The Small Business tips today discuss various forms of financial resources.
Your Pocket: If you want to start a business without taking out any loans, you can use your own money. It may be costly for you personally, but the benefits from your business could prove to be a good investment.
Friends & Family: Ask those who are close to you for a loan or to invest in your business. It would be a simple way to receive financial resources without going through a bank or other institutions.
Business Loan: A start up business loan from the bank or a lending institution is a way to receive the funds you need from a local institution. Find out more from your financial advisor or a local bank.
Small Business Association: The SBA is available to help small businesses locally. Visit the SBA website for tips and locations in your area.
Daily Overview: Obtaining cash to...
By Cheryl Sowa · February 12 2010
small business tips, small business, sba, start-up
Tips from February 11, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss how to find customers.
Chamber of Commerce: Introducing your business at your Chamber of Commerce will give you a start in connecting with other small businesses in your area. Additionally, ask for a link on your Chamber's website to yours about your new business opening. Use the support and organization in your favor to find customers in your area who are passionate about the small business cause.
Networking: Use your friends, family members, and business contacts to your advantage. Talk to them about your new business, and ask if there are any contacts they know that you can network with. Don't forget about social networking online as well!
Competition: As silly as it sounds, some of the best places to find your customers is by researching your competition. Find out what they are doing wrong, and what their customers are dissatisfied with. Use that to your advantage when starting out on yo...
By Cheryl Sowa · February 12 2010
small business tips, small business, event, networking
Everyone has seen the start-up of a small business in movies or television. It all seems like a piece of cake, right? You take a great idea, find an abandoned location, declare that you're starting a business, and in a few weeks, your business is filled with products, people, and money. In reality, that is never going to happen (unless you're Uncle Jesse from Full House starting up the Smash Club).Starting a business takes time, and lots of it. When you have a great idea, there's no time to lose. Start acting to launch your business is immediately. Most businesses average a 9-12 month planning and organizing process before opening its doors. Use the timeline below as a guide to track your progress on your start up business.NOTE: This is a guideline. Every business is different. Use this as a basic template to see our recommendations on what to do for a start-up. Some businesses many not need all these steps. Some may need to delve deeper into certain aspects. Ev...
By Cheryl Sowa · February 11 2010
entrepreneur, operations, how to, starting a business
Tips from February 10, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss the first things to do when starting a business.
Business Plan: You need to plan out how you will operate your business, your financial forecast, strategic business goals, and more.
Hire an Accountant or Financial Adviser: There are many complicated financial issues that go into owning your own business, and these professionals will be able to help you out.
Open a Business Bank Account: Separate your personal and business finances with an organized filing system. Don't forget to keep track of your finances at all times.
Join a Support Group: Joining a group, like a local business advice center, Chamber of Commerce, or trade organization will provide you with peer support from others who have been in your shoes before, as well as additional contacts for networking opportunities.
By Cheryl Sowa · February 10 2010
small business tips, bank, how to, starting a business
The local search space has never been more teeming with new applications and features emerging on some of the most popular sites and newest mobile devices - all concentrating on more localized and more relevant content -- and we're pretty excited about that. Even better, it's the small businesses in suburban locations and rural areas which are positioned to be the benefactor as they'll find it increasingly easier to gain exposure, reach out to local consumers and build loyalty, without having to compete with the more traditionally dominant online presence from bigger businesses in the city or online mega-marts. Those business owners who recognize this trend and successfully promote and manage this local content have the opportunity to gain a significant edge on the competition.
But increased online exposure also carries additional risks. Media continues to experience decentralization, and online marketing is becoming more complex and advanced. With this comes many opp...
By Dave Cosper · February 09 2010
online reviews, local search, local pr
Tips from February 9, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss legal issues when starting a small business.
Keep legal! Know what the laws are specific to small businesses, but also learn what tax breaks there are! Find more here.
Your business should be defined well. Sole proprietor? Partnership? Corporation? What's it matter? Find more here.
Bad things happen to businesses too. How can you prepared for unforeseen problems? Business insurance! Find more information here.
Your name is your brand, protection is important. Copyright, trademark? Which do you use and why? Find out more information
By Cheryl Sowa · February 09 2010
small business tips, small business, insurance, brand
Government and Politics A Small-Business Owner Takes His Case to the Top Last week, one entrepreneur had the opportunity to ask President Obama a question that no doubt has been on the mind of many others regarding small business loans. NYtimes.com
Government and Politics Obama's Small Business Plans: Where They Stand President Obama has been talking -- a lot -- about what Washington needs to do to help save small businesses. Over the past week, he's introduced a half-dozen different initiatives aimed at unlocking credit, creating jobs and expanding the Small Business Administration's loan pr...
By Cheryl Sowa · February 09 2010
small business brief, small business, insurance, sba
Tips from February 8, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss types of business to start that are economy-specific.
Debt Collection: A very unpleasant job to say the least, but in a tight economy, bills go unpaid and there is always a need for debt collectors.
Job Search Agency: Are you personable? Outgoing? Have a number of contacts in your industry? This could prove to be a great business to start
Computer Security: If you're computer savvy, look into this industry. You would be protecting networks and systems against unauthorized use and abuse.
Energy Auditors: A great job for the green-friendly people. Businesses and homes need help to save money by reducing energy costs.
Daily Overview: Start a job that this economy NEEDS. Find your niche based on your experience and get started!
By Cheryl Sowa · February 08 2010
small business tips, small business, entrepreneur, starting a business
