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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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