Business Angels are successful business men and women wanting to invest their own capital in either startup businesses or struggling businesses in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. They plan to use their expertise to turn businesses into successes so they get a good return on their investment. Business angels do take risks but because of their experience they are very careful where and who they invest with. Generally they invest when the shares are cheap, work with the company, build it up and after a few years when your company is mature, they then sell to other stockbrokers or back to you.
The popular program Dragons Den has investors waiting to invest in your business. If you are planning to go onto the show you should ensure you have a great sales pitch. Preparation is the key. Make sure you have a good clear business plan. The dragons will notice straight away if you haven’t researched your market and target audience enough. Ensure you have accurate sales projections and don’t lie. They will be impressed if you have answers to all their questions as long as they are facts. The dragons are no different from Simon Cowell in the popular X Factor show. Simon tells the truth about their singing ability as do the dragons regarding your businesses likeliness of success. They are not stupid and will not invest in a high risk business idea if they believe it won’t work. If they tell you to stop wasting time on the business as it will never make any money, believe them. It might be hard to hear but they are experts in their field and have millions of pounds in the bank to invest. They didn’t get these millions from a bad business idea.
Before you meet investors have a practice so you are confidence about your pitch. You need to be confident in voice and posture. Sometimes a positive confident attitude can be all more effective than strong logical arguments. You will need to prepare for any questions. Think about what they might ask you. Image you were the investor, what would you ask? Questions like “how much do you expect to make the first year,” and “how do you expect profits to rise over the next decade,” are to be expected. Think about what makes you stand out from your competitors, what is unique and different about your business. If you can prove you are unique you will eliminate any competition.
Business angels like to see you’re committed to making your business work. If you have put some of your own money into your business venture this will impress them more than someone who hasn’t. However if you have put thousands and thousands of pounds into your business but it is still not successful they will see red warning signs. If you can’t make your business work with your own money investors will wonder what their money is likely to achieve. Unless they can see where you’re going wrong they will not invest.
Finding business angels has never been easier with the internet. There are hundreds of sites offering to find you the right investor. Investors tend to join angel groups or angel networks so they can view lots of new business opportunities’ and pick and choose what is right for you.
Carolyn is the webmaster of Angel Startups, experts in finding Business Investors.
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Business Funding
Are you after funding for you new business venture? Maybe you even went on the television program Dragons Den but left without funding? If you have been on Dragons Den and were turned down funding you need to ask yourself why. What did the dragons tell you? You shouldn’t ignore their advice, if they said your business was a stupid idea and it would never make money, believe them and move on. So many people leave the den thinking they know better and carry on their dream but spend years wasting time on a business that will never succeed. However if the dragons liked the idea but just didn’t think it was investable because of the return on their investment wouldn’t be worth their while, you should still keep looking for the funding and keep your business dream alive.
Funding a business is a very important part of a new business startup up. There are plenty of options open to you; you just need to know what to look for. Most people turn to their bank first and try to get a bank loan. Bank loans can appear attractive as you don’t have to sacrifice any ownership of the business however their interest rates can be high and you might spend a long time paying the debt off. Plus with a bank loan you will have to pay it back even if the business fails.
Another option available to you is equity finance which is where you sell partial ownership in exchange for cash. This can be in the form of a business angel or a venture capitalist. With business angels you get the added advantage of advice and support from your investor. Angel investors tend to be very successful in their own right and have similar businesses to you. They often save struggling businesses from ruin and set them back on the right track.
Venture capitalists investors are another type of debt financing. Sometimes these types of investors become partners within the business and use their skill and experience to turn the business around or help it off the ground. Most of them take an active role but some simply provide the funds and let you run the business yourself. If the business succeeds they typically make a larger return on their investment than for instance interest rates on savings accounts. This is why venture capitalists’ look for businesses to invest their money in. Equity financing is far more expensive if your company is successful but far less if it fails.
Business grants are another option available to you and they could be just the type of funding your need. Grants are sums of money that are given to business and do not need to be paid back. However grants generally come with terms and conditions which must be met to ensure you don’t have to pay the grant back. The trouble with grants is that they are hard to come by. They are provided by central, regional and local government, the European Union, and a number of other national and local bodies. Most grants are given to limited companies, partnerships and sole traders. Unfortunately the location of your business will be crucial with regards to obtaining a grant.
Finding funding couldn’t be easier with the internet. There are lots of business angel companies which offer the chance to meet with investors. Some online sites have members’ areas where those looking for finance can post their business funding needs. Investors also can become members and look through all the investment opportunities and chose who and which company they wish to invest their money with.
Carolyn is the webmaster of Angel Startups experts in finding Business Funding for new startup or struggling businesses.
Funding a business is a very important part of a new business startup up. There are plenty of options open to you; you just need to know what to look for. Most people turn to their bank first and try to get a bank loan. Bank loans can appear attractive as you don’t have to sacrifice any ownership of the business however their interest rates can be high and you might spend a long time paying the debt off. Plus with a bank loan you will have to pay it back even if the business fails.
Another option available to you is equity finance which is where you sell partial ownership in exchange for cash. This can be in the form of a business angel or a venture capitalist. With business angels you get the added advantage of advice and support from your investor. Angel investors tend to be very successful in their own right and have similar businesses to you. They often save struggling businesses from ruin and set them back on the right track.
Venture capitalists investors are another type of debt financing. Sometimes these types of investors become partners within the business and use their skill and experience to turn the business around or help it off the ground. Most of them take an active role but some simply provide the funds and let you run the business yourself. If the business succeeds they typically make a larger return on their investment than for instance interest rates on savings accounts. This is why venture capitalists’ look for businesses to invest their money in. Equity financing is far more expensive if your company is successful but far less if it fails.
Business grants are another option available to you and they could be just the type of funding your need. Grants are sums of money that are given to business and do not need to be paid back. However grants generally come with terms and conditions which must be met to ensure you don’t have to pay the grant back. The trouble with grants is that they are hard to come by. They are provided by central, regional and local government, the European Union, and a number of other national and local bodies. Most grants are given to limited companies, partnerships and sole traders. Unfortunately the location of your business will be crucial with regards to obtaining a grant.
Finding funding couldn’t be easier with the internet. There are lots of business angel companies which offer the chance to meet with investors. Some online sites have members’ areas where those looking for finance can post their business funding needs. Investors also can become members and look through all the investment opportunities and chose who and which company they wish to invest their money with.
Carolyn is the webmaster of Angel Startups experts in finding Business Funding for new startup or struggling businesses.
Starting Your Entrepreneurial Business: Climb a Different Career Ladder
Are You Good at Climbing?
I climbed out of my crib very early, and proceeded to live a very hyperactive childhood, so I have been told by parents, aunts, elder cousins, and others who have known me my entire life. I have noticed that whenever these individuals relate this story, their pupils dilate. According to some researchers and body language experts, this means that they either find me attractive as a person, or that I am a source of anxiety. I certainly hope for the former interpretation, as it would be emotionally unhealthy for these individuals to hold a grudge, now that I have reached adulthood.
Within a few months after I escaped the confines of my crib, I was climbing the stair-stepped configuration made possible by opening drawers in certain pieces of furniture. I attempted to scale the side of our refrigerator, and almost made it. Unfortunately, the shiny coffee percolator I grabbed to pull myself up wasn't bolted securely to the top of the refrigerator (a parental oversight, given that almost everything else was tied down, cordoned off, or roped shut). I tumbled down and landed with the spout of the percolator impaling my chin. That's the source of one of my earliest "good scars." As just about everyone knows, an ample collection of these scars serves as a great way to break the conversational ice at social gatherings.
It was not too long until I was climbing the sides of hills, houses with gutters or other hand-holds, trees, and anything else with a summit worth conquering. "Cats in my neighborhood were never stuck in trees�they were afraid to go near them," because of me (so they say). I believe that sounds a bit like an exaggeration, which in my opinion should be dismissed as family folklore.
Within a few years, I was climbing trees for money. I had begun a lifelong journey as an individual whose entrepreneurial roots could, ironically, be traced to trees. I had discovered an income source around the holiday season each year�mistletoe. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on oak and other hardwood trees; if it is ingested by humans it will make them very sick, and can cause death. There are numerous myths and customs associated with mistletoe. However, the most important of these, relative to my enterprise, had to do with the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe (which derives from ancient beliefs about sexuality and fertility that are associated with the plant�which was of little interest to me as compared to comic books, at the time).
I harvested mistletoe by climbing trees in woods nearby my home, portioned off small bundles, and sold them door-to-door. I later expanded my product line with another agricultural product, kindling wood for starting fires. This product came from aged heart pine (stumps and limbs), which I often came across in my forays in the woods searching for mistletoe. It contains a sticky concentrated resin that can easily be ignited with a single match. If I was somehow rejected in my first effort aimed at selling mistletoe in a prospective customer's doorway, I could switch their attention to my "delightfully convenient and easy to use kindling wood�sure to warm your hearth, and your charming home."
As I matured, I became less interested in the business of mistletoe and kindling wood sales, and more interested in using charm and mistletoe for reasons associated with its traditional purposes around the holiday season. However, by then, I had already learned my first valuable lessons as an entrepreneur. I knew that entrepreneurship could be likened to climbing. The prize isn't just the tangible rewards, it's the feeling of achievement that one has from meeting challenges along the way, and reaching the top only leads to recognition that there are other summits to surmount in a lifelong journey.
Lessons Learned From a Former "Mistletoepreneur"
Nascent entrepreneurs are individuals who are trying to start a business, but are still new and fledgling in their efforts. My earlier business had one tremendous advantage: a product with no inherent cost other than the cost of harvesting and packaging the product, which was miniscule. The great California gold rush was similar in this regard: minors staked their claims and began to harvest a precious metal kindly provided by Mother Nature. If you are looking for a product, consider one that is free, or one that has a very low cost. Although there are now eBay and Internet sellers who offer products such as kindling and mistletoe, and the gold rush is long since over, there are other products that fit this no or low cost criteria, waiting to be claimed.
I like the idea of recycled products, as an example of a low cost product. Humankind continues to create tremendous pressure on the environment, and some individuals have found ways to harvest the things that others throw away. Whether we are speaking in an industrial context such as scrap materials that can be transformed or otherwise reconstituted, or a consumer context such as vintage clothing, entrepreneurs continue to prove that the adage, "One person's junk is another person's treasure," is true. For that matter, cleaning up messes and hauling things away can be a business unto itself. Now that eBay has created the world's largest garage sale, people have found that they can sell just about anything. However, some individuals do not have the time, interest, or technological proficiency to use eBay, and these persons offer a potentially rich and virtually endless source of products which you could acquire and sell (or sell on their behalf, for a fee).
You needn't give up your entrepreneurial ambitions based on the notion that you must have a low cost product. But do keep in mind that low product costs, and low startup costs are a definite advantage. At the very least, you must have an adequate profit margin, such that overall, you are self-sustaining. People must accept a product as something that they want and are willing to pay for.
Another alternative is to broker or represent a product, which I mentioned above. Among my various present day entrepreneurial endeavors, I am involved as an independent consultant for a network marketing firm. Customers purchase products through a Web site, and these products are shipped directly to them under what is known as a drop-shipping arrangement. This is really a very efficient system for all concerned, and I was convinced to become involved because I did not have to carry inventory or make deliveries (which can eat up an entrepreneur's time like crazy, besides increasing inefficiencies, which ultimately impact consumers).
You need to sell a hot product. If you have ever used kindling wood, you may have noticed that it crackles and burns very quickly, which is why it makes an excellent fire starter. You may initially think that I am about to tie in the aforementioned fire with "hot products," by using some sort of lame analogy. Lame analogies are always way too obvious, however. By "hot," I mean a product that is sold to a customer who is excited about the potential benefits of using the product, and who is overcome by a desire to have the product for his or her own use.
Have you ever noticed how some sellers go about creating a sense of urgency about a particular offering? While it can be observed that retailers have gone way overboard with "one day" sales by having one practically every day of the week, they at least have the sense of urgency concept down correctly. Every year for the past several years, millions of shoppers have been coaxed out of bed prior to the crack of dawn to shop at sales events offered on the basis of a similar appeal based on urgency, on the day after Thanksgiving.
The fact that someone is willing to compete to be the four-hundred-and-sixty-seventh person in line suggests a sense of urgency has indeed been created. I think that these retailers are rather dimwitted for acting with such a herd mentality and not offering a twelve o'clock noon until five o'clock p.m. door-buster sale for people like me, but that's another matter. Urgency comes when an offering is available for a limited time, when a product is in short supply, or an opportunity presents itself in such a way that buyers become convinced that they should otherwise seize the moment.
You need to sell, period. You will recall above that I acknowledged times when I had experienced rejection? Well, I hate to point this out, but we have all experienced rejection, especially those of us who take risks and are basically asking for it. Entrepreneurs suffer lots, and lots, of rejection. A majority of entrepreneurs must use bootstrapping methods to launch their business startups, typically because they have suffered rejection after submitting loan applications. Some people, will say "bah, humbug!" to just about anything. Some are penny-pinching, like Charles Dickens' character, Ebenezer Scrooge, and some people are simply not very nice.
However, it's been my experience that most people reject propositions that apparently offer no value to them. As an entrepreneur, you must offer genuine value. It is often the case that genuine value must be created, or at least pointed out. I inserted the word "apparently" above, because it is important. People need to be skeptical, as an act of survival, as nature does suggest instances where one can be tricked, and human nature is no different. The Venus Flytrap is a widely known example, as a carnivorous plant that lures prey with a sweet smelling attractant, and then captures them. No one wants to be tricked. On the other hand, ethical selling is not about attempting to trick anyone, either. People should legitimately need or want what you have to offer. If they do not, don't take it as a rejection. Instead, consider yourself as an individual who is on a journey seeking persons with wants and needs that you might possibly address, if your product is a good match.
You must sell the warmth, not the wood. Remember the mistletoe plant's description? It is a parasitic, poisonous plant that attaches itself to trees. What if I had represented it as such? What do you think would have happened if I had gone door-to-door exclaiming, "Hi. I would like to offer you a limited time opportunity to purchase one of the poisonous parasites that I've found in the woods"? Even though I did not really embrace all of the fuss about mistletoe and kissing as a young boy, I knew that older persons than myself and grown-ups were interested in this tradition, and bought mistletoe in the spirit of the season. The spirit of the season I refer to here is also one that is associated with warmth.
By the same token, the idea of buying a "bundle of sticky resin coated flammable wood" is not tremendously appealing, and I knew that would not sell, either. The benefits of the kindling wood had everything to do with the success of the proposition: people could envision having a warm and charming home.
Perhaps the most important lesson is that you can be an entrepreneur, too. It does not necessarily take a great deal of startup capital, equipment, or highly specialized knowledge to begin your journey. Everybody suffers rejection, and everybody makes mistakes. In your own, analogous way, you will "reach for a percolator," fall, and have to get back up. Nothing is certain or "bolted down" when you are an entrepreneur.
On the other hand, if you feel satisfied and secure in your present job, you are either very lucky, or perhaps you've been living under a rock for a while. Widespread job dissatisfaction (constituting a majority of employees), burn-out and stress, outsourcing, appointed leaders with poor visioning skills, questionable ethics, and a general lack of loyalty are earmarks of many modern organizations. Even CEO jobs are short-lived. According to a report by Drake Beam Morin (CEO Turnover and Job Security, 2000), "In just the past five years, close to two-thirds of all major companies replaced their CEO."
If you are employed by a public company, read the first few paragraphs in your annual report. You will probably find two clich� passages: "Our employees are our most important asset," and "We value diversity." If you are a female or a minority, turn to the photographs of the officers and the board of directors. If you see what appears to be a "club," with a membership profile that doesn't seem to fit the written claims, you might ask yourself if everything jibes. If it doesn't, and you do not think it's fair (I don't think it's fair either�that's why I teach, speak, and write spreading the message about entrepreneurial alternatives), you may want to start climbing a different ladder.
I (evidently) did not want to spend the rest of my life behind the bars of my crib. You don't have to stay trapped in your situation, whatever it may be. Go ahead�take baby steps if you need to, but know that you can change your life by beginning your own entrepreneurial journey. Start reading, learning, saving, talking with other people, and exploring ideas with profit potential and customer appeal, today. I'll look forward to seeing you at the top.
This article is free for republishing
Source: Article Alley, best for Free Interent Articles
I climbed out of my crib very early, and proceeded to live a very hyperactive childhood, so I have been told by parents, aunts, elder cousins, and others who have known me my entire life. I have noticed that whenever these individuals relate this story, their pupils dilate. According to some researchers and body language experts, this means that they either find me attractive as a person, or that I am a source of anxiety. I certainly hope for the former interpretation, as it would be emotionally unhealthy for these individuals to hold a grudge, now that I have reached adulthood.
Within a few months after I escaped the confines of my crib, I was climbing the stair-stepped configuration made possible by opening drawers in certain pieces of furniture. I attempted to scale the side of our refrigerator, and almost made it. Unfortunately, the shiny coffee percolator I grabbed to pull myself up wasn't bolted securely to the top of the refrigerator (a parental oversight, given that almost everything else was tied down, cordoned off, or roped shut). I tumbled down and landed with the spout of the percolator impaling my chin. That's the source of one of my earliest "good scars." As just about everyone knows, an ample collection of these scars serves as a great way to break the conversational ice at social gatherings.
It was not too long until I was climbing the sides of hills, houses with gutters or other hand-holds, trees, and anything else with a summit worth conquering. "Cats in my neighborhood were never stuck in trees�they were afraid to go near them," because of me (so they say). I believe that sounds a bit like an exaggeration, which in my opinion should be dismissed as family folklore.
Within a few years, I was climbing trees for money. I had begun a lifelong journey as an individual whose entrepreneurial roots could, ironically, be traced to trees. I had discovered an income source around the holiday season each year�mistletoe. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on oak and other hardwood trees; if it is ingested by humans it will make them very sick, and can cause death. There are numerous myths and customs associated with mistletoe. However, the most important of these, relative to my enterprise, had to do with the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe (which derives from ancient beliefs about sexuality and fertility that are associated with the plant�which was of little interest to me as compared to comic books, at the time).
I harvested mistletoe by climbing trees in woods nearby my home, portioned off small bundles, and sold them door-to-door. I later expanded my product line with another agricultural product, kindling wood for starting fires. This product came from aged heart pine (stumps and limbs), which I often came across in my forays in the woods searching for mistletoe. It contains a sticky concentrated resin that can easily be ignited with a single match. If I was somehow rejected in my first effort aimed at selling mistletoe in a prospective customer's doorway, I could switch their attention to my "delightfully convenient and easy to use kindling wood�sure to warm your hearth, and your charming home."
As I matured, I became less interested in the business of mistletoe and kindling wood sales, and more interested in using charm and mistletoe for reasons associated with its traditional purposes around the holiday season. However, by then, I had already learned my first valuable lessons as an entrepreneur. I knew that entrepreneurship could be likened to climbing. The prize isn't just the tangible rewards, it's the feeling of achievement that one has from meeting challenges along the way, and reaching the top only leads to recognition that there are other summits to surmount in a lifelong journey.
Lessons Learned From a Former "Mistletoepreneur"
Nascent entrepreneurs are individuals who are trying to start a business, but are still new and fledgling in their efforts. My earlier business had one tremendous advantage: a product with no inherent cost other than the cost of harvesting and packaging the product, which was miniscule. The great California gold rush was similar in this regard: minors staked their claims and began to harvest a precious metal kindly provided by Mother Nature. If you are looking for a product, consider one that is free, or one that has a very low cost. Although there are now eBay and Internet sellers who offer products such as kindling and mistletoe, and the gold rush is long since over, there are other products that fit this no or low cost criteria, waiting to be claimed.
I like the idea of recycled products, as an example of a low cost product. Humankind continues to create tremendous pressure on the environment, and some individuals have found ways to harvest the things that others throw away. Whether we are speaking in an industrial context such as scrap materials that can be transformed or otherwise reconstituted, or a consumer context such as vintage clothing, entrepreneurs continue to prove that the adage, "One person's junk is another person's treasure," is true. For that matter, cleaning up messes and hauling things away can be a business unto itself. Now that eBay has created the world's largest garage sale, people have found that they can sell just about anything. However, some individuals do not have the time, interest, or technological proficiency to use eBay, and these persons offer a potentially rich and virtually endless source of products which you could acquire and sell (or sell on their behalf, for a fee).
You needn't give up your entrepreneurial ambitions based on the notion that you must have a low cost product. But do keep in mind that low product costs, and low startup costs are a definite advantage. At the very least, you must have an adequate profit margin, such that overall, you are self-sustaining. People must accept a product as something that they want and are willing to pay for.
Another alternative is to broker or represent a product, which I mentioned above. Among my various present day entrepreneurial endeavors, I am involved as an independent consultant for a network marketing firm. Customers purchase products through a Web site, and these products are shipped directly to them under what is known as a drop-shipping arrangement. This is really a very efficient system for all concerned, and I was convinced to become involved because I did not have to carry inventory or make deliveries (which can eat up an entrepreneur's time like crazy, besides increasing inefficiencies, which ultimately impact consumers).
You need to sell a hot product. If you have ever used kindling wood, you may have noticed that it crackles and burns very quickly, which is why it makes an excellent fire starter. You may initially think that I am about to tie in the aforementioned fire with "hot products," by using some sort of lame analogy. Lame analogies are always way too obvious, however. By "hot," I mean a product that is sold to a customer who is excited about the potential benefits of using the product, and who is overcome by a desire to have the product for his or her own use.
Have you ever noticed how some sellers go about creating a sense of urgency about a particular offering? While it can be observed that retailers have gone way overboard with "one day" sales by having one practically every day of the week, they at least have the sense of urgency concept down correctly. Every year for the past several years, millions of shoppers have been coaxed out of bed prior to the crack of dawn to shop at sales events offered on the basis of a similar appeal based on urgency, on the day after Thanksgiving.
The fact that someone is willing to compete to be the four-hundred-and-sixty-seventh person in line suggests a sense of urgency has indeed been created. I think that these retailers are rather dimwitted for acting with such a herd mentality and not offering a twelve o'clock noon until five o'clock p.m. door-buster sale for people like me, but that's another matter. Urgency comes when an offering is available for a limited time, when a product is in short supply, or an opportunity presents itself in such a way that buyers become convinced that they should otherwise seize the moment.
You need to sell, period. You will recall above that I acknowledged times when I had experienced rejection? Well, I hate to point this out, but we have all experienced rejection, especially those of us who take risks and are basically asking for it. Entrepreneurs suffer lots, and lots, of rejection. A majority of entrepreneurs must use bootstrapping methods to launch their business startups, typically because they have suffered rejection after submitting loan applications. Some people, will say "bah, humbug!" to just about anything. Some are penny-pinching, like Charles Dickens' character, Ebenezer Scrooge, and some people are simply not very nice.
However, it's been my experience that most people reject propositions that apparently offer no value to them. As an entrepreneur, you must offer genuine value. It is often the case that genuine value must be created, or at least pointed out. I inserted the word "apparently" above, because it is important. People need to be skeptical, as an act of survival, as nature does suggest instances where one can be tricked, and human nature is no different. The Venus Flytrap is a widely known example, as a carnivorous plant that lures prey with a sweet smelling attractant, and then captures them. No one wants to be tricked. On the other hand, ethical selling is not about attempting to trick anyone, either. People should legitimately need or want what you have to offer. If they do not, don't take it as a rejection. Instead, consider yourself as an individual who is on a journey seeking persons with wants and needs that you might possibly address, if your product is a good match.
You must sell the warmth, not the wood. Remember the mistletoe plant's description? It is a parasitic, poisonous plant that attaches itself to trees. What if I had represented it as such? What do you think would have happened if I had gone door-to-door exclaiming, "Hi. I would like to offer you a limited time opportunity to purchase one of the poisonous parasites that I've found in the woods"? Even though I did not really embrace all of the fuss about mistletoe and kissing as a young boy, I knew that older persons than myself and grown-ups were interested in this tradition, and bought mistletoe in the spirit of the season. The spirit of the season I refer to here is also one that is associated with warmth.
By the same token, the idea of buying a "bundle of sticky resin coated flammable wood" is not tremendously appealing, and I knew that would not sell, either. The benefits of the kindling wood had everything to do with the success of the proposition: people could envision having a warm and charming home.
Perhaps the most important lesson is that you can be an entrepreneur, too. It does not necessarily take a great deal of startup capital, equipment, or highly specialized knowledge to begin your journey. Everybody suffers rejection, and everybody makes mistakes. In your own, analogous way, you will "reach for a percolator," fall, and have to get back up. Nothing is certain or "bolted down" when you are an entrepreneur.
On the other hand, if you feel satisfied and secure in your present job, you are either very lucky, or perhaps you've been living under a rock for a while. Widespread job dissatisfaction (constituting a majority of employees), burn-out and stress, outsourcing, appointed leaders with poor visioning skills, questionable ethics, and a general lack of loyalty are earmarks of many modern organizations. Even CEO jobs are short-lived. According to a report by Drake Beam Morin (CEO Turnover and Job Security, 2000), "In just the past five years, close to two-thirds of all major companies replaced their CEO."
If you are employed by a public company, read the first few paragraphs in your annual report. You will probably find two clich� passages: "Our employees are our most important asset," and "We value diversity." If you are a female or a minority, turn to the photographs of the officers and the board of directors. If you see what appears to be a "club," with a membership profile that doesn't seem to fit the written claims, you might ask yourself if everything jibes. If it doesn't, and you do not think it's fair (I don't think it's fair either�that's why I teach, speak, and write spreading the message about entrepreneurial alternatives), you may want to start climbing a different ladder.
I (evidently) did not want to spend the rest of my life behind the bars of my crib. You don't have to stay trapped in your situation, whatever it may be. Go ahead�take baby steps if you need to, but know that you can change your life by beginning your own entrepreneurial journey. Start reading, learning, saving, talking with other people, and exploring ideas with profit potential and customer appeal, today. I'll look forward to seeing you at the top.
This article is free for republishing
Source: Article Alley, best for Free Interent Articles
Business Startup Why You Must Get It Right
A business startup is a risk but it always provides a new opportunity too. It has been seen often that startups companies that have their domain as 'new technology' comes out with huge returns. These companies are typically research driven and bring out something new that has a big demand, or comes out with a new way of doing something old. It is also often the case that these companies are owned by people who have been working as senior executives themselves, and so have adequate experience in running a show. So investing in a business startup offers a golden opportunity for venture capitalists (VC's) and bankers. But sadly, there are many who think twice before doing so, simply because the entity is a startup.
Business Startup and VC
Venture capitalists usually come in at two stages. In the first phase they come in when the new business just has an idea and nothing much. For a new business, financing is always a problem, and so if the VC is happy with the prospect of the new business proposal and what it has the potential to achieve, then it can finance the business startup. In the next phase in which the VC comes in is where the startup already has been in business for a few years and has a few Case Studies and Testimonials to show. In such a case the business startup needs the additional funding because it now needs to spread its wings and grow.
Business Startup ? Where Do We Come Across The Most?
The truth is, business startups can be found almost everywhere. It can be a restaurant or a boutique shop where a previous employee or a group of them come out and open their own business. Or it can be a new transport or a travel company where the new entrepreneurs think that they have adequate knowledge and experience and can sustain on their own.
But in technology and the Internet it has been seen that the number of startups are usually much more. And today IT startups are to be seen everywhere, the maximum number of them being in the Silicon Valley in California. Some of these business startups have been hugely successful and today have become big businesses themselves. Many of these companies have gone public and today have a large customer base with clients from across the world. Their example is inspiring others to come out and open their own startup ventures.
Business Startup and Failures
When it works it looks really great. But often it doesn't and this is what worries most people and makes them stay where they are and not go in for it themselves. In fact according to statistics, the failure rate of business startups is much higher. Startups' failing is one reason why the dotcom bubble burst at the end of the last century. So this is one reason new entrepreneurs should constantly worry about.
But that is no reason why they should not open business startups. After all, 'failures are the pillars of success'. If you have the confidence and have a practical plan, then it is more likely that you will be successful.
--
James Copper is a writer for http://www.marketinglinx.com where you can find out about business startup
This article is free for republishing
Source: Article Alley, best for Internet Articles
Business Startup and VC
Venture capitalists usually come in at two stages. In the first phase they come in when the new business just has an idea and nothing much. For a new business, financing is always a problem, and so if the VC is happy with the prospect of the new business proposal and what it has the potential to achieve, then it can finance the business startup. In the next phase in which the VC comes in is where the startup already has been in business for a few years and has a few Case Studies and Testimonials to show. In such a case the business startup needs the additional funding because it now needs to spread its wings and grow.
Business Startup ? Where Do We Come Across The Most?
The truth is, business startups can be found almost everywhere. It can be a restaurant or a boutique shop where a previous employee or a group of them come out and open their own business. Or it can be a new transport or a travel company where the new entrepreneurs think that they have adequate knowledge and experience and can sustain on their own.
But in technology and the Internet it has been seen that the number of startups are usually much more. And today IT startups are to be seen everywhere, the maximum number of them being in the Silicon Valley in California. Some of these business startups have been hugely successful and today have become big businesses themselves. Many of these companies have gone public and today have a large customer base with clients from across the world. Their example is inspiring others to come out and open their own startup ventures.
Business Startup and Failures
When it works it looks really great. But often it doesn't and this is what worries most people and makes them stay where they are and not go in for it themselves. In fact according to statistics, the failure rate of business startups is much higher. Startups' failing is one reason why the dotcom bubble burst at the end of the last century. So this is one reason new entrepreneurs should constantly worry about.
But that is no reason why they should not open business startups. After all, 'failures are the pillars of success'. If you have the confidence and have a practical plan, then it is more likely that you will be successful.
--
James Copper is a writer for http://www.marketinglinx.com where you can find out about business startup
This article is free for republishing
Source: Article Alley, best for Internet Articles
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Starting your Business up with the right Finance
When it comes to business finance the saying ‘it takes money to make money’ fits right in; you need business finance in order to get your business started, for it to operate, expand and grow.
There are a range of options open to you when it comes to gaining the right business finance for your company but you need to choose the one that is right for your business. To do this you should look at all of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the financing options that are open to you. Some examples of these financing options are as follows:
Short term sources of finance:
• Bank overdraft
• Trade Credit
• Leasing
• Bank loans
• Credit cards
Long term sources of finance:
• Bank loans
• Share capital
• Debentures
• Asset sales
• Venture capital
• Government, local authority or EU grants
Every business, especially at the start-up stage will need some form of finance. There is a lot that needs to be spent before your business even starts to make money. Below are just a few examples of some of aspects that you will need to spend money on when it comes to your business start-up:
• Purchase capital items (fixed assets) e.g., plant, equipment, land or buildings, motor vehicles;
• Increase holdings of trading stock and supplies;
• Fund research and development;
• Expand distribution or develop new markets.
On top of this you will have the property costs, including bills and your staff wages to cover. Once your business starts to make money these aspects will be covered by the profit that your business is making but until then you will have to rely on the money that you will have gained for your start-up costs.
When you are in the process of gaining your business finance it is important that you have an accurate idea of your financial needs. In order to do this you need to calculate the amount you need to cover your initial start-up costs as well as this you have to take into account you’re running costs and expenses. This is due to the fact that for a while you will be running your business without it making a profit but you still need to pay all of your bills as well as to keep trading. I would suggest that you have enough funds to cover at least six months of your business running.
One way in which you are able to secure the business finance that you need is through your business plan. Good planning will make it easier to raise the money that you need, which is why your business plan is important. Your plan will detail and outline what the money is needed for, exactly where the money is going to be spent and how this will benefit your business as well as demonstrating how the money will be repaid. Your business plan could make or break whether you receive the finance that you need.
If you are looking for business finance at the moment make sure that you approach the avenue that is most suited to you and that you have took into account the advantages and disadvantages of the finance you are after.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, specialists in all aspects of Business Finance.
There are a range of options open to you when it comes to gaining the right business finance for your company but you need to choose the one that is right for your business. To do this you should look at all of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the financing options that are open to you. Some examples of these financing options are as follows:
Short term sources of finance:
• Bank overdraft
• Trade Credit
• Leasing
• Bank loans
• Credit cards
Long term sources of finance:
• Bank loans
• Share capital
• Debentures
• Asset sales
• Venture capital
• Government, local authority or EU grants
Every business, especially at the start-up stage will need some form of finance. There is a lot that needs to be spent before your business even starts to make money. Below are just a few examples of some of aspects that you will need to spend money on when it comes to your business start-up:
• Purchase capital items (fixed assets) e.g., plant, equipment, land or buildings, motor vehicles;
• Increase holdings of trading stock and supplies;
• Fund research and development;
• Expand distribution or develop new markets.
On top of this you will have the property costs, including bills and your staff wages to cover. Once your business starts to make money these aspects will be covered by the profit that your business is making but until then you will have to rely on the money that you will have gained for your start-up costs.
When you are in the process of gaining your business finance it is important that you have an accurate idea of your financial needs. In order to do this you need to calculate the amount you need to cover your initial start-up costs as well as this you have to take into account you’re running costs and expenses. This is due to the fact that for a while you will be running your business without it making a profit but you still need to pay all of your bills as well as to keep trading. I would suggest that you have enough funds to cover at least six months of your business running.
One way in which you are able to secure the business finance that you need is through your business plan. Good planning will make it easier to raise the money that you need, which is why your business plan is important. Your plan will detail and outline what the money is needed for, exactly where the money is going to be spent and how this will benefit your business as well as demonstrating how the money will be repaid. Your business plan could make or break whether you receive the finance that you need.
If you are looking for business finance at the moment make sure that you approach the avenue that is most suited to you and that you have took into account the advantages and disadvantages of the finance you are after.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, specialists in all aspects of Business Finance.
Starting your Business up with the right Finance
When it comes to business finance the saying ‘it takes money to make money’ fits right in; you need business finance in order to get your business started, for it to operate, expand and grow.
There are a range of options open to you when it comes to gaining the right business finance for your company but you need to choose the one that is right for your business. To do this you should look at all of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the financing options that are open to you. Some examples of these financing options are as follows:
Short term sources of finance:
• Bank overdraft
• Trade Credit
• Leasing
• Bank loans
• Credit cards
Long term sources of finance:
• Bank loans
• Share capital
• Debentures
• Asset sales
• Venture capital
• Government, local authority or EU grants
Every business, especially at the start-up stage will need some form of finance. There is a lot that needs to be spent before your business even starts to make money. Below are just a few examples of some of aspects that you will need to spend money on when it comes to your business start-up:
• Purchase capital items (fixed assets) e.g., plant, equipment, land or buildings, motor vehicles;
• Increase holdings of trading stock and supplies;
• Fund research and development;
• Expand distribution or develop new markets.
On top of this you will have the property costs, including bills and your staff wages to cover. Once your business starts to make money these aspects will be covered by the profit that your business is making but until then you will have to rely on the money that you will have gained for your start-up costs.
When you are in the process of gaining your business finance it is important that you have an accurate idea of your financial needs. In order to do this you need to calculate the amount you need to cover your initial start-up costs as well as this you have to take into account you’re running costs and expenses. This is due to the fact that for a while you will be running your business without it making a profit but you still need to pay all of your bills as well as to keep trading. I would suggest that you have enough funds to cover at least six months of your business running.
One way in which you are able to secure the business finance that you need is through your business plan. Good planning will make it easier to raise the money that you need, which is why your business plan is important. Your plan will detail and outline what the money is needed for, exactly where the money is going to be spent and how this will benefit your business as well as demonstrating how the money will be repaid. Your business plan could make or break whether you receive the finance that you need.
If you are looking for business finance at the moment make sure that you approach the avenue that is most suited to you and that you have took into account the advantages and disadvantages of the finance you are after.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, specialists in all aspects of Business Finance.
There are a range of options open to you when it comes to gaining the right business finance for your company but you need to choose the one that is right for your business. To do this you should look at all of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the financing options that are open to you. Some examples of these financing options are as follows:
Short term sources of finance:
• Bank overdraft
• Trade Credit
• Leasing
• Bank loans
• Credit cards
Long term sources of finance:
• Bank loans
• Share capital
• Debentures
• Asset sales
• Venture capital
• Government, local authority or EU grants
Every business, especially at the start-up stage will need some form of finance. There is a lot that needs to be spent before your business even starts to make money. Below are just a few examples of some of aspects that you will need to spend money on when it comes to your business start-up:
• Purchase capital items (fixed assets) e.g., plant, equipment, land or buildings, motor vehicles;
• Increase holdings of trading stock and supplies;
• Fund research and development;
• Expand distribution or develop new markets.
On top of this you will have the property costs, including bills and your staff wages to cover. Once your business starts to make money these aspects will be covered by the profit that your business is making but until then you will have to rely on the money that you will have gained for your start-up costs.
When you are in the process of gaining your business finance it is important that you have an accurate idea of your financial needs. In order to do this you need to calculate the amount you need to cover your initial start-up costs as well as this you have to take into account you’re running costs and expenses. This is due to the fact that for a while you will be running your business without it making a profit but you still need to pay all of your bills as well as to keep trading. I would suggest that you have enough funds to cover at least six months of your business running.
One way in which you are able to secure the business finance that you need is through your business plan. Good planning will make it easier to raise the money that you need, which is why your business plan is important. Your plan will detail and outline what the money is needed for, exactly where the money is going to be spent and how this will benefit your business as well as demonstrating how the money will be repaid. Your business plan could make or break whether you receive the finance that you need.
If you are looking for business finance at the moment make sure that you approach the avenue that is most suited to you and that you have took into account the advantages and disadvantages of the finance you are after.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, specialists in all aspects of Business Finance.
Obtaining extra Business Finance – Business Grants
In business we all sometimes need that extra little bit of cash to get certain business ideas off the ground. There are many ways in which you are able to gain extra business finance such as loans, overdrafts, credit cards or through private investors such as business angels; however what do all of these have in common? They all have to be repaid in one form or another but with a business grant it’s another story.
Business grants are a sum of money that is awarded to your company for a very specific purpose or project. This money means that you can undertake the changes that you want to make to your business without having any debts at the end of it; sounds too good to be true? Well let me assure you this is completely genuine but like all things that seem too good to be true there are a few catches. You are only awarded between 15% and 50% of the total money that you need to carry out your project; the rest of the money needed has to come from you. The percentage of the total cost that you will be awarded depends on how much money you need for your purpose or project.
There are many ways in which you can obtain a grant some of the main ones are as follows:
• The government
• The European Union
• Regional Development Agencies in England, Scottish Enterprise, the Welsh Development Agency and Invest Northern Ireland
• Local authorities or local councils and local development agencies
• Chambers of Commerce
• County Enterprise Boards
The main type of business grants that are available are government grants and the reason that they came about was as a way of encouraging entrepreneurialism and innovation, which will translate into opening up more jobs within the business and adding value to the business, which is done mainly through the businesses profits.
Some of the reasons as to why you may be awarded a grant are for the purchasing of machinery, to improve office conditions, increase employment and developing export markets. Everything that it will be awarded for comes down to the idea of helping you to develop your business.
To be in with a chance of receiving a business grant you need to make sure that you meet the conditions set out by the grant. These conditions are that you have to have the rest of the money for your specific project or purpose ready and the project can’t have already been started. These are strict terms and conditions that apply to all grants. If these aren't followed, immediate repayment of the grant can be required. However, generally you do not have to repay grants or interest on them unless you break the conditions.
Applying for grants can be time-consuming. You will generally be required to submit your business plan, as well as completing the specific paperwork for the scheme. Once your application has been made it will enter the reviewing stage where your application and proposal will be assessed using the following criteria:
• Significance
• Approach
• Innovation
• Their assessment of your expertise
• Need for the grant
There aren’t many grants available, which means that competition for them is high so if you aren’t successful this time then I advise you to take on board the reasons as to why your application was turned down so that you can work on these points and apply again.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, who are experts in all aspects of Business Finance, which includes Business Grants.
Business grants are a sum of money that is awarded to your company for a very specific purpose or project. This money means that you can undertake the changes that you want to make to your business without having any debts at the end of it; sounds too good to be true? Well let me assure you this is completely genuine but like all things that seem too good to be true there are a few catches. You are only awarded between 15% and 50% of the total money that you need to carry out your project; the rest of the money needed has to come from you. The percentage of the total cost that you will be awarded depends on how much money you need for your purpose or project.
There are many ways in which you can obtain a grant some of the main ones are as follows:
• The government
• The European Union
• Regional Development Agencies in England, Scottish Enterprise, the Welsh Development Agency and Invest Northern Ireland
• Local authorities or local councils and local development agencies
• Chambers of Commerce
• County Enterprise Boards
The main type of business grants that are available are government grants and the reason that they came about was as a way of encouraging entrepreneurialism and innovation, which will translate into opening up more jobs within the business and adding value to the business, which is done mainly through the businesses profits.
Some of the reasons as to why you may be awarded a grant are for the purchasing of machinery, to improve office conditions, increase employment and developing export markets. Everything that it will be awarded for comes down to the idea of helping you to develop your business.
To be in with a chance of receiving a business grant you need to make sure that you meet the conditions set out by the grant. These conditions are that you have to have the rest of the money for your specific project or purpose ready and the project can’t have already been started. These are strict terms and conditions that apply to all grants. If these aren't followed, immediate repayment of the grant can be required. However, generally you do not have to repay grants or interest on them unless you break the conditions.
Applying for grants can be time-consuming. You will generally be required to submit your business plan, as well as completing the specific paperwork for the scheme. Once your application has been made it will enter the reviewing stage where your application and proposal will be assessed using the following criteria:
• Significance
• Approach
• Innovation
• Their assessment of your expertise
• Need for the grant
There aren’t many grants available, which means that competition for them is high so if you aren’t successful this time then I advise you to take on board the reasons as to why your application was turned down so that you can work on these points and apply again.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, who are experts in all aspects of Business Finance, which includes Business Grants.
Are you in need of Private Investment for your Business?
Private investments come from private investors, who are more commonly known as, for example, business angels or venture capitalists. They provide equity funding for business opportunities and are a common source of funding for early stage and start up businesses.
If you are hoping to gain the help of a private investor there are certain aspects that need to be taken into account; firstly your business plan is reviewed and the services that you want for your business are discussed with the investor, who then go onto meet the management team of your company.
A private investor is concerned with the success of your business and will do everything possible in order to make your business grow and succeed. Due to this there is a lot of contact between the investor and your company.
Private Investors are professionals who have expertise in a certain field. Although investors are willing to invest across all areas of business and usually at any stage of business it is best to try and enlist the help of a private investor who has experience, industry knowledge and industry contacts within the business sector that your company is based in. This way your business is being presented with the best possible chance of success. Also it is best to gain the help and knowledge of a private investor who is local to where your business is based. The reason for this is because private investors prefer to invest close to their homes. So if you are looking to enlist the help of a private investor you may want to think about attending local industry conferences, networking associations, or chambers of commerce as a way of finding a private investor who is perfect for your business.
A Private Investor will help your new business reach success by giving you a great source of start-up business capital in return for an equity stake within your business. Private Investors take a risk on your behalf and invest in all types of new businesses, so whether you are going into interior design, art and photography, contracting, catering or opening a new day care centre, there is a private investor who will be able to help you.
Businesses that show promise of success attract Private Investors, as do businesses that Private Investors find of interest. Private investors are also interested in knowing specifically what their money is going to be used for. So if you are hoping to gain a private investor for your business you need to decide on the amount of money that your business needs. This number should be a calculated number and not just an estimate.
So who exactly are these Private Investors? Well the vast majority are generally wealthy individuals; Private Investors are exceptionally successful entrepreneurs, meaning not only can a Private Investor offer a new business start-up capital; they also offer the business their expert advice and outstanding management skills.
If you want to enlist the help of a private investor then look around the Internet; you are bound to find an investor who is perfect for your company.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, providing you with all aspects of Private Investors, including Business Angels and Venture Capitalists.
If you are hoping to gain the help of a private investor there are certain aspects that need to be taken into account; firstly your business plan is reviewed and the services that you want for your business are discussed with the investor, who then go onto meet the management team of your company.
A private investor is concerned with the success of your business and will do everything possible in order to make your business grow and succeed. Due to this there is a lot of contact between the investor and your company.
Private Investors are professionals who have expertise in a certain field. Although investors are willing to invest across all areas of business and usually at any stage of business it is best to try and enlist the help of a private investor who has experience, industry knowledge and industry contacts within the business sector that your company is based in. This way your business is being presented with the best possible chance of success. Also it is best to gain the help and knowledge of a private investor who is local to where your business is based. The reason for this is because private investors prefer to invest close to their homes. So if you are looking to enlist the help of a private investor you may want to think about attending local industry conferences, networking associations, or chambers of commerce as a way of finding a private investor who is perfect for your business.
A Private Investor will help your new business reach success by giving you a great source of start-up business capital in return for an equity stake within your business. Private Investors take a risk on your behalf and invest in all types of new businesses, so whether you are going into interior design, art and photography, contracting, catering or opening a new day care centre, there is a private investor who will be able to help you.
Businesses that show promise of success attract Private Investors, as do businesses that Private Investors find of interest. Private investors are also interested in knowing specifically what their money is going to be used for. So if you are hoping to gain a private investor for your business you need to decide on the amount of money that your business needs. This number should be a calculated number and not just an estimate.
So who exactly are these Private Investors? Well the vast majority are generally wealthy individuals; Private Investors are exceptionally successful entrepreneurs, meaning not only can a Private Investor offer a new business start-up capital; they also offer the business their expert advice and outstanding management skills.
If you want to enlist the help of a private investor then look around the Internet; you are bound to find an investor who is perfect for your company.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, providing you with all aspects of Private Investors, including Business Angels and Venture Capitalists.
Are you planning on starting up within Business?
Going through with starting a new business is both exciting and rewarding as well as being full of challenges. It requires your full commitment, drive and perseverance. All of these qualities will go a long way to transforming your business idea into a reality, which is especially important during the early days of your business.
There are certain qualities that are commonly found in successful business people such as self confidence; you must have belief in yourself and passion about what your business is about as well as what it offers. You also need enthusiasm, which will win people over with your ideas.
Self determination is another quality that is essential with business. You need to have a belief that the outcome of events are down to your own actions. The success of your business will partly depend on your skills and attitude. This involves being honest about a range of issues, including your knowledge, your financial status and the personal qualities that you can bring to your new business.
Two other examples of personal qualities that are essential to new business owners are commitment, which includes the willingness to make personal sacrifices through long hours, which leads to a loss of leisure time. As well as commitment you also need perseverance, which in business is the ability to continue despite suffering setbacks, financial insecurity and exposure to risk.
When you are setting up a new business there are several aspects that need to be taken into account such as the sales and marketing of your business. This is crucial to the success of your business. You need a marketing strategy, which will help you identify potential customers and target them.
It is essential that you have the right reasons for wanting to start and run your own business as there are no secret tricks to making a business successful; it comes down to pure hard work. Most businesses also emerge from a hobby, which is fine as long as it can make you money.
Once you have got your business idea together and you have decided on your business name you need to identify your target market. You need to ensure that you fully understand who your customers are and why they would consider spending their hard earned cash with you. You need to understand what unique qualities you and your business provide are better than those of your competition. This is commonly referred in general business terms as your USP or Unique Selling Point.
One aspect of business that many people often overlook is any aspects of law that may affect their business. There are actually four definite acts of law that will affect any business hoping to make a trade; these acts of law are as follows:
• Consumer Protection Act 1987
• Trade Description Acts 1968 and 1972
• Sale of Goods Act 1979
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Some points that these various acts make are that the products and goods that your business sells must be fit for their purpose and if they are faulty customers are entitled to a full refund or a full repair of the product. The goods or products that you sell must also live up to any claims that you make about them as it is a criminal offence to make a false claim. As well as this the goods or products must meet certain safety standards because if a product is faulty and causes injury then a claim can be made against you.
As long as you thoroughly research and plan the start up of your business I’m sure you will do fine and if at any point you do get stuck there is help available; on the Internet there are countless sites offering you help and advice so remember you are never alone in this.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, specialists in all aspects of Business Start-up.
There are certain qualities that are commonly found in successful business people such as self confidence; you must have belief in yourself and passion about what your business is about as well as what it offers. You also need enthusiasm, which will win people over with your ideas.
Self determination is another quality that is essential with business. You need to have a belief that the outcome of events are down to your own actions. The success of your business will partly depend on your skills and attitude. This involves being honest about a range of issues, including your knowledge, your financial status and the personal qualities that you can bring to your new business.
Two other examples of personal qualities that are essential to new business owners are commitment, which includes the willingness to make personal sacrifices through long hours, which leads to a loss of leisure time. As well as commitment you also need perseverance, which in business is the ability to continue despite suffering setbacks, financial insecurity and exposure to risk.
When you are setting up a new business there are several aspects that need to be taken into account such as the sales and marketing of your business. This is crucial to the success of your business. You need a marketing strategy, which will help you identify potential customers and target them.
It is essential that you have the right reasons for wanting to start and run your own business as there are no secret tricks to making a business successful; it comes down to pure hard work. Most businesses also emerge from a hobby, which is fine as long as it can make you money.
Once you have got your business idea together and you have decided on your business name you need to identify your target market. You need to ensure that you fully understand who your customers are and why they would consider spending their hard earned cash with you. You need to understand what unique qualities you and your business provide are better than those of your competition. This is commonly referred in general business terms as your USP or Unique Selling Point.
One aspect of business that many people often overlook is any aspects of law that may affect their business. There are actually four definite acts of law that will affect any business hoping to make a trade; these acts of law are as follows:
• Consumer Protection Act 1987
• Trade Description Acts 1968 and 1972
• Sale of Goods Act 1979
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Some points that these various acts make are that the products and goods that your business sells must be fit for their purpose and if they are faulty customers are entitled to a full refund or a full repair of the product. The goods or products that you sell must also live up to any claims that you make about them as it is a criminal offence to make a false claim. As well as this the goods or products must meet certain safety standards because if a product is faulty and causes injury then a claim can be made against you.
As long as you thoroughly research and plan the start up of your business I’m sure you will do fine and if at any point you do get stuck there is help available; on the Internet there are countless sites offering you help and advice so remember you are never alone in this.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-Ups, specialists in all aspects of Business Start-up.
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Getting Finance for a Photography Business
Do you want to own an Photography Business but your worried you can’t raise the finance needed for paying rent on a building if necessary, stock and equipment including cameras, films, books, sofas, drapes etc. insurance, marketing your new shop/business, accounting for your business and payroll if you intend to employ staff as well as taxes you will have to pay for your business. There will also be other hidden costs along you journey of setting up your business or expanding your photography business.
The first place most people will look for finance is a bank for a bank loan, the problem with bank loans is that the bank will want you to put some of your own money down as well as charge you high interest rates which most start-up businesses and businesses that are struggling will find hard to pay back. Below are some ideas where you could get finance for your new photography business:-
• Your Savings
• Friends and Family
• Bank Loans
• Credit Card
• Home Equity
• Business Angels
• Venture Capitalists
Before you think of contacting a bank for a loan, venture capitalist or business angel investor for finance backing you should have a well laid out business plan. You need to be able to show them that you have every avenue covered from what happens if your business loses money in the first year and what you would do, to what kind of service will you offer your clients, will you do wedding photography if so will you just be doing the photographs or will there be another photographer also will you offer packages including albums, will you do portrait photography will this be in your home, your shop location or in the family’s house will they have the choice and also will you do commercial photography for shows, marketing new products etc.
Business Angels help new businesses with the help of finance and business advice, as they have been there and able to advice you on the best methods to bring in customers look after your customers as well as making a profit. They will also help businesses that are struggling to keep afloat with the help of finance and advice when most banks etc wouldn’t take a bit of interest. They are most likely to be entrepreneurs that have a successful business of their own and they will use their money to help your business succeed and make returns on their investment.
Venture Capitalists help larger businesses with problems of finance, they will offer financially help and advice but will be more of a silent partner than a business angel who will get more involved.
If you’re struggling to write a business plan for your photography business to show to business angels, venture capitalists, banks then we can help by tailor making your own business plan for your individual business.
So if you want financial help to start-up your own Photography business or want financial help for your business, angelstartups is here to help. We are able to advice you on the best way to finance your business and put you in touch with business angels or venture capitalists to help your photography business mature.
For all your Raising Finance needs visit Angel Startups.
The first place most people will look for finance is a bank for a bank loan, the problem with bank loans is that the bank will want you to put some of your own money down as well as charge you high interest rates which most start-up businesses and businesses that are struggling will find hard to pay back. Below are some ideas where you could get finance for your new photography business:-
• Your Savings
• Friends and Family
• Bank Loans
• Credit Card
• Home Equity
• Business Angels
• Venture Capitalists
Before you think of contacting a bank for a loan, venture capitalist or business angel investor for finance backing you should have a well laid out business plan. You need to be able to show them that you have every avenue covered from what happens if your business loses money in the first year and what you would do, to what kind of service will you offer your clients, will you do wedding photography if so will you just be doing the photographs or will there be another photographer also will you offer packages including albums, will you do portrait photography will this be in your home, your shop location or in the family’s house will they have the choice and also will you do commercial photography for shows, marketing new products etc.
Business Angels help new businesses with the help of finance and business advice, as they have been there and able to advice you on the best methods to bring in customers look after your customers as well as making a profit. They will also help businesses that are struggling to keep afloat with the help of finance and advice when most banks etc wouldn’t take a bit of interest. They are most likely to be entrepreneurs that have a successful business of their own and they will use their money to help your business succeed and make returns on their investment.
Venture Capitalists help larger businesses with problems of finance, they will offer financially help and advice but will be more of a silent partner than a business angel who will get more involved.
If you’re struggling to write a business plan for your photography business to show to business angels, venture capitalists, banks then we can help by tailor making your own business plan for your individual business.
So if you want financial help to start-up your own Photography business or want financial help for your business, angelstartups is here to help. We are able to advice you on the best way to finance your business and put you in touch with business angels or venture capitalists to help your photography business mature.
For all your Raising Finance needs visit Angel Startups.
How To Start Business: Turning A Dream Into Reality
If you are looking to start a business, you need to put together business plans before you begin. By creating business plans, you can slowly turn your dreams of business ownership into a reality.
How To Start Business Tip #1: Decide The Purpose Of Your Business
The first step in starting your business plans is to decide the purpose of your business. In other words, what product or service will you provide? If you have long been dreaming of starting a business based on a particular idea, you might already have much of this step completed. For example, you may want to start your own restaurant. Now, you need to decide on the specific food you will serve.
Tip #2: Study Your Market
When finding out the specifics of your business, you need to study your market. If you have your heart set on starting a Mexican food restaurant, for example, you need to discover whether this type of restaurant will succeed in your market. If it already contains many Mexican restaurants, your restaurant may not work. On the other hand, your Mexican restaurants may offer a different style of food the market wants. So, study your market to find out if your business idea is feasible. If the market does not support your idea, go back to the drawing board and dream up another one.
Tip #3: Plan For The Future
Next, your business plan should include plans for future growth. Do you eventually want a chain of Mexican restaurants? If so, where would you like to expand? How many restaurants do you want to own? What is your time frame for expansion? Although you may not reach all of these milestones within the time frame you have created, it is helpful to have a plan in mind to help keep you on track and focused.
Tip #4: Consider Finances
Your business plan should also include information on your finances. It should include where the money will come from for your start up costs and how much money your business should make. In addition, your plan should include how much money you will reinvest into the business to help it grow.
Tip #5: Get Help
A well-laid out business plan can make or break a small business. To ensure that your business plan covers the basis, it is helpful to get a business book that walks you through all steps. It should explain how to create a business plans and how to monitor it to make sure your business is on track.
Article Source : Business Startup articles
StartBusinessInfo.com is devoted to articles on the subject of starting a business . You can learn more at Start Business Information.
How To Start Business Tip #1: Decide The Purpose Of Your Business
The first step in starting your business plans is to decide the purpose of your business. In other words, what product or service will you provide? If you have long been dreaming of starting a business based on a particular idea, you might already have much of this step completed. For example, you may want to start your own restaurant. Now, you need to decide on the specific food you will serve.
Tip #2: Study Your Market
When finding out the specifics of your business, you need to study your market. If you have your heart set on starting a Mexican food restaurant, for example, you need to discover whether this type of restaurant will succeed in your market. If it already contains many Mexican restaurants, your restaurant may not work. On the other hand, your Mexican restaurants may offer a different style of food the market wants. So, study your market to find out if your business idea is feasible. If the market does not support your idea, go back to the drawing board and dream up another one.
Tip #3: Plan For The Future
Next, your business plan should include plans for future growth. Do you eventually want a chain of Mexican restaurants? If so, where would you like to expand? How many restaurants do you want to own? What is your time frame for expansion? Although you may not reach all of these milestones within the time frame you have created, it is helpful to have a plan in mind to help keep you on track and focused.
Tip #4: Consider Finances
Your business plan should also include information on your finances. It should include where the money will come from for your start up costs and how much money your business should make. In addition, your plan should include how much money you will reinvest into the business to help it grow.
Tip #5: Get Help
A well-laid out business plan can make or break a small business. To ensure that your business plan covers the basis, it is helpful to get a business book that walks you through all steps. It should explain how to create a business plans and how to monitor it to make sure your business is on track.
Article Source : Business Startup articles
StartBusinessInfo.com is devoted to articles on the subject of starting a business . You can learn more at Start Business Information.
How to Start a Hairdressing Business
The first and most important decision to make when thinking about opening your own hairdressing business is whether to start completely from scratch, or simply take over an existing salon. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and the pros and cons need to be carefully considered and weighed up before approaching a bank or a Business Angel investor for the necessary capital.
The next step will be to decide the way in which you will run your business, in terms of the number of staff you will employ, and whether they will be individually ‘running’ their own business, by hiring out a chair to them and letting them build their own client bases or whether it will be on a more ‘first come first served’ basis, where by customers simply use which ever stylist is free at the time. The current market needs to be assessed to see whether there is a need for a particular type of salon, i.e. male/female or unisex. If there are limited services in the area for men, then it may be worth thinking about opening a gentlemen’s salon; this would then have implications on the staff you hire, and any specialist stylists.
Many modern salons are not just about hair, so a new business might have to think about whether to incorporate a beauty salon on the premises, offering extra services such as manicures, facials and sun beds.
As with all new businesses, the market research must be thorough, to ensure you know as much about the current market situation/trends as possible. A key aspect of any hairdressing business is the location of the salon. Sales could be affected by the number of potential customers who walk past the store on a daily basis, so if you are largely relying on non-appointment making customers then a busy location is likely to be the most successful. After location, the pricing issues should be resolved. Are you offering a premium service or a low-budget cut? The price needs to match the type of service you offer so that it covers all the costs sufficiently.
Any business which is selling a service, rather than a physical good, relies heavily on their reputation as business. Customer satisfaction has a huge influence on customer loyalty, and building a loyal customer base who will keep coming back to use your service is what it is all about. Therefore, to ensure you can get the financial backing of any potential investors you need to be able to prove that you will have the ability to attract and retain your client base. To do this, you need to have clear unique selling points that differentiate you from your competition - this could mean a themed salon, carving a niche market, or introducing competitive pricing strategies.
Business Angels will always need to see an extensive business plan, which has been thought out ad thoroughly researched. They will be very scrutinising, and your business plan needs to be able to hold up to intense questioning. Remember, Business Angels are funding your project with their own money, and are not likely to part with it and invest into your business if you have not invested your own time and effort into getting the plan right.
Angel Startups, home to all your Business Startup Needs.
The next step will be to decide the way in which you will run your business, in terms of the number of staff you will employ, and whether they will be individually ‘running’ their own business, by hiring out a chair to them and letting them build their own client bases or whether it will be on a more ‘first come first served’ basis, where by customers simply use which ever stylist is free at the time. The current market needs to be assessed to see whether there is a need for a particular type of salon, i.e. male/female or unisex. If there are limited services in the area for men, then it may be worth thinking about opening a gentlemen’s salon; this would then have implications on the staff you hire, and any specialist stylists.
Many modern salons are not just about hair, so a new business might have to think about whether to incorporate a beauty salon on the premises, offering extra services such as manicures, facials and sun beds.
As with all new businesses, the market research must be thorough, to ensure you know as much about the current market situation/trends as possible. A key aspect of any hairdressing business is the location of the salon. Sales could be affected by the number of potential customers who walk past the store on a daily basis, so if you are largely relying on non-appointment making customers then a busy location is likely to be the most successful. After location, the pricing issues should be resolved. Are you offering a premium service or a low-budget cut? The price needs to match the type of service you offer so that it covers all the costs sufficiently.
Any business which is selling a service, rather than a physical good, relies heavily on their reputation as business. Customer satisfaction has a huge influence on customer loyalty, and building a loyal customer base who will keep coming back to use your service is what it is all about. Therefore, to ensure you can get the financial backing of any potential investors you need to be able to prove that you will have the ability to attract and retain your client base. To do this, you need to have clear unique selling points that differentiate you from your competition - this could mean a themed salon, carving a niche market, or introducing competitive pricing strategies.
Business Angels will always need to see an extensive business plan, which has been thought out ad thoroughly researched. They will be very scrutinising, and your business plan needs to be able to hold up to intense questioning. Remember, Business Angels are funding your project with their own money, and are not likely to part with it and invest into your business if you have not invested your own time and effort into getting the plan right.
Angel Startups, home to all your Business Startup Needs.
Monday, 17 March 2008
Writing your essential Business Plan
So you have chosen your desired business, you have found the perfect location and you have decided exactly what you want from your new venture. Sounds like you are part way to making your dream of owning your own business into a reality. So what’s next? Your formal statement and set of business goals of course.
I am indeed referring to your business plan; the most important document you will produce to do with your business. Your business plan will record everything that you are planning to achieve with your business and how you intend to do this. It acts as your decision making tool and should be realistic in terms of what you are going to do with your business.
There is no fixed content to a business plan; you don’t have a list of what has to be placed within your plan. The content and format of your business plan is determined by your business goals and the audience to which you are writing your business plan for as well as your target market for your business. Your plan will also draw on a wide range of knowledge from many different places such as finance, human resource management, intellectual property management, supply chain, operations and marketing.
Your business plan, as well as setting the guide for your business, is also used to secure the external funding for your business. The way in which this is done depends on the type of funding that you are hoping for. If you want debt finance, for example in the form of a bank loan, then within your business plan you must demonstrate how you are planning to re-pay this loan to show that your business has the ability to re-pay the loan. If you are hoping to secure equity finance then your business plan needs to explain why current resources, upcoming growth opportunities and sustainable competitive advantage will lead to a high valuation.
In order to attain any form of business start-up finance you will need to have a well thought out and structured business plan. This is due to the fact your business plan will demonstrate to a potential investor or lender whether your venture has the potential to succeed. They will want structured and realistic evidence that you can make your business work. Without this a lender or investor will not give you the start-up finance your business needs to succeed as they won’t want to take the risk.
Your business plan will need to show the strategy, marketing and financial forecast of your business. Your strategy being why and how your plan will work and your marketing being the process by which your business will decide what it wants to sell, to who and when and how.
One way in which you should produce your business plan is in certain stages such as starting with the most vital part of your plan; your executive summary. This is an overview of your business. Many lenders and investors make judgements based purely on this aspect of your business plan.
Finally it should be noted that your business plan is also on going. It is a working plan that can be added to throughout your business; keeping everything that you do well documented.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-ups, home of all your Business Plan Writing needs for Entrepreneurs.
I am indeed referring to your business plan; the most important document you will produce to do with your business. Your business plan will record everything that you are planning to achieve with your business and how you intend to do this. It acts as your decision making tool and should be realistic in terms of what you are going to do with your business.
There is no fixed content to a business plan; you don’t have a list of what has to be placed within your plan. The content and format of your business plan is determined by your business goals and the audience to which you are writing your business plan for as well as your target market for your business. Your plan will also draw on a wide range of knowledge from many different places such as finance, human resource management, intellectual property management, supply chain, operations and marketing.
Your business plan, as well as setting the guide for your business, is also used to secure the external funding for your business. The way in which this is done depends on the type of funding that you are hoping for. If you want debt finance, for example in the form of a bank loan, then within your business plan you must demonstrate how you are planning to re-pay this loan to show that your business has the ability to re-pay the loan. If you are hoping to secure equity finance then your business plan needs to explain why current resources, upcoming growth opportunities and sustainable competitive advantage will lead to a high valuation.
In order to attain any form of business start-up finance you will need to have a well thought out and structured business plan. This is due to the fact your business plan will demonstrate to a potential investor or lender whether your venture has the potential to succeed. They will want structured and realistic evidence that you can make your business work. Without this a lender or investor will not give you the start-up finance your business needs to succeed as they won’t want to take the risk.
Your business plan will need to show the strategy, marketing and financial forecast of your business. Your strategy being why and how your plan will work and your marketing being the process by which your business will decide what it wants to sell, to who and when and how.
One way in which you should produce your business plan is in certain stages such as starting with the most vital part of your plan; your executive summary. This is an overview of your business. Many lenders and investors make judgements based purely on this aspect of your business plan.
Finally it should be noted that your business plan is also on going. It is a working plan that can be added to throughout your business; keeping everything that you do well documented.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-ups, home of all your Business Plan Writing needs for Entrepreneurs.
Business Finance
So you want to start up a new business? You’ve done your research into the existing businesses and checked out your competition whilst gaining some hands on experience along the way. You’re armed with your business plan, outlining your every move from your objectives, strategies, and target market to your financial forecast. There’s just one little hurdle left to leap over, the decision and arrangement of business finance.
More and more businesses and new ventures are failing to get anywhere past the starting line. There are two main reasons why most businesses fail; poor management plans and inadequate business capital, which is why raising money is important in the early stages of a business.
So why is this need for finance so important? As a new business you will need not only a place for your business to be housed in but also all of the necessary equipment that will be needed to make sure your business is running to its fullest. This start up capital will be used to pay for:
• The renting/buying of a premises/office space, which will require payment of three months in advance.
• Any machinery or office equipment
• Business services such as insurance
• The purchase of stock
• Wages and salaries
• Any financial cover you may need while waiting for customers to use your business
In order to gain the correct business finance and to make sure that people will be willing to invest in your business it is essential to have a well structured and developed business plan. It should state how your business will be different from the competition, why people will use your business and how you will supply your customers with what they require. Research has been conducted that has found companies with a structured business plan stating their overall goals and how they plan to move their business towards them make a considerably higher profit than those that don’t.
Most avenues that you chose to go down in order to secure business finance won’t come near your business without this business plan. So what are your options when it comes to business finance? There are many options open to you but that doesn’t mean that all of them are right for you.
One of the first places that people go to for business finance is there bank. Although banks are still the most common form of business finance it doesn’t automatically mean they are the best. All banks vary in terms of what they can offer start-up businesses, so it is important to talk to a number of them before making a decision. Banks will also expect you to put some of your own money into the business; as a new business venture you may not be able to afford this.
Another form of business finance is asset financing. This is a line of credit that is secured by assets such as real estate. So as a new business venture you can use these assets as collateral to obtain capital. However if payments aren’t made your assets may be seized.
An ever popular choice of Business Finance for a new business venture is a business angel. Business Angels are called this because they often save struggling firms with both finance and advice when no one else will. Angel investors understand the needs of a new business through there own experience and are able to advice and aid the companies in many ways. Business angels are successful entrepreneurs or executives. With their skill, luck, careful planning and good management; they have turned many businesses into profitable ones.
Finally there are venture capitalists who are private investors for financing new or growing businesses and even struggling established businesses. Even though they are high risk investments they can offer the potential for above average returns and/or a percentage of ownership of the company.
Helen Cox is the web master for ARCH Entrepreneurs, home of all your business finance needs.
More and more businesses and new ventures are failing to get anywhere past the starting line. There are two main reasons why most businesses fail; poor management plans and inadequate business capital, which is why raising money is important in the early stages of a business.
So why is this need for finance so important? As a new business you will need not only a place for your business to be housed in but also all of the necessary equipment that will be needed to make sure your business is running to its fullest. This start up capital will be used to pay for:
• The renting/buying of a premises/office space, which will require payment of three months in advance.
• Any machinery or office equipment
• Business services such as insurance
• The purchase of stock
• Wages and salaries
• Any financial cover you may need while waiting for customers to use your business
In order to gain the correct business finance and to make sure that people will be willing to invest in your business it is essential to have a well structured and developed business plan. It should state how your business will be different from the competition, why people will use your business and how you will supply your customers with what they require. Research has been conducted that has found companies with a structured business plan stating their overall goals and how they plan to move their business towards them make a considerably higher profit than those that don’t.
Most avenues that you chose to go down in order to secure business finance won’t come near your business without this business plan. So what are your options when it comes to business finance? There are many options open to you but that doesn’t mean that all of them are right for you.
One of the first places that people go to for business finance is there bank. Although banks are still the most common form of business finance it doesn’t automatically mean they are the best. All banks vary in terms of what they can offer start-up businesses, so it is important to talk to a number of them before making a decision. Banks will also expect you to put some of your own money into the business; as a new business venture you may not be able to afford this.
Another form of business finance is asset financing. This is a line of credit that is secured by assets such as real estate. So as a new business venture you can use these assets as collateral to obtain capital. However if payments aren’t made your assets may be seized.
An ever popular choice of Business Finance for a new business venture is a business angel. Business Angels are called this because they often save struggling firms with both finance and advice when no one else will. Angel investors understand the needs of a new business through there own experience and are able to advice and aid the companies in many ways. Business angels are successful entrepreneurs or executives. With their skill, luck, careful planning and good management; they have turned many businesses into profitable ones.
Finally there are venture capitalists who are private investors for financing new or growing businesses and even struggling established businesses. Even though they are high risk investments they can offer the potential for above average returns and/or a percentage of ownership of the company.
Helen Cox is the web master for ARCH Entrepreneurs, home of all your business finance needs.
Advice for new Businesses
Many businesses fail within their first five years. A few of the most common reasons as to why they fail are listed below:
• Procrastination – business owners often think they will deal with a matter later but tend to forget about it altogether. Whether it is advice about your business or marketing plans, advice on the finance that you need or advice on promotion. However, if you start leaving invoices from your suppliers you could end up with severe cash flow problems, which may overwhelm your business.
• Customer Complacency – In business there is only customers and suppliers. You should concentrate on building up a loyal customer base and then maintain their loyalty
• Location – a key to any successful business. For example having a five star restaurant in the middle of an industrial estate wouldn’t gain you your target market meaning you wouldn’t be bringing in enough money for your start-up expenses and on going expenses.
• Insufficient funding – you need to have sufficient funding to last six months, whilst you get your business operational.
Every new business needs money when they are starting up. This money will cover start up costs that are needed in order to by necessary equipment, get your workplace established and to cover your marketing costs all before your first sale is even made. When your business is fully up and running and you are taking in trade you will also need cash to pay bills and keep your business going.
There is a range of finance options open to you ; choosing the right one is the hard part but the most essential thing you will need to do for your business. Your business plan will help you do this as it is a roadmap for future development and crucial for not only gaining finance but also for getting attention and interest in your business.
A few forms of business finance that are availably to you are:
• Bank loans
• Credit cards
• Family and friends
• Venture capitalists
• Business Angels
• Personal savings
• Home equity
As well as sorting your business finance out another important decision that any business has to undergo is choosing a name for their business. This can often be a creative and enjoyable process but you need to get it right as customers will deduce a lot from your business name; remember first impressions count. You should choose a name that reflects your business strategy and not individual personality.
Another factor that needs your attention is the question of new staff. You need to weigh up whether you need new staff; thinking as far ahead as you can. You should ask yourself if you are taking on new staff to let your business grow, to replace someone, to get more of a handle on increased work load, do you want them to have new skills and also if you have enough room and equipment to cater for new staff.
There is a lot to take on board when setting up your own, new business. Everything has to be done just right, which is why there is so much planning involved; if you get things wrong at this stage your business has the likelihood to fail. This is why you need to make sure that you not only plan well but also keep records of exactly what is going on in your business such as accounting. Your accounting needs will depend on the size, type and sector of business your venture is in. It is your responsibility to make sure your business keeps accurate records.
When your business is up and running it is essential to plan and tightly manage your financial performance and stock control. Your stock control shows have much stock you have and allows you to keep track of it. You need to have the right amount of stock in the right place.
Helen Cox is the web master of Angel Start-Ups; for all your Business Advice needs
• Procrastination – business owners often think they will deal with a matter later but tend to forget about it altogether. Whether it is advice about your business or marketing plans, advice on the finance that you need or advice on promotion. However, if you start leaving invoices from your suppliers you could end up with severe cash flow problems, which may overwhelm your business.
• Customer Complacency – In business there is only customers and suppliers. You should concentrate on building up a loyal customer base and then maintain their loyalty
• Location – a key to any successful business. For example having a five star restaurant in the middle of an industrial estate wouldn’t gain you your target market meaning you wouldn’t be bringing in enough money for your start-up expenses and on going expenses.
• Insufficient funding – you need to have sufficient funding to last six months, whilst you get your business operational.
Every new business needs money when they are starting up. This money will cover start up costs that are needed in order to by necessary equipment, get your workplace established and to cover your marketing costs all before your first sale is even made. When your business is fully up and running and you are taking in trade you will also need cash to pay bills and keep your business going.
There is a range of finance options open to you ; choosing the right one is the hard part but the most essential thing you will need to do for your business. Your business plan will help you do this as it is a roadmap for future development and crucial for not only gaining finance but also for getting attention and interest in your business.
A few forms of business finance that are availably to you are:
• Bank loans
• Credit cards
• Family and friends
• Venture capitalists
• Business Angels
• Personal savings
• Home equity
As well as sorting your business finance out another important decision that any business has to undergo is choosing a name for their business. This can often be a creative and enjoyable process but you need to get it right as customers will deduce a lot from your business name; remember first impressions count. You should choose a name that reflects your business strategy and not individual personality.
Another factor that needs your attention is the question of new staff. You need to weigh up whether you need new staff; thinking as far ahead as you can. You should ask yourself if you are taking on new staff to let your business grow, to replace someone, to get more of a handle on increased work load, do you want them to have new skills and also if you have enough room and equipment to cater for new staff.
There is a lot to take on board when setting up your own, new business. Everything has to be done just right, which is why there is so much planning involved; if you get things wrong at this stage your business has the likelihood to fail. This is why you need to make sure that you not only plan well but also keep records of exactly what is going on in your business such as accounting. Your accounting needs will depend on the size, type and sector of business your venture is in. It is your responsibility to make sure your business keeps accurate records.
When your business is up and running it is essential to plan and tightly manage your financial performance and stock control. Your stock control shows have much stock you have and allows you to keep track of it. You need to have the right amount of stock in the right place.
Helen Cox is the web master of Angel Start-Ups; for all your Business Advice needs
Starting A Successful Home Business - How To Do It Right
Becoming a winner in any online business isn't as easy as many would want you to think. If you apply some simple strategies before taking on any home business, your success rate can be much easier and guaranteed to work. We have dedicated much of our time teaching the exact marketing techniques talked about in this article.
I have applied some of these techniques to our Passport Wealth Business, and the results have brought some amazing success stories from our team members. We have produced some top money earners using techniques that are often kept behind closed doors. Was it always this easy? No. Advanced Marketing & Consultants have spent 1000's of hours in research and development to perfect some of the techniques we use. One reason some home business owners "jump out of the gates" and become successful fast is no real secret. I want to share some pointers that will give you a quick start to making money online faster. Today I want to tell you that there IS an "easy" way for you to build a money-making business, without breaking the bank.
(1). First and foremost, find a mentor that has knowledge that will save you thousands of dollars in trial and error. Good mentors should be trustworthy, credible, and not afraid to show you their tricks of the trade.
(2). If your going skydiving, would you "NOT" prepare for the jump? Would you like to have someone with you that has jumped a few hundred times? Of course you would! As stated in number 1, find a mentor, study your program, than apply what you have been taught and researched.
(3). Can you expect to be noticed if your site is the same as 60 million other sites on the internet?You must be different. This means you can't use information that is outdated or software that no longer works. You must have the right tools for todays market.
(4). Don't try and cut corners. I have visited thousands of web sites that simply were thrown together. What good is a web site if you can't make a sale on it? Do it right the first time (you'll always be perfecting it) and you'll save yourself a mess down the road.
(5). Are you getting enough traffic? Are you getting the right kind of traffic? This is always a huge issue. You must be able to build your traffic to at least 500 hits per day. Not just any hits, but targeted hits.
(6). Are you willing to put in the time to become successful? This subject alone can be an article in itself. There are many ways of bringing free, targeted traffic to your site. Here are just a few. Most of these cost little to no money.
Blogging, Podcasting, Ezine Articles, Press Releases, Mapping, Pay Per Click (not the usual kind), Audio Marketing, Video Marketing, Bookmarking, Social Networking, Email Marketing, (with a little twist).
(7).). Now, lets list a few qualities about the perfect networker and the type of things that make them extremely successful and wealthy.
Drive, Courage, Devotion To Goals, Knowledge, Honesty, Optimism, Ability To Judge, Enthusiasm, Willingness To Take Chances, Dynamic Energy, Enterprise, Persuasion, Outgoingness, Ability To Communicate, and Patience Perception.
This list goes on and on. Most of the qualities of a good networker learn many of these traits as they build their business. If you add just a few of the above suggestions in this article, you can't help but be a winner.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_480646_80.html
Occupation: Full-time Networker
This article may be used on any web site but you may not change any of the content, links, and must keep this signature line in. My name is David Lake and I am a professional networker. I started in this business 15 years ago..I knew nothing about the internet and like some of us who found success, it took some hard knocks. We now work a couple programs, but our main business is SEO, web site design, flash presentations, lead generation, and various other services. We spend most of our time educating people on how to stop paying for leads (even though we own a lead company), and start producing your leads for free. We teach courses on generating free leads with all the new technology found on the internet. Call or email for questions. David Lake 7leads@gmail.com Business Phone: 360-757-8550 Our service site is at www.7leads.com ...our program site is located at http://www.9608.goinetusa.com ...
www.9608.goinetusa.com
I have applied some of these techniques to our Passport Wealth Business, and the results have brought some amazing success stories from our team members. We have produced some top money earners using techniques that are often kept behind closed doors. Was it always this easy? No. Advanced Marketing & Consultants have spent 1000's of hours in research and development to perfect some of the techniques we use. One reason some home business owners "jump out of the gates" and become successful fast is no real secret. I want to share some pointers that will give you a quick start to making money online faster. Today I want to tell you that there IS an "easy" way for you to build a money-making business, without breaking the bank.
(1). First and foremost, find a mentor that has knowledge that will save you thousands of dollars in trial and error. Good mentors should be trustworthy, credible, and not afraid to show you their tricks of the trade.
(2). If your going skydiving, would you "NOT" prepare for the jump? Would you like to have someone with you that has jumped a few hundred times? Of course you would! As stated in number 1, find a mentor, study your program, than apply what you have been taught and researched.
(3). Can you expect to be noticed if your site is the same as 60 million other sites on the internet?You must be different. This means you can't use information that is outdated or software that no longer works. You must have the right tools for todays market.
(4). Don't try and cut corners. I have visited thousands of web sites that simply were thrown together. What good is a web site if you can't make a sale on it? Do it right the first time (you'll always be perfecting it) and you'll save yourself a mess down the road.
(5). Are you getting enough traffic? Are you getting the right kind of traffic? This is always a huge issue. You must be able to build your traffic to at least 500 hits per day. Not just any hits, but targeted hits.
(6). Are you willing to put in the time to become successful? This subject alone can be an article in itself. There are many ways of bringing free, targeted traffic to your site. Here are just a few. Most of these cost little to no money.
Blogging, Podcasting, Ezine Articles, Press Releases, Mapping, Pay Per Click (not the usual kind), Audio Marketing, Video Marketing, Bookmarking, Social Networking, Email Marketing, (with a little twist).
(7).). Now, lets list a few qualities about the perfect networker and the type of things that make them extremely successful and wealthy.
Drive, Courage, Devotion To Goals, Knowledge, Honesty, Optimism, Ability To Judge, Enthusiasm, Willingness To Take Chances, Dynamic Energy, Enterprise, Persuasion, Outgoingness, Ability To Communicate, and Patience Perception.
This list goes on and on. Most of the qualities of a good networker learn many of these traits as they build their business. If you add just a few of the above suggestions in this article, you can't help but be a winner.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_480646_80.html
Occupation: Full-time Networker
This article may be used on any web site but you may not change any of the content, links, and must keep this signature line in. My name is David Lake and I am a professional networker. I started in this business 15 years ago..I knew nothing about the internet and like some of us who found success, it took some hard knocks. We now work a couple programs, but our main business is SEO, web site design, flash presentations, lead generation, and various other services. We spend most of our time educating people on how to stop paying for leads (even though we own a lead company), and start producing your leads for free. We teach courses on generating free leads with all the new technology found on the internet. Call or email for questions. David Lake 7leads@gmail.com Business Phone: 360-757-8550 Our service site is at www.7leads.com ...our program site is located at http://www.9608.goinetusa.com ...
www.9608.goinetusa.com
10 Ideas for Home-Base Business Success.
When starting a Home-base Business there area a few things you can do to greatly improve your chance of success. In this article I will cover the 10 best ideas that have helped me over the years. Hopefully by the time you’ve finished reading you will have some new ideas to implement into your business resulting in you earning more money.
1. Start by creating a dedicated work area. Creating this space will not only help you stay organized it will motivate you to get more work done.
2. Eliminate distractions. When you work from home it is easy to get distracted by things like phone calls or the television. Remember, you are at work, make sure you’re not being side-tracked in your work time.
3. Stick to a budget. Manage your costs. This means no unnecessary purchases keeping overheads to a minimum.
4. Set work hours. By setting your daily work hours you will not only stay on track, it will prevent you from overworking yourself.
5. Make time to exercise. Any exercise is a great form of stress relief. If you have a sport or active hobby, don’t forsake it for your business. Doing this will improve your productivity. Be sure to look after you!
6. Bank your money. As a Home-base Business owner you are not given any guarantees when it comes to your income. Saving when times are good will compensate for the times you are in a downward cycle. During these periods it is nice to know you have money in the bank.
7. Get out of the house. If you own a laptop you can change it up a bit. You can break the monotony by hitting the park or your favorite coffee shop.
8. Get a whiteboard. These things are great for brainstorming ideas, prioritizing daily tasks and goal settings to name a few. My white board is my best friend.
9. Outsource. If you are having difficulty completing tasks, you can outsource the grunt –work. Outsourcing is cheap; use sources like craigslist.com to find great freelance help.
10. Do not waste time surfing the Net. This can be distracting if you’re not careful. We have all done it, it’s easy to waste hours of your day surfing the net looking for something bigger and better (or irrelevant!) to help us with our business. Try to keep a handle on the time spent visiting other websites.
Hopefully this short article has shed some light on some ideas you can implement into your business. Making money working from home is the best kind of work. Be sure and make the most of it!
Discover how a lazy surf bum cracked the 50k a month code with the Reverse Funnel System. at http://www.reversefunnelprofit.com Also visit the Reverse Funnel System Blog.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_490678_15.html
Discover how a lazy surf bum cracked the 50k a month code with the Reverse Funnel System. at www.reversefunnelprofit.com Also, visit the Reverse Funnel System Blog.
www.reversefunnelprofit.com
1. Start by creating a dedicated work area. Creating this space will not only help you stay organized it will motivate you to get more work done.
2. Eliminate distractions. When you work from home it is easy to get distracted by things like phone calls or the television. Remember, you are at work, make sure you’re not being side-tracked in your work time.
3. Stick to a budget. Manage your costs. This means no unnecessary purchases keeping overheads to a minimum.
4. Set work hours. By setting your daily work hours you will not only stay on track, it will prevent you from overworking yourself.
5. Make time to exercise. Any exercise is a great form of stress relief. If you have a sport or active hobby, don’t forsake it for your business. Doing this will improve your productivity. Be sure to look after you!
6. Bank your money. As a Home-base Business owner you are not given any guarantees when it comes to your income. Saving when times are good will compensate for the times you are in a downward cycle. During these periods it is nice to know you have money in the bank.
7. Get out of the house. If you own a laptop you can change it up a bit. You can break the monotony by hitting the park or your favorite coffee shop.
8. Get a whiteboard. These things are great for brainstorming ideas, prioritizing daily tasks and goal settings to name a few. My white board is my best friend.
9. Outsource. If you are having difficulty completing tasks, you can outsource the grunt –work. Outsourcing is cheap; use sources like craigslist.com to find great freelance help.
10. Do not waste time surfing the Net. This can be distracting if you’re not careful. We have all done it, it’s easy to waste hours of your day surfing the net looking for something bigger and better (or irrelevant!) to help us with our business. Try to keep a handle on the time spent visiting other websites.
Hopefully this short article has shed some light on some ideas you can implement into your business. Making money working from home is the best kind of work. Be sure and make the most of it!
Discover how a lazy surf bum cracked the 50k a month code with the Reverse Funnel System. at http://www.reversefunnelprofit.com Also visit the Reverse Funnel System Blog.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_490678_15.html
Discover how a lazy surf bum cracked the 50k a month code with the Reverse Funnel System. at www.reversefunnelprofit.com Also, visit the Reverse Funnel System Blog.
www.reversefunnelprofit.com
Using your Business Plan
Many people underestimate the importance of a business plan when it is the most important document that your business will ever produce. Your business plan stands as a set of business goals, the reasons as to why they are believed to be attainable and the plan for reaching these goals.
Your business plan is typically used to focus on financial goals but should also be used to demonstrate background information on your organisation. It should include everything that your business is about with information on how it will appeal to its target market and what makes it different from existing businesses that are within the same market. You should use your business plan to secure finance and as a way of allowing people to evaluate the perspectives of your company.
A good business plans should be used for a variety of purposes. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of thinking that a business plan is only useful to help them raise money for their business. However, a well written business plan is in invaluable tool to help you run your business as well. By having a viable business plan, not only will you be able to see how your business is progressing, but you will also be able to impart your vision to others. They will be able to see how well you are running your business with respect to your initial goals and make an informed decision about any risks associated with your business.
As some of you may already know, what you put into your business plan is key to it being a well structured guide to your business. Some of things that should be included in your business are:
• Overview of the business you want to start – many leaders/investors make judgments about your business based on this section alone.
• Short description of business opportunity – who you are/ what you plan to sell/offer and to who and why
• Marketing and sales strategy – why you think people will buy what you want to sell
• Management team/personnel – your credentials and people you plan to recruit
• Your operations – premises, production, facilities, management information systems
• Financial forecast – translates everything you have said in previous sections into numbers
Your business plan is your main access to business finance. Without a well developed plan you won’t gain the financial help you desire, especially if you are hoping to use the help of a business angel or a venture capitalist.
You should remember that your business plan is a living document; it is something that you will use throughout your business and due to this fact it will need updating on a regular basis. Over time, things will change for your business. In some cases, they will change outside of your direct control. Updating your business plan will allow you to plan appropriately to reflect the dynamic changes occurring outside of your direct control and that could have an impact on your business. You should always be prepared to update your business plan to ensure that you have sufficient contingency plans to deal with external influences that could affect the way you do business.
Remember there is no set content for your business plan, what you put in it should reflect your business.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-ups, home of all your Business Plan needs.
Your business plan is typically used to focus on financial goals but should also be used to demonstrate background information on your organisation. It should include everything that your business is about with information on how it will appeal to its target market and what makes it different from existing businesses that are within the same market. You should use your business plan to secure finance and as a way of allowing people to evaluate the perspectives of your company.
A good business plans should be used for a variety of purposes. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of thinking that a business plan is only useful to help them raise money for their business. However, a well written business plan is in invaluable tool to help you run your business as well. By having a viable business plan, not only will you be able to see how your business is progressing, but you will also be able to impart your vision to others. They will be able to see how well you are running your business with respect to your initial goals and make an informed decision about any risks associated with your business.
As some of you may already know, what you put into your business plan is key to it being a well structured guide to your business. Some of things that should be included in your business are:
• Overview of the business you want to start – many leaders/investors make judgments about your business based on this section alone.
• Short description of business opportunity – who you are/ what you plan to sell/offer and to who and why
• Marketing and sales strategy – why you think people will buy what you want to sell
• Management team/personnel – your credentials and people you plan to recruit
• Your operations – premises, production, facilities, management information systems
• Financial forecast – translates everything you have said in previous sections into numbers
Your business plan is your main access to business finance. Without a well developed plan you won’t gain the financial help you desire, especially if you are hoping to use the help of a business angel or a venture capitalist.
You should remember that your business plan is a living document; it is something that you will use throughout your business and due to this fact it will need updating on a regular basis. Over time, things will change for your business. In some cases, they will change outside of your direct control. Updating your business plan will allow you to plan appropriately to reflect the dynamic changes occurring outside of your direct control and that could have an impact on your business. You should always be prepared to update your business plan to ensure that you have sufficient contingency plans to deal with external influences that could affect the way you do business.
Remember there is no set content for your business plan, what you put in it should reflect your business.
Helen is the web master of Angel Start-ups, home of all your Business Plan needs.
Business Angels and your Start-up Finance
Business angels fall under the category of equity finance. They form the most popular form of equity finance and can truly do wonders for your business venture.
When it comes to starting up your own business the most important thing to sort out before anything else is your start-up business finance. You will need funding for your business before you even start trading. No matter what type of business you are planning to go into, whether you are selling a product or a service you will need to secure finance before you open your business up for trading.
Funding for your business can come in many forms, ensuring that you choose the one that is best for your business is the tricky part so here’s some helpful advice. Most new business fail due to incorrect funding with many making the mistake of turning to their bank for finance only to find out that the bank refuses to give them the capital they need and with many more finding out the hard way that they can’t keep up with repayments, which ends with them losing not only their business venture but typically their house that they thought was a good idea at the time to use as an asset to their bank loan.
You’re probably left thinking now ‘what am I going to do?’ well lucky for you there are people out their waiting to give you money for your business start-up funding that you, wait for it, don’t have to pay back! Who are these kind people I hear you cry, business angels of course. A business angel is a high net worth, wealthy individual who has already made their fortune through other business ventures. They are often retired individuals who invest their skills as well as capital into new and developing businesses. Business angels invest money into your business that you never have to pay back in return for a growth share of your business.
Business angels typically seek investments that will give them ten times more back than their original investment within five years of your business being active. They invest their own funds and usually invest between £10,000 and £750,000.
As well as cash, business angels can offer years of experience in the business world. Although some prefer to become a sleeping partner, others will get actively involved in your business from writing a marketing plan to taking the company through a flotation on the stock market.
Business angels will invest across most industry sectors and stages of business development. They tend to generally look for the following within your business as a basis of whether to go ahead with an investment:
• The expertise and track record of the management
• Your businesses competitive edge or unique selling point
• The characteristics and growth potential of the market
• Compatibility between the management, business proposal and their skills and investment preferences
If you do decide to choose the help of a business angel within your business start-up funding then you must ensure that the angel you choose is right for your business needs. You should choose a business angel that is best suited to the needs of your business.
It is also important to keep in mind that business angels tend to mainly invest locally and within a specialised area.
Helen is the web master of ARCH Entrepreneurs, experts within all areas of Business Finance and Business Angels.
When it comes to starting up your own business the most important thing to sort out before anything else is your start-up business finance. You will need funding for your business before you even start trading. No matter what type of business you are planning to go into, whether you are selling a product or a service you will need to secure finance before you open your business up for trading.
Funding for your business can come in many forms, ensuring that you choose the one that is best for your business is the tricky part so here’s some helpful advice. Most new business fail due to incorrect funding with many making the mistake of turning to their bank for finance only to find out that the bank refuses to give them the capital they need and with many more finding out the hard way that they can’t keep up with repayments, which ends with them losing not only their business venture but typically their house that they thought was a good idea at the time to use as an asset to their bank loan.
You’re probably left thinking now ‘what am I going to do?’ well lucky for you there are people out their waiting to give you money for your business start-up funding that you, wait for it, don’t have to pay back! Who are these kind people I hear you cry, business angels of course. A business angel is a high net worth, wealthy individual who has already made their fortune through other business ventures. They are often retired individuals who invest their skills as well as capital into new and developing businesses. Business angels invest money into your business that you never have to pay back in return for a growth share of your business.
Business angels typically seek investments that will give them ten times more back than their original investment within five years of your business being active. They invest their own funds and usually invest between £10,000 and £750,000.
As well as cash, business angels can offer years of experience in the business world. Although some prefer to become a sleeping partner, others will get actively involved in your business from writing a marketing plan to taking the company through a flotation on the stock market.
Business angels will invest across most industry sectors and stages of business development. They tend to generally look for the following within your business as a basis of whether to go ahead with an investment:
• The expertise and track record of the management
• Your businesses competitive edge or unique selling point
• The characteristics and growth potential of the market
• Compatibility between the management, business proposal and their skills and investment preferences
If you do decide to choose the help of a business angel within your business start-up funding then you must ensure that the angel you choose is right for your business needs. You should choose a business angel that is best suited to the needs of your business.
It is also important to keep in mind that business angels tend to mainly invest locally and within a specialised area.
Helen is the web master of ARCH Entrepreneurs, experts within all areas of Business Finance and Business Angels.
Monday, 25 February 2008
Minority Loans Grants For Small Business
Business Grant:Elko Nevada New Business Startup Grants
Considering how much revenue small businesses are contributing today, it is imperative that we give them the right guidance and assistance. Free small business grants are just a very small well-deserved part in it.. Suppose you have a great idea for a business the know how to make it succeed but no start up capital. There are two main types of financing available for small businesses; small business grants and small business loans. gov and The Foundation Center which you can find by Googling the name. The federal government gives away millions of dollars to people in your position.
Government Grants To Woman Starting A Business:
Different types of grants exist for different situations and scenarios. So you may want to weigh up the pros and cons of each option to see which one would be more suited to your needs. Now what if we told you that there is a way for you to finance your dreams? No we're not talking about loans. See big book of jobs-government grants to start a business One example is the Energy Innovations State Program in California.
Business Grants For Minorities:
You can also get business start up money if you are able to give an outstanding proposal. The government normally uses grant money to encourage business development in certain fields or specific locations or to level the playing field for everyone. They have two programs namely the New Business Grant and the Existing Business Grant. Visit obtain business government grants Instead of money the government will give free advice and training to those who want to make their business grow.
Grant Money For Business:
The American Dream Down Payment Act authorizes $200 million in grant aid for each of the coming four years to low-income first-time homebuyers. The application is then processed.The government wants to help small business flourish in a market that's so volatile. More review at http://www.governmentgrantus.org/business-grants-opportunities/seed-grants-for-women-business.php In return you have to pay a 2% of your outstanding loan each year to the business service sector of the government who helped you acquire the loan.
Kent is an expert in grants for youth business development for over
20 years. More sources at http://www.governmentgrantus.org/business-grants-opportunities/cnadian-government-grants-for-new-business.php
This article is free for republishing
Source: Business Finance
Considering how much revenue small businesses are contributing today, it is imperative that we give them the right guidance and assistance. Free small business grants are just a very small well-deserved part in it.. Suppose you have a great idea for a business the know how to make it succeed but no start up capital. There are two main types of financing available for small businesses; small business grants and small business loans. gov and The Foundation Center which you can find by Googling the name. The federal government gives away millions of dollars to people in your position.
Government Grants To Woman Starting A Business:
Different types of grants exist for different situations and scenarios. So you may want to weigh up the pros and cons of each option to see which one would be more suited to your needs. Now what if we told you that there is a way for you to finance your dreams? No we're not talking about loans. See big book of jobs-government grants to start a business One example is the Energy Innovations State Program in California.
Business Grants For Minorities:
You can also get business start up money if you are able to give an outstanding proposal. The government normally uses grant money to encourage business development in certain fields or specific locations or to level the playing field for everyone. They have two programs namely the New Business Grant and the Existing Business Grant. Visit obtain business government grants Instead of money the government will give free advice and training to those who want to make their business grow.
Grant Money For Business:
The American Dream Down Payment Act authorizes $200 million in grant aid for each of the coming four years to low-income first-time homebuyers. The application is then processed.The government wants to help small business flourish in a market that's so volatile. More review at http://www.governmentgrantus.org/business-grants-opportunities/seed-grants-for-women-business.php In return you have to pay a 2% of your outstanding loan each year to the business service sector of the government who helped you acquire the loan.
Kent is an expert in grants for youth business development for over
20 years. More sources at http://www.governmentgrantus.org/business-grants-opportunities/cnadian-government-grants-for-new-business.php
This article is free for republishing
Source: Business Finance
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