29th May 2009
How do I tell you the amount of sales I'll make next year, when I just don't know?
For new business start-ups, projecting sales can be a frustrating, uncertain experience. To go into a business without having some idea of how much you'll sell might be ...
29th May 2009
Running a small business can be a lonely trek. Isolation can be a challenge for new business owners working alone. This can come as a shock to anyone who gives up their day job to run their own business. Isolation can be powerful enough to send some early...
18th May 2009
No matter how brilliant a business idea might be, certain deal breakers will stop it in its tracks. Deal breakers are the secrets you would rather not share with your business analyst or banker, though you probably should.
If you're applying for a loan...
18th May 2009
One might think I humbled myself enough with my infiltration into the world of snowboard riders, yet summer brought on the urge to jam myself into a plastic floaty the size of a toothpaste tube and brave jagged rocks, wild frothy rapids and frequent oxyge...
18th May 2009
Are your prices high enough to keep you in business?
If you're self-employed and providing services at prices anywhere near the rates you earned as an employee, you might be missing some of the deadliest hidden costs.
The obvious overhead costs incl...
18th May 2009
Twitter is one of the fastest growing social media networking options, and it's laced with benefits and opportunity for small business owners.
A few weeks ago, I was inspired to launch into the world of Twitter. Now, only a few weeks later I have over ...
16th April 2009
Are you thinking of starting or growing a business? Here are twelve tips that will help stack the cards in your favor if you're hoping to borrow money to launch your plan.
1. Tidy up your personal finances before applying for a business loan. Pay down ...
10th April 2009
Businesses arise when entrepreneurs identify wants or needs and create products or services to fill them. This means doing ongoing market research. Here are some of the free research tools that are easily accessible on the internet, and which are certain ...
10th April 2009
As a lender, I wish we could approve every loan application that hit our table; unfortunately it's not possible. We deal with mostly very small businesses seeking small loans, usually less than $250,000. Lending to inexperienced, new business owners is on...
10th April 2009
Oddly, the ultimate goal of self-employment might be to work yourself out of a job.
Many people start businesses simply to create jobs for themselves. Self-employment offers many benefits, not the least of which is the opportunity to develop basic busi...
10th April 2009
I love fishing. I enjoy it whether or not I catch fish. A good catch makes the fishing trip more than just a visit - it makes it a successful fishing trip. I prefer to catch fish. A memorable fishing adventure begins with a good plan.
What makes a fish...
01st April 2009
A business partnership demands the same care and attention needed to nurture and grow a successful marriage. As with a marriage, you are well advised to get to know who you're setting up shop with before committing to the deal.
Partnerships are not app...
01st April 2009
Are you sitting on a hot business idea, but don't know if it's a winner? This can be one of the most agonizing parts of the business start-up process. Those of us with tight budgets or no budgets simply do not have the option of tossing a few thousand dol...
01st April 2009
As you venture down the business planning path, you are certain to encounter one or more gatekeepers. "Gatekeeper" is the term I use to describe bankers, business analysts and managers of any government programs that might provide grants to your business....
09th March 2009
Successful business owners make running a business look easy. Observing from the outside, it's easy to imagine that they harvest massive rewards with little or no effort. That is just one of many misconceptions about owning your own business. Here are a f...
