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When Do I Need To Hire A Business Plan Consultant


Every new business owner knows that a business plan is critical - it is drilled into them by potential investors and every banking officer they meet. So why is something that is so important to the launch of a new venture so difficult to write? Good question! In this article I will try to address when you should go out and hire a business plan writer versus taking on the task yourself.

How to Write a Business Plan Market Analysis


Writing a business plan is an essential part of the initial strategic planning of any company. One thing, which seems to hang up most entrepreneurs, is figuring out what kind of data and information goes into the Market Analysis section.

SWOT Analysis


If you've ever listened to Warren Buffett talk about investing, you've heard him mention the idea of a company's moat. The moat is a simple way of describing a company's competitive advantage.

Getting Started with Succession Planning: Part II


Succession planning requires the owner of a small or medium-sized business to plan for what the company will look like and how it will operate after the transition to new owners is complete. Unless the owners have succession goals in mind, they won't achieve them.

City of Cortez and South Western Colorado Market Survey


We have been spending many hours surveying the market for a potential business location in the South Western Region (region # 9) of Colorado. Pouring through data, seeing the tourist sites, and understanding the market there.

GOT MEME? How to Attract Your Clients and Customers Attention


No "meme" isn't a typo and Got Milk, the more commonly know phrase, is actually a marketing meme. If you've opened up a magazine or watched TV in the last ten years you've seen the fun and memorable Got Milk ad campaign using celebrities with a milk mustache.

Secrets Of Effective Brainstorming


Have you been in a "brainstorming" session where each person just defended their own ideas? Worse is when people don't suggest ideas at all, for fear they'll be attacked. That's no way to brainstorm.

For Business Owners Only - You Can't Be Fired But Neither Can You Quit


The decision to sell, or not to sell your business is a difficult one. There are many questions that need to be answered before an informed decision can be made.

Urban Flight in Ohio


Many of Ohio's downtown areas are in need of upgrading as folks pack up and move to the suburbs. Many downtown revitalization projects are currently going on there.

Consolidation in the Software Industry is Hardly New: Obsess About It or Risk Losing it All


Some analysts credit [Larry] Ellison with anticipating the consolidation in the enterprise software industry and leading the charge. Ellison 'called a major shift in an entire market, which was impressive.

Top Ten Traits of Strategic Thinkers


Want to become more strategic? Add these traits to your collection of skills and watch your success soar!1. Maintain a self-responsible attitude.

ERP Role in Selling Your Mid-size Business - Microsoft Great Plains and CRM Example


If you own the mid-size business and actively work in it as executive manager or lead, say marketing, - you probably know exactly what needs to be done on the daily basis to keep it running. However, in many cases this business critical knowledge exists in your head only.

Planning For The Slow Season Of Your Business To Increase Sales


Every business experiences slower periods. For some, they sell more during the Christmas season while others move at a snail pace.

Succession Planning for Business - 10 Key Points You Must Know


By cranking up others development to meet your business needs, big or small, not just for right now, but for the future, you will find payoffs, big-time. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Mining Market Data


With a heightened awareness of opportunity, ideas can often be generated by market research. The National Women's Business Center (NWBC) defines market research as "a systematic, objective collection and analysis of data about your target market, competition, and/or environment with the goal being increased understanding.

How to Develop a Successful Board of Advisors (...and Why You Should!)


In today's rapidly changing and highly competitive markets, many privately held companies are creating outside advisory boards to give owners and CEOs fresh, knowledgeable advice. Even for small businesses, setting up an advisory board can give you a significant advantage over competitors that are relying solely on internal talent.

Could You Be Setting Your Business Plan Up For Failure?


David E. Gumpert, author of Burn Your Business Plan, often tells the story about how he and his partner failed to raise money after sending their business plan around to venture capitalists and meeting with several others to make presentations.

Don't Just Talk About the Weather, Use It to Advantage


A well known, national chain of restaurants discovered that certain weather patterns substantially impacts their business. They have studied it and found that more people go out to eat dinner when there is a series of beautiful days.

8 Ways to Earn More Without Working Harder


Conventional wisdom has it that there are only three ways to grow your business: find new customers, increase the amount of each sale to existing customers or get customers to buy more frequently. But I've seen business owners go blank when presented with those three options.

Business Plan 101 How to Write a Table of Contents


No matter what business you plan to start in your next entrepreneurial endeavor you need to be thinking about writing a business plan. Even if you are not seeking funding for your new business or already have secured funds from family members, angel investor types, personal savings or partners.

Site Selection and Demographic Tips for Establishing Outlets


Many cities have home pages on the Internet. Many of these cities use these sites to promote their town.