry is expected to remain in line with that of the general American economy.
Target Market
In this section of the business loan application and business plan analysis, you should focus on the demographics of your localized market (or national market if applicable). This section should discuss how many people live in your area, the anticipated number of people that would require the use of Yoga Studio, the median household income of people living in the area, poverty line statistics, and any applicable laws that would apply to your operation of Yoga Studios.
Competition
Many people that are developing new businesses or expanding existing businesses often feel that their business does not have any competition or limited competition at best. However, this is almost never the case. Unless you have re-invented the wheel – you will have competition. When applying for a business loan, you should clearly showcase your competition in your business plan. This is especially important to your banker as they will be able to gauge your ability to be successful in your targeted market. Many business loan underwriters will aggressively confirm that competitive nature of your local market and your local industry.
When drafting this section of the plan you should heavily discuss the competitive advantages that you intend to have over your competition.
Marketing Plan
In addition to all of the above information that we have covered, your business loan officer is also going to want to know how you intend to market your business to the general public. Most people do not quite understand how to effectively market their business outside of prominent signage or flyer distribution. When applying for a business loan (again in this difficult lending climate), your banker is going to want to see that you have a clear methodology of how you intend to market your services or products to the general public. In this section of the business plan – we will overview how to showcase your services/products to the general public.
Executive Summary
Introduction
When obtaining a business loan for a Yoga Studio, it is imperative that your business plan has a clear and concise executive summary that provides an outline of what are seeking to accomplish, how much capital you are seeking to raise, the management biography of the business owner, and an overview of the anticipated profit and loss statements of the business. Here is an example of how the title paragraph should be written:
Yoga Studio, Inc. ("the Company") is seeking a business loan of $100,000 in order to launch the operations of a yoga studio business that will be based in San Francisco, California. The Company was founded in (Insert Year). The business was founded by Mr. John Doe.
Products and Services
In the next segment of the business loan and business planning document, you should showcase the products and services that you will be providing to the general public. For instance:
The Yoga Studio will provide a broad number of classes that pertain to training the body via yoga and related stretching practices. The business will generate income from the ongoing fees associated with yoga classes at the studio while concurrently generating secondary revenues through the sale of yoga mats and related accessories used during the course of yoga training.
The third section of the business plan will further discuss the services offered by the business.
Business Loan Terms
Now it is time to discuss the anticipated terms of the business plan that you are seeking. An example paragraph of how this is stated:
At this time, Mr. Doe is seeking a conventional business loan in the amount of $100,000. The interest rate, loan terms, and loan covenants are to be determined during negotiation. However, this business plan assumes that the business will receive a seven year business loan with a seven percent interest rate due on the outstanding principal balance.
Management Biography
Now that the summary of the business has been provided, it is time to provide a brief overview of the owner of the business. An example paragraph summing up the owner is as follows:
Mr. Doe is a highly experienced business person that has years of experience regarding the direct ownership and management of business. He will be able to effectively bring the operations of the Yoga Studio to profitability while ensuring that the business loan's payments and its covenants are met at all times.
Financial Statements
The most important thing to your lender when applying for a business loan is how you intend to repay the bank. In this section of the business plan, you should provide an overview of the finance's of the business discussing the anticipated revenues, expenses, and profits/losses. You can also discuss the applicable collateral within the business plan that will be used to secure your business financing.
Expansion Plans
One of the most important aspects of your business plan is how you intend to expand the business over a three to five year period. Banks and finance companies always want to see that the business will experience a moderate to strong level of growth. This is especially true in business lending because as your business grows the cash flow that secures your business loan will decrease proportionality against your monthly credit obligations. An example of how this is stated is as follows:
The Yoga Studio will continue to expand through organic means including increasing the Company's advertising budget via the reinvestment into the after tax cash flows of the business. Additionally, if the business is highly successful then the Company may seek to establish additional Yoga Studio locations after the third year of operations.
The Financing
Use of Business Loan Proceeds
In this section of the business plan you should focus on how the proceeds of the business loan will be used. An example of this would be as follows:
* Yoga Studio Establishment - $50,000
* FF&E - $10,000
* Working capital - $40,000
Management Equity
In this section of the business plan you should discuss the percentage ownership of the business among the owners of the business. For example:
Mr. Doe will own 100% of the Yoga Studio.
Board of Directors
When applying for business financing, the bank will also want to know who serves as the board of directors. For small businesses, usually the owner serves as the director of the business. An example of how this is worded:
Mr. Doe will be the sole director of Yoga Studio, Inc.
Exit Strategy
Any bank or financing company is also going to want to know what you intend to do with the business over a set period of time. Many business owners will develop and expand a business with the intent to sell the company to a third party at a later time. When drafting this part of the business plan you should focus on what you intentions are in regards to potentially selling the business. This is often worded as:
Mr. Doe would most likely sell the Yoga Studio to a third party for a significant earnings multiple. Yoga Studio usually sell for approximately one to three times earnings given the financial strength of the business. In this event, the business would be sold by a business broker and the business loan sought in this plan would be repaid according to the covenants of the business loan agreement.
Products and Services
When developing a business plan that is appropriate for obtaining a business loan or other business credit facility you need to clearly showcase the services or products that you will be offering to the general public. An example of how this section is worded goes as follows:
As stated in the executive summary, the primary revenue center for the business will come from ongoing yoga classes hosted at the Company's retail storefront location. For each yoga session, Management intends on charging a fee of approximately $10. The average yoga class will have five to ten students. Classes will be held five to six times per day.
The business will also generate sales through the sale of yoga mats and other products as they related to yoga training.
Industry and Market Analysis
The Current State of the Economy
It is important to let your financial institution know that you are well apprised of the financial situation of the general economy when you are applying for a business loan. This is especially true in today's environment where lending has become more difficult and will remain more difficult in the foreseeable future. Specifically, you should gear this section of the business plan analysis towards the industry that you are operating within. For example:
The current economy has remained difficult over the past few years. However, Yoga Studios have faired well despite the current economic issues. This is because yoga, by its students, as seen as an integral part of their lives. As such, the Yoga Studio will be able to remain profitable and cash flow positive in any economic climate.
The Yoga Studio Industry
In addition to providing your business loan officer with an understanding of the general economy, it is important that you showcase that you have an equal understanding of the industry in which you are operating within. As such, you will need to provide you business loan institution of a brief overview of your industry and any potential changes that may affect the way that your company does business. An example of how an industry overview is as follows:
Within the United States, there are approximately 10,000 locations that operate as Yoga Studios. The popularity of yoga has increased substantially over the past ten years as more Americans have become concerned with their fitness. Each year, the industry generates more than $600 million of revenues. The excepted growth rate of the Yoga Studio industry is expected to remain in line with that of the general American economy.
Target Market
In this section of the business loan application and business plan analysis, you should focus on the demographics of your localized market (or national market if applicable). This section should discuss how many people live in your area, the anticipated number of people that would require the use of Yoga Studio, the median household income of people living in the area, poverty line statistics, and any applicable laws that would apply to your operation of Yoga Studios.
Competition
Many people that are developing new businesses or expanding existing businesses often feel that their business does not have any competition or limited competition at best. However, this is almost never the case. Unless you have re-invented the wheel – you will have competition. When applying for a business loan, you should clearly showcase your competition in your business plan. This is especially important to your banker as they will be able to gauge your ability to be successful in your targeted market. Many business loan underwriters will aggressively confirm that competitive nature of your local market and your local industry.
When drafting this section of the plan you should heavily discuss the competitive advantages that you intend to have over your competition.
Marketing Plan
In addition to all of the above information that we have covered, your business loan officer is also going to want to know how you intend to market your business to the general public. Most people do not quite understand how to effectively market their business outside of prominent signage or flyer distribution. When applying for a business loan (again in this difficult lending climate), your banker is going to want to see that you have a clear methodology of how you intend to market your services or products to the general public. In this section of the business plan – we will overview how to showcase your services/products to the general public.
Getting Out of Business is a Process
Getting out of business is a process. The length of time required to complete the process is directly related to the complexity of the business, and the circumstances underlying the decision to get out. Planning how you exit your business is just as important as how you started it.
The exit process, timing of events; and tasks associated need to be tailored to the type and complexity of the business. Each case is individual because reasons for dissolution differ, and problems that arise are unique to each circumstance. The following checklist contains key elements that should be evaluated as early in the exit process as possible to eliminate pitfalls later on.
evaluation of the following points:
1. Engage Professionals & Consultants as Team Members.
2. Prepare a List of Assets & Perform a Physical Inventory.
3. Perform a Valuation of the Business.
4. Prepare Detailed Plan & Assign Responsibilities.
5. Release Announcements & Notices.
6. Conclude or Transfer Contract Obligations.
7. Dispose of & Transfer Assets.
8. Settle Accounts Payable & Debt Obligations.
9. Prepare Final Financial Statements & Tax Returns
10. File Articles of Dissolution.
11. Prepare & Issue Special Filings, Notices, Informational Returns, & Taxes.
12. Receive Tax Clearance Notice.
13. Close Bank Account.
14. Store Business Records
The process for successfully exiting a business requires the same amount if not even more planning as starting the business. While the process may be easier, it is likely to be less enjoyable and more stressful. The best advice for business owners is to incorporate potential exit strategies in the early stages of setting up their business. Vigilance and diligent managerial oversight is needed to ensure that complications and problems which could affect dissolution, and net value, do not develop into roadblocks. When the time comes to divest or sell the business, be sure to engage the relevant expertise needed, and prepare an action plan.
The exit process, timing of events; and tasks associated need to be tailored to the type and complexity of the business. Each case is individual because reasons for dissolution differ, and problems that arise are unique to each circumstance. The following checklist contains key elements that should be evaluated as early in the exit process as possible to eliminate pitfalls later on.
evaluation of the following points:
1. Engage Professionals & Consultants as Team Members.
2. Prepare a List of Assets & Perform a Physical Inventory.
3. Perform a Valuation of the Business.
4. Prepare Detailed Plan & Assign Responsibilities.
5. Release Announcements & Notices.
6. Conclude or Transfer Contract Obligations.
7. Dispose of & Transfer Assets.
8. Settle Accounts Payable & Debt Obligations.
9. Prepare Final Financial Statements & Tax Returns
10. File Articles of Dissolution.
11. Prepare & Issue Special Filings, Notices, Informational Returns, & Taxes.
12. Receive Tax Clearance Notice.
13. Close Bank Account.
14. Store Business Records
The process for successfully exiting a business requires the same amount if not even more planning as starting the business. While the process may be easier, it is likely to be less enjoyable and more stressful. The best advice for business owners is to incorporate potential exit strategies in the early stages of setting up their business. Vigilance and diligent managerial oversight is needed to ensure that complications and problems which could affect dissolution, and net value, do not develop into roadblocks. When the time comes to divest or sell the business, be sure to engage the relevant expertise needed, and prepare an action plan.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Other SBA Business Loan Programs
While the primary focus of our discussions has been regarding the 7a SBA Loan, there are a number of other types of loans that are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.
The foremost guarantee program besides the 7a is the SBA 504 program, which is also known as the CDC loan ("Certified Development Companies).
It is specifically designed for traditional businesses that operate "brick and mortar" type facilities.
If this is the primary need of your financing then you may want to look at this program as an alterative to the 7a SBA loan. The maximum loan amount via the SBA 504 program is $1.5 million or $2 million if the business conducts business with the federal government or a state government.
The Microloan programs provided by the SBA provide financing for businesses that need less than $35,000. These loans are primarily used for ongoing inventory purposes, cash flow management purposes, or inventory acquisition purchases. This is also one of the small business lending programs that is available to not for profit foundations (although they can only be used for purposes the benefit the community).
Finally, there is the disaster assistance loan program. Unlike other aspects of SBA programs, this loan can be used by individuals. However, this is not a frequently used program as it is specific only to when major disasters occur.
As we have stated before, the SBA provides a tremendous amount of flexibility when seeking business financing. Despite the fact that this site is dedicated primarily to the 7a SBA loan, there may be a number of other financing options that would be well suited for you needs.
The foremost guarantee program besides the 7a is the SBA 504 program, which is also known as the CDC loan ("Certified Development Companies).
It is specifically designed for traditional businesses that operate "brick and mortar" type facilities.
If this is the primary need of your financing then you may want to look at this program as an alterative to the 7a SBA loan. The maximum loan amount via the SBA 504 program is $1.5 million or $2 million if the business conducts business with the federal government or a state government.
The Microloan programs provided by the SBA provide financing for businesses that need less than $35,000. These loans are primarily used for ongoing inventory purposes, cash flow management purposes, or inventory acquisition purchases. This is also one of the small business lending programs that is available to not for profit foundations (although they can only be used for purposes the benefit the community).
Finally, there is the disaster assistance loan program. Unlike other aspects of SBA programs, this loan can be used by individuals. However, this is not a frequently used program as it is specific only to when major disasters occur.
As we have stated before, the SBA provides a tremendous amount of flexibility when seeking business financing. Despite the fact that this site is dedicated primarily to the 7a SBA loan, there may be a number of other financing options that would be well suited for you needs.
Finding Alternatives to Small Business Loans
It is now even more difficult to get small business loans from banks, though. Ironically, the exact reasons why small businesses need such small business loans – the fact that business has slowed down and profitability has plummeted – are the same reasons why banks turn them down for loans.
Small businesses now have to be more resourceful in finding alternatives to small business loans.
Government Grants and Contracts Instead of Small Business Loans
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama in February 2009 caused the pumping of billions of dollars for the revitalization of the economy. Because of it, there are plenty of government grants and contracts available to small businesses. These can be alternatives to small business loans.
But how can small businesses avail of the stimulus program?
The Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) has the responsibility for helping small businesses obtain and perform federal, state and local government contracts. It has Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) throughout the country, ready to help small business owners to get registered and find opportunities in the area of government grants and contracts. Counselors assist small businesses in filling out bids, proposals and quotations.
The PTAC holds seminars teaching small business owners all the ins and outs of government legalese, including acronyms and registries. A one-day seminar with PTAC covers what small business owners may take months to learn on their own.
The PTAC then helps small business with Central Contractor Registration (CCR), a requirement for doing business with the federal government. This registration can be so complicated that some companies take two days to do it when the PTAC counselor can help them get through it in 15 minutes.
Local PTACs will be of help in acquiring state and municipal contracts.
Other resources that small business owners should consult include the Small Business Administration (SBA) which also coordinates with the APTAC;
Cash Advances form Credit Card Services Instead of Small Business Loans
Another alternative to small business loans are cash advances from cred card services. This option is much easier than winning government grants and contracts.
Most small businesses are already availing of credit card services that enable them to accept payments by credit cards or debit cards. This is practically a requirement to doing business these days, with people hardly paying cash for goods and services. Many small business owners do not know that they could avail of cash advances from these credit card services, though, and that such advances can actually equal small business loans.
This is so because the cash advance does not require collateral and future sales receivables from credit cards stand as the collateral. Payment will also be done through automatic deductions from those future credit card sales. There will be no set monthly amortizations. Instead, a certain percentage of the sales will be allotted as payment. The small business owner, therefore, need not worry over where to find cash for loan payments.
Cash advances from credit card services are the best bet of small business owners as alternatives to small business loans.
Small businesses now have to be more resourceful in finding alternatives to small business loans.
Government Grants and Contracts Instead of Small Business Loans
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama in February 2009 caused the pumping of billions of dollars for the revitalization of the economy. Because of it, there are plenty of government grants and contracts available to small businesses. These can be alternatives to small business loans.
But how can small businesses avail of the stimulus program?
The Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) has the responsibility for helping small businesses obtain and perform federal, state and local government contracts. It has Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) throughout the country, ready to help small business owners to get registered and find opportunities in the area of government grants and contracts. Counselors assist small businesses in filling out bids, proposals and quotations.
The PTAC holds seminars teaching small business owners all the ins and outs of government legalese, including acronyms and registries. A one-day seminar with PTAC covers what small business owners may take months to learn on their own.
The PTAC then helps small business with Central Contractor Registration (CCR), a requirement for doing business with the federal government. This registration can be so complicated that some companies take two days to do it when the PTAC counselor can help them get through it in 15 minutes.
Local PTACs will be of help in acquiring state and municipal contracts.
Other resources that small business owners should consult include the Small Business Administration (SBA) which also coordinates with the APTAC;
Cash Advances form Credit Card Services Instead of Small Business Loans
Another alternative to small business loans are cash advances from cred card services. This option is much easier than winning government grants and contracts.
Most small businesses are already availing of credit card services that enable them to accept payments by credit cards or debit cards. This is practically a requirement to doing business these days, with people hardly paying cash for goods and services. Many small business owners do not know that they could avail of cash advances from these credit card services, though, and that such advances can actually equal small business loans.
This is so because the cash advance does not require collateral and future sales receivables from credit cards stand as the collateral. Payment will also be done through automatic deductions from those future credit card sales. There will be no set monthly amortizations. Instead, a certain percentage of the sales will be allotted as payment. The small business owner, therefore, need not worry over where to find cash for loan payments.
Cash advances from credit card services are the best bet of small business owners as alternatives to small business loans.
Monday, May 3, 2010
How To Use Branding To Grow Your Business
It’s how your business is perceived by your customers. With a powerful branding strategy your company’s market position can actually be elevated. For example, you can go from “the low price leader” to “the top choice for professionals”. Once your brand has a high perceived value, you can charge a premium for your products and services well beyond what your competitors are charging. It’s even possible for your brand to dominate your niche.
Also, the value and recognition of your business, service, product and yourself determines marketing potential. Therefore, branding is a basic part of building your business. Clients, consumers and customers should always remember your name, products and services so they can easily refer it to others and this can also build loyalty for repeat transactions.
Here are a few tips that can get you started on how you can use branding to grow your business:
Develop Your Business’s logo - A good logo will give the first impression and fast recall of your company. One of the most important factors is to ensure that it doesn’t imitate any existing brand designs for copyright issues. It's suggested to get a simple and catchy brand name that comes with a simple logo.
Develop Your Company's Core Values – Review your company’s mission statement. If you don’t have one…write one. Your brand reinforces and supports your mission. Take a look at Pizza Huts mission statement and core values.
Pizza Hut's Mission Statement
We take pride in making a perfect pizza and providing courteous and helpful service on time all the time. Every customer says, "I'll be back!"
We are the employer of choice offering team members opportunities for growth, advancement, and rewarding careers in a fun, safe working environment.
We are accountable for profitability in everything we do, providing our shareholders with value growth.
Pizza Hut’s Core Values: P.E.A.R.L.S
Have a PASSION for excellence in everything we do.
EXECUTE with positive energy and urgency.
Be individually and collectively ACCOUNTABLE for growth in people, customer satisfaction and profitability.
Find reasons to RECOGNIZE the achievement of others and have fun doing it.
LISTEN and more importantly, respond to the voice of the customer.
Think SAFETY first.
Think about how their mission and core values are demonstrated in their brand. Think about their logo, advertisements, commercials, employees and management, fulfillment (when you place your order) and customer service. Get the idea? An additional word on fulfillment and customer service. Develop high standards of customer service so that clients feel that you’re always willing to go the extra mile to solve their problems. Remember that customers who get good customer service, come back and bring more customers with them.
Also, the value and recognition of your business, service, product and yourself determines marketing potential. Therefore, branding is a basic part of building your business. Clients, consumers and customers should always remember your name, products and services so they can easily refer it to others and this can also build loyalty for repeat transactions.
Here are a few tips that can get you started on how you can use branding to grow your business:
Develop Your Business’s logo - A good logo will give the first impression and fast recall of your company. One of the most important factors is to ensure that it doesn’t imitate any existing brand designs for copyright issues. It's suggested to get a simple and catchy brand name that comes with a simple logo.
Develop Your Company's Core Values – Review your company’s mission statement. If you don’t have one…write one. Your brand reinforces and supports your mission. Take a look at Pizza Huts mission statement and core values.
Pizza Hut's Mission Statement
We take pride in making a perfect pizza and providing courteous and helpful service on time all the time. Every customer says, "I'll be back!"
We are the employer of choice offering team members opportunities for growth, advancement, and rewarding careers in a fun, safe working environment.
We are accountable for profitability in everything we do, providing our shareholders with value growth.
Pizza Hut’s Core Values: P.E.A.R.L.S
Have a PASSION for excellence in everything we do.
EXECUTE with positive energy and urgency.
Be individually and collectively ACCOUNTABLE for growth in people, customer satisfaction and profitability.
Find reasons to RECOGNIZE the achievement of others and have fun doing it.
LISTEN and more importantly, respond to the voice of the customer.
Think SAFETY first.
Think about how their mission and core values are demonstrated in their brand. Think about their logo, advertisements, commercials, employees and management, fulfillment (when you place your order) and customer service. Get the idea? An additional word on fulfillment and customer service. Develop high standards of customer service so that clients feel that you’re always willing to go the extra mile to solve their problems. Remember that customers who get good customer service, come back and bring more customers with them.
Best Business Cards Design
The use of business cards, or calling cards as they were more popularly known, is still widely prevalent today, even in this age of electronic communications. Technologies of instant communications such as Bluetooth and infrared connectivity are easier and much handier ways of sending and receiving data and information, including those contained in a business card. Yet people ---and particularly businessmen--- still carry around small stacks of business cards, giving them away at every chance they get and at the slightest provocation. Don't ever tell a businessman you'll call and he will give you his card, faster than you can say "Jack Robinson", whoever he is, regardless of whether he has given you one earlier.
The functions of a business card
As a business advertising tool.
In this way the holder will immediately see in the card if the card owner is the appropriate solution to his immediate needs. So actually the card acts as a kind of 'sleeper' or inactive advertising for the owner, accessed when needed.
As a social link. Many people accept other people's business cards and promptly forget both the card and the person right afterwards. Then the card is remembered when the holder needs to contact the card owner socially, and so the card is dredged up from the dustbin of 'where-did-I-place-it' questions. Or, you may not care what the guy sells, but he is so hunky…
As a travelling reference. If you know a friend who requires his boat engine serviced and you bump into someone who does that, you may wish to request his card to pass to your friend, who might later pass it on to another with similar needs. Without the card, neither potential customer will remember the boat engine service provider when the service is required. With it, the card owner may well capture a whole boating association.
As a personal affectation. It is simply classy to give away business cards, even if the owner has no business. It gives the owner a feeling of 'superiority' -for lack of a more appropriate term-over others.
So, the card
Different people have different uses for a business card and if you think one reason is enough, then you're wrong. A business card does all of the above, and often, more.
The functions of a business card
As a business advertising tool.
In this way the holder will immediately see in the card if the card owner is the appropriate solution to his immediate needs. So actually the card acts as a kind of 'sleeper' or inactive advertising for the owner, accessed when needed.
As a social link. Many people accept other people's business cards and promptly forget both the card and the person right afterwards. Then the card is remembered when the holder needs to contact the card owner socially, and so the card is dredged up from the dustbin of 'where-did-I-place-it' questions. Or, you may not care what the guy sells, but he is so hunky…
As a travelling reference. If you know a friend who requires his boat engine serviced and you bump into someone who does that, you may wish to request his card to pass to your friend, who might later pass it on to another with similar needs. Without the card, neither potential customer will remember the boat engine service provider when the service is required. With it, the card owner may well capture a whole boating association.
As a personal affectation. It is simply classy to give away business cards, even if the owner has no business. It gives the owner a feeling of 'superiority' -for lack of a more appropriate term-over others.
So, the card
Different people have different uses for a business card and if you think one reason is enough, then you're wrong. A business card does all of the above, and often, more.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
How To Use Branding To Grow Your Business
Not only big companies or corporate names need to think about branding, this can also be applied to small businesses as well. This only means one thing, that having a good brand name or branding strategy can add a couple of figures to you sales. It doesn’t promise you to become large company overnight (no strategy will!), yet it will give you steady and visible results before you know it.
It’s your corporate identity. An effective brand tells the world who you are, what you do and how you do it. It’s how your business is perceived by your customers. With a powerful branding strategy your company’s market position can actually be elevated. For example, you can go from “the low price leader” to “the top choice for professionals”. Once your brand has a high perceived value, you can charge a premium for your products and services well beyond what your competitors are charging. It’s even possible for your brand to dominate your niche.
Also, the value and recognition of your business, service, product and yourself determines marketing potential. Therefore, branding is a basic part of building your business. Clients, consumers and customers should always remember your name, products and services so they can easily refer it to others and this can also build loyalty for repeat transactions.
Here are a few tips that can get you started on how you can use branding to grow your business :
Develop Your Business’s logo - A good logo will give the first impression and fast recall of your company. One of the most important factors is to ensure that it doesn’t imitate any existing brand designs for copyright issues. It's suggested to get a simple and catchy brand name that comes with a simple logo.
Develop Your Company's Core Values – Review your company’s mission statement. If you don’t have one…write one. Your brand reinforces and supports your mission. Take a look at Pizza Huts mission statement and core values.
It’s your corporate identity. An effective brand tells the world who you are, what you do and how you do it. It’s how your business is perceived by your customers. With a powerful branding strategy your company’s market position can actually be elevated. For example, you can go from “the low price leader” to “the top choice for professionals”. Once your brand has a high perceived value, you can charge a premium for your products and services well beyond what your competitors are charging. It’s even possible for your brand to dominate your niche.
Also, the value and recognition of your business, service, product and yourself determines marketing potential. Therefore, branding is a basic part of building your business. Clients, consumers and customers should always remember your name, products and services so they can easily refer it to others and this can also build loyalty for repeat transactions.
Here are a few tips that can get you started on how you can use branding to grow your business :
Develop Your Business’s logo - A good logo will give the first impression and fast recall of your company. One of the most important factors is to ensure that it doesn’t imitate any existing brand designs for copyright issues. It's suggested to get a simple and catchy brand name that comes with a simple logo.
Develop Your Company's Core Values – Review your company’s mission statement. If you don’t have one…write one. Your brand reinforces and supports your mission. Take a look at Pizza Huts mission statement and core values.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Creating A Business Architecture
Many - including me - evangelize on the noble goal of creating a Enterprise Architecture before setting out on an IT project. One of the key issues with that is that the ‘Enterprise’ hardly ever acts as such. The typical enterprise is at best a federation of little fiefdoms, that more often than not are in constant political warfare against each other. That gets even worse when the enterprise has been assembled by acquisition and worst with hostile takeovers. It is highly unlikely that these fiefdom chiefs will be too happy to collaborate with other chiefs on creating a new Enterprise Architecture. Even if there is c-level buy-in and a champion has been chosen, bureaucratic resistance makes many projects falter. I am quite certain that one reason is wrong expectations set by over-hyped marketing.
Several BPM and application vendors promote the benefits of model-driven development and some even claim that they make that available to the business user (fiefdom chief). Some BPM vendors want the business user to work with a flowcharting tool and others with a requirements wiki/blog thing. I am sure that comes natural for most, right? This ‘ExtremlySMART’ process software would then generate the process CODE to execute those models. I have to admit that I am in awe. Supposedly that functionality - as simple as described here - ensures a dynamic enterprise with the agility to handle rapid change. Hmm? The user not only can create enterprise models and deploy them automatically but can foresee the necessary changes and how those will impact the current generated code? Amazing. A few abstract models supposedly do the trick. Astonishing. In less than three month those users make it all happen? Wow!
We propose to make much simpler features than architecture models available to business users and more often than not that fails quite miserably. So our software must be less good than our competition? I think not, it is just our marketing that is less blunt. Business users aren’t architects. They do not care about architecture. Just defining what processes one business unit needs and to get them tested takes certainly already longer than three months! Without architectural considerations. No implementation yet. Certainly not the final thing.
But I agree that the reuse and sharing of conceptual business knowledge would be the only chance to properly sell the benefits of a business architecture to business users. It has to be made visible and usable and allow them to not only participate but utilize the existing models to speed up their own implementation and deployment. Business users think in business terms, in content and what they see. Some may even think in rules. Finito. Thats as far architecture will go.
The benefits of creating a consolidated process and content driven architecture are:
* Create a reusable business architecture by doing local projects that are managed in a repository
* Grow the applications by involving business users iteratively within the project to define content, views and processes (not models!)
* Utilize version controlled change management to deploy the architecture models into a scalable production environment
* Processes are not rigid flows that require analysis effort but are assembled by users and controlled by rules and trained patterns
* Enable business users to enter simple natural language business rules
Several BPM and application vendors promote the benefits of model-driven development and some even claim that they make that available to the business user (fiefdom chief). Some BPM vendors want the business user to work with a flowcharting tool and others with a requirements wiki/blog thing. I am sure that comes natural for most, right? This ‘ExtremlySMART’ process software would then generate the process CODE to execute those models. I have to admit that I am in awe. Supposedly that functionality - as simple as described here - ensures a dynamic enterprise with the agility to handle rapid change. Hmm? The user not only can create enterprise models and deploy them automatically but can foresee the necessary changes and how those will impact the current generated code? Amazing. A few abstract models supposedly do the trick. Astonishing. In less than three month those users make it all happen? Wow!
We propose to make much simpler features than architecture models available to business users and more often than not that fails quite miserably. So our software must be less good than our competition? I think not, it is just our marketing that is less blunt. Business users aren’t architects. They do not care about architecture. Just defining what processes one business unit needs and to get them tested takes certainly already longer than three months! Without architectural considerations. No implementation yet. Certainly not the final thing.
But I agree that the reuse and sharing of conceptual business knowledge would be the only chance to properly sell the benefits of a business architecture to business users. It has to be made visible and usable and allow them to not only participate but utilize the existing models to speed up their own implementation and deployment. Business users think in business terms, in content and what they see. Some may even think in rules. Finito. Thats as far architecture will go.
The benefits of creating a consolidated process and content driven architecture are:
* Create a reusable business architecture by doing local projects that are managed in a repository
* Grow the applications by involving business users iteratively within the project to define content, views and processes (not models!)
* Utilize version controlled change management to deploy the architecture models into a scalable production environment
* Processes are not rigid flows that require analysis effort but are assembled by users and controlled by rules and trained patterns
* Enable business users to enter simple natural language business rules
Tips for Business Marketing With Less Time
Going back to basic, marketing is a system to present your offer in front of your customer. You can go out and present the offer using different advertising channels or you can create a system to attract customer to your product or service. Business Franchising There are tons of ways that you can use to market your business without burning a hole in your pocket.
Here are five ninja marketing techniques that you can use to market your business both online and offline. It only takes few minutes each day and you don't have to spend any money. This is not some old school marketing approach. These techniques are measurable and solid.
1. Blog - Blog is a web diary where you can post the daily activities of your business and marketplace. These posts should be more directed towards your customers.
2. Simple SEO - Most people think that search engine optimization is too technical and scary but its not.
If you have your web hosting details then you can change the following in 10 mins without reading any technical manual. Just get access to your index.html or index.htm page
Title tag - Your offer with a main keyword (no more than 60 word count) Meta description - Your offer explained in more detail with your phone# (no more than 200 word count) Meta keyword - few keywords related to your business ( no more than 60 word count)
3. Social Media - Most people use Face book and My Space for fun but you can easily use these free tools for business. You can create free face book groups and MySpace pages with your business details. Add new content each week to these pages and watch your network sky rocket.
4. You must writer 2-3 articles every week and submit to popular article directories like EzinerArticles.com. Article positions you as expert and build credibility.
You can go to news.google and search for new content related to your business.
5. Google Analytics - Marketing is not only about getting new customers but it's also about measuring current conversion. Google Analytics is free and most powerful tracking system. You can install analytics on a 5-10 page website in minutes.
To quick install Google Analytics you must go to google.com/analytics and create a new account. It will ask you to enter your website address and then it will give you a code. Copy the code and paste it every where before the < /body > tag on your website.
Now you can track your website and get tons of data on customer value, loyalty and conversion.
For years I have seen small business owners struggle to grow their business. Most business owners think that they need lot of money to market and grow their business to next level. I agree that it takes money to advertise and hire a sales team but I can argue whole day about money and marketing.
Going back to basic, marketing is a system to present your offer in front of your customer. You can go out and present the offer using different advertising channels or you can create a system to attract customer to your product or service. Business Franchising There are tons of ways that you can use to market your business without burning a hole in your pocket.
Most business owners feel that they don't need marketing because they are doing ok. They forget the natural system of business. If a business is not growing each day then it's shrinking. Nothing in this world stands still. It can either grow or become extinct. What you choose to do will decide the fate of your business.
Here are five ninja marketing techniques that you can use to market your business both online and offline. It only takes few minutes each day and you don't have to spend any money. This is not some old school marketing approach. These techniques are measurable and solid.
Here are five ninja marketing techniques that you can use to market your business both online and offline. It only takes few minutes each day and you don't have to spend any money. This is not some old school marketing approach. These techniques are measurable and solid.
1. Blog - Blog is a web diary where you can post the daily activities of your business and marketplace. These posts should be more directed towards your customers.
2. Simple SEO - Most people think that search engine optimization is too technical and scary but its not.
If you have your web hosting details then you can change the following in 10 mins without reading any technical manual. Just get access to your index.html or index.htm page
Title tag - Your offer with a main keyword (no more than 60 word count) Meta description - Your offer explained in more detail with your phone# (no more than 200 word count) Meta keyword - few keywords related to your business ( no more than 60 word count)
3. Social Media - Most people use Face book and My Space for fun but you can easily use these free tools for business. You can create free face book groups and MySpace pages with your business details. Add new content each week to these pages and watch your network sky rocket.
4. You must writer 2-3 articles every week and submit to popular article directories like EzinerArticles.com. Article positions you as expert and build credibility.
You can go to news.google and search for new content related to your business.
5. Google Analytics - Marketing is not only about getting new customers but it's also about measuring current conversion. Google Analytics is free and most powerful tracking system. You can install analytics on a 5-10 page website in minutes.
To quick install Google Analytics you must go to google.com/analytics and create a new account. It will ask you to enter your website address and then it will give you a code. Copy the code and paste it every where before the < /body > tag on your website.
Now you can track your website and get tons of data on customer value, loyalty and conversion.
For years I have seen small business owners struggle to grow their business. Most business owners think that they need lot of money to market and grow their business to next level. I agree that it takes money to advertise and hire a sales team but I can argue whole day about money and marketing.
Going back to basic, marketing is a system to present your offer in front of your customer. You can go out and present the offer using different advertising channels or you can create a system to attract customer to your product or service. Business Franchising There are tons of ways that you can use to market your business without burning a hole in your pocket.
Most business owners feel that they don't need marketing because they are doing ok. They forget the natural system of business. If a business is not growing each day then it's shrinking. Nothing in this world stands still. It can either grow or become extinct. What you choose to do will decide the fate of your business.
Here are five ninja marketing techniques that you can use to market your business both online and offline. It only takes few minutes each day and you don't have to spend any money. This is not some old school marketing approach. These techniques are measurable and solid.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Top 5 Reasons to Start a Small Business Franchise
If you've ever considered starting your own business, perhaps you've considered the pros and cons and found yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of creating a successful business from scratch. With many business ventures requiring a pretty hefty investment, it can be a tough decision to really go for it and start the small business you've always wanted. With the hard work of market analysis and crafting a strong business plan and the proven success shown by companies that choose to franchise, a small business franchise can offer you the freedom of a small business with much less risk than starting your own business from scratch.
Work from Home
With many small business franchises conducting business through the internet and through house calls, you'll be able to work from home in a variety of businesses that would have previously required commercial office space. Being able to work at home not only frees you up to work when and however long you want to, but also saves plenty of money on commuting costs, office space leasing and commercial storefronts. You can take the money you would have spent on setting up a retail space and pour it back into your business every month, giving your business some extra momentum and ensuring much more profit for you and your partners. Unlike many home business opportunities that rely on supplying you with products that you direct-market to consumers, a small business franchise is a real business in fields ranging from computer services to education to travel and everything in between.
Be your own boss
Most people have had that recurring daydream of being the boss and with a small business franchise you'll not only be the boss but you'll also control the direction and momentum of the entire business. franchise opportunities provide you the potential franchisee with a pre-made business that's ready to go, give you any essential training to prepare you to run the franchise and then set you loose to get your business going and make plenty of money. While there are certain guidelines setup by the franchisor, you'll experience a lot of freedom in your franchise as you outline your marketing strategy, hire your staff and begin making the important decisions that will help your business succeed. Even if you've never run a company before and are a little apprehensive about taking the reigns, the franchisor will give expert training in the specific field and in many cases will offer management training to new franchisees, giving you the training you need to lead your business effectively and efficiently.
Do what you love
For many people, a job is just a job, but with a small business, you have the opportunity to choose the precise business you want to own and run with it. In the corporate world, it's easy to get stuck in a job where you have no passion for your work and to find yourself simply coming to work every day for the paycheck. While the pay is an important aspect of a job, doing what you love and having passion for your work is often what takes someone from viewing their work as a job to seeing it as a career. There are hundreds of small business opportunities in nearly every field and niche-market, so if you're ready to dive in and start your own business, there's bound to be a small business franchise that fits you to a tee.
Set your own schedule
Whether you're a stay at home mom, someone looking for a second job or simply someone who doesn't want to conform to the 9-5, Mon-Fri work week, you'll benefit greatly from the flexibility that comes along with owning your own small business. Most small business franchise opportunities are either run from the home or appointment based so you'll be able to set your schedule week-to-week and also decide which days to work and how may hours in a week you want to put into your new business. The more time you put into your business, the better chance you have to succeed financially, but many small business franchises can also be done on a part time basis as a second job or as a job for a student or primary caregiver, allowing you to work as little or as much as your schedule allows.
Meet your financial goals
The main reason most for-profit businesses exist is to make money, and with a small business franchise you'll be in a great position to generate sizeable profits even within the first year. Unlike many other business opportunities, a small business franchise can be a stand alone business and many times can be run by just one or two people but with the majority of small business franchises you can expand as your business grows by adding more units or locations and instantly increase your profit potential.
Work from Home
With many small business franchises conducting business through the internet and through house calls, you'll be able to work from home in a variety of businesses that would have previously required commercial office space. Being able to work at home not only frees you up to work when and however long you want to, but also saves plenty of money on commuting costs, office space leasing and commercial storefronts. You can take the money you would have spent on setting up a retail space and pour it back into your business every month, giving your business some extra momentum and ensuring much more profit for you and your partners. Unlike many home business opportunities that rely on supplying you with products that you direct-market to consumers, a small business franchise is a real business in fields ranging from computer services to education to travel and everything in between.
Be your own boss
Most people have had that recurring daydream of being the boss and with a small business franchise you'll not only be the boss but you'll also control the direction and momentum of the entire business. franchise opportunities provide you the potential franchisee with a pre-made business that's ready to go, give you any essential training to prepare you to run the franchise and then set you loose to get your business going and make plenty of money. While there are certain guidelines setup by the franchisor, you'll experience a lot of freedom in your franchise as you outline your marketing strategy, hire your staff and begin making the important decisions that will help your business succeed. Even if you've never run a company before and are a little apprehensive about taking the reigns, the franchisor will give expert training in the specific field and in many cases will offer management training to new franchisees, giving you the training you need to lead your business effectively and efficiently.
Do what you love
For many people, a job is just a job, but with a small business, you have the opportunity to choose the precise business you want to own and run with it. In the corporate world, it's easy to get stuck in a job where you have no passion for your work and to find yourself simply coming to work every day for the paycheck. While the pay is an important aspect of a job, doing what you love and having passion for your work is often what takes someone from viewing their work as a job to seeing it as a career. There are hundreds of small business opportunities in nearly every field and niche-market, so if you're ready to dive in and start your own business, there's bound to be a small business franchise that fits you to a tee.
Set your own schedule
Whether you're a stay at home mom, someone looking for a second job or simply someone who doesn't want to conform to the 9-5, Mon-Fri work week, you'll benefit greatly from the flexibility that comes along with owning your own small business. Most small business franchise opportunities are either run from the home or appointment based so you'll be able to set your schedule week-to-week and also decide which days to work and how may hours in a week you want to put into your new business. The more time you put into your business, the better chance you have to succeed financially, but many small business franchises can also be done on a part time basis as a second job or as a job for a student or primary caregiver, allowing you to work as little or as much as your schedule allows.
Meet your financial goals
The main reason most for-profit businesses exist is to make money, and with a small business franchise you'll be in a great position to generate sizeable profits even within the first year. Unlike many other business opportunities, a small business franchise can be a stand alone business and many times can be run by just one or two people but with the majority of small business franchises you can expand as your business grows by adding more units or locations and instantly increase your profit potential.
Plan a Better Future for Your Business With our Professional Business Plan Templates
Every journey requires a plan. It is considered crucial to have a clear image of your goals, this will allow you to be able to take advantage of any unforeseen circumstances. Having a professional business plan template is a signal that you are a serious entrepreneur.
A good business plan gives you guidance and confidence in your business and we make it easy for you to create the best business plans for your business by offering you Professional business plan template, Free business plan template, Business planning template, Professional business plan template software, Free business plan template benefits.
A sound business plan template will consist of what you want to achieve for your business, what you need to do to succeed and how far you want to go. Your business plan template contains all relevant information about your new business and financial figures should be projected so that all aspects of the business can be looked at. The business plan will serve as a reliable foundation for your business to measure success in the future. When you are creating a business plan it is important that you identify all factors that might affect of your financial projections. The resources needed to operate the business are also clearly marked out in the sample business plan. A business plan will be a guide to know if your actions were able to contribute positively to the business. Business plans also serve an important role for the investor.
Investors will base their decision to invest in your business solely based on your business plan, which will include details regarding operations, management, and financial projections. Therefore, a good business plan software program will be one that answers all the questions the investor wants asked. Investors know exactly what they are looking for, and that is a business that can earn them a solid rate of return. In order to accomplish that aim they will likely look at countless business plans so it is essential that your plan be well presented, thorough, and well written. Investors will demand that the business plan be built according to best practice standards and the only way to do this is to look at samples, templates, and previous works.
The proprietary software walks you through every aspect of the business planning process. The benefits of having a professional business plan template are tremendous and CreateMyBusinessPlan.com was created to provide this service. The company was created in 2006 and during the past 2 years has helped write over 2,000 business plans.
A good business plan gives you guidance and confidence in your business and we make it easy for you to create the best business plans for your business by offering you Professional business plan template, Free business plan template, Business planning template, Professional business plan template software, Free business plan template benefits.
A sound business plan template will consist of what you want to achieve for your business, what you need to do to succeed and how far you want to go. Your business plan template contains all relevant information about your new business and financial figures should be projected so that all aspects of the business can be looked at. The business plan will serve as a reliable foundation for your business to measure success in the future. When you are creating a business plan it is important that you identify all factors that might affect of your financial projections. The resources needed to operate the business are also clearly marked out in the sample business plan. A business plan will be a guide to know if your actions were able to contribute positively to the business. Business plans also serve an important role for the investor.
Investors will base their decision to invest in your business solely based on your business plan, which will include details regarding operations, management, and financial projections. Therefore, a good business plan software program will be one that answers all the questions the investor wants asked. Investors know exactly what they are looking for, and that is a business that can earn them a solid rate of return. In order to accomplish that aim they will likely look at countless business plans so it is essential that your plan be well presented, thorough, and well written. Investors will demand that the business plan be built according to best practice standards and the only way to do this is to look at samples, templates, and previous works.
The proprietary software walks you through every aspect of the business planning process. The benefits of having a professional business plan template are tremendous and CreateMyBusinessPlan.com was created to provide this service. The company was created in 2006 and during the past 2 years has helped write over 2,000 business plans.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Training for Success With Your Internet Business, Article 4, Deductions for Use of Home
If you are working from home, you may or may not have an area of your home that you refer to as your office. It may be that you make your phone calls from the bedroom and complete your paperwork at the kitchen table and see customers or clients in the family room.
On the other hand you may have a separate room in your home which is furnished with a computer, printer, desk, comfortable office chair, phone, filing cabinets etc.
While from the point of view of maintaining an efficient office the latter option is probably preferable, many of us don't have the luxury of an extra room that can be set aside for a home office and we end up working under circumstances much closer to those mentioned in paragraph one.
Regardless of how your "office" is set up at home, you may be able to deduct a portion of the operating expenses of your home and treat them as office expenses.
To qualify for these deductions you must use your home or portions thereof regularly and exclusively as your principal place of business for your home based business. Regular and exclusive use means that you can't just point to a desk in the corner and call it your office. It must be broken in by regular use. This does not mean you have to use it every day, but it must happen frequently enough to show that you are actively engaged in your home based business.
If you think that the regular use of your office might be questioned, keep a log book (see Record Keeping article issued earlier in this series ) recording your home based business activities and business visitors for each day the office is used. You are not required to commandeer an entire room or a separate structure to meet the exclusive test. A portion of a room is acceptable.
Whatever space you do set aside, however, must be used exclusively for your home-based business. You can set aside more than one area of your home for business. For example, one room may be used as an office and another for meeting or entertaining clients. Your principal place of business is where: (1) you conduct the most important activities for that home based business and (2) you spend the most time.
If you meet with clients or deliver goods or services to customers, your principal place of business could be where those meetings or deliveries take place. However, if your home based business has no fixed location, you may deduct expenses for a home office if you use your home to conduct substantial management activities and complete necessary paperwork.
On the other hand you may have a separate room in your home which is furnished with a computer, printer, desk, comfortable office chair, phone, filing cabinets etc.
While from the point of view of maintaining an efficient office the latter option is probably preferable, many of us don't have the luxury of an extra room that can be set aside for a home office and we end up working under circumstances much closer to those mentioned in paragraph one.
Regardless of how your "office" is set up at home, you may be able to deduct a portion of the operating expenses of your home and treat them as office expenses.
To qualify for these deductions you must use your home or portions thereof regularly and exclusively as your principal place of business for your home based business. Regular and exclusive use means that you can't just point to a desk in the corner and call it your office. It must be broken in by regular use. This does not mean you have to use it every day, but it must happen frequently enough to show that you are actively engaged in your home based business.
If you think that the regular use of your office might be questioned, keep a log book (see Record Keeping article issued earlier in this series ) recording your home based business activities and business visitors for each day the office is used. You are not required to commandeer an entire room or a separate structure to meet the exclusive test. A portion of a room is acceptable.
Whatever space you do set aside, however, must be used exclusively for your home-based business. You can set aside more than one area of your home for business. For example, one room may be used as an office and another for meeting or entertaining clients. Your principal place of business is where: (1) you conduct the most important activities for that home based business and (2) you spend the most time.
If you meet with clients or deliver goods or services to customers, your principal place of business could be where those meetings or deliveries take place. However, if your home based business has no fixed location, you may deduct expenses for a home office if you use your home to conduct substantial management activities and complete necessary paperwork.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Scalability: Why Small Businesses Outsource
Mature industries like banking, pharmaceuticals and insurance have been outsourcing for decades - even before the term became popular. These verticals have standardized processes in their industries which enable them to easily scale – based on the economy and market conditions.
Smart executives are using outsourcing to build flexibility and scalability into their business-and to gain access to a global pool of skills at competitive cost.
In an environment where Fortune 500 companies have disappeared overnight, a successfully executed outsourcing partnership could make the difference in a company’s ability to ride out these challenging times. The flexibility to bring on needed help and expertise in times of growth – without committing to a project contract or adding people to the payroll, has been an invaluable solution to the small business owner and online professional. In addition to providing scalability, this also allows the owner to focus on core competencies of the business.
Outsourcing provides businesses with instant scalability and service flexibility, as well as reducing overhead costs. One of the major advantages of outsourcing is that companies can now get the best from new developments without the expense.
In terms of new technologies, new processes and new ways of doing things, you don't have to invest to do that in-house. Outsourcing is also particularly beneficial for new businesses, or those looking to expand their operation. This includes those who do not necessarily know what hardware or software they will need.
Outsourcing providers with more experience should be able to advise companies about where to spend their money, so that they do not waste time and resources.
Smart executives are using outsourcing to build flexibility and scalability into their business-and to gain access to a global pool of skills at competitive cost.
In an environment where Fortune 500 companies have disappeared overnight, a successfully executed outsourcing partnership could make the difference in a company’s ability to ride out these challenging times. The flexibility to bring on needed help and expertise in times of growth – without committing to a project contract or adding people to the payroll, has been an invaluable solution to the small business owner and online professional. In addition to providing scalability, this also allows the owner to focus on core competencies of the business.
Outsourcing provides businesses with instant scalability and service flexibility, as well as reducing overhead costs. One of the major advantages of outsourcing is that companies can now get the best from new developments without the expense.
In terms of new technologies, new processes and new ways of doing things, you don't have to invest to do that in-house. Outsourcing is also particularly beneficial for new businesses, or those looking to expand their operation. This includes those who do not necessarily know what hardware or software they will need.
Outsourcing providers with more experience should be able to advise companies about where to spend their money, so that they do not waste time and resources.
Friday, April 2, 2010
How to Pick a Name for Your Business
Pick a name that is unique to you and your business. Try to stay away from generic names like Betsy's Flower Shop or Bob's Car Repair, but instead find something a little more interesting. This is not to say you can't use your name in the business name, but also look to other options. A business name with a story is always of interest to customers and will get them to spread your name around.
Spell It Out
When creating a name, stay with words that can easily be spelled by customers. Some business owners try unique word spellings to make their business stand out, but this can be trouble when customers look your business up in the phone book or try to refer you to others. Stay with traditional word spelling and try to avoid unfamiliar words.
Make Some Sense
Occasionally, business owners will choose business names that are nonsense words. Although this does make you stand out, it creates a problems for the customer. Words create visuals for people and if the title of your business is a nonsense word, it will be difficult for customers to envision what your business is about. Use words that convey your line of business and the feeling you want customers to get when they come to you.
Give a Clue
Try to include in your business name some information about what your business does. Calling your light fixture business Rise and Shine is appropriate, but the same name would not do well for tow truck business. Your business name should match your business in order to remind customers what services you provide.
Don't Box Yourself In
Avoid picking names that don't allow your business to move around or add to its product line. This means staying away from adding geographic locations or product types to your business name. With these additions, customers will be confused if you expand your business to different locations or add on to your product line.
Jump Start Your Brainstorming
If you are having trouble thinking of business names, try giving your brain a jolt by looking through a thesaurus for alternate words. A dictionary may also help by giving you words that define your line of business. You can even try looking to competitor business names to give some ideas. However, be careful not to create a name that is too similar to a competitor's as this will lead to confusion for customers.
Try It Out
Come up with a few different name choices and try them out on friends, co-workers, and potential customers. Ask questions about the names to see if they give off the impression you desire. Be sure to come away with a few different names in case another business has already snagged your first choice. The next step is to register your name and get your business going!
Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/how-to-pick-a-name-for-your-business-516342.html"
Spell It Out
When creating a name, stay with words that can easily be spelled by customers. Some business owners try unique word spellings to make their business stand out, but this can be trouble when customers look your business up in the phone book or try to refer you to others. Stay with traditional word spelling and try to avoid unfamiliar words.
Make Some Sense
Occasionally, business owners will choose business names that are nonsense words. Although this does make you stand out, it creates a problems for the customer. Words create visuals for people and if the title of your business is a nonsense word, it will be difficult for customers to envision what your business is about. Use words that convey your line of business and the feeling you want customers to get when they come to you.
Give a Clue
Try to include in your business name some information about what your business does. Calling your light fixture business Rise and Shine is appropriate, but the same name would not do well for tow truck business. Your business name should match your business in order to remind customers what services you provide.
Don't Box Yourself In
Avoid picking names that don't allow your business to move around or add to its product line. This means staying away from adding geographic locations or product types to your business name. With these additions, customers will be confused if you expand your business to different locations or add on to your product line.
Jump Start Your Brainstorming
If you are having trouble thinking of business names, try giving your brain a jolt by looking through a thesaurus for alternate words. A dictionary may also help by giving you words that define your line of business. You can even try looking to competitor business names to give some ideas. However, be careful not to create a name that is too similar to a competitor's as this will lead to confusion for customers.
Try It Out
Come up with a few different name choices and try them out on friends, co-workers, and potential customers. Ask questions about the names to see if they give off the impression you desire. Be sure to come away with a few different names in case another business has already snagged your first choice. The next step is to register your name and get your business going!
Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/how-to-pick-a-name-for-your-business-516342.html"
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Business Consultants - Business Consultancy - Professional Advice is Important
Organizations and companies, big and small, can and should hire services of business consultants for many reasons, including getting external and objective advice, access to the business consultants expertise, or simply as extra one-time temporary assistance during a project, where hiring of permanent and salaried employees is not essential. Due to their exposure to different situations and problems and their relationships with numerous companies and organizations, business consultancies are more aware of an industry's "Best Practices".
Business consultants or a Business Consultancy provides services across a variety of industries and industrial sectors, with advice in strategy, programme management, operations, human resources, change management. Business Consultants may work within business consultancy firms that specialize in business consulting or may be a part of larger organizations that provide wider services such as accountancy, auditing, and IT development. Services can range from existing business support and development to skills assessment.
Business consultants or a Business Consultancy provides services across a variety of industries and industrial sectors, with advice in strategy, programme management, operations, human resources, change management. Business Consultants may work within business consultancy firms that specialize in business consulting or may be a part of larger organizations that provide wider services such as accountancy, auditing, and IT development. Services can range from existing business support and development to skills assessment.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
For the Support of Small Business in Georgia
In the conditions of deep economic crisis and during the period of extreme restriction in requisite resources for economic investments of tendency of selecting priority in investing activities enquire upmost importance. According to these circumstances, small and average businesses must be admired in such system of priorities. It follows not only from conjectural, political or ideological purposefulness, but also from objective activities of social-economic conditions; Simultaneously it is also connected to the position perspectives of this field to solve vital questions of the country. (creating concrete atmosphere, increasing employment level and efficiency, treating and spreading technical decisions etc) however, it is baseless to speak that small and average businesses in our country have any kids of advantages in distribution of investing resources, ` moreover, it often moves to the second place.
Financing has always been the urgent problem of small and overage businesses. According to the social research of small industrial management, half of respondents had to use their own savings in organizing these enterprises. Only more than a quarter managed to receive credits, but less than 20% - to attract depositors' sources.
The employers admit that, the first and main problem is finances and buildings and then follows cooperation with local authorities. However, investment always remains as the main problem in the activities of a particular firm.
Financing has always been the urgent problem of small and overage businesses. According to the social research of small industrial management, half of respondents had to use their own savings in organizing these enterprises. Only more than a quarter managed to receive credits, but less than 20% - to attract depositors' sources.
The employers admit that, the first and main problem is finances and buildings and then follows cooperation with local authorities. However, investment always remains as the main problem in the activities of a particular firm.
Business & Technology Crack - Does Business Drives Technology or Technology Drives Business?
Information Technology and the move to a computerized infrastructure model are bringing great changes to many industries. Often it is the CIO of the company who escort this fundamental shift in the business revenue stream. Leading others through modernization, revolutionize and transformation means you must be able to make changes yourself.
Forget about asking whether technology drives business or business drives technology. Stop perturbing about whether or not technology is strategic. Silence all the confusions about how advance this technology is to that technology. In technology, there are numerous questions that if you have to ask, you probably already know and don’t like the answer. A more satisfying line of inquiry is how much of your technological horsepower is actually being used to turn the wheels of innovation.
Some people says that Technology drives business modernization, novelty, success & Innovations that opens up new doors of opportunities, improves the company’s performance on the whole, sharpens the company’s market intelligence, and makes new things possible for the clients. Another school of thought is that the Business Drives Technology, as such integration is about assisting business to facilitate their profitability by utilizing technology and other resources available to the enterprise. But realistically speaking, the driving force comes from the CEO and CIO of the company, who both endeavor to leverage technology to its fullest potential.
Forget about asking whether technology drives business or business drives technology. Stop perturbing about whether or not technology is strategic. Silence all the confusions about how advance this technology is to that technology. In technology, there are numerous questions that if you have to ask, you probably already know and don’t like the answer. A more satisfying line of inquiry is how much of your technological horsepower is actually being used to turn the wheels of innovation.
Some people says that Technology drives business modernization, novelty, success & Innovations that opens up new doors of opportunities, improves the company’s performance on the whole, sharpens the company’s market intelligence, and makes new things possible for the clients. Another school of thought is that the Business Drives Technology, as such integration is about assisting business to facilitate their profitability by utilizing technology and other resources available to the enterprise. But realistically speaking, the driving force comes from the CEO and CIO of the company, who both endeavor to leverage technology to its fullest potential.
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