Archive for May, 2009

How to avail grants money to keep alive your business plans?

Posted by Kotan Australia at 30 May, 2009, 2:14 am
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The Canadian government is actively involved with the business communities in the country at all levels. Each year the government gives out huge amount of grants to small, medium, and large enterprises with a hope to strengthen local economies, so as to foster the economic development and thereby create employment opportunity for Canadian residents. All the businesses in the area are interested in availing the government of Canada grants and there is a section who eagerly wait for the grants money in an effort to finance their business ventures. Most wannabe businesspersons who want to set up their business search desperately for government of Canada grants to boost their venture while many among them need these grants money to expand or support an ailing business as well as bring their business plans alive.

When there is an opportunity to avail some grants money through the government of Canada grants then every business should make the most of it. Getting some additional funds for the business can spell good prospect. Of course this will require a lot of search and hard work and once you discover the ways to get them, you can proceed to start your business or go on with the planned expansion you have always wished for.

Majority of the people believe that getting government funding involves a three-step process:

1.    Searching for programs which are available and their covering costs;
2.    Determining the various criteria of eligibility; and
3.    Putting forward the final proposal.

Now there are countless programs which are available and these are ever changing programs, for which one can never be sure whether they are overlooking the one particular program which could actually make all the difference. One can go for research but that would be time consuming and complex. More so it may be confusing too as the information which caters to them are more often described in legal terms which are difficult at times to understand. The best solution would be to locate a good website which has updated information and can work as a good guide toward availing some grants money through the government of Canada grants programs.

Finding out the eligibility criteria and submitting the proposal are definitely essential if one is hopeful about receiving the grants money they need. But before forwarding the final proposal one must ensure and check the probability of getting the grants. This can be done through determining the assessment criteria. This is the rating of the proposal by the officer who is in charge of the application for the grants. It is this person who actually decides whether the proposal put forward by a business is worthy of getting the funds or not. It includes parameters like the analysis of net economic benefit, statements pertaining to competitive impacts, analysis which pertains to the sustainability of the business proposal, and many other related parameters that play a key role in the final decision regarding the proposal.

Proposals toward availing some grants money through government sources like the government of Canada grants is assessed very strictly. And, if the proposal gets passed through the initial phases of scrutiny, there is no restricting factor that can prevent the applicant from availing the funds.

The government of Canada grants is a good source of capital to sustain a small business. Wannabe businesspersons can always avail some grants money through these sources.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/how-to-avail-grants-money-to-keep-alive-your-business-plans-940595.html

Category : Small Business

Canada grants are available to assist students and new businesses

Posted by Kotan Australia at 29 May, 2009, 3:13 pm
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Canadian government organizes many programs to assist local businesses and individuals in obtaining Canada grants. For individuals who want to pursue higher education or to start a new business, arranging the fund is probably the biggest issue. Though government foundations and agencies of Canada approve grants money to solve such problems, many Canadian citizens are not aware of this.

There are some general programs which are organized in order to develop businesses. These programs assist the people in establishing the business, developing the capital for buying machineries, getting the supplies, finding out the premises for setting up the factory or the office, acquiring technical knowledge, developing websites, arranging the other essential amenities like computers, vehicles, and also for office renovations and furnishing and office lease. The government of Canada issues grants money ranging from $1000 to $10 million for financing the new businesses in Canadian provinces.

Canada grants also help the new companies to hire their employees. The government agencies also assist the businesses to train and retrain the employees. The grants money given by the Canadian government helps in organizing all such training programs for the new businesses.  

For women who wants to start small business in Canada, government allows grants money of up to $100.000.00. The specific programs assist Canadian women to start up or expand businesses with the help of these Canada grants.

Government of Canada has special programs for the non-profitable organizations and charitable organizations too. These programs help the organizations in dealing with current social issues. The government in order to finance the charities grants money which is of great help for these non-profitable organizations to tackle issues timely.

For Research and Development Canada grants help in the development of different ideas within the knowledge-based industries. Similarly, the government gives approval for grants money for the Import and Export industries. Canada grants help these industries in transaction of business between two countries.

Programs for the community developments are also arranged by the Canadian government. Canada grants are given in order to improve the downtown areas, developing the organizations, building up the facilities, and redevelopment.

Young Canadians, who age between 18 to 30 years, receive grants for setting up small businesses. Canadian students are also offered grants of up to $3000 to start their summer businesses.

For agricultural development, Canadian government grants money to finance the training of the farmers and their spouses in order to develop their skills. Tourism is another area for which programs are organized by the government agencies for issuing Canada grants.

For planning the finance and technicalities of an industry, programs are arranged by the Canadian agencies. Development programs for businesses and products are also organized to make Canada grants available.

Other than this, opportunities for supplying goods and different services, which would be purchased by the government, are provided by the Federal and Provincial governments to people who want to develop their small businesses. For increasing the market share both nationally and internationally programs are also arranged for Canada grants.

Though most of the grants do not approve 100% non-repayable loans, in specific areas small businesses receive good amount of help from Canada grants.

By obtaining the grants money through Canada grants you can plan a grand expansion of your business.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/canada-grants-are-available-to-assist-students-and-new-businesses-940605.html

Category : Small Business

Discipline - A Crucial Element in Small Business

Posted by Kotan Australia at 29 May, 2009, 3:12 pm
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Discipline or the lack of it plays a major role for a business and the individuals within that business. Entrepreneurs and their personnel often fail to complete administration details, design and complete paperwork, respond promptly to prospects/customers or make cold calls. Yet these tasks are basic to running a successful and profitable home improvement business.

Without diligence and discipline these individuals will often abandon necessary ongoing efforts and experience failure. Many managers are frequently limited in enforcement capabilities. Attempts to force, intimidate or cajole staffs may work, but for only a brief period. The key is for the individual to understand the importance of these less glamorous tasks and exhibit a high level of energy in their completion.

Many owners of moderate sized companies wishing to grow fail to recognize that many of their salespeople would rather call on a familiar face than solicit new business and companies offering ’services’ would rather have someone call them, than make new sales calls. Within many organizations the people tend to be comfortable doing business with certain types of people or organizations, and avoid others, regardless of sales potential. And many of the salespeople hired would rather make a new sale than deal with a service issue.

Individuals who employ discipline recognize the value of completing less glamorous tasks. They do them because they realize it will help them reach their goals more rapidly.

My consulting experience has shown me that most major corporations are highly structured, controlled by policies and have business plans. Smaller companies and entrepreneurs seldom use any of these controls. In many cases the owners of small businesses don’t exert the discipline necessary to undertake such plans or the necessary follow-through. Even when these companies retain an outside consultant to prepare a plan, they frequently don’t follow it; the discipline to follow-through is often lacking.

In large corporations, preparing forecasts, budgets, financial controls, management plans, goals and quotas are the responsibilities of managers who are then assessed and evaluated periodically.

The disciplines which are built into larger companies are often lacking in small businesses. Entrepreneurs who do achieve financial success manage to shorten their work load, heighten their productivity and profitability, and run a more efficient business by exerting higher levels of discipline than their contemporaries.

Dave Yoho http://www.DaveYoho.com is president of one of the oldest, largest and most successful consulting groups in the United States as well as being a dynamic motivational speaker. He has produced numerous recorded series that will help you improve your business. Check out his website http://www.DaveYoho.com for more information on how his team can help your company meet or exceed its goals - - or call - - (703) 591-2490.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/discipline-a-crucial-element-in-small-business-942518.html

Category : Small Business

How to avail the grants money offered by the Canadian government?

Posted by Kotan Australia at 29 May, 2009, 4:43 am
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In the present economic situation, nothing can be better and more secured than a self employment. If you are in Canada and thinking of starting up your own business, the small business grants Canada government approves can be of great help. Canadian federal government has Self-Employment Program which is probably the best choice for any would-be business owner of a small industry or company in Canada. The federal government approves grants money to the young and ambitious Canadians to develop their own businesses.

While in Canada it is really hard to find out a government grant which can be good enough to fund a new business completely. The self employment program is a great relief through which the government of Canada offers good amount of grants money for the people who are looking for small business grants Canada.

There is not much grants money offered by Canadian government for starting a new business. But it is the federal government’s self employment program, which intends to help young people of Canada to develop job opportunities by starting up their own small business.

The self employment program offers you to choose from normal Employment Insurance Benefits till the benefit period gets over or financial support for the continuing expenses. This program also includes training programs for the new entrepreneur. Valuable advices to guide the young business owners are also provided. The federal government of Canada also provides grants money for temporary assistance so that the new business does not suffer any problem at the beginning. Often the self employment program comes in the form of a course package which enables you to learn the skills very much needed to establish your small business. The only thing that you need to have is the renewed Employment Insurance to be eligible for the self employment grants.

Governments of Canada understand the significance of self employment in the present world. Therefore, to improve the small business grants Canada, the government has decided to increase the grants money for the young and fresh small business owners. In 2009, Canadian government has already reserved more than 21 billion dollars for small business grants. The grants money will finance the development and expansion of any small business. And what was really hard to find in Canada, the non-repayable loans for small businesses, will also be a part of small business grants Canada. There will be low interest loans as well as no-interest loans offered for the small businesses.

Other than the government organizations, there are few private organizations also who provide free or grants money for small business in Canada. Though these organizations are mostly interested to give loans to the established businesses, but in some cases they also handover the grants money directly to individuals who are looking for self-employment by establishing small business setups.

To start a new business in Canada, the Canadian youth now have lots of options to get the grants money for establishing the business and developing it. The small business grants Canada as well as the Self employment Program are there to provide all the help that an startup entrepreneur may look for.

To make a job opportunity for yourself, start small business with the grants money that the small business grants Canada provides.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/how-to-avail-the-grants-money-offered-by-the-canadian-government-940662.html

Category : Small Business

What are the things you need for getting small business grants Canada?

Posted by Kotan Australia at 29 May, 2009, 4:43 am
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Running a business, small or big, is a tough job indeed. To find grant money for a small business in Canada is tougher. Young people in Canada who want to start up their career as the owners of some small business, often finds it very difficult to get grants which suits their requirements. But once you locate a small business grants Canada the whole process of planning and establishing a new business becomes very convenient.

Though it is really difficult to get a sufficient government grants money for a new small business in Canada, it is often seen that even after finding out a nice fund, people cannot avail the small business grants Canada because of the intricacies of the grant policies. Government of Canada has certain criteria which are very specific. The requirements set by the government are too precise and hard to fulfill. The location, sex, race, the updated information about sales revenue, and business experiences (in years) can determine the chances of a person’s getting the grants money. You can obtain a small business grants Canada only when you know that

•    You have enough time and resources for finding out a suitable grant program for small business,
•    You are capable of hiring an expert consultant if you cannot do the necessary procedure of applying for the grant,
•    How urgent is your need for the grants money,
•    The time and handwork you can put into the development of the small business,
•    If you get a grant for your small business, be prepared to go through a long legal procedure to get the grants money in hands.

To find out a suitable small business grants Canada, you can explore the sites which provide authentic information about such grants. Most of the time you will see that the Canadian government hardly has any provision for grants or 100% free money. But there are awards, subsidies, etc. to compensate for 100% grants. You may see the resources offered by Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) for information on free or grants money.

To get the small business grants Canada, you need to apply with accurate and complete information. Get familiar with the grant officer and understand the complete requirement. Depending on the nature of your business they will be able to suggest you the exact programs and grants.

To avail the grants, you must have a proper business plan. You also must show your knowledge about your industry and you must be able to convince the authorities how your small business will be beneficial for the government. To make the entire process simple you can hire somebody who will go through the legalities on behalf of you. Even after receiving the grants money, do keep in touch with the grant office. Make regular contacts with the office. Always take advices from the experts. An accountant or the consultants can be hired to provide all necessary guidelines.

Though it is really time consuming and hectic to find out the small business grants Canada, it is definitely fruitful. The government has allocated more than 20 billion dollars of grants money for funding the small industries. That is quite an amount for starting up, developing, and expanding small businesses.

To get the grants money provided by small business grants Canada you must fulfill certain criteria. Search the net to know about the requirements.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/what-are-the-things-you-need-for-getting-small-business-grants-canada-940685.html

Category : Small Business

Free grant money available from the Government of Canada grants

Posted by Kotan Australia at 28 May, 2009, 4:26 pm
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Free grant money are funds that are available with certain government departments, foundations, trusts, and entities for businesses. Usually, free grant money is available for non-profit organizations, but the governments set aside billions to also help those who desperately seek money to set up or expand businesses or to keep their businesses running. A business not only benefits the owners, but also the employees and their respective families. The governments understand that. That is where Government of Canada grants comes in. There are various lines of business for which free grant money is available. One can go for accommodation and food services, agriculture, arts and entertainment, career assistance services, construction, education, healthcare, etc. to name a few.

Many people want to be their own masters but lack the funds for setting up business. Potential and existing entrepreneurs can use free grant money to set up or expand their business through Government of Canada grants.

Many are unaware of the fact that there is something called Government of Canada grants that can help many to set up or expand businesses. Among them many don’t apply for free grant money because they feel that they are not eligible. They also fear the bureaucratic red tapes that may hamper the process. However, the fact remains that the Government of Canada grants are available for all, regardless of social and financial status. All it requires is to apply for free grant money and then go through the very fast processing of the grant. Once the free grant money is approved, some level of reporting is sufficient to carry on with the project.

The entire world is going through a tough economic recession. Many have been rendered jobless and homeless. Many businesses have either cut down production or shut down completely, resulting in a lot of unhappy people, worried about their tomorrow. Free grant money is an ideal way for them to start up afresh in life and be counted again. Government of Canada grants is available for a variety of purposes like general business, employee assistance, product development, business planning, research and development, tourism, non-profit etc.

Whether one wants to lease a business location, or train or hire employees, or needs fresh finance to start a new business, invest in research and development, or market a product or service, or wants to raise working capital, free grant money from the Government of Canada grants can really make a difference.

Most of the banks don’t want to approve loans for small businesses because they fear that the project will not succeed and they will be burdened with bad debts. However, the government can guarantee these loans and make sure that the applicant doesn’t go back dejected.

Wanting to do business entails a lot of risks. What is most interesting about free grant money is that the government also insures businesses against the various unforeseen events that may occur at one time or another. And if someone wants to relocate to another area for setting up or expanding the business, the government takes care of that too! So, what are you waiting for? Immediately apply for the Government of Canada grants and have your dream fulfilled!

Want to set up or expand your business? Let free grant money from the Government of Canada grants take care of that.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/free-grant-money-available-from-the-government-of-canada-grants-940706.html

Category : Small Business

Essential online business software for startups

Posted by Kotan Australia at 28 May, 2009, 4:26 pm
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You’ve decided to take the plunge.  Finally go off the deep end.    You swing open the door to your manager’s office, walk back to your desk and begin to sweat.  A cocktail of stress and jubilation spills down your body from head to toe.   Your feet start to move and then you are walking, out the door, down the elevator, into the city, and then out into the world.  You’ve decided to start your own business- escape the grind and finally pursue your dreams.     You’re free.  You’re screwed.

Then comes the details.  You need to strategize - figure out what needs to be done to get it rolling.   What kind of paperwork do you need to fill out?  How are you going to find your employees- designers, developers, sales, recruiters?  Where will your office be?  Where can you find advice from those who have already gone through this chaos?  What if you have a patent to submit?  How will you collaborate with your contractors?  How can you keep track of money, prepare for taxes?  What about business cards, business plans, PR initiatives and exit strategies?

These are just a fraction of the questions a small business owner needs to answer when forming a start up.   Fortunately, there are a host of new and cutting edge Web 2.0 software tools that have been created to help answer these questions.  Today’s entrepreneur can utilize a variety of enterprise software applications that will help them get on their feet without giving away an arm and leg of their nest-egg.  I’ve created a list of some of my favorites- feel free to contribute with any others that you know of.

Basecamp: For your project management and collaboration needs, basecamp is a web tool that allows a small business to interface with clients and collaborators.  It has an incredibly intuitive UI that allows an entrepreneur to keep their head on straight while managing several projects at once.

Dropbox: A nifty web application that rids you of need to carry around USB flash drives or larger external hard drives.    Dropbox allows you to synchronize various computers to common accessible folders.   Its as easy as drag and drop, and allows several collaborators to share files wherever they are, without the hassle.

http://www.getdropbox.com/

Google Docs: Google Docs provides a suite of online MS-office-esque applications that all are extremely accessible and easy to utilize.  Whether you want to create a spreadsheet that tracks potential clients, or an online word-doc business plan, Google Docs allows multiple collaborators to contribute simultaneously, instead of the tediously sending a document back and forth via email.

Odesk: Odesk is an online web tool that allows a small business employer to outsource work to freelancers around the world.  While an entrepreneur must be weary about those bidding to do work from overseas for a fraction of the cost, very often Odesk provides a great interface for a variety contract jobs.    The online application allows an employer to adeptly track their freelancers, from up-to-date progress updates to an actual live webcam feed of their hire.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the most popular and free social networking tool for business professionals.  You can essentially post your online resume and qualifications, as well as list your current business venture and why its great.  One useful feature on the social-networking side of things is the ability to get in touch with other local small business owners, who may have helpful advice for you.  It also provides a great forum to let your client’s tell the world about all the great work you’ve done for them through the recommendations engine.

Newton On Demand: Newton provides an online software service for your company’s recruiting and applicant tracking needs.   Easier to use than many of your favorite websites, Newton’s online recruiting software enables your entire hiring team to access, manage and share recruiting information across your entire company.  The great thing about this piece of software is that it is extremely intuitive to use, allowing hiring managers and recruiters to easily collaborate from wherever they are.

http://www.newtonondemand.com/

Zazzle: Whether you want to design your company’s business cards, coffee mugs, or kickball Tees, Zazzle provides a great online tool for enterprise branding.   Although things like these may seem ephemeral when trying to make deadlines, some branding can go along way for your small business identity and marketing.

Twitter: If getting some attention in your niche is what your small business needs- Twitter is a great tool to keep fans, clients and family alike updated with the latest news.  If utilized effectively, Twitter can be a modern day PR agency, minus the headache of management and associated costs.

QuickBooks:  This time-tested financial software package is still as relevant as ever.   I recommend getting set up with QuickBooks from day one to track every dollar going in and out of your business.  The intuitive interface and online access makes it a breeze to create invoices, track payments and manage your small business expenses.

Times are hard for the American currently. My goal is to start a conversation about how we can use eachother’s knowledge to better our lives and country. Now is the time for us to stand together, and the internet is the perfect vehicle for us to traverse this difficult path and emerge to a bright new era.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/essential-online-business-software-for-startups-940761.html

Category : Small Business

Government c? Small Business Investment Companies

Posted by Kotan Australia at 28 May, 2009, 1:26 am
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One of the most talked-about forms of financing, Equity financing (venture capital) was popular in the nineties. These companies raise money from investors in order to manage a portfolio of privately held companies. In short, they are intermediaries. They fund companies that are in early-stage development, expansion, or for special cases such as turnarounds or leverage buyouts.

You can seek equity from business partners who work with the SBA. Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) are privately owned venture capital firms that work with and are licensed by the SBA. These companies use SBA funds (obtained at favorable rates) and their own money to invest in promising small companies, grant long-term loans, and provide other debt capital. SBICs also assist management with experience, contacts, and business expertise.

Owner’s Investment. If you are forming a new business, be prepared to invest a certain portion of the start-up costs personally. Lenders rarely finance 100% of the business.

To qualify for SBIC financing, a company has to have a net worth of $18 million or less, and the average after-tax income cannot exceed $6 million for the last two years. Alternative size standards apply for companies to which the above criterion is too low. For more information, visit http://www.sba.gov/INV/forentre.html.

Note: The process for investment evaluation by an SBIC is similar to any other venture capital firm. Therefore, you will have to build a business plan, gather your financial statements, and—most importantly—research the SBIC that you plan to approach. For a list of SBICs in your area and their investment criteria visit http://www.sba.gov/INV/index.html

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Category : Small Business

Getting a Business Credit Card Without Credit History

Posted by Kotan Australia at 28 May, 2009, 1:26 am
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Is business credit history necessary in applying for a small business credit card?  The answer is yes.  Those who have a business credit history have better opportunity to get approved without difficulty.  On the other hand, entrepreneurs who have not yet established credit may have a more difficult time finding a business credit card with the best deals.

What You Can DO If You Have No Credit History

What action can you take if you don’t have a business credit history?  Here are some steps that you can do to improve your chances of getting approved for a business credit card:

First, you’ll need to raise your personal credit score. Business credit card issuers would be taking a look at your personal credit history in the absence of business credit.  This means, their decision to approve your application would greatly depend on your personal credit rating.

Obtain a copy of your personal credit report to check the status of your credit.  Do you think you have an impressive rating?  If you feel that your personal credit score isn’t enough to win approval from lenders, you can still work on raising your score.

Take note that because your personal credit history is used with your business credit card, you will be held personally accountable for all charges made in your business credit card account.  As the owner of the business, you will be subjected under the personal liability clause of your credit card company.

Register you company with the Dun & Bradstreet.  D & B is a major credit reporting agency that exclusively caters to businesses.   By signing up for a D&B account, you can start building a separate credit history for your business.  

A new business may need to wait up to two years to build business credit.  This is why you need to register with a business credit bureau at the soonest possible time.  The earlier you can establish your business credit, the sooner you can be set free from the personal liability associated with your business account.  Don’t forget to request from you business credit card issuer to make the necessary changes as soon as you’re already qualified to do so.

Apply a business credit card from your bank.  If you’ve been a long time client of a bank where you have your personal savings account, you can consider applying for a business credit card from the same bank.  Your bank may require you to submit a deposit in your account but as an existing customer, you could be provided with a small business credit card more easily.

It is also worth noting that the best business credit card deals in the market are usually reserved for entrepreneurs with excellent business credit.  But even without a business credit history, you should not settle for unfair charges.  DO research and take time comparing different small business credit cards and you should be able to find the perfect credit card for your business.

Pamela Williams is a Loan Consultant, Internet Marketer, Writer and owner of BusinessCreditCardSite.com, a finance company Las Vegas Nevada providing support for businesses all across the US particularly with obtaining business credit cards. Visit www.BusinessCreditCardSite.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/getting-a-business-credit-card-without-credit-history-939758.html

Category : Small Business

Is Your Business Helping You Reach Your Life Goals?

Posted by Kotan Australia at 27 May, 2009, 10:41 am
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People start businesses for a variety of reasons. Some just dream of getting rich. Others are sick of working for somebody else. Still others think they know a better way, so they embark a venture all their own. I even know a few people who simply started businesses because of some happy accident. They didn’t really intend to start a business. It just happened through a series of circumstances they never planned.

Over time, businesses change. What may have once been the very passion of their life become a 100 pound weight hanging around their neck. They now feel enslaved to a business that no longer serves their life goals. They’re trapped inside their own business, with no apparent way out.

If that sounds like you, this list of thoughtful questions might help you get unstuck.

1. What’s changed - in your business?

If your business is no longer scratching your itch, what changed? Think about the changes that have happened. When you first started, what caused the rush of adrenaline? Is that “cause” still around? Or maybe it’s you who changed. Maybe the things you once needed have now been fulfilled and you have a new itch that requires a new type of scratch.

2. What’s changed - in your life goals?

We all experience changes in our life. Our goals when we start our career are very different than our goals after 30 years of work experience. Make a list of the things you now hope to accomplish. List your current goals.

3. What activities in your business hinder those goals?

Yes, it’s a negative approach, but if you’re struggling with your present business you may as well face down reality. You could approach it like this, “What activities in your business advance those goals?” We’re approaching this from a “what’s wrong” approach though - not a “what’s right” approach. We’re trying to fix things.

4. What can you do about those activities or things that hinder your personal goals?

Brace yourself. The answer may come back, “Nothing!” If that’s the case, you likely understand your options. Get out. How? Well, that’s a different list and a whole “nother” story.

But, maybe there are things you can do to get the business back on track and in harmony with your personal goals. Not long ago I was working with a dealer who wanted to walk away from his business. However, his goal was a target price that simply wasn’t founded in reality. His need, or goal, had little to do with the actual value of the business. Result? No sale. Just one miserable business owner.

A better approach is to figure out how you can realign your goals with your business. You should absolutely make changes in your business to get things back in alignment with your personal goals. However, only do that if it will enhance the business. Don’t do anything to put your company at risk because you’re having a mid-life crisis.

I’ve known some 30-something business owners who inherited the business from a retiring father and their personal goal was to buy a $100,000 sports car. The business wasn’t helping them reach that goal fast enough, and they got stupid. Putting your business at risk for such selfish goals aren’t exactly what we’re talking about. We’re talking about more “this isn’t what I want for my life” type goals.

Change what you can, if it will also make the business better. Face the realities of the things you can’t change. Decide if you can live with them. If you can’t, start building your exit plan.

5. Be careful what you wish for - you just might get it.

“I want to move to the coast and golf,” said the owner. He sold the business and did just that. He and his wife of 40 years sold just about everything they had. They left behind the kids and grand-kids. They moved to their dream house in their dream city. For a year, they did what they wanted. After a year, bored completely out of their mind, missing friends and family - they moved back. The coast and the golfing were only things they thought they wanted.

Make sure that your life goals are truly what you want. There are countless men and women who thought they wanted something, only to have obtained it and found tremendous disappointment. Carefully examine your life goals.

Business isn’t just about money. It’s not just about the things money can buy. It’s fundamentally about something more powerful, desire. It might be the desire to determine who we interact with. Maybe it’s the desire to live where we want. Maybe it’s the desire to determine our own schedule. It can be a thousand different things. And it’s not possible to have it all. Don’t believe that lie. Every desire comes with a price tag. Your job is to make sure you’re willing to pay the price for whatever you desire.

Businesses exist only because somebody wants them to. Make sure you still want yours to exist. Before you dismiss those thoughts, think about two other groups of people who have a vested interest in your decision: your employees and your customers! Get what you need, but don’t be too selfish.

Randy Cantrell is the president of Bula Network, LLC. Read his blog at http://bulanetwork.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/is-your-business-helping-you-reach-your-life-goals-936182.html

Category : Small Business

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