Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Advertising Biz Op Or Franchise Opportunities As Recession Proof is Dishonest

Perhaps you have noticed lately how many business opportunity sellers are promoting their businesses as recession proof? This ought to be against the law, but no government regulatory agency as of yet has made a note of it. The reality is that no business is recession proof, as there are different types of recessions and different challenges in each business cycle.

Just because a particular industry does better than others during recessionary periods is no guarantee of it being recession proof. Thus, this notion and these types of advertising proclaiming such are falsely enticing business and franchise opportunity buyers to purchase these opportunities. This is wrong, and unfair and deceptive advertising.

Media outlets ought to put an end to this nonsense. And those franchise and business opportunity websites that allow such ads need to wise up also. Everyone that is in the loop has to take responsibility. Franchisors need to watch their marketing departments, ad writers, and master franchises. Businesses offering self-employment owe it themselves to do the right thing. And newspapers, radio, television, and websites need to be aware of this problem.

Further, those would be entrepreneurs who are considering a business of their own need to understand that there are many industries and niches that are recession resistant, but nothing is recession proof. There are far too many factors involved and the business and franchise sellers ought to come clean on this reality when offering their deals.

Perhaps, you were not aware of this problem, well, you are now, and if you'd like to see just how bad it is, check it out yourself, use the Internet search engine, and see. Please think on this.

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Perhaps you have noticed lately how many business opportunity sellers are promoting their businesses as recession proof? This ought to be against the law, but no government regulatory agency as of yet has made a note of it. The reality is that no business is recession proof, as there are different types of recessions and different challenges in each business cycle.

Just because a particular industry does better than others during recessionary periods is no guarantee of it being recession proof. Thus, this notion and these types of advertising proclaiming such are falsely enticing business and franchise opportunity buyers to purchase these opportunities. This is wrong, and unfair and deceptive advertising.

Media outlets ought to put an end to this nonsense. And those franchise and business opportunity websites that allow such ads need to wise up also. Everyone that is in the loop has to take responsibility. Franchisors need to watch their marketing departments, ad writers, and master franchises. Businesses offering self-employment owe it themselves to do the right thing. And newspapers, radio, television, and websites need to be aware of this problem.

Further, those would be entrepreneurs who are considering a business of their own need to understand that there are many industries and niches that are recession resistant, but nothing is recession proof. There are far too many factors involved and the business and franchise sellers ought to come clean on this reality when offering their deals.

Perhaps, you were not aware of this problem, well, you are now, and if you'd like to see just how bad it is, check it out yourself, use the Internet search engine, and see. Please think on this.

Labels:

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 3:01 AM 0 Comments

Simplified Design - Develop Your Corporate ID Plan With a Clean Slate and an Open Mind

One of the most efficient ways to build the graphics for your company is to start with the seed of an idea, and expand it from there. When you are looking for a starting point, write down the smallest of ideas in a portable notebook or paper pad. For those of you who are e-savvy, create a file on your blackberry, and keep these important tidbits in it.

Some ideas will hit you with force, and others may just float in on a cloud. As you write them down, review some of your older ideas. You may come across a past idea that doesn't seem to hold the weight that it used to when you were in the moment. Cross it off and move on. When your list is substantial enough, say 20 ideas, schedule and commit to a think-tank session with yourself only, or add a few or your associates to bounce these ideas around.

Choose people that you can take honest criticism from, and decide beforehand that you will not take their comments personally,since theses tidbits of info are your captive babies. Plan a barbeque with your buddies over a few beers - or a wine & cheese with the ladies. Whatever suits you the best.

Once you have narrowed the finalists down to no more than 3 ideas, create some rough sketches or doodles based on them. Even though you may not be a professional artist, this gives your design a good starting point from which to work.

You may even add a tag line at this point. Be reasonable and be brief with it. This is a short sentence which you can choose to emphasize characteristics regarding your product or service. It is usually used to reinforce brand recognition, de-emphasize competitors negative aspects, or just restate the obvious.

Remember not to get too crazy with the development of visual concept, at least not in the initial stages. There is such a thing as too much information. Your designer will thank you (maybe in not so many words), for not overloading them with concepts in the, well, conceptualization stages of designing your corporate ID.

Bring your open mind to the table when your designer is ready to present. You may have designated them to develop all 3 of your concepts. Sit back and let their creative juices flow as you take in their influences on your concepts. Being honest with them at this stage will be appreciated. If you are not direct, time could be wasted on a design less desirable plan.

As a last resort, for those of you who are not afraid to admit you do not have a creative bone in your body, leave all of the design work up to your graphics professional. Meet with them to share your vision and ideas. Don't be afraid to discuss colours and influences. This process may cost a bit more due to the extra time that your design has to designate to your project in the development stages, but it may very well be worth it in the end.

If you build and honest relationship, it will reap beneficial rewards on you both, as client and advisor!

Cyndy Robinson is a Communications Consultant and Graphic Designer. She operates her own business at http://www.webdocdev.com which is interactive and informative. Here you can sign up for her monthly newsletter "Blerbb!" and voice your communication by communicating your voice.

She is also employed for the business consulting company BizXcel which publishes Generating Greatness, the bi-weekly ezine for business professionals. You can access her articles here under the name Cyndythia Robinson.

If you are ready to push your business to new heights, make more money, save time and improve productivity, then get your FREE tips now at http://www.bizxcel.com Join the CFBE Network!

Labels:

One of the most efficient ways to build the graphics for your company is to start with the seed of an idea, and expand it from there. When you are looking for a starting point, write down the smallest of ideas in a portable notebook or paper pad. For those of you who are e-savvy, create a file on your blackberry, and keep these important tidbits in it.

Some ideas will hit you with force, and others may just float in on a cloud. As you write them down, review some of your older ideas. You may come across a past idea that doesn't seem to hold the weight that it used to when you were in the moment. Cross it off and move on. When your list is substantial enough, say 20 ideas, schedule and commit to a think-tank session with yourself only, or add a few or your associates to bounce these ideas around.

Choose people that you can take honest criticism from, and decide beforehand that you will not take their comments personally,since theses tidbits of info are your captive babies. Plan a barbeque with your buddies over a few beers - or a wine & cheese with the ladies. Whatever suits you the best.

Once you have narrowed the finalists down to no more than 3 ideas, create some rough sketches or doodles based on them. Even though you may not be a professional artist, this gives your design a good starting point from which to work.

You may even add a tag line at this point. Be reasonable and be brief with it. This is a short sentence which you can choose to emphasize characteristics regarding your product or service. It is usually used to reinforce brand recognition, de-emphasize competitors negative aspects, or just restate the obvious.

Remember not to get too crazy with the development of visual concept, at least not in the initial stages. There is such a thing as too much information. Your designer will thank you (maybe in not so many words), for not overloading them with concepts in the, well, conceptualization stages of designing your corporate ID.

Bring your open mind to the table when your designer is ready to present. You may have designated them to develop all 3 of your concepts. Sit back and let their creative juices flow as you take in their influences on your concepts. Being honest with them at this stage will be appreciated. If you are not direct, time could be wasted on a design less desirable plan.

As a last resort, for those of you who are not afraid to admit you do not have a creative bone in your body, leave all of the design work up to your graphics professional. Meet with them to share your vision and ideas. Don't be afraid to discuss colours and influences. This process may cost a bit more due to the extra time that your design has to designate to your project in the development stages, but it may very well be worth it in the end.

If you build and honest relationship, it will reap beneficial rewards on you both, as client and advisor!

Cyndy Robinson is a Communications Consultant and Graphic Designer. She operates her own business at http://www.webdocdev.com which is interactive and informative. Here you can sign up for her monthly newsletter "Blerbb!" and voice your communication by communicating your voice.

She is also employed for the business consulting company BizXcel which publishes Generating Greatness, the bi-weekly ezine for business professionals. You can access her articles here under the name Cyndythia Robinson.

If you are ready to push your business to new heights, make more money, save time and improve productivity, then get your FREE tips now at http://www.bizxcel.com Join the CFBE Network!

Labels:

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 3:01 AM 2 Comments

Digital Signage Advice - Content May Be King, But Who's Doing the Coronation?

When I was a much younger man, a college professor warned me against the use of clichés in my writing. The problem with clichés, he said, is that they are by definition "hackneyed" and "trite" he told me. Leave it to a professor to send me back to my dictionary to figure out what he was trying to say.

Being worn out, however, seems to be a matter of opinion. After all, how many people drive cars with more than 100,000 miles, especially in today's economy? How many patch the knees of their kids' blue jeans? Who discards a dull knife?

To me, clichés become clichés because they succinctly bundle a truth into a few memorable words, which become used to the point of exhaustion because they so aptly describe something. To "reinvent the wheel" with an original phrase might leave you "looking for a needle in a haystack," requiring you to become "busier than a one-armed paperhanger" when a simple cliché would have conveyed your point without the fuss.

The media in general -and digital signage specifically- have their own clichés, "the mother of all" which is: "Content is king." (By the way, isn't it odd that Saddam Hussein would have coined a phrase that fast became a cliché in the United States? Or, was he simple the gateway for a cliché from his culture to ours? "But I digress.")

The kingship of content is easy to understand. If you want someone to read your newspaper, listen to your radio show, watch your TV program or look at your digital sign, you'd better give them a reason. That "tried and true" reason is content. It better be fresh; it better be interesting; it better serve your audience's needs; and it better look just as professional as the competition's presentation.

Those who are successful in the media understand these truths instinctively. However, the same can't be said for the digital signage universe. Sure, there are digital signage ad networks being put in place by megalithic media groups. Professionals in these groups understand the importance of content, but there is another vast group of digital signage users who aren't professional communicators. They run independent retail stores, car lots, local restaurants, bars, and any one of a thousand other small enterprises. These people "first and foremost" are business people concerned with all of the things that got them to the level of success they've achieved so far. Adding digital signage adds another responsibility, the implications of which may not be fully understood.

Obviously, these small business owners are adding digital signage because they understand the importance of promoting their goods or services. But they likely don't have the time, understanding or expertise to develop the content that fully exploits the potential of the digital signage medium.

For small business owners, this raises a critical question: If digital signage is king, who's doing the coronation? In other words, how does a small business owner with limited resources create -or afford to hire someone to create- digital signage content that attracts the attention of viewers, holds their attention and influence the process of making a purchasing decision? How do they make their content king?

While there's no simple answer that meets the needs of all small business owners, there are some straightforward, logical steps to make clear, effective, professional digital signage messaging possible. In my next blog, I'll review some of those steps to help small business owners put together the messaging they envision for their digital signs. Till then, at the risk of using a cliché, "stay tuned."

David Little is a digital signage enthusiast with 20 years of experience helping professionals use technology to more effectively communicate their unique marketing messages. He is the director of marketing for Keywest Technology in Lenexa, KS, a software development company specializing in systems for digital signage creation, scheduling, management and playback. For further digital signage insight from Keywest Technology, download our Six Basic Digital Signage Applications white paper and case studies. Or, visit our website for many helpful tips and examples on how digital signage can benefit your business.

When I was a much younger man, a college professor warned me against the use of clichés in my writing. The problem with clichés, he said, is that they are by definition "hackneyed" and "trite" he told me. Leave it to a professor to send me back to my dictionary to figure out what he was trying to say.

Being worn out, however, seems to be a matter of opinion. After all, how many people drive cars with more than 100,000 miles, especially in today's economy? How many patch the knees of their kids' blue jeans? Who discards a dull knife?

To me, clichés become clichés because they succinctly bundle a truth into a few memorable words, which become used to the point of exhaustion because they so aptly describe something. To "reinvent the wheel" with an original phrase might leave you "looking for a needle in a haystack," requiring you to become "busier than a one-armed paperhanger" when a simple cliché would have conveyed your point without the fuss.

The media in general -and digital signage specifically- have their own clichés, "the mother of all" which is: "Content is king." (By the way, isn't it odd that Saddam Hussein would have coined a phrase that fast became a cliché in the United States? Or, was he simple the gateway for a cliché from his culture to ours? "But I digress.")

The kingship of content is easy to understand. If you want someone to read your newspaper, listen to your radio show, watch your TV program or look at your digital sign, you'd better give them a reason. That "tried and true" reason is content. It better be fresh; it better be interesting; it better serve your audience's needs; and it better look just as professional as the competition's presentation.

Those who are successful in the media understand these truths instinctively. However, the same can't be said for the digital signage universe. Sure, there are digital signage ad networks being put in place by megalithic media groups. Professionals in these groups understand the importance of content, but there is another vast group of digital signage users who aren't professional communicators. They run independent retail stores, car lots, local restaurants, bars, and any one of a thousand other small enterprises. These people "first and foremost" are business people concerned with all of the things that got them to the level of success they've achieved so far. Adding digital signage adds another responsibility, the implications of which may not be fully understood.

Obviously, these small business owners are adding digital signage because they understand the importance of promoting their goods or services. But they likely don't have the time, understanding or expertise to develop the content that fully exploits the potential of the digital signage medium.

For small business owners, this raises a critical question: If digital signage is king, who's doing the coronation? In other words, how does a small business owner with limited resources create -or afford to hire someone to create- digital signage content that attracts the attention of viewers, holds their attention and influence the process of making a purchasing decision? How do they make their content king?

While there's no simple answer that meets the needs of all small business owners, there are some straightforward, logical steps to make clear, effective, professional digital signage messaging possible. In my next blog, I'll review some of those steps to help small business owners put together the messaging they envision for their digital signs. Till then, at the risk of using a cliché, "stay tuned."

David Little is a digital signage enthusiast with 20 years of experience helping professionals use technology to more effectively communicate their unique marketing messages. He is the director of marketing for Keywest Technology in Lenexa, KS, a software development company specializing in systems for digital signage creation, scheduling, management and playback. For further digital signage insight from Keywest Technology, download our Six Basic Digital Signage Applications white paper and case studies. Or, visit our website for many helpful tips and examples on how digital signage can benefit your business.

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 3:01 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Inventory data fuels rise in energy stocks

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - A drop in petroleum supplies fueled a buying spree for equities tied to the oil and gas business as energy stocks rose convincingly on Thursday.

/quotes/comstock/10t!xoi.x XOI 969.64, +29.59, +3.15%
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Broadly, the stock market gained momentum from an unexpected rise in April durable goods orders, while weekly jobless claims didn't worsen.

Crude inventories dropped 5.4 million barrels in the week ended May 22, declining for a third straight week, the Energy Information Administration reported. Analysts surveyed by Platts had expected an increase of 1.8 million barrels.

The Amex Oil Index /quotes/comstock/10t!xoi.x (XOI 969.64, +29.59, +3.15%) rose 3.2% to 970. The Amex Natural Gas Index /quotes/comstock/10t!xng.x (XNG 434.41, +17.30, +4.15%) rose 4% to 434. The Philadelphia Oil Service Index /quotes/comstock/10y!i:osx (OSX .X 173.01, +7.14, +4.30%) gained 4.3% to 173.

Among movers, Marathon Oil /quotes/comstock/13*!mro/quotes/nls/mro (MRO 31.01, +1.77, +6.05%) jumped 6% to $31.01. EOG Resources /quotes/comstock/13*!eog/quotes/nls/eog (EOG 72.61, +4.34, +6.36%) added 6.4% to $72.61 and Transocean /quotes/comstock/13*!rig/quotes/nls/rig (RIG 78.71, +4.37, +5.88%) was up 6% at $77.71.

Oil Outlook As OPEC Freezes Output

As OPEC leaves output unchanged, Dow Jones Newswires' Adam Smallman says some factors underpinning $147 oil remain in place. (May 28)

Analysts at Houston research firm Tudor Pickering Holt noted that OPEC's production quota remains about 4.2 million barrels a day lower than the middle of 2008, as expected.

"Global demand will be the deciding factor for further production cuts or increases at their Sept. 9 meeting," analysts noted.

Meanwhile, crude prices rose $1.20 to $64.65, the highest levels since last November. See Futures Movers.

Sector leader Exxon Mobil /quotes/comstock/13*!xom/quotes/nls/xom (XOM 69.23, +0.93, +1.36%) rose 1.4% to $69.23. Chevron /quotes/comstock/13*!cvx/quotes/nls/cvx (CVX 65.81, +1.24, +1.92%) rose 1.9% to $65.81. Both oil majors are components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average /quotes/comstock/10w!i:dji/delayed (INDU 8,404, +103.78, +1.25%) , which rallied 104 points, or 1.3%.

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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - A drop in petroleum supplies fueled a buying spree for equities tied to the oil and gas business as energy stocks rose convincingly on Thursday.

/quotes/comstock/10t!xoi.x XOI 969.64, +29.59, +3.15%
20%
0%
-20%
-40%
-60%
09
J
S
N
F
A

Broadly, the stock market gained momentum from an unexpected rise in April durable goods orders, while weekly jobless claims didn't worsen.

Crude inventories dropped 5.4 million barrels in the week ended May 22, declining for a third straight week, the Energy Information Administration reported. Analysts surveyed by Platts had expected an increase of 1.8 million barrels.

The Amex Oil Index /quotes/comstock/10t!xoi.x (XOI 969.64, +29.59, +3.15%) rose 3.2% to 970. The Amex Natural Gas Index /quotes/comstock/10t!xng.x (XNG 434.41, +17.30, +4.15%) rose 4% to 434. The Philadelphia Oil Service Index /quotes/comstock/10y!i:osx (OSX .X 173.01, +7.14, +4.30%) gained 4.3% to 173.

Among movers, Marathon Oil /quotes/comstock/13*!mro/quotes/nls/mro (MRO 31.01, +1.77, +6.05%) jumped 6% to $31.01. EOG Resources /quotes/comstock/13*!eog/quotes/nls/eog (EOG 72.61, +4.34, +6.36%) added 6.4% to $72.61 and Transocean /quotes/comstock/13*!rig/quotes/nls/rig (RIG 78.71, +4.37, +5.88%) was up 6% at $77.71.

Oil Outlook As OPEC Freezes Output

As OPEC leaves output unchanged, Dow Jones Newswires' Adam Smallman says some factors underpinning $147 oil remain in place. (May 28)

Analysts at Houston research firm Tudor Pickering Holt noted that OPEC's production quota remains about 4.2 million barrels a day lower than the middle of 2008, as expected.

"Global demand will be the deciding factor for further production cuts or increases at their Sept. 9 meeting," analysts noted.

Meanwhile, crude prices rose $1.20 to $64.65, the highest levels since last November. See Futures Movers.

Sector leader Exxon Mobil /quotes/comstock/13*!xom/quotes/nls/xom (XOM 69.23, +0.93, +1.36%) rose 1.4% to $69.23. Chevron /quotes/comstock/13*!cvx/quotes/nls/cvx (CVX 65.81, +1.24, +1.92%) rose 1.9% to $65.81. Both oil majors are components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average /quotes/comstock/10w!i:dji/delayed (INDU 8,404, +103.78, +1.25%) , which rallied 104 points, or 1.3%.

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posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 10:33 PM 0 Comments

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Online Marketing Services For Business Improvement

Online Marketing Services are a must for any business type want to survive over the net. The internet is very competitive and thus an online business needs very effective marketing strategies that keep it always ahead of its competitors. Execution of right kind of online marketing strategy at the right time can take your business to great heights. There are a variety of search engine marketing firms that help their clients with the most beneficial online marketing services.

In this world of businesses the need of online advertising company is crucial. An online advertising company can play a major role in assisting its client companies advertise their products on the Internet and reach their target audience. These companies have good online advertising network, as these companies help to connect websites with advertisers. Websites help to promote the advertisements and advertisers in turn run their ads through the sites. Online Marketing is incomplete without online advertising, as advertising has been an integral part of marketing since years. Without the powerful advertising marketing can never be successful.

In order to boost up your sales you definitely want to reach your target audience. This can be done only when your website gets higher ranking in various search engines. Website promotion is an effective and cost-effective way of getting good search engine ranking or search engine positioning in the listings on search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Ask Jeeves. Various search engines techniques are used to promote a website.

There are various types of web promotion services to list your site in the search results. First it is required to select and list the keywords. Right keywords are the most essential thing in the online marketing services. Your website should support the keywords that the visitor might search for. Another part of online marketing services include pay per click management. Effecting link building, good and fresh contents on web pages also add traffic to your site.

For more information about online marketing services

Please visit : http://www.411services.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rahul_Awasthi
Online Marketing Services are a must for any business type want to survive over the net. The internet is very competitive and thus an online business needs very effective marketing strategies that keep it always ahead of its competitors. Execution of right kind of online marketing strategy at the right time can take your business to great heights. There are a variety of search engine marketing firms that help their clients with the most beneficial online marketing services.

In this world of businesses the need of online advertising company is crucial. An online advertising company can play a major role in assisting its client companies advertise their products on the Internet and reach their target audience. These companies have good online advertising network, as these companies help to connect websites with advertisers. Websites help to promote the advertisements and advertisers in turn run their ads through the sites. Online Marketing is incomplete without online advertising, as advertising has been an integral part of marketing since years. Without the powerful advertising marketing can never be successful.

In order to boost up your sales you definitely want to reach your target audience. This can be done only when your website gets higher ranking in various search engines. Website promotion is an effective and cost-effective way of getting good search engine ranking or search engine positioning in the listings on search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Ask Jeeves. Various search engines techniques are used to promote a website.

There are various types of web promotion services to list your site in the search results. First it is required to select and list the keywords. Right keywords are the most essential thing in the online marketing services. Your website should support the keywords that the visitor might search for. Another part of online marketing services include pay per click management. Effecting link building, good and fresh contents on web pages also add traffic to your site.

For more information about online marketing services

Please visit : http://www.411services.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rahul_Awasthi

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 11:51 PM 0 Comments

Friday, December 05, 2008

Business Strategy Planning Made Easy

Ask Yourself three simple questions that affect your strategy planning...


* What direction is my business going in?

* How do I create my business strategy so that I can position myself as a leader in my industry?

* Where do I go to find out information about business strategy planning?

Have you found yourself asking these questions about your business? Well this article is written just for you. Learning what drives your industry will help you understand how to create a successful business strategy plan. The plan will help you stay on target with your yearly goals.

For the New Year, I wanted to share a few business strategy tips with you that will help you understand more about "Strategy Planning Made Easy".

Top Ten Business Strategy Planning Tools for Small Business Owners

1. Build partnerships with other businesses so that you can build a resource network.
2. Take the time to learn about your industry trends and how they affect your business.
3. Join online & offline networking groups that cater to your business and your personal interest.
4. Gain understanding about the business strategy plans of your resource network business partners.
5. Manage your business information before it manages you, don't let it overwhelm you.
6. Keep a positive attitude regardless of how the outlook of a business situation may seem.
7. Plan rest periods for you and your business, it will keep both of you fresh and alive.
8. Don't try to do everything yourself, hire a support team that will work to make you successful.
9. Make sure that your support team, your business, and you are a good fit.
10. Keep your plans in front of you and visualize your success.

More about Kim Beasley ~ Strategy Guru For You ~ Agape3, Inc.
After working in Corporate America and Ministry for many years, Kim Beasley decided to take her strategy planning experiences and share them with others. She believes in sharing real-life stories of encouragement with her readers so that they can be encouraged in their daily life. Kim is the editor of many newsletter and is also the "Strategy Guru" and owner of Agape3, Inc., that helps businesses and organizations to strategically plan for their future using her 5-Step Strategic System, R.A.C.E.S. Find out more about Kim Beasley, Strategy Guru and Agape3, Inc. at http://www.agape3.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Beasley

Labels:

Ask Yourself three simple questions that affect your strategy planning...


* What direction is my business going in?

* How do I create my business strategy so that I can position myself as a leader in my industry?

* Where do I go to find out information about business strategy planning?

Have you found yourself asking these questions about your business? Well this article is written just for you. Learning what drives your industry will help you understand how to create a successful business strategy plan. The plan will help you stay on target with your yearly goals.

For the New Year, I wanted to share a few business strategy tips with you that will help you understand more about "Strategy Planning Made Easy".

Top Ten Business Strategy Planning Tools for Small Business Owners

1. Build partnerships with other businesses so that you can build a resource network.
2. Take the time to learn about your industry trends and how they affect your business.
3. Join online & offline networking groups that cater to your business and your personal interest.
4. Gain understanding about the business strategy plans of your resource network business partners.
5. Manage your business information before it manages you, don't let it overwhelm you.
6. Keep a positive attitude regardless of how the outlook of a business situation may seem.
7. Plan rest periods for you and your business, it will keep both of you fresh and alive.
8. Don't try to do everything yourself, hire a support team that will work to make you successful.
9. Make sure that your support team, your business, and you are a good fit.
10. Keep your plans in front of you and visualize your success.

More about Kim Beasley ~ Strategy Guru For You ~ Agape3, Inc.
After working in Corporate America and Ministry for many years, Kim Beasley decided to take her strategy planning experiences and share them with others. She believes in sharing real-life stories of encouragement with her readers so that they can be encouraged in their daily life. Kim is the editor of many newsletter and is also the "Strategy Guru" and owner of Agape3, Inc., that helps businesses and organizations to strategically plan for their future using her 5-Step Strategic System, R.A.C.E.S. Find out more about Kim Beasley, Strategy Guru and Agape3, Inc. at http://www.agape3.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Beasley

Labels:

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 8:24 AM 0 Comments

Why the Travel Industry is the Best Business Industry

When choosing a business opportunity, it is very important that you chose one that is associated with an industry that is flourishing. The last thing you want is to have to market a product or service that is not in demand. One of the best industries you can chose to focus your business efforts is the travel industry.

Travel is one of the luxuries that won't be going any anytime soon. In fact, the travel industry is the largest commercial industry in the world. It is currently a 7 trillion dollar industry and it is predicted to double over next 8-10 years. That's crazy! The internet has really played a significant role in the growth of the travel industry. Forty-three percent of every dollar spent on the internet is spent on travel.

The travel industry is one that most business gurus are trying to get their piece off. The travel industry is so lucrative that even some of the richest people in the world are getting their piece. Donald Trump started his own travel company in 2006. Even Bill Gates has a piece. He bought a whole chain of hotels!.

Another thing that makes the travel industry a great venture are the baby boomers. The baby boomers are the largest target market out of any group of individuals. Ten thousand baby boomers turn the age of 60 each day. And with 74 million baby boomers, that's one every 8 seconds for the next 20 years. These retirees have time and money and they want to travel. With a target market that big, the travel industry is positioned to always be ahead of the pack. For more information on the baby boomers, check out my other article.

Copyright © 2008 Nate Falconer.
Nate is an entrepreneur who is currently involved in creating incomes via the Internet. If you would like to get in touch with Nate send him an email at nfalconer@gmail.com.

For more information on an industry targeted to baby boomers, please visit:


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When choosing a business opportunity, it is very important that you chose one that is associated with an industry that is flourishing. The last thing you want is to have to market a product or service that is not in demand. One of the best industries you can chose to focus your business efforts is the travel industry.

Travel is one of the luxuries that won't be going any anytime soon. In fact, the travel industry is the largest commercial industry in the world. It is currently a 7 trillion dollar industry and it is predicted to double over next 8-10 years. That's crazy! The internet has really played a significant role in the growth of the travel industry. Forty-three percent of every dollar spent on the internet is spent on travel.

The travel industry is one that most business gurus are trying to get their piece off. The travel industry is so lucrative that even some of the richest people in the world are getting their piece. Donald Trump started his own travel company in 2006. Even Bill Gates has a piece. He bought a whole chain of hotels!.

Another thing that makes the travel industry a great venture are the baby boomers. The baby boomers are the largest target market out of any group of individuals. Ten thousand baby boomers turn the age of 60 each day. And with 74 million baby boomers, that's one every 8 seconds for the next 20 years. These retirees have time and money and they want to travel. With a target market that big, the travel industry is positioned to always be ahead of the pack. For more information on the baby boomers, check out my other article.

Copyright © 2008 Nate Falconer.
Nate is an entrepreneur who is currently involved in creating incomes via the Internet. If you would like to get in touch with Nate send him an email at nfalconer@gmail.com.

For more information on an industry targeted to baby boomers, please visit:


Labels:

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 8:23 AM 0 Comments

Monday, September 01, 2008

Solutions For Corporate Offices and Home Businesses

In today's world, living in the American melting pot with people from all nationalities, customs, temperaments and generational differences, its no wonder there are so many conflicts in the work place. When there are people gathered together from different backgrounds - whether the setting is in an office, retail store, home based business in a team setting, school, wherever! There will always be conflicts and disagreements. Search on any news group on Google and all you see tragedy and conflict everywhere.

It's not to say that all folks are like that - some may become life-long friends, or just get along well enough to have a conducive work environment. Specifically I would like to address the flip side of that and talk more about resolving conflict and alternatives.

People have different experiences in life which shapes and forms who they are, why they act the way they do, and what their goals are in life. In our society until recently, the goal has been to climb the corporate ladder to success, but there's been a paradigm shift in that because of the economy and more pointedly - greed in some instances. Corporations are no longer stable. No longer do you really see 20-30 year veterans working in the same company anymore - they are a rare breed!

More and more - our society is focusing on building their own business. With the rising - exorbitant cost of Franchises, the more appealing choices are Home Based businesses. More and more people are discouraged with working a traditional "J-O-B", living paycheck to paycheck and are focusing on having control of their future, by starting their own Home Based Businesses. There's a deluge of Home Based businesses available to choose from, albeit not all are worth the time, effort and investment - but there are very good, reputable Home Based businesses to choose from.

I'd like to quote Actor "Rainn Wilson" who plays everybody's favorite workplace irritant on TV's "The Office" . Wilson had a few very interesting thoughts to say about real workplace offices when interviewed by "Business Week Magazine". One of the questions posed to him was what was his advice for those struggling to "make it" in their dream careers...his interesting answer was to give up immediately, move to Phoenix and go into Real Estate - he further states that in all seriousness, there's a big difference between living your dream and living in denial, you have to go where the universe is telling you to go.

What Wilson is trying to point out is that for your own well-being and benefit, if you're miserable in your job - whether or not it's the "dream job", it's time to reflect and decide if this is really where you want to be. Is this going to give you the kind of future you desire? Would you rather have your own home Based business that would give you freedom with your time, finances and family? There's plenty to choose from on Google for sure!

Changing gear a bit, if you currently are in a situation where your workplace has issues, here's a few tips to help you smooth things out:

Dealing with the "nasty 'tudes" -

Take a step back and reflect on what their childhood must have been like, what their marriage must be like, or how much they desire to have a partner but have none. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute and imagine how they must really feel about themselves. Even though they might make YOUR life miserable - you might just find some compassion for them, making easier on you when they rub you wrong.

Balance your work life and your personal life -

What is the main regret of successful business people on their deathbed? The majority regret not having spent enough time with their family! Too much stress, irritability usually means your life is out of balance. If you need to take work home, set aside a certain amount of time for it and the rest of the evening is to unwind and enjoy your family. If you have a Home Based business, set parameters as well. Work around your family's schedule, that's one of the benefits of having a Home Based business! You can work when and where you want, with today's technology it's easy to have a portable office. Balance is the key to keep your peace, sanity and family.

Isabel Gelo C. - Ultimate Chick,
Ultimate Home Biz Advocate
THE ULTIMATE TEAM
http://workfromhome4parents.com

Isabel Gelo C. - EzineArticles Expert Author

Labels:

In today's world, living in the American melting pot with people from all nationalities, customs, temperaments and generational differences, its no wonder there are so many conflicts in the work place. When there are people gathered together from different backgrounds - whether the setting is in an office, retail store, home based business in a team setting, school, wherever! There will always be conflicts and disagreements. Search on any news group on Google and all you see tragedy and conflict everywhere.

It's not to say that all folks are like that - some may become life-long friends, or just get along well enough to have a conducive work environment. Specifically I would like to address the flip side of that and talk more about resolving conflict and alternatives.

People have different experiences in life which shapes and forms who they are, why they act the way they do, and what their goals are in life. In our society until recently, the goal has been to climb the corporate ladder to success, but there's been a paradigm shift in that because of the economy and more pointedly - greed in some instances. Corporations are no longer stable. No longer do you really see 20-30 year veterans working in the same company anymore - they are a rare breed!

More and more - our society is focusing on building their own business. With the rising - exorbitant cost of Franchises, the more appealing choices are Home Based businesses. More and more people are discouraged with working a traditional "J-O-B", living paycheck to paycheck and are focusing on having control of their future, by starting their own Home Based Businesses. There's a deluge of Home Based businesses available to choose from, albeit not all are worth the time, effort and investment - but there are very good, reputable Home Based businesses to choose from.

I'd like to quote Actor "Rainn Wilson" who plays everybody's favorite workplace irritant on TV's "The Office" . Wilson had a few very interesting thoughts to say about real workplace offices when interviewed by "Business Week Magazine". One of the questions posed to him was what was his advice for those struggling to "make it" in their dream careers...his interesting answer was to give up immediately, move to Phoenix and go into Real Estate - he further states that in all seriousness, there's a big difference between living your dream and living in denial, you have to go where the universe is telling you to go.

What Wilson is trying to point out is that for your own well-being and benefit, if you're miserable in your job - whether or not it's the "dream job", it's time to reflect and decide if this is really where you want to be. Is this going to give you the kind of future you desire? Would you rather have your own home Based business that would give you freedom with your time, finances and family? There's plenty to choose from on Google for sure!

Changing gear a bit, if you currently are in a situation where your workplace has issues, here's a few tips to help you smooth things out:

Dealing with the "nasty 'tudes" -

Take a step back and reflect on what their childhood must have been like, what their marriage must be like, or how much they desire to have a partner but have none. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute and imagine how they must really feel about themselves. Even though they might make YOUR life miserable - you might just find some compassion for them, making easier on you when they rub you wrong.

Balance your work life and your personal life -

What is the main regret of successful business people on their deathbed? The majority regret not having spent enough time with their family! Too much stress, irritability usually means your life is out of balance. If you need to take work home, set aside a certain amount of time for it and the rest of the evening is to unwind and enjoy your family. If you have a Home Based business, set parameters as well. Work around your family's schedule, that's one of the benefits of having a Home Based business! You can work when and where you want, with today's technology it's easy to have a portable office. Balance is the key to keep your peace, sanity and family.

Isabel Gelo C. - Ultimate Chick,
Ultimate Home Biz Advocate
THE ULTIMATE TEAM
http://workfromhome4parents.com

Isabel Gelo C. - EzineArticles Expert Author

Labels:

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 10:04 PM 0 Comments

How to Write a Plan For You Business Enterprise Like an Expert Initiator

Expert initiators generally lay out all of their ideas thoroughly in their business plans. Therefore, you have to describe all your business ideas in as detailed a fashion as possible, so that investors feel free to invest into your company.

Your business plan not only gives you a feeling of integrity, but will also improve the likelihood of your business success. Even though creating a concrete written plan for your business is a lengthy and seemingly difficult task, it is actually not as trying as you may think.

The following is a simple guide detailing the ways in which you can construct a business plan just like an expert initiator:

1. Executive Review: Experts often have said that, it is the first item that investors are likely to notice and look at long before they notice the table of contents. Here, you need to write your business goal in three to four sentences, but make sure that you are thorough nonetheless. Also, be positive that these excerpts define your business distinctly, while grabbing the gaze of your investors.

2. Market Research: Often, experts focus on this area more carefully, as thorough information on the business sector shows your business potentiality. Therefore, you need to do comprehensive information gathering on overall market conditions. Include size, rate, trends and growth that may have a great effect on the industry. Also, show your targeted demographic describing the types of customers that your enterprise aims to cater to.

3. Business Description: After market research, you need to put in a section about your business in the plan. It must have the nature, objectives, aims, location and name of your enterprise.

4. Tactics Adopted: This section should have the enterprise's strategies such as sales activities, methods for distribution, kinds of sales for, methods for marketing and other growth strategies adopted by the enterprise.

These are some essential tips that expert initiators generally put into their business plans. If you want to be one of such expert initiators, then attempt to use these important tactics in writing your business plan.

Visit Here To Discover much more on how to write a business plan.

Benny Horowitz is a business initiative who has written dozens of articles on the subject of business world, business plan and how to start and manage your business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benny_Horowitz

Labels: ,

Expert initiators generally lay out all of their ideas thoroughly in their business plans. Therefore, you have to describe all your business ideas in as detailed a fashion as possible, so that investors feel free to invest into your company.

Your business plan not only gives you a feeling of integrity, but will also improve the likelihood of your business success. Even though creating a concrete written plan for your business is a lengthy and seemingly difficult task, it is actually not as trying as you may think.

The following is a simple guide detailing the ways in which you can construct a business plan just like an expert initiator:

1. Executive Review: Experts often have said that, it is the first item that investors are likely to notice and look at long before they notice the table of contents. Here, you need to write your business goal in three to four sentences, but make sure that you are thorough nonetheless. Also, be positive that these excerpts define your business distinctly, while grabbing the gaze of your investors.

2. Market Research: Often, experts focus on this area more carefully, as thorough information on the business sector shows your business potentiality. Therefore, you need to do comprehensive information gathering on overall market conditions. Include size, rate, trends and growth that may have a great effect on the industry. Also, show your targeted demographic describing the types of customers that your enterprise aims to cater to.

3. Business Description: After market research, you need to put in a section about your business in the plan. It must have the nature, objectives, aims, location and name of your enterprise.

4. Tactics Adopted: This section should have the enterprise's strategies such as sales activities, methods for distribution, kinds of sales for, methods for marketing and other growth strategies adopted by the enterprise.

These are some essential tips that expert initiators generally put into their business plans. If you want to be one of such expert initiators, then attempt to use these important tactics in writing your business plan.

Visit Here To Discover much more on how to write a business plan.

Benny Horowitz is a business initiative who has written dozens of articles on the subject of business world, business plan and how to start and manage your business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benny_Horowitz

Labels: ,

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 10:04 PM 0 Comments

Business Capital - Resources to Fund Medical Transcription Services

Whether you are just opening your doors or you are a seasoned veteran in the medical transcription industry, one thing's for sure-cash flow is a crucial concern for any business owner. The bottom line: if you don't have enough readily available cash to pay your employees, contractors, suppliers, and creditors you won't stay in business for long.

Defined as the movement of money in and out of a business, cash flow is the heartbeat of a thriving medical transcription service. Hence, the timing of its movement is extremely important to a company's overall health. Ironically, it's when business is booming that a company may start to have cash flow problems. Not only does more business create larger volumes of accounts, new growth opportunities also means purchasing new equipment and software, hiring additional medical transcriptionists and possibly building interfaces. In a nutshell, as a business grows, so too does its need for capital.

There are many reasons in addition to rapid growth that could explain why a company would need additional working capital. For example, seasonal influxes, local or national economic conditions, external economics and poor management decisions could all negatively or positively affect a business' cash flow at any given time.

Regardless of what has caused the increased need, it's important for medical transcription service owners to take the proper steps in identifying that need, analyzing it and preparing to help improve the company's bottom line and fill in any cash flow gaps.

Inflows, or sources of incoming cash, generally come in the form of customer payments. The typical invoice in the United States is paid in 45 days. The typical hospital takes longer, and physicians are all over the board. Keep in mind the impact of 15 days of receivables outstanding can be dramatic; so the first step a smart business owner can take to prevent headaches from the start is to have procedures in place to pre-screen the creditworthiness of potential clients and formalize a credit policy within his/her contracts.

Taking the time to invoice effectively after approving clients is an extremely important second step. Distributing invoices in a timely manner with the appropriate documentation is half the battle. Making sure the invoices are sent to the right person/department will also affect the length of time it takes to get them paid. The invoice should specifically articulate the terms of payment as well as reference penalty for late payment, if any. Some other ways to ensure speedy payments are to consider accepting credit card payments, requesting deposits or pre-payments and staying on top of collections.

Another thing MTSOs can do to help their cash flow is to create a working cash flow budget, which should include the following: a sales forecast with projected cash inflows (account receivable aging schedule) and projected cash outflows (payroll and tax obligations, operating expenses, upcoming purchases and current debt obligations). Upon reviewing the cash flow budget, a business owner will know if his/her company's capital needs exceed its capabilities. If this is the case, then it's time to consider funding options.

Before approaching any source of capital, it's important for the owner to do his/her homework. For example, if a business owner cannot answer the following questions, then the owner is not really ready to solve his/her company's cash flow problem.

* How much money do I need?
* How long will I need additional capital?
* What do I plan to use it for?
* How will the money improve my business?
* How am I going to pay it back?
* If Plan A doesn't work, what is my back-up plan?

Before seeking external sources of capital from investors or lenders, an MTSO should thoroughly explore all reasonable sources for meeting its capital needs internally. Even if this effort fails to generate all of the needed capital, it can sharply reduce the external financing requirement, resulting in less interest expense, lower repayment obligations, and less sacrifice of control. In addition, lenders and investors will be more willing to commit to lending if they see a business has already taken the steps to try to solve the problem internally. Some things to explore are increasing retained earnings, liquidating nonproductive assets, establishing more rigorous credit standards for customers, personally investing in the business and/or paying the company's suppliers a little slower than usual. Of course each of these options has their own benefits and disadvantages, so it's important to think through each before adopting one or all of them.

After running through the options above, the next best thing is to start researching debt capital options, namely banks, savings and loans, and commercial finance companies.

For short-term borrowing, the first step is to go to a commercial bank. Credit lines are reserved for businesses that have already established themselves as being worthy of short-term credit and the amount needed fluctuates from time to time. While lending institutions all have different standards; this is a particularly difficult time to qualify. A general rule of thumb to be considered a viable candidate for a commercial loan requires a business to have three years of operating history with at least two of these years being profitable. The profit should be significant enough that the business has positive retained earnings or owner's equity. The exact amount to be borrowed can vary according to the needs of the business but cannot exceed its established credit line.

Long-term borrowing comes into play when a business intends to borrow a lump sum and make payments on a regular basis until the loan is paid in total. When dealing with long-term bank loans, it's important to have a good understanding of the repayment schedule in order to plan accordingly.

The criteria which businesses must meet in order to qualify for a bank loan can be long and onerous. A bank evaluates the company's capacity to repay the loan, scrutinizes the owner's personal character, wants to know what kind of collateral can be used in the event that the loan cannot be repaid, will need to see a proven track record of the business' profitability and also takes into account any current economic conditions.

Being approved for a traditional loan may sound daunting, but there are a few things business owners can do in order increase their chances of being approved. Developing a relationship with a banker, moving accounts, fee income, wires and credit cards to that bank, and being honest and insightful about the business' challenges are all ways an MTSO can show the lender that he/she is a good candidate to receive the loan.

When considering funding options, a business owner also needs to understand the difference between a secured loan and an unsecured one. With a secured loan, the borrower pledges certain assets as collateral to protect the lender in the event that the borrower defaults on the loan. When it comes to long-term borrowing, fixed assets such as real estate or equipment are usually pledged as collateral. For short-term borrowing, inventories and/or accounts receivables are usually pledged.

With an unsecured loan, the note holder does not have the same protection as a secured lender because it does not ask for pledged collateral. So if a company defaults on an unsecured loan, the creditor can only re-negotiate the amount due or force the company to liquidate. The advantage to this arrangement is the borrower does not have to pledge collateral to secure the loan. However, the disadvantage is that interest rates are much higher and this type of loan is much more difficult to secure.

Outsourcing the company's accounts receivables to a medical transcription factoring firm is another option for a growing medical transcription service. Within a factoring arrangement, the medical transcription business sells its accounts receivable to a factor (buyer), which immediately converts them into cash. The medical transcription factoring company will generally advance 80 percent of the invoice and then works to collect on them, giving the business owner the ability to focus on other areas of operating his/her business. Medical transcription factoring is generally easier for a business to qualify for than a traditional loan as the credit decision is based upon the creditworthiness of the MTSO's customers rather than the business itself. Many factors will work with start-up businesses and will fund receivables without requiring the personal guarantee of the business owner allowing the owner to protect their personal assets. Medical transcription factoring agreements generally allow for generous "lines of credit" as factors are able to increase their funding as the MTSO's business grows.

The final option for business owners to consider when it comes to financing is equity capital. Finding investors is difficult and takes a lot of networking and creditability building, but the results of such efforts is equally rewarding. Because equity capital is permanently invested in the business, there is no legal obligation for the company to repay the invested amount. If the business thrives, selling equity in your business can often be the most expensive source of financing as the business owner has sold a percentage of their future profits. Some sources of equity include: friends and family, Angels and Angel Networks and venture capitalists.

This article has gone into great detail about how the need for capital arises and discusses the different approaches medical transcription service owners can take in order to establish a balanced cash flow. In the end, if a business owner is willing to routinely analyze his/her company's cash flow and respond accordingly to cash flow gaps, he/she is well on the way to managing a successful medical transcription business. The facts are all here, how a business owner chooses to use them is up to him/her.

Philip Cohen is the President of PRN Funding, LLC, a nurse staffing accounts receivable factoring company that provides growth capital to small and midsized businesses that service the healthcare industry. Prior to founding PRN Funding, Cohen served as the Senior Vice President/General Manager of The MRC Group, where he was responsible for corporate development initiatives as well as the company's speech recognition product line. Web site: http://www.prnfunding.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Cohen

Labels: , ,

Whether you are just opening your doors or you are a seasoned veteran in the medical transcription industry, one thing's for sure-cash flow is a crucial concern for any business owner. The bottom line: if you don't have enough readily available cash to pay your employees, contractors, suppliers, and creditors you won't stay in business for long.

Defined as the movement of money in and out of a business, cash flow is the heartbeat of a thriving medical transcription service. Hence, the timing of its movement is extremely important to a company's overall health. Ironically, it's when business is booming that a company may start to have cash flow problems. Not only does more business create larger volumes of accounts, new growth opportunities also means purchasing new equipment and software, hiring additional medical transcriptionists and possibly building interfaces. In a nutshell, as a business grows, so too does its need for capital.

There are many reasons in addition to rapid growth that could explain why a company would need additional working capital. For example, seasonal influxes, local or national economic conditions, external economics and poor management decisions could all negatively or positively affect a business' cash flow at any given time.

Regardless of what has caused the increased need, it's important for medical transcription service owners to take the proper steps in identifying that need, analyzing it and preparing to help improve the company's bottom line and fill in any cash flow gaps.

Inflows, or sources of incoming cash, generally come in the form of customer payments. The typical invoice in the United States is paid in 45 days. The typical hospital takes longer, and physicians are all over the board. Keep in mind the impact of 15 days of receivables outstanding can be dramatic; so the first step a smart business owner can take to prevent headaches from the start is to have procedures in place to pre-screen the creditworthiness of potential clients and formalize a credit policy within his/her contracts.

Taking the time to invoice effectively after approving clients is an extremely important second step. Distributing invoices in a timely manner with the appropriate documentation is half the battle. Making sure the invoices are sent to the right person/department will also affect the length of time it takes to get them paid. The invoice should specifically articulate the terms of payment as well as reference penalty for late payment, if any. Some other ways to ensure speedy payments are to consider accepting credit card payments, requesting deposits or pre-payments and staying on top of collections.

Another thing MTSOs can do to help their cash flow is to create a working cash flow budget, which should include the following: a sales forecast with projected cash inflows (account receivable aging schedule) and projected cash outflows (payroll and tax obligations, operating expenses, upcoming purchases and current debt obligations). Upon reviewing the cash flow budget, a business owner will know if his/her company's capital needs exceed its capabilities. If this is the case, then it's time to consider funding options.

Before approaching any source of capital, it's important for the owner to do his/her homework. For example, if a business owner cannot answer the following questions, then the owner is not really ready to solve his/her company's cash flow problem.

* How much money do I need?
* How long will I need additional capital?
* What do I plan to use it for?
* How will the money improve my business?
* How am I going to pay it back?
* If Plan A doesn't work, what is my back-up plan?

Before seeking external sources of capital from investors or lenders, an MTSO should thoroughly explore all reasonable sources for meeting its capital needs internally. Even if this effort fails to generate all of the needed capital, it can sharply reduce the external financing requirement, resulting in less interest expense, lower repayment obligations, and less sacrifice of control. In addition, lenders and investors will be more willing to commit to lending if they see a business has already taken the steps to try to solve the problem internally. Some things to explore are increasing retained earnings, liquidating nonproductive assets, establishing more rigorous credit standards for customers, personally investing in the business and/or paying the company's suppliers a little slower than usual. Of course each of these options has their own benefits and disadvantages, so it's important to think through each before adopting one or all of them.

After running through the options above, the next best thing is to start researching debt capital options, namely banks, savings and loans, and commercial finance companies.

For short-term borrowing, the first step is to go to a commercial bank. Credit lines are reserved for businesses that have already established themselves as being worthy of short-term credit and the amount needed fluctuates from time to time. While lending institutions all have different standards; this is a particularly difficult time to qualify. A general rule of thumb to be considered a viable candidate for a commercial loan requires a business to have three years of operating history with at least two of these years being profitable. The profit should be significant enough that the business has positive retained earnings or owner's equity. The exact amount to be borrowed can vary according to the needs of the business but cannot exceed its established credit line.

Long-term borrowing comes into play when a business intends to borrow a lump sum and make payments on a regular basis until the loan is paid in total. When dealing with long-term bank loans, it's important to have a good understanding of the repayment schedule in order to plan accordingly.

The criteria which businesses must meet in order to qualify for a bank loan can be long and onerous. A bank evaluates the company's capacity to repay the loan, scrutinizes the owner's personal character, wants to know what kind of collateral can be used in the event that the loan cannot be repaid, will need to see a proven track record of the business' profitability and also takes into account any current economic conditions.

Being approved for a traditional loan may sound daunting, but there are a few things business owners can do in order increase their chances of being approved. Developing a relationship with a banker, moving accounts, fee income, wires and credit cards to that bank, and being honest and insightful about the business' challenges are all ways an MTSO can show the lender that he/she is a good candidate to receive the loan.

When considering funding options, a business owner also needs to understand the difference between a secured loan and an unsecured one. With a secured loan, the borrower pledges certain assets as collateral to protect the lender in the event that the borrower defaults on the loan. When it comes to long-term borrowing, fixed assets such as real estate or equipment are usually pledged as collateral. For short-term borrowing, inventories and/or accounts receivables are usually pledged.

With an unsecured loan, the note holder does not have the same protection as a secured lender because it does not ask for pledged collateral. So if a company defaults on an unsecured loan, the creditor can only re-negotiate the amount due or force the company to liquidate. The advantage to this arrangement is the borrower does not have to pledge collateral to secure the loan. However, the disadvantage is that interest rates are much higher and this type of loan is much more difficult to secure.

Outsourcing the company's accounts receivables to a medical transcription factoring firm is another option for a growing medical transcription service. Within a factoring arrangement, the medical transcription business sells its accounts receivable to a factor (buyer), which immediately converts them into cash. The medical transcription factoring company will generally advance 80 percent of the invoice and then works to collect on them, giving the business owner the ability to focus on other areas of operating his/her business. Medical transcription factoring is generally easier for a business to qualify for than a traditional loan as the credit decision is based upon the creditworthiness of the MTSO's customers rather than the business itself. Many factors will work with start-up businesses and will fund receivables without requiring the personal guarantee of the business owner allowing the owner to protect their personal assets. Medical transcription factoring agreements generally allow for generous "lines of credit" as factors are able to increase their funding as the MTSO's business grows.

The final option for business owners to consider when it comes to financing is equity capital. Finding investors is difficult and takes a lot of networking and creditability building, but the results of such efforts is equally rewarding. Because equity capital is permanently invested in the business, there is no legal obligation for the company to repay the invested amount. If the business thrives, selling equity in your business can often be the most expensive source of financing as the business owner has sold a percentage of their future profits. Some sources of equity include: friends and family, Angels and Angel Networks and venture capitalists.

This article has gone into great detail about how the need for capital arises and discusses the different approaches medical transcription service owners can take in order to establish a balanced cash flow. In the end, if a business owner is willing to routinely analyze his/her company's cash flow and respond accordingly to cash flow gaps, he/she is well on the way to managing a successful medical transcription business. The facts are all here, how a business owner chooses to use them is up to him/her.

Philip Cohen is the President of PRN Funding, LLC, a nurse staffing accounts receivable factoring company that provides growth capital to small and midsized businesses that service the healthcare industry. Prior to founding PRN Funding, Cohen served as the Senior Vice President/General Manager of The MRC Group, where he was responsible for corporate development initiatives as well as the company's speech recognition product line. Web site: http://www.prnfunding.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Cohen

Labels: , ,

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 10:04 PM 1 Comments

Monday, August 25, 2008

QuickBooks Setup Help - Which Industry Should I Choose For My Business?

While going through the initial setup in QuickBooks, the program prompts users to select their industry. Sometimes, a user's industry is not clearly listed. For example, "Computer Service & Repair," is not one of the choices. I'm sure there are many other businesses that are not clearly listed in the "Select Industry" section of the QuickBooks setup screen.

QuickBooks asks for your industry for two reasons:

* So it can load a Chart of Accounts that closely matches what you need
* So it can load preset reports that closely match what you may need

If your industry is not listed, don't worry. Select an industry that is the closest match by examining the source of your business' revenue. This will help you determine a close match on the industry.

To use the "Computer Service & Repair" example above, if the majority of this business' revenue is derived from retail sales, then I would suggest to select Retail as the industry. If the majority of this business' revenue is derived from consultations and service, then I would suggest to select Consultant as the industry.

Here's why you don't need to select an exact match on the industry:

1. QuickBooks is extremely flexible about the Chart of Accounts. Even though QuickBooks loads a preset Chart of Accounts customized for each industry, accounts are easily added or modified. When you pick an industry that is a close match, you can create or delete accounts that are custom to your business.

2. QuickBooks is extremely flexible about it's reports. In fact, one of the things I love most about QuickBooks is it's powerful reporting features. Although the preset reports for each industry are nice, custom reports are easily created and memorized, regardless of the industry chosen in the setup.

I'm a huge fan of getting QuickBooks setup correctly the first time. One of the most important parts of the setup is the Chart of Accounts. But don't worry if your industry is not immediately apparent, as QuickBooks is very forgiving if the incorrect Chart of Accounts is chosen. Just add, delete, or modify accounts as needed.

About the Author: Jennifer A. Thieme is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor who loves to help people with QuickBooks. She brings unique insight, clear instructions, and over ten years of experience to all of her QuickBooks articles. Owner of Solid Rock Accounting Services, Jennifer's clients enjoy these same benefits on a personal and regular basis. You can too - visit http://www.jenniferthieme.com/quickbooks-help.html and get more QuickBooks help.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_A._Thieme

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While going through the initial setup in QuickBooks, the program prompts users to select their industry. Sometimes, a user's industry is not clearly listed. For example, "Computer Service & Repair," is not one of the choices. I'm sure there are many other businesses that are not clearly listed in the "Select Industry" section of the QuickBooks setup screen.

QuickBooks asks for your industry for two reasons:

* So it can load a Chart of Accounts that closely matches what you need
* So it can load preset reports that closely match what you may need

If your industry is not listed, don't worry. Select an industry that is the closest match by examining the source of your business' revenue. This will help you determine a close match on the industry.

To use the "Computer Service & Repair" example above, if the majority of this business' revenue is derived from retail sales, then I would suggest to select Retail as the industry. If the majority of this business' revenue is derived from consultations and service, then I would suggest to select Consultant as the industry.

Here's why you don't need to select an exact match on the industry:

1. QuickBooks is extremely flexible about the Chart of Accounts. Even though QuickBooks loads a preset Chart of Accounts customized for each industry, accounts are easily added or modified. When you pick an industry that is a close match, you can create or delete accounts that are custom to your business.

2. QuickBooks is extremely flexible about it's reports. In fact, one of the things I love most about QuickBooks is it's powerful reporting features. Although the preset reports for each industry are nice, custom reports are easily created and memorized, regardless of the industry chosen in the setup.

I'm a huge fan of getting QuickBooks setup correctly the first time. One of the most important parts of the setup is the Chart of Accounts. But don't worry if your industry is not immediately apparent, as QuickBooks is very forgiving if the incorrect Chart of Accounts is chosen. Just add, delete, or modify accounts as needed.

About the Author: Jennifer A. Thieme is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor who loves to help people with QuickBooks. She brings unique insight, clear instructions, and over ten years of experience to all of her QuickBooks articles. Owner of Solid Rock Accounting Services, Jennifer's clients enjoy these same benefits on a personal and regular basis. You can too - visit http://www.jenniferthieme.com/quickbooks-help.html and get more QuickBooks help.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_A._Thieme

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posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 11:03 PM 1 Comments

Why the Travel Industry is the Best Business Industry

When choosing a business opportunity, it is very important that you chose one that is associated with an industry that is flourishing. The last thing you want is to have to market a product or service that is not in demand. One of the best industries you can chose to focus your business efforts is the travel industry.

Travel is one of the luxuries that won't be going any anytime soon. In fact, the travel industry is the largest commercial industry in the world. It is currently a 7 trillion dollar industry and it is predicted to double over next 8-10 years. That's crazy! The internet has really played a significant role in the growth of the travel industry. Forty-three percent of every dollar spent on the internet is spent on travel.

The travel industry is one that most business gurus are trying to get their piece off. The travel industry is so lucrative that even some of the richest people in the world are getting their piece. Donald Trump started his own travel company in 2006. Even Bill Gates has a piece. He bought a whole chain of hotels!.

Another thing that makes the travel industry a great venture are the baby boomers. The baby boomers are the largest target market out of any group of individuals. Ten thousand baby boomers turn the age of 60 each day. And with 74 million baby boomers, that's one every 8 seconds for the next 20 years. These retirees have time and money and they want to travel. With a target market that big, the travel industry is positioned to always be ahead of the pack. For more information on the baby boomers, check out my other article.

Copyright © 2008 Nate Falconer.
Nate is a professional network marketer who teaches others how to be successful in network marketing using both traditional and non-traditional methods. If you want to get in touch with Nate or learn more about network marketing success please visit:

Free Network Marketing Advice

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Falconer

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When choosing a business opportunity, it is very important that you chose one that is associated with an industry that is flourishing. The last thing you want is to have to market a product or service that is not in demand. One of the best industries you can chose to focus your business efforts is the travel industry.

Travel is one of the luxuries that won't be going any anytime soon. In fact, the travel industry is the largest commercial industry in the world. It is currently a 7 trillion dollar industry and it is predicted to double over next 8-10 years. That's crazy! The internet has really played a significant role in the growth of the travel industry. Forty-three percent of every dollar spent on the internet is spent on travel.

The travel industry is one that most business gurus are trying to get their piece off. The travel industry is so lucrative that even some of the richest people in the world are getting their piece. Donald Trump started his own travel company in 2006. Even Bill Gates has a piece. He bought a whole chain of hotels!.

Another thing that makes the travel industry a great venture are the baby boomers. The baby boomers are the largest target market out of any group of individuals. Ten thousand baby boomers turn the age of 60 each day. And with 74 million baby boomers, that's one every 8 seconds for the next 20 years. These retirees have time and money and they want to travel. With a target market that big, the travel industry is positioned to always be ahead of the pack. For more information on the baby boomers, check out my other article.

Copyright © 2008 Nate Falconer.
Nate is a professional network marketer who teaches others how to be successful in network marketing using both traditional and non-traditional methods. If you want to get in touch with Nate or learn more about network marketing success please visit:

Free Network Marketing Advice

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Falconer

Labels:

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 11:03 PM 1 Comments

Top Internet Home Based Business In Travel

A top Internet home based business in travel is a very viable preposition indeed. This is because of several reasons and we will mention some of them in this article.

The first reason why getting involved in a top Internet home based business makes a lot of sense is the fact that the world travel industry is one of the very few world industries that is not in decline. In fact thanks mainly to the World Wide Web, which seems to have fueled lots of traveling for both business and pleasure, the travel industry has been growing steadily in recent times.

Not even 9/11 and the disastrous after effects that are still affecting us all, has managed to halt the travel industry's consistent growth. This is one of the main reasons why this industry has to be classified amongst the top Internet home based business opportunities anybody can get involved with today.

The advantages of going into a business based on an industry that is experiencing growth are obvious. Growth and ultimately success is much more likely for a top Internet home based business that is in a growth industry than it is for one which is not.

Also, there is no ignoring the fact that some of the most successful top Internet home based business affiliates are in a travel related industry. This is one industry that is a natural for an Internet business. The World Wide Web makes it very easy to market with photographs, videos and 3D images that can give one a pretty accurate feel of what a hotel suite or travel destination really feels like, long before one has actually arrived there.

It is really difficult to compete with a top Internet home based business that is related to the travel industry.

Learn more about the best home business opportunity from a blogger who rakes in thousands of dollars... and growing from their home business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Kyalo

Labels:

A top Internet home based business in travel is a very viable preposition indeed. This is because of several reasons and we will mention some of them in this article.

The first reason why getting involved in a top Internet home based business makes a lot of sense is the fact that the world travel industry is one of the very few world industries that is not in decline. In fact thanks mainly to the World Wide Web, which seems to have fueled lots of traveling for both business and pleasure, the travel industry has been growing steadily in recent times.

Not even 9/11 and the disastrous after effects that are still affecting us all, has managed to halt the travel industry's consistent growth. This is one of the main reasons why this industry has to be classified amongst the top Internet home based business opportunities anybody can get involved with today.

The advantages of going into a business based on an industry that is experiencing growth are obvious. Growth and ultimately success is much more likely for a top Internet home based business that is in a growth industry than it is for one which is not.

Also, there is no ignoring the fact that some of the most successful top Internet home based business affiliates are in a travel related industry. This is one industry that is a natural for an Internet business. The World Wide Web makes it very easy to market with photographs, videos and 3D images that can give one a pretty accurate feel of what a hotel suite or travel destination really feels like, long before one has actually arrived there.

It is really difficult to compete with a top Internet home based business that is related to the travel industry.

Learn more about the best home business opportunity from a blogger who rakes in thousands of dollars... and growing from their home business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Kyalo

Labels:

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 11:03 PM 1 Comments

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Funded Sponsoring Franchise System Is Revolutionizing the Home-Based Business Industry

More and more people are leaving the office grind behind to work at home. Whether downsized, outsourced, or sick and tired of cubicle hell, people like never before are saying goody bye to the corporate life and starting home-based businesses. One tool making it easy for a person to have a home-based business is the Internet. Along with the Internet, comes a diverse lot of income earning opportunities and people are jumping on board.

One Internet based product tapping into the home-based business market is the “Funded Sponsoring Franchise system.” Now, why would someone develop a product like a franchise? Because, franchises are soooooo successful. Think about it. When was the last time you saw a McDonalds or Subway fail? Chances are you have not. Of course, there are key ingredients that are the basic components of ANY franchise. These ingredients are made up of providing customer service, taking orders and teaching others to provide quality customer service (training others). The reason a franchise system works is because it is duplicative. The process is simple. You provide customer service, take the order, and train new employees to do the same thing. Then repeat the same process. The system does the rest. People that buy into McDonalds or Subway know that they are buying into a simple process, a process that works time and time again. Get the picture? That is why they are so successful.

The same thing can be done with the “Funded Sponsoring Franchise” system. With this system, people know they are buying into a successful product. The reason it works is that it allows folks to make money without spending a dime to market. Now, how can this be possible? Well, I’ll tell you. This is where the “Funded” comes in. The system provides people with a low cost business opportunity that yields high value by consistently producing returns that can erase your expenses. Not only does the system create a never ending source of leads for you, but it also provides for residual income by constantly having something that the prospects will come in and purchase. You have a product which goes out and finds the prospects for you, weeds through them so you only have the serious prospects and then the retail product itself funds your advertising. Neat, huh? In return, you take those people and show them your business opportunity (the training part).

The Internet, print, and broadcast media are full of ads for great-sounding work at home opportunities. Sadly, the work at home industry is full of scam companies that advertise high income home-based jobs. Some ads are specific while others are vague and keep you in the dark about the exact nature of the pie in the sky venture.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research before you plunge into any work at home opportunity. Talk with others who are working at home. Check out franchises or Internet opportunities with the Better Business Bureau. If an opportunity offers you a free trial, try it, but be sure you cancel within the specified time period if you decide the opportunity is not for you. Despite the scam artists, there are thousands of options in the work at home industry and one of them will suit you.

More and more people are leaving the office grind behind to work at home. Whether downsized, outsourced, or sick and tired of cubicle hell, people like never before are saying goody bye to the corporate life and starting home-based businesses. One tool making it easy for a person to have a home-based business is the Internet. Along with the Internet, comes a diverse lot of income earning opportunities and people are jumping on board.

One Internet based product tapping into the home-based business market is the “Funded Sponsoring Franchise system.” Now, why would someone develop a product like a franchise? Because, franchises are soooooo successful. Think about it. When was the last time you saw a McDonalds or Subway fail? Chances are you have not. Of course, there are key ingredients that are the basic components of ANY franchise. These ingredients are made up of providing customer service, taking orders and teaching others to provide quality customer service (training others). The reason a franchise system works is because it is duplicative. The process is simple. You provide customer service, take the order, and train new employees to do the same thing. Then repeat the same process. The system does the rest. People that buy into McDonalds or Subway know that they are buying into a simple process, a process that works time and time again. Get the picture? That is why they are so successful.

The same thing can be done with the “Funded Sponsoring Franchise” system. With this system, people know they are buying into a successful product. The reason it works is that it allows folks to make money without spending a dime to market. Now, how can this be possible? Well, I’ll tell you. This is where the “Funded” comes in. The system provides people with a low cost business opportunity that yields high value by consistently producing returns that can erase your expenses. Not only does the system create a never ending source of leads for you, but it also provides for residual income by constantly having something that the prospects will come in and purchase. You have a product which goes out and finds the prospects for you, weeds through them so you only have the serious prospects and then the retail product itself funds your advertising. Neat, huh? In return, you take those people and show them your business opportunity (the training part).

The Internet, print, and broadcast media are full of ads for great-sounding work at home opportunities. Sadly, the work at home industry is full of scam companies that advertise high income home-based jobs. Some ads are specific while others are vague and keep you in the dark about the exact nature of the pie in the sky venture.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research before you plunge into any work at home opportunity. Talk with others who are working at home. Check out franchises or Internet opportunities with the Better Business Bureau. If an opportunity offers you a free trial, try it, but be sure you cancel within the specified time period if you decide the opportunity is not for you. Despite the scam artists, there are thousands of options in the work at home industry and one of them will suit you.

posted by zzzzzzzzzzz at 10:42 PM