Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

Small Business Ventures and Causes of Bankruptcy

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008
small business management
David H. Urmann asked:


Filing of bankruptcy may lead to a negative effect but this can be avoided with some bankruptcy alternatives. Such alternatives include credit restructuring, negotiation with creditors or formal proposal to creditors.

Bankruptcy pertains to the legal declaration of an individual or corporation regarding the inability to settle their debts to creditors. This happens when a business does not generate enough revenue to cover up its expenses or if the business is mismanaged. Bankruptcy can be filed by an individual or company at bankruptcy courts. It is a legal procedure that discharges debts of the individual who has filed bankruptcy. This may save an individual the burden of repaying his creditors. However, this will have a negative effect and will make it difficult to borrow money again.

Small businesses usually have a small workforce. In legal terms, small business differs by countries and by industries. In the US, small businesses usually have employees not more than 100 while the European Union has fewer than 50 employees belonging to the category mentioned. In Australia, 1 to 19 workforces belong to the small business category while businesses with 20 to 200 workforces are considered as medium businesses.

Small businesses are privately owned corporations or sole proprietorships. In other instances, annual sales and assets are used to classify the size of a business. Small businesses exist in all countries. Common examples of these businesses are convenient stores, bakeries, beauty parlors, restaurants, photography firms, cyber cafés, etc.

A few great advantages of small businesses are that they can be started with the least cost. They can also either be part time or full time. These businesses can be smoothly run too because they only involve a small number of employees. In addition, small businesses can easily resolve major decisions without implementing bureaucratic system.

Start up capitals of small businesses largely come from:

• Self-financing

• Loans from friends and relatives

• Loans from lending institutions such as banks

• Partnerships

• Collateral based lending

In most cases, a lot of small business owners tend to be in a hurry when establishing their business. They do not conduct necessary studies essential for the success of the business. Feasibility studies and market surveys are vital before engaging in any business. And because of the size of small businesses, it is common that they will suffer bankruptcy.

Undercapitalization, along with poor planning and mismanagement are one of the usual problems that lead to bankruptcy. At this point, the business owner can file bankruptcy. In some countries, they provide exemptions to small businesses assets so that they can operate even during or after bankruptcy.

It is a basic principle that small business owners should have at least enough funds equivalent to the projected income for the first year of operation. This is a buffer for the fixed expenses that maybe incurred. In the event that the business does not have the funds for this requirement, the company is likely to experience bankruptcy. Besides the security of enough funds, the entrepreneur should also consider its gross sales versus its expenses. The company must target a gross income that exceeds the fixed expenses in order to break even. This is at least manageable as compared to bankruptcy.

The strategy of most small businesses during their initial operation is to under price their products in order to capture potential market. This is the planting period that can typically last for a few weeks or months depending on the results. If the strategy has generated enough market, then prices of the products will gradually increase to generate more profit. But if this fails, it would be a big loss for the enterprise and it would find it tough to recover.

There are other factors that render a small business to just about cope with its capitalization requirement and operation. Some of these are due to high cost of insurance, energy costs, and taxes. Lack of management skills is a big issue that may cause bankruptcy, as well.

In the occurrence of bankruptcy, business owners may perform certain crucial decisions or strategies. They can have the option of selling the business to a new owner. Or proprietors can sell its assets to generate money to repay its obligations such as unpaid salaries, taxes, and any other liabilities. In a few cases, reorganization can be implemented to acquire the necessary skills in order to run the business smoothly.



Jim

The Cold Facts of Starting Your Own Small Business

Thursday, November 13th, 2008
small business management
Cynthia Macy asked:


Do you have the right stuff to make it work? Ask yourself these five questions before making that leap from steady paycheck to entrepreneurial uncertainty:

1. Are you a self-starter? You must have the self-discipline to plan, set goals, not procrastinate and stay focused.

2. What are your expectations? Do you think you’ll work less and have less stress and more money? Think again.

3. What are your financial goals? Be prepared to work more for less money, at least in the beginning. Set up your retirement plan in the beginning and stick to it. Forget vacations and be sure to keep your health insurance going….now there is no one but you to take care of these things.

4. Can you plan and organize? You’ll be making countless decisions each day. Can you make a workplace for yourself that is free from distractions, where you can think, plan and communicate? To be a success, you must combine your fantastic ideas and business tools with solid planning and organization.

Success is never guaranteed and the variables and factors can sometimes be out of your control. But if you ask yourself honestly, before taking the plunge: Do I have what it takes to run a business? The answer should tell you if the “American Dream” is right for you.

95% of small businesses fail within the first five years? Why?

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Mistaking a business for a hobby. Just because you “love” to cook doesn’t mean you should/could start a restaurant.

2. Poor planning. Have you researched all aspects of start-up costs and on-going expenses? Do you know what your monthly nut is going to be and do you have enough capital to carry you through for several years? Do you realize the sheer number of hours you’ll be working? Do you have the management skills to wear all the hats necessary?

3. Only one product, one service or one big client. Markets change and needs change…will you have the foresight, flexibility, resources and ingenuity to change with the times? Diversification will cushion you against the ebb and flow of business tides.

4. Poor record-keeping and financial controls. If you don’t know how to keep records and do accounting and file taxes and other business filings, find an expert to do it for you! Learn how to review your revenue and expense reports each month so you always have your finger on the pulse of your business.

5. Poor money management. Be prepared to plow all revenues back into your business for the first several years. No frills, no thrills, stick to a budget and a plan and forget vacations. Don’t use any of the business income on personal spending and watch your business and personal debt, it can kill your new business faster than a speeding bullet.

6. Wrong location. Can your customers easily find you? You know the old saying “Location, Location, Location!” What about visibility, image, parking, room to expand?

7. Competition. Check out your competition. Know who they are, what they offer and what makes your products or services better (or worse).

8. Poor time management. Wearing many hats is a reality of an entrepreneur. Learning how to manage your time means the difference between success and failure. A daily “To Do” list is essential, with the top priority items at the top of the list. Hire help for those things you don’t know how to do or **** to do.

9. Lack of Marketing and Sales Skills Keep track of what marketing/sales ideas work and don’t work and quickly drop those that don’t work. Hire a pro if you need to.

10. Poor Customer Service. Once you have a client, you need to keep them. This means you have to pay attention to the customer, fulfill their needs in a timely manner, return their phone calls and emails promptly, bill them properly, utilize a win-win problem-solving attitude and BE NICE!

11. Entrepreneurial burnout. Owning your own business requires a huge investment of time, money, energy and emotion. Take time off for yourself, you are your greatest asset!

A lot of people do not realize that entrepreneurs play a big role in our society.

When you put the total number of entrepreneurs together, they count as the biggest financial contributors to our nation’s wealth. If only politicians would give grants to finance small business start-ups, the economy’s growth could be hastened.

Knowing the obvious financial rewards and the important role to society of business owners, many individuals aspire to be entrepreneurs. The fact remains, however, that several business start-ups fail and never take-off from the ground because of one thing: the lack of adequate and sufficient knowledge on how to start and run a profitable business.

With proper planning and research and the necessary professionals to help you in the areas that you are lacking in, accompanied by adequate capital and resources, and fed by imagination, energy, excitement and self-discipline, you could be one of the many successes that is the backbone of the American economy.



Gary

Affordable Outsourcing for Small Business

Sunday, August 17th, 2008
small business management
IC asked:


The first step towards successful small business accounting is finding the right accountant. Small business accounting is all about being practical. That’s why hiring a full charge accountant might not be such a good option, specially when it involves paying up front fees and charges which would create costly expenses your business might not be ready to cover.

For many “who like to do things yourself” it is important to keep in mind that proper knowledge of small business accounting is required if you want to keep your finances in order. One important aspect which will help you decide whether or not you should hire someone to the accounting job is to know to the best of your abilities what your budget and financial responsibilities are. Remember that bookkeeping is just one of the many expenses you will incur during the process of running your business so you need to be able to properly allocate your resources.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can overcome this obstacle which would get in the way of your business growth otherwise. A few of the options you have are the following:

Do your own accounting:

This option is only recommended to those business owners who have had previous education or instruction as far as handling and keeping accurate records of assets, liabilities and expenses. It is important to have basic knowledge of bookkeeping tools such as: Microsoft financial management, Quickbooks, Microsoft Excel, etc.

If you prefer not to use a computer to handle these tasks then proper knowledge of accounting equations and management is necessary.

Hiring an accountant:

This option may prove to be useful to small business owners who have an especially set budget for accounting purposes. As previously mentioned, full charge book keepers can be quite expensive so having a good idea where your accounts receivable and payable stand will give you clue how much it will cost you to balance, close and generate quarterly reports.

Outsource your accounting tasks:

A third option is also available to small business owners, which involves having an accounting outsourcing firm do the work for you. Many of these firms offer multiple services which can prove to be useful and effective. Since these firms specialize in small business accounting they may also offer tax return services, payroll management, bank account reconciliation, financial reports, Quickbooks reports, etc.

It is safe to assume that an independent CPA would charge a considerable amount of money for such services. Outsourcing financial tasks is an option many small business owners should consider.

A good example of an excellent accounting-outsourcing firm available to small business owners through the web is Accountiviti which provides high quality, innovative and affordable business solutions.

The bottom line is that small business accounting is a mixture of cash vs accrual accounting which should be handled accurately by a capable CPA or accounting firm in order to clearly see changes of a posted document over time.

While many business owners may consider to do their own book keeping it is always helpful to know that there are many choices available besides hiring a CPA.



Derrick

Checklist for Starting a Business Management Tips

Friday, June 20th, 2008
small business management
Rahul Chauhan asked:


Use this comprehensive checklist to plan each step of your new business and transform your dream of entrepreneurship into reality. These steps may not necessarily be completed in the order listed; however, you can use them as a guideline for completing all of the necessary business startup tasks.

- Determine what kind of business you want to start.

- Learn about the industry for your business.

- Analyze the market for your business.

- Study your competition.

- Educate yourself on running a business.

- Join trade associations.

- Name your business.

- Perform a trademark search.

- Register a domain name.

- Design a website.

- Obtain a logo.

- Determine business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation).

- Evaluate your personal budget.

- Write a business plan.

- Write a marketing plan.

- Locate financing.

- Create a list of start-up supplies with budget.

- Set up a system for accounting and payroll.

- Apply for business license, fed tax ID, fictitious business name.

- Select a location and set up shop.

- Order signage.

- Obtain business tools (computer, printer, fax, postage, office supplies, and fixtures).

- Order business stationery (business cards, letterhead, brochures).

- Obtain inventory.

- Create an operations and employee manual.

- Hire employees.

- Set a launch date.

- Plan a grand opening event.

- Send announcements to everyone you know.

- Send press releases.

- Turn on the OPEN sign!

- Revisit your business plan and update often.

- Evaluate your marketing strategy often.

- Prepare a realistic business plan.

Think of this as your business road map. Define exactly where you want to get to with your business and then you can effectively map out your path towards achieving your goals!

By creating a detailed business plan you should cover all options and eventualities and have a clear future vision that will guide you through the rest of the start-up processes.

- Your business plan should encompass the financial considerations of starting your small or home based business:-

Do you have the capital required?

Do you need to raise additional funds?

Who are you going to approach for finance?

Who do you trust for advice?

And don’t forget to open a business bank account…

- Consider the legal implications of becoming a business owner and proprietor.

Are you better off as a sole trader, a limited company or are you considering a partnership?

Make sure you consider all the angles and protect yourself and your assets personally from the outset.

Anything you bring to the business has to be itemized, valued…even if you’re a sole trader.

And make sure you are professionally covered with the appropriate business indemnity insurances.

- Get your family and friends behind you from the get-go.

Make sure your family and friends are fully understanding and supportive of your ideas to venture into small business start-up.

Do they understand the level of commitment you will have to show for on-going and long term success?

Their belief in you and continued support of you will work wonders towards your on-going success, so don’t forget to look out for them too.

- Protect your family, protect your business.

If, God forbid, something were to happen to your health, how would your business survive, how would your family cope?

Consider insurances - from health, critical illness and income protection insurance to life insurance - and consider your pension and long term financial security.

- Face those ‘taxing’ questions from the start.

Your small or home based business has to consider its taxation situation.

Do you need to register your business for sales tax purposes; have you informed your tax office of your business’s inauguration?

Do you have a good tax professional lined up to guide and assist you?

The bottom line when it comes to taxation is that from the outset you need to make sure your papers and books are in order, this will save you time, money and heart ache in the long run.

- Prepare realistic and achievable goals and targets for your first year.

Do not expect to conquer the world with your first year’s business returns.

Starting a business is a life changing undertaking and one you must be patient with. The rewards are there, but make sure you set yourself achievable targets - when you reach them they will give you the confidence and satisfaction to set new goals and to continue building your business’ success.



Elmer

Starting a Business - 10 Reasons Why Small Businesses Fail to Thrive

Sunday, April 27th, 2008
small business management
Bonita L Richter asked:


Kathy, a skilled massage therapist, called me to discuss what she needed to know to start her own massage therapy clinic. She had been in the industry for over ten years, and was very skilled at working with her clients.

She worked for another clinic and felt she was ready to start a business of her own. However, like many want-to-be entrepreneurs, she possessed the technical skillsmassage therapybut possessed little business management experience, and no self-employment experience.

For many want-to-be entrepreneurs, discovering why businesses fail is a smart research project. It helps to uncover personal weaknesses, as well as begin to build up inherent strengths before investing in becoming self-employed.

It also helps them better understand the dynamics of the industry they will be competing. For example, if competition is intense because of a large number of massage therapists in a geographic area, we can expect that there will be less market share per clinic, downward price pressure, and lower profit potential; this makes for difficult going, especially in the start-up phase of the business.

Following are 10 reasons why small businesses fail to thrive. If you have an existing business, it might help to determine why your business is not growing.

1. Mistaking a business for a hobby. Just because you love something does not mean you can successfully convert it into a business. Too often we feel others share our passion, and we bank starting a new business on it. Research your business idea and make sure it is viable.

2. Poor planning. Yes, you must have a business plan. It can be a 3-page plan for the simplest of businesses or a 40+-page plan for a more complex business opportunity. The point is you are prepared to focus on your business’ goals and vision, and you have a good idea of what you need to do to put your plan into action. By going through a business planning exercise, you also may have unearthed what problems may arise, and how you are going to handle them, if they do. In addition, financially can you launch the business? It takes a lot of time to build a business; 60% of business start-ups fail within six months after opening. Lack of cash flow and undercapitalization is the culprit.

3. Entrepreneurial excitement. Entrepreneurs often get excited about new ideas, but are unable to determine if they have a “true opportunity”. Part of an effective business strategy (here is the business plan, again) is determining which markets you will and will not serve, as well as what products you will or will not offer. Before deciding to undertake a new business activity ask yourself, “Do I have the time and skill to implement this?”

4. Risking everything on one endeavor. Too often, small business owners will have just one product, one service, or one big client. However, what if this one thing disappears? Diversification will allow you to ride the flow of ebbs and tides in business.

5. Poor record keeping and financial controls. You must review your revenue and expense records each month, and understand what they mean! Accounting is the language of business. If you do not know how to speak it, get help from someone who does.

6. Poor cash management. A good rule of thumb is that you can live for one to two years without income when getting started because new businesses are usually slow to get off the ground. If you have created a business plan with a realistic budget, you will already have determined what I have just written!

If your plan shows you earning a high income in the first six months, it may be a good idea to go back and review your budgets.

7. Poor time management. Putting off tasks you do not enjoy will sink your business fast! We get into a business because we love massage therapy. However, have we thought about all the other things that go along with running a business, like bookkeeping, banking, sales, and marketing activities, talking with accountants, attorneys, dealing with customer problems, collecting receivables, and slow cash flow? Getting help with administrative tasks that eat up your time is a sure-fire way to spend time doing what you do bestdeveloping new ideas and revenue for your business.

8. Ineffective marketing. Learn the basics of marketing and track the success or failure of each technique you use. Dump ones that are not working for you in three months time.

9. Ineffective sales techniques. Once you have generated interest in a client, how are you going to convert them into a sale? Understand the basics of selling; take a class, read a book; get some professional help.

10. Entrepreneurial burnout. Owning your own business requires a huge investment of time, money, energy, and emotion. Are you ready to ride the rollercoaster of the highs and lows associated with each of these items? I can guarantee you, it will happen! Motivation and creativity can suffer in the most challenging times, and a pessimistic attitude may prevail.

Be sure to schedule time for yourself. Take time off from your business. It will help you manage the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and give you fresh perspectives.

As Kathy and I ended our counseling session, she made a list of areas where she needed to grow, and created a task plan. With planning and an objective look at both your personal and your business’ strengths and weaknesses, you can be successful.

© 2006, 2008. Bonita Richter and Profit Strategies. All rights reserved.



Rhonda

Small Business Bookkeeping is a Good Way to Maintain Records

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008
small business management
Alvis Brazma asked:


Running a business is not a child’s play. Moreover, managing small business bookkeeping is again a Herculean task. We all are very well aware of the fact that managing and maintaining financial records consume lots of time and personnel resources. Hence, there is one solution that can solve a problem of bookkeeping for small businesses. What is bookkeeping and how does it help in saving time and money? The answer to your query is that bookkeeping is a process that involves maintaining of records of the various transactions that have taken place throughout the year.

The functions of small business bookkeeping includes looking through the total revenue, profit, loss and expenses, dates of the transactions and various other minute financial details incurred by the company. This brings us to the conclusion that bookkeeping is one of the most vital aspects of a business irrespective of it size. In fact, small business bookkeeping needs to be maintained more accurately because once they know their financial status very well they can think of expanding themselves. Small business bookkeeping provides many advantages of maintaining financial records. It helps the owner or a manager to know the accurate financial status of the company business, small business book keeping also helps these small businesses to know their accurate financial position that further assists them to understand the profit and loss that the business is coming up with. It additionally helps these businesses to be financially and legally precise.

Small business bookkeeping consists of the details, such as the daily transactions, turnover, loss, if any and other such details as these details can help small businesses to get loans. Maintaining small business bookkeeping is also a huge task like maintaining a bookkeeping for any big business. Therefore, it is always very important to get professionals who are thorough with their work even if the work is being done for small business book keeping. So, hurry and call a small business bookkeeping executive to get your task done in no time. Hiring professionals to do bookkeeping helps the businesses to understand their financial position as it further helps it to grow and also keeps a good track of the bookkeeping of the business.

Small business bookkeeping should be done on a regular basis as it helps to maintain the financial records regularly. The executive provided by the small business bookkeeping will maintain the daily transactions as it helps to keep a track of the smallest of the financial expenses or gains. If there is a hindrance in the regularity then it might become a major issue resulting in losing the track of the small business bookkeeping causing loss to the company. It can be done either manually or with the help of computers. The basic purpose of the accountant or bookkeeping service is to maintain an accurate record for the company. This is usually done by maintaining a monthly spreadsheet of the expenses incurred daily and another to show the sales, purchase, gross, and net profit. Small business bookkeeping is of great help to a business and this has been proved repeatedly and it is indeed, the best way to keep out of unwanted troubles.



Jacqueline

Small Business Spoiler - Procrastination

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008
small business management
Lorraine Cohen asked:


One of the most common issues that comes up for business owners is procrastination -wasting time, putting obstacles in the way of taking action towards goals, making excuses for delays, creating confusion/ ‘busyness’ etc. Procrastination is a self-defeating behavior.

As human beings, we are adept at creating convincing language that allows us to rationalize taking specific action or not taking action. We become masterful in presenting a logical sounding viewpoint that successfully defends our position to procrastinate. In this way, we give ourselves permission to step into avoidance, despite the results we say we want!

Having a game plan with action steps can foster procrastination. Over time we develop an automatic patterned response to change, convinced that what we are doing is moving us forward. In reality, we’re just playing the same old game, creating the illusion of moving forward. Bottom line – get real by getting honest with yourself.

As a small business owner do you:

1. Keep saying you’re going to do something and don’t follow through? Saying one thing and doing something else? The intended action continues to exist in the future as a goal, always out of reach without being fully actualized. The dangling carrot.

2. Prioritize other things first before you can get to what you say you really want? Somehow the starting time keeps getting pushed back. Are you a yesbutter? Yes, I want this but.. Yes I’m excited to get going on this, but… yes but…, yes but

3. Overextend (over commit) so much of your time you never quite get to some things because you’re too busy? Some people think scheduling is just a time management problem. In actuality, it’s about making better decisions in how you allocate your time. What do you always manage to fit in despite all the busyness?

I could go on citing examples.

Working with more than 1500 people over the last 17 years, I have often found fear at the root of procrastination. Fear of failure/success, change, unknown, can be power-full drivers to avoid taking action. The first hurdle to address may be in recognizing patterns of procrastination. People can become so proficient in rationalizing avoidance they lack the clarity to see the creative forms of this behavior. Furthermore; self-defeating behavior is caused by self-defeating attitudes. Identifying internal attitudes and assumptions is a key element in fully dismantling self-defeating behavior.

Common objections to justify procrastination:

1. I can’t! I’m too fearful! I’m not strong enough! Is that really true? (Or is this your drama?) Can’t??? Try won’t – life is about making choices.

2. I can’t afford to! How often do you use money as an excuse to deny having something you need? Is there a cost to you to NOT take action? If there is a cost, at what point is the cost too high a price to pay? Consider short/long term value for a questionable investment.

3. I don’t have time! How much time is needed to take one step? What changes can you make to open up some time?

4. Now is not a good time! It’s not the right time! When is? What would the right time look like?

5. I’m not ready! What needs to change for you to become ready? What does being ready look like?

6. It’s too hard/too big! What smaller steps or ways of looking at it will make it more manageable/attainable? What support/help is available?

Procrastination means you never have to commit to an action make a mistake, fail/succeed, take a stand on reaching a goal (take responsibility to make things happen) change your life or yourself. You may make some progress, but continue to hold yourself back. Progress occurs at a controlled, manageable pace, enough to keep you interested and wanting more - but always short of reaching your heart’s full desire.

Are you a procrastinator? How is procrastination impacting your business success?

Consider the following questions:

• What are the mechanisms/reasons/excuses you use to block your success? – i.e. over-promising and under-delivering, time management, poor marketing, negative self-talk?

• What do you tell yourself (and others) to make your procrastinating behavior, okay?

• Have you really made the decision to be successful?

• What beliefs do you have about success? Are they true?

• How will your life change if you change this behavior?

• Who will you become if you change this behavior?

In the book, Get Out Of Your Own Way, the authors, Mark Goulston, MD., and Philip Goldberg say “ There are, of course, many reasons why people procrastinate: self-doubt, boredom, fear of failure, the feeling of being unready or unprepared and so on. But these feelings by themselves don’t necessarily lead to procrastination. Often, what tips the scales is going through them alone, with no one to help you, bolster you, or cheer you on.”

How to stop procrastinating?

1. The first step is to make a decision to have the success you want. Say “yes!”

2. Then create the vision you want in detail – paint a picture that excites you to move towards achieving that result. You must have a good marketing/business plan!!!! This is your road map to success.

3. Begin identifying your action steps and break them down into small steps with timelines.

4. Design a defensive strategy to deal with your procrastination. Define concrete actions. ie. You have warm business leads but don’t make the calls. One suggestion – make it a game so that making calls might be fun. Be creative.

5. If you’re a solo-entrepreneur being a part of a network is critical so you don’t become isolated.

6. Join a mastermind group or form one.

7. Need more help to stay motivated and on track? HIRE A COACH!

One thing I’ve come to know is that people put time and energy into what they love - what’s most important to them. I’ve watched people move mountains, jump over hurdles for something they love – total buy-in. I know when I’m working with a procrastinator or with someone who really wants to move by what they are willing to do and unwilling to accept to get what they want. People who are ready to take action are too excited to wait and are willing to commit to whatever action is needed to reach their goals. If you keep pushing your dreams away by continuing your love affair with procrastination…..it’s your life, it’s your choice.

Copyright © 2005 Lorraine Cohen. All Rights Reserved

________________________________________________________________________

Lorraine Cohen, Business Consultant and Life Strategist brings more than 25 years experience in personal coaching, business development, psychological counseling, and sales to over 2000 business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives from a wide range of industries. Focusing on the whole person, Lorraine coaches people from the inside out; to implement innovative strategies that integrate their heart, integrity, and spirituality. An expert in breaking through fear and roadblocks to success, she empowers people to take linear leaps that reshape their world. To learn more about Lorraine Cohen’s services, products, and programs, visit: www.powerfull-living.biz



Larry