If you fail to PLAN... Your Business PLAN may FAIL...

Starting a business can be a headache if things are not done properly. One of the key steps is creating a business plan. This plan will help guide a successful company. The plan can be used to present to potential investors and banks letting them see that your company can prosper in this declining economy. When writing this plan, it is important to research others who were successful and pull some tips they used to benefit your business plan.

Here are two individuals that I’ve read on and found very interesting. Hopefully, some useful information is gained to benefit your business ventures!

Guy Kawasaki:

Guy was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and studied at Iolani School, Stanford, and obtained a MBA from UCLA. His work experience includes evangelizing hardware and software for Apple Inc., writing for Forbes, and many entrepreneurial ventures. Currently he is the co-founder of AllTop and partner of Garage.com.

He operates an American Express Open Forum Blog, where he shares excerpts from his many books and also insight on how to write a business plan. Guy states that the most important part of the plan is the Executive Summary. His explanation is that it is the first thing a reader sees. It should capture them to read further and gain interest in your ideas. I must say, this is a good read! Click here to read the entire blog. Also, Guy lists 10 sections that are key:

1.     Contact Information

2.      Executive Summary

3.      Description of the problem your solving

4.     Description of how you solve it

5.      Underlying magic

6.     Marketing and Sales Strategy

7.Competitive Analysis

8.     Financial Projections

9.     Team

10. Status/Timeline

Simone Brummelhuis

With a background in international law and publishing, Simome Brummelhuis is the CEO of the first women’s internet business magazine. Entitled The Next Women Business Magazine, issues are in the UK and Netherlands. Being a speaker through Women Inc., Simone was nominated for the Media Woman of the Year 2010. She also helps judge business competitions and awards.

She has a blog post entitled, “Working as a Remote Entrepreneur.” She speaks on how the economy has made it hard to start a business in a new working office. She suggests that new businesses start in a home office. This saves office space rent, commuting costs, and other fees. She also mentions how important it is to separate your home space from your workspace. This will enable you to keep focused while working. Who wants to have a conference call and hear the laundry machine at the same time? (LOL) But by creating an office space, others in your home will know that business is being done.

I really enjoyed both entrepreneur’s stories and hope you find articles to help your business plans!

Who Wants Seconds?

Leave a Comment Below

Subscribe!!

Obama, President of Digital Marketing

One name that stands prevalent for setting an example for digital marketing within the political world is President Barack Obama. Instead of being named POTUS (President of the United States), his title should be changed to POTDM (President of the Digital Marketers)! In 2008, he made history becoming the first African American President. But before his reign, Obama took a different path to victory.

If you are like me, then between the times of 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, I change the channel to avoid seeing the depressing news of murders, approaching storms, and most of all the boring political developments. I’ve never been one to be interested in taxes, vetoes, elections, and decisions made by Congress. But that all changed in 2007! Obama actually changed my stance on our democracy. “How?” you ask… Through TECHNOLOGY! In addition to the normal political campaigns that include nationwide tour speeches and televised broadcasts, Obama targeted the youth through:

 

• Twitter
• Email
• Facebook
• Text Messaging
• Smart Phone Applications
• Personalized Involvement

Obama’s Twitter was updated regularly and contained tweets that sparked the interests of my demographic. His tweets included information about government spending towards higher education and increasing jobs. Also, there were retweets from followers that offered additional details. Obama reached a younger audience by targeting their social past times. Facebook groups were made that supported his campaign and also those who opposed. Either viewpoint, Obama’s online presence was established.

The President became accessible to the one device that everyone deems as a necessity. A mobile application was developed that kept a video library of his recent and past speeches. At the click of a button you could find out where the next speech would be held and the closest city for any upcoming rallies. Personalized text messages prompted subscribers to donate and volunteer; helping stimulate the “Change” Obama projected to all of America. The text messages and emails continued all through his campaign and throughout his presidential reign.

Now that the 2012 reelections are approaching, Obama’s team is using the different platforms to gear up for his new campaign. Emails and text messages have been sent to Obama’s subscribers to distribute redesigned car bumper stickers. Below is part one of a speech (which I was informed about through a text message) the President made about the economic progress, potential growth of jobs, and tax breaks for small businesses. Regardless of your political stance, there is something to be learned from the reigning President of Digital Marketing, President Barack Obama.

Click here to check out Obama’s website and register to donate for the chance to have a meal with him and three other supporters.

Who Wants Seconds?

Leave a Comment Below

Subscribe!!