How Copying the HBO Schedule Can Boost Your Business (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

I'm not talking about posting the HBO schedule on your website or sending a Xeroxed copy around to all your customers. When HBO came onto the scene they were innovative, fresh, and willing to do things other people were not.

How to Achieve E-commerce Success -You Gotta Plan! (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Before becoming a netpreneaur, I was an entrepreneur. First, I owned a successful child care center which grew to capacity in less than two years. When I sold that, I bought a little flower shop that had less than 300 customers and grew it to what it is today, one of the most successful, award winning companies in South Florida with more than 7,000 customers who purchase from us on a regular business. To better serve our customers, we took our business to the Internet. We still have a brick and mortar storefront, yet everyday we receive more and more customers via the Internet.

How To Kick Start Your Business And Double Your Profits (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

This will make some people angry as hell, but it's time to debunk the myth of 'Time Management' while sharing the real secret of the super successful.

Under Construction During the Storm - A Hurricane Guide for Businesses that are Under Construction (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

As a business owner, you've likely created a hurricane plan for your business and your family, but did you overlook your construction project? Don't worry, you're not alone. Most people don't even think about preparing their construction site because it's not written into their "construction timeline." But when a hurricane threatens, general contractors usually get panicked phone calls asking about potential damage, delays and cost.

Clearing the Path: 4 Ways Fear Wreaks Havoc on Your Dream and What to Do About It (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Please take a moment before you read any further and answer these three simple questions:

1. Are you making daily progress towards accomplishing your business vision?

Strategic Planning Consulting (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Strategic planning and consulting is the strategy roadmap to manage business very effectively. To improve the performance in each business level, business strategic planning & consulting is essential. We should draw a clear strategic planning model to dilute the business complexity. If the strategic planning models are clearly set it is easy to find the business solution.

The Best Entity to Hold Real Estate (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Possibly THE most frequently asked question of me is "What is the best business entity to use for real-estate investments?" My recommendation to most people is that a limited liability company (an "LLC") is the best entity for this type of use. Here's why:

Is Your Company Growing Fast Enough for You? (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Are you frustrated by the lack of growth in your firm, or the effort required to squeeze any up-tick in performance? Are inadequate policies and procedures a root cause? To find out, take this simple self assessment to see if this may be inhibiting real growth at your company.

Creating a Vision That Achieves Results (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

How important is a vision statement to your company or division? Well, have you ever thought about embarking on a journey without knowing where you are going? The same can be said about running a company, without a vision statement you are going places but who knows if it is in the right direction or even if you want to go there.

Advice To Manufacturers Creating A Business Plan (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

If you are a manufacturer wanting to use your business plan to attract investors, then your plan must do two things. It must:

2 Simple Steps Before Starting Your Business (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

There is so much small business information available today that it's easy to be bogged down by the sheer volume of it all. Where does one start? Well, it's safe to say not all the information you'll receive will be of equal value. So it's important to be discerning when you're thinking about applying any suggestions to your new business. In many cases, you'll find some suggestions don't match your business type, management style, budget, or industry. This could lead to wasted dollars spent and time lost. So learning how to research and compile information will be key in developing a plan that is tailored to fit your business needs.

Invalid Excuses for Poor Business Results - The Economy (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Note to Rite Aid and CVS: It's not about the economy

When Bill Clinton successfully unset the first President Bush, he focused on a sign in his Little Rock office: "It's the Economy, Stupid". His point was to focus his campaign on economical issues. Although the president has an impact on the economy of the nation as a whole, blaming the economy for poor sales or lost profits is nothing more than unmerited whining.

Why You Need a Business Planning System NOT a Business Plan (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

When someone mentions business planning we have been conditioned to think about writing a business plan. There are hundreds of books and articles, tons of software, an army of consultants, and a multitude government programs to help you write a business plan. There are virtually no resources to help you set up what today's business environment really demands a continuous, ongoing planning system.

Titanic Precautions (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Many movies have been made about the tragic story of the Titanic. Arrogance and ignorance was definitely present during its maiden voyage, which was Titanic's last voyage.

The 7 Critical Steps to Formulating Your Annual Strategic Business Plan (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Businesses tend to avoid doing their annual business plan thinking that it is an arduous task that does not accomplish much. Formulating your annual plan is, however, critical to your business success and if done correctly should be quick, easy and generate bottom line results.

If You Don't Focus, Innovate and Evolve, You Die (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

After 128 years of business, a household word, Montgomery Wards, Inc., closed their doors forever and filed bankruptcy.

Building a Better Brick-and-Mortar with the Billion-Dollar Web (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

More than $117 billion passed hands from Internet shoppers to Internet vendors in 2004, according to the statistical research firm comScore. That's billion, with a B. Compared to the year before, the figure represents a whopping 24 percent increase in sales. Compared to the early 1990s, when the Web was a questionable commercial venture, today's $117 billion is proof-positive that the Web is the full-fledged money-making machine. It seems to be a big enough pie that any merchant with a Web site can cut out his heaping slice.

Business Plans Keep You On The Success Course (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Where would your business be without a proper plan? A business plan sets the direction for the future of the business. It gives the business owner or manager a sense of guidance, listing the goals and objectives of the business from the start.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Starting a New Home Business (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

I love the excitement of starting up a new home based business. I enjoy trying out new ideas and approaches with the new venture. I dream the big dreams and hope to obtain some of them (if not all of them). I am sure you have those same feelings as well. Organization is imperative when starting any business. Some say that a well funded business has the best chance to sustain losses until it's profitable. However, if you are on a shoe string budget like me, money management is the key.

When Do I Need To Hire A Business Plan Consultant (July 23 2007)         - claim this article

Every new business owner knows that a business plan is critical it is drilled into them by potential investors and every banking officer they meet. So why is something that is so important to the launch of a new venture so difficult to write? Good question! In this article I will try to address when you should go out and hire a business plan writer versus taking on the task yourself. First time entrepreneurs often cringe when sitting down to write their business plan. Some spend 6 months agonizing over each period and comma, and even worse others spend 6 months procrastinating and do nothing. So lets break it down and see where / when a business planning company should be brought in: