Presenting your company image, capability, reputation, and experience

So what numbers have to add up? For example, you could use a mixture of selling your own products and those of affiliates, or offer online courses in addition to your coaching or consulting services. I have had the opportunity to invest in many startup companies that have paid off very well. Bank financing is most appropriate for up-and-running enterprises that can show adequate cash flow and collateral to service and secure the loan.

Delay major decisions on Purchasing for one year

Study, not stars, but stairs. When organizations and individuals are not required to bear the negative consequences of their failures, a moral hazard exists. Tell the investor why you need the money. Set yourself apart from your competition, find your niche market, create strong customer relationships, and seek value-added opportunities to offer your customers.

Overbilling for things not yet completed or delivered

Now that you ve thought about your goals, focused on your financing, and determined the purpose of your plan (and considered to whom you will send it), you ll want to take a practical approach and consider some of the software tools of the trade. Others grow to two men and a truck. When you hear the word 'leader,' do you think of a political leader, business leader, financial leader, or yourself? Ideally, you want a product or service that people will be prepared to buy without having to think too much about whether they can really afford it or not, and that they don't have to consult anyone else about.

Environmental consciousness means recycled packaging may be more important than the product inside

Most spend more time trying to find new customers instead of working to make their repeat or loyal customers feel wanted and appreciated. Under these circumstances it is largely a question of economic strength between labor and capital, and if labor is well-organized, alert, and able to drive a good bargain, then wages will be high; otherwise they will be low. How much do you want to have saved to pay for your children's educational costs? The Small Business Administration (SBA) is devoted to helping small-business people get started and run successful businesses.

It is much easier to find skilled people than it is to learn everything yourself

Studies have shown that money spent in a locally owned business has two to four times the impact on the local economy than the same amount spent at a corporate chain. It really doesn't matter to the customers whether they buy from your company or your competitors, because the businesses all operate the same way. As a small-business owner, you have to be more selective. The right or the wrong man at the head of a great business interest means the making or the unmaking of fortunes for the stockholders.