Many new business owners have a great ideas, lots of talent and normally even a pocket full of clients but very few have a business plan . Many may feel led to operate out of their "shirt pocket" which means they operate the business like they do their personal life and just pay for things as they go with little planning or budgeting.
While this may work fine for some business owners in the long term with market challenges they could face serious problems and this lack of planning can keep your organization from growing.
Small Businesses can become a trap when the owner wants to retire because only he or she can do the job and if they document it then someone else can read the plan and step in. This is especially helpful if the owner wants to make a significant amount of money and one day create a corporation they can later sell or pass to a child when they retire.
To build a successful small business most need to obtain financing for sufficient capital (money) for the new venture and that loan will take a business plan that can pass a bankers test. The business plan documents how your business will run. It makes sure that you have mapped out the operation as well as the finances.
The operation should cover things like: how will your product or service be advertised? Who will take, process and deliver the product or service. Who will monitor customer service and track how the business is doing.
The budget and planning is critical. You must have tools in place to set the amount of earnings your company needs to pay overhead and your projected profits. If you are not on target someone must be alerted. Running more than a month or two with out hitting your goals can require saving reserves and this must be accounted for.
A business plan should be reviewed by another set of eyes to determine if your plan is feasible and if there was anything you missed or have not calculated correctly.
We plan to post the key elements of a business plan for you but you can also get local help with a business plan from the Small Business Administration SBA, Chamber of Commerce, or the Small Business Institute.
Many of these services are free. Just do a local "Google" with your choice of the above name and your city or state and you should quickly be able to get help with your business plan.
The Small Business Institute® (SBI) was established to meet the needs of ethnically diverse small businesses. They are there to help you develop your personal business plan and make suggestions on how to prepare a business plan together with specific examples of plans that will be helpful to you. www.smallbusinessinstitute.biz (site may be updating- use search engine if needed).
Star your business right with planning and you won't have to worry about the bills but rather building the new company.
Let us know if this helped you.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Organize My Desk, PLEASE!!!!!
Someone Safe-T me, Please.... I'm burried in 
projects and pencils... I don't want to think of the time wasted shuffling between stacks & piles locating the next hot deliverable - Thanks to VCMI's S.A.F.E-T. I'm not wasting that time any longer... Not only can I find what I need to work on, but the atmosphere at my desk is actually inviting, lighter, and less burdansome. I didn't realize that organizing my desk could be done so quickly, I thought that the years of projects & responsiblity stacked, would take hours and hours and days and days to complete, but I was wrong - all I needed was a plan of attack and tools at my fingertips, all of which is provided/packaged in the You Are A CEO briefcase. It took less than a day to organize my desk and it's organized in such a way that I'm able to maintain the order effortlessly! Thanks to Value Centered Managements Organize your Space S.A.F.E-T. Process. Just look at the results for yourself. Now it's time to take the tools Home - Yikes... I'll let you know how it goes :o)
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Do YOU Have the Right Online Presence?
Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners and Professionals:
How do you know if you have the right online presence?
Well you should be checking the daily "hits" to your website and looking at how long people navigate through your site. Are you getting new viewers? How do you know?
The Internet is rapidly advancing with sites such as "Google", U-Tube, and Realtor.com.
What is happening is that people are going online first to search and find companies to do business with. Then they are watching online videos and using sites like realtor.com to look at new homes with video tours.
Did you know that only 20% of new home buyers don't use the Internet when buying a new home?
Want More Info?
Here is a site that has information about real estate, loans and other related topics. The presentations are audio rather than video but their info is very good and the speakers are very creditable.
Enjoy: http://recyber.cyberconventions.com/
One of the Key Notes will talk about the benefits of using the Internet in sales and marketing are key. This is excellent information for any small business owner, entrepreneur or business professional who wants to stay on top of technology and the food chain.
There is a presentation from the CEO of Franchise Sales I suggest. He is the CEO for the group that sells all C21, ERA, Southby's, Coldwell Banker Commercial and Coldwell Banker Franchises and their network is the largest in the industry.
WHAT I GOT OUT OF LISTENING:
1. Only 20% of home buyers "DON'T" USE THE INTERNET.
2. "Broadband penetration is 80%"!
3. If you want to move your products, services ("Listings", etc...) you must have a strong online presence (IE: video clips, info, tours and be on multiple websites.
4. Google has become a verb... people are looking and buying online!
5. Are You There?
6. If your business is slow you may NOT BE ONLINE OR YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT ONLINE PRESENCE.
7. You must know how to keep the online customer engaged so that they see your marketing information! Short concise video does that!
Need Help to Move towards this new light?
I have the source that CAN HELP YOU! StellarVision...online TV. Where you can display your products or services with online television, advertising and talk shows. This is the hottest wave roaring NOW!
This is new and very affordable! Call or email them now as they are looking for demo companies for FREE DIRECTORY LISTINGS: (510) 741-2045 This is GREAT!
How do you know if you have the right online presence?
Well you should be checking the daily "hits" to your website and looking at how long people navigate through your site. Are you getting new viewers? How do you know?
The Internet is rapidly advancing with sites such as "Google", U-Tube, and Realtor.com.
What is happening is that people are going online first to search and find companies to do business with. Then they are watching online videos and using sites like realtor.com to look at new homes with video tours.
Did you know that only 20% of new home buyers don't use the Internet when buying a new home?
Want More Info?
Here is a site that has information about real estate, loans and other related topics. The presentations are audio rather than video but their info is very good and the speakers are very creditable.
Enjoy: http://recyber.cyberconventions.com/
One of the Key Notes will talk about the benefits of using the Internet in sales and marketing are key. This is excellent information for any small business owner, entrepreneur or business professional who wants to stay on top of technology and the food chain.
There is a presentation from the CEO of Franchise Sales I suggest. He is the CEO for the group that sells all C21, ERA, Southby's, Coldwell Banker Commercial and Coldwell Banker Franchises and their network is the largest in the industry.
WHAT I GOT OUT OF LISTENING:
1. Only 20% of home buyers "DON'T" USE THE INTERNET.
2. "Broadband penetration is 80%"!
3. If you want to move your products, services ("Listings", etc...) you must have a strong online presence (IE: video clips, info, tours and be on multiple websites.
4. Google has become a verb... people are looking and buying online!
5. Are You There?
6. If your business is slow you may NOT BE ONLINE OR YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT ONLINE PRESENCE.
7. You must know how to keep the online customer engaged so that they see your marketing information! Short concise video does that!
Need Help to Move towards this new light?
I have the source that CAN HELP YOU! StellarVision...online TV. Where you can display your products or services with online television, advertising and talk shows. This is the hottest wave roaring NOW!
This is new and very affordable! Call or email them now as they are looking for demo companies for FREE DIRECTORY LISTINGS: (510) 741-2045 This is GREAT!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Homemade Publicity Pie, Slices 1-7
What is the fun of being a successful CEO if no one knows about your fame?
Some people want the fame of being known for their business success and others are just glad to have their dreams come true. Both types of business professionals should be concerned about the fact that consumers trust a company or business professional more that is in the public eye with a positive reputation.
To meet your customers preferences you can hire an expert (which costs money), you can do it yourself (if you have the time), or you can delegate it to an employee which is what we suggest.
Humble Pie VS. Publicity Pie:
Humble Pie eaters are recognized by being humble.
Publicity Pie eaters will not only get your hard work recognized by your peers but you just may work less because more people know about your products and/or service which increases sales and it did not cost you an arm and a leg to advertise.
Publicity works, both good and bad and that is why so many companies and celeb's have their PR agents working diligently to keep their reputation properly positioned. PR can mean simple campaigns on line or in print that keep the public informed on what your company is doing.
Here is what we suggest: Keep your name out there with good community and public relations because most people really don't like to be sold but they DO want to hear about the latest and greatest product or service THAT WILL BENEFIT THEM SOMEHOW and good PR and CR does just that.
I know CEO's have to wear a million hats, your tired and you really don't want to be bothered with this publicity stuff but if you ever want to sell your business it will go faster and for more money if your business is well known and has a positive public image.
Humble Pie vs. Publicity Pie - basically you can make more sales and do less work with Publicity VS Humility and you can certainly have a slice or two of both and that is what we suggest since consumers don't like an ego maniac either.
Taste these Homemade Publicity Pie Recipes and let us know how they work for you.
1. Submit your resume to speak at an event. (Public speaking gets you recognized).
2. Sponsor an event or community function. (That will get you in the public eye).
3. Submit articles for print to the local media (news papers, magazines, television, etc).
4. When you do BIG THINGS write a press release that tells the public.
5. Write a book. Getting published is a door opener for most. There are self publishing places (Google Search: book publishing) but it costs. Dorance Publishing Co is one of the oldest and they will review your manuscript in 21-30 days.
6. Get a great website and market to send traffic to it.
7. Make a video (DVD) that people can view that tells them who you are, what you do and why they should do business with you.
For help with any of our tips, videos or StellarVision's web TV Platform contact Stellar Enterprise (510) 741-2045.
Some people want the fame of being known for their business success and others are just glad to have their dreams come true. Both types of business professionals should be concerned about the fact that consumers trust a company or business professional more that is in the public eye with a positive reputation.
To meet your customers preferences you can hire an expert (which costs money), you can do it yourself (if you have the time), or you can delegate it to an employee which is what we suggest.
Humble Pie VS. Publicity Pie:
Humble Pie eaters are recognized by being humble.
Publicity Pie eaters will not only get your hard work recognized by your peers but you just may work less because more people know about your products and/or service which increases sales and it did not cost you an arm and a leg to advertise.
Publicity works, both good and bad and that is why so many companies and celeb's have their PR agents working diligently to keep their reputation properly positioned. PR can mean simple campaigns on line or in print that keep the public informed on what your company is doing.
Here is what we suggest: Keep your name out there with good community and public relations because most people really don't like to be sold but they DO want to hear about the latest and greatest product or service THAT WILL BENEFIT THEM SOMEHOW and good PR and CR does just that.
I know CEO's have to wear a million hats, your tired and you really don't want to be bothered with this publicity stuff but if you ever want to sell your business it will go faster and for more money if your business is well known and has a positive public image.
Humble Pie vs. Publicity Pie - basically you can make more sales and do less work with Publicity VS Humility and you can certainly have a slice or two of both and that is what we suggest since consumers don't like an ego maniac either.
Taste these Homemade Publicity Pie Recipes and let us know how they work for you.
1. Submit your resume to speak at an event. (Public speaking gets you recognized).
2. Sponsor an event or community function. (That will get you in the public eye).
3. Submit articles for print to the local media (news papers, magazines, television, etc).
4. When you do BIG THINGS write a press release that tells the public.
5. Write a book. Getting published is a door opener for most. There are self publishing places (Google Search: book publishing) but it costs. Dorance Publishing Co is one of the oldest and they will review your manuscript in 21-30 days.
6. Get a great website and market to send traffic to it.
7. Make a video (DVD) that people can view that tells them who you are, what you do and why they should do business with you.
For help with any of our tips, videos or StellarVision's web TV Platform contact Stellar Enterprise (510) 741-2045.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Need Business Contacts?
You Are a CEO has tracked down a very helpful tool to generate new business contacts in the Chamber of Commerce Directories. It is simple. You just join a Chamber of Commerce, get a member directory, start attending their mixers and you will meet lots of new people with whom to do business with.
The Chamber Directory is a wonderful resource to use to contact people. The directories have all the facts, who, what, where. The Hercules Chamber has a very nice directory and also a Chamber map that show were the businesses are located.
Richmond and Oakland also have great guides. You can also use a Visitors Bureau such as the Vallejo Visitors Bureau which will have a guide book. These books make networking easy.
You can also use resources in business magazines such as the San Francisco Business Times who published the Book of Lists. To subscribe call (415) 288-4942 or email circ_sfbizjournals.com
Friday, July 13, 2007
Get $1,000,000 To Play With!
Hello CEO's
The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an event that I believe will be very helpful for entrepreneurs, small business owners and career professionals who want to have a stronger understanding of the stock exchange and investment options.
The OAACC is inviting contestants to enter their "Stock Market Challenge" where Merrill Lynch will give you a $1,000,000 "Mock" portfolio to test your market skills. You will play against others and learn while collecting fun and prizes.
This is a great way to learn how the market works and every CEO needs that knowledge. So, tell a friend about it and get your colleagues involved.
Grand Prize includes a 5 day vacation for two! Don't miss out!!! Questions: info@oaacc.org Register: http://www.bayareastockmarketchallenge.com/Register.htm
The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an event that I believe will be very helpful for entrepreneurs, small business owners and career professionals who want to have a stronger understanding of the stock exchange and investment options.
The OAACC is inviting contestants to enter their "Stock Market Challenge" where Merrill Lynch will give you a $1,000,000 "Mock" portfolio to test your market skills. You will play against others and learn while collecting fun and prizes.
This is a great way to learn how the market works and every CEO needs that knowledge. So, tell a friend about it and get your colleagues involved.
Grand Prize includes a 5 day vacation for two! Don't miss out!!! Questions: info@oaacc.org Register: http://www.bayareastockmarketchallenge.com/Register.htm
Thursday, July 12, 2007
72% of Fathers Say A Full-Time Job is Ideal
In an AJ New article, "working fathers say that they prefer a full time job rather than not working at all outside the home". I am not surprised to hear that most Dad's feel that the ideal situation for them is to work full time and not to be at home with the children (I guess there are not very many Mr. Mom's) but it is very surprising for me to think that over 25% (28%) actually would consider being at home full time with their children.
I feel better about men (ha ha ha). Just kidding. I think men can do an excellent job of raising their children especially after seeing that Movie with Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happiness. (If you have not seen it, get the DVD; It's a killer - I cried, he was such a great Dad), (Oops, I guess I got side tracked). Anyway, my real line of thought is why don't more men consider becoming self employed?
All they have to do is take their current skills and work with customers directly. Owning a company is just like running a household. You have a product or service and you sell it to people and complete the tasks just like managing the people, places and things at home.
Additionally, one can start a business and not know how to make the product or deliver the service(s)...you just need to hire people who do. Our CEO and founder Michael Parker, opened several companies he did not complete the work for himself but rather he found businesses he thought were good matches for the people which he formed into work groups.
So think about it; What do your friends and associates do well? Could you see yourself owning a business they work for?
The You Are a CEO program will provide the skill sets, training and coaching you need. I encourage both working mothers and working fathers to consider the many benefits of working for yourself and remember there is not a lot of competition since 72% of men and 70% of all women work full time for other people.
What do you think? Are you able to start your own business? Why or Why not?
For the full story log on to: http://www.ajc.com/business/content/shared-gen/ap/Finance_General/Working_Moms.html?cxntnid=biz071207e
I feel better about men (ha ha ha). Just kidding. I think men can do an excellent job of raising their children especially after seeing that Movie with Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happiness. (If you have not seen it, get the DVD; It's a killer - I cried, he was such a great Dad), (Oops, I guess I got side tracked). Anyway, my real line of thought is why don't more men consider becoming self employed?
All they have to do is take their current skills and work with customers directly. Owning a company is just like running a household. You have a product or service and you sell it to people and complete the tasks just like managing the people, places and things at home.
Additionally, one can start a business and not know how to make the product or deliver the service(s)...you just need to hire people who do. Our CEO and founder Michael Parker, opened several companies he did not complete the work for himself but rather he found businesses he thought were good matches for the people which he formed into work groups.
So think about it; What do your friends and associates do well? Could you see yourself owning a business they work for?
The You Are a CEO program will provide the skill sets, training and coaching you need. I encourage both working mothers and working fathers to consider the many benefits of working for yourself and remember there is not a lot of competition since 72% of men and 70% of all women work full time for other people.
What do you think? Are you able to start your own business? Why or Why not?
For the full story log on to: http://www.ajc.com/business/content/shared-gen/ap/Finance_General/Working_Moms.html?cxntnid=biz071207e
What Working Mom's Want
I recently read an article in the Atlanta Press called "Most Working Moms Prefer Part-Time Jobs" By DAVID CRARY. According to a recent National survey, David says, "Most working mothers say their ideal situation would include a part-time job, rather than working full time or staying at home..."
My thoughts are that becoming an entrepreneur, or owning a small business may also be an excellent fit for a mother or father who wants to spend more time with their family and achieve a higher quality of life.
So how does one start, manage and expand the business of a venture? Easy, enter CEO training school. Every student must have a teacher who provides instruction and guidance during the learning curve.
Becoming a CEO or beginning any career while running a household can be a challenge. Yet, simple things make a mothers life easier. Online shopping, supportive services like take out delivery and also online learning. Many schools have online training and I think it is an excellent idea for a mom or dad who wants to open a business consider online education to fully prepare them for the venture.
There are many facets of a business. Marketing, Sales, Finance and Human Resources. Then business plan and how to operate the company to that the products and services are delivered in the right manner are also critical.
I worked from home as a mortgage loan broker for years. I loved it but it had it's draw backs. Having to meet clients at the office or other places was out of place because my real office was at home and all my stuff was there. Also I sometimes found myself resisting to leave the house for appointments preferring to do things by email, fax, or mail rather then get professionally dressed.
So Working Mom's do you agree? Would working from home as your own boss appeal to you? Why or Why Not? If you wanted training and you did it online what topics would you want covered? We want to hear from you at "You Are a CEO".
My thoughts are that becoming an entrepreneur, or owning a small business may also be an excellent fit for a mother or father who wants to spend more time with their family and achieve a higher quality of life.
So how does one start, manage and expand the business of a venture? Easy, enter CEO training school. Every student must have a teacher who provides instruction and guidance during the learning curve.
Becoming a CEO or beginning any career while running a household can be a challenge. Yet, simple things make a mothers life easier. Online shopping, supportive services like take out delivery and also online learning. Many schools have online training and I think it is an excellent idea for a mom or dad who wants to open a business consider online education to fully prepare them for the venture.
There are many facets of a business. Marketing, Sales, Finance and Human Resources. Then business plan and how to operate the company to that the products and services are delivered in the right manner are also critical.
I worked from home as a mortgage loan broker for years. I loved it but it had it's draw backs. Having to meet clients at the office or other places was out of place because my real office was at home and all my stuff was there. Also I sometimes found myself resisting to leave the house for appointments preferring to do things by email, fax, or mail rather then get professionally dressed.
So Working Mom's do you agree? Would working from home as your own boss appeal to you? Why or Why Not? If you wanted training and you did it online what topics would you want covered? We want to hear from you at "You Are a CEO".
Monday, July 9, 2007
WHAT WERE YOU REALLY BORN TO DO?
WHAT WERE YOU REALLY BORN TO DO?
Some people believe in destiny some believe in forming their own destiny and that life is what we make it. I believe that we each do have a divine purpose in life and that we are equipped to do most anything we want or are inspired to do simply by learning it!
It is what our brain is equipped to do and our bodies are made in a way that we can train to enhance it's performance. Thus it is with BUSINESS you can learn, grow and change.
The You Are a CEO program gives people the ability to go in to entrepreneur training. The adventure will enable you to dream and succeed with what you were really meant to do.
Our CEO personally teaches these courses with his team of experts and in all of his programs you will find the exact tools you need to start, manage or expand your business or career.
So What Road Have You Been Traveling? Are you really moving in the right direction?
If you are wondering what opportunities are out there contact us and lets talk about your career dreams.
Some people believe in destiny some believe in forming their own destiny and that life is what we make it. I believe that we each do have a divine purpose in life and that we are equipped to do most anything we want or are inspired to do simply by learning it!
It is what our brain is equipped to do and our bodies are made in a way that we can train to enhance it's performance. Thus it is with BUSINESS you can learn, grow and change.
The You Are a CEO program gives people the ability to go in to entrepreneur training. The adventure will enable you to dream and succeed with what you were really meant to do.
Our CEO personally teaches these courses with his team of experts and in all of his programs you will find the exact tools you need to start, manage or expand your business or career.
So What Road Have You Been Traveling? Are you really moving in the right direction?
If you are wondering what opportunities are out there contact us and lets talk about your career dreams.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
How Was Your June?
How Was Your June?
I spent mine vacationing. I went to the east coast to a wedding and they did some traveling. Of course I took my You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite with me on the plane and to my beach house.
I have decided to make "me" over again and this kit is the thing to do it. I was listening to the Positive Thinking module the other day and I was reminded that the brain has two opposing forces. The left brain who is analytical and controlling and the right brain who is creative and free flowing. These two can be at peace or at war.
In my life it depends the subject. Some areas these two get along and others they are like fighting twins who both want their way. The You Are a CEO package really helps me remember that I need to be balanced and keep a positive mindset to be effective in my career and in business.
Well I hope you also got your vacation in June and some rest because I heard through the grapevine we will be having some fun event for you in July. Hold on for details.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Road Map Starts Monday
Hello Everyone,
We have two new team members and so we are taking the "You Are a CEO" journey together starting Monday at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. We are all going together and I think this is a great time for anyone who has purchased the Platinum Business Suite to ride along with us.
Is easy.
Just bring your kit to work and begin with the Organize Your Life DVDs. Bring the work books (road map) and follow along with us.
We will all be posting as we go... It's going to be fun.
Please check in and let us all know how you are doing.
Thanks Julie
We have two new team members and so we are taking the "You Are a CEO" journey together starting Monday at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. We are all going together and I think this is a great time for anyone who has purchased the Platinum Business Suite to ride along with us.
Is easy.
Just bring your kit to work and begin with the Organize Your Life DVDs. Bring the work books (road map) and follow along with us.
We will all be posting as we go... It's going to be fun.
Please check in and let us all know how you are doing.
Thanks Julie
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