General Business and Finance Blog

Most people love to own a business of their own and attribute various reasons for this desire. In spite of this burning desire to own and operate a business they are very hesitant to put their best foot forward and venture out. What holds them back from Starting a New Business is certain Fear Factors indicated below.

1. No Self-Confidence:

They fear treading into unknown areas they have never been before. They don’t have the confidence of grappling with new problems and new issues that are bound to arise in their business. They are negative thinkers. They are more worried about failure rather than think positively about success.

2. No Money for Investment:

Since money plays a major role in starting a new business, it is important that you find ways and means of obtaining the money. The fear that hovers over their minds all the time is that they could loose their money in the event of their business ending up in failure. Hence they are unwilling to convince others to invest in their new business venture because within their hearts they are themselves pessimistic about the success of their own venture. This same fear restrains them from obtaining loans from lending institutions as well.

3. No Knowledge and Skills:

Most people who shy away from starting a new business or enterprise often give the excuse that they don’t possess the knowledge, skills or the expertise to set up a business. One need not possess all the skills and the expertise necessary to run a business. In fact many successful businessmen do not possess them either. You can get over this by employing people with the necessary skills to work for you or seek the advice of a business consultant. You too could upgrade your knowledge as you go along.

4. No Ideas:

Though money is not a problem to some but lack of ideas is indeed a major problem since they are unable to choose the right type of business. Identifying and choosing a Niche Business or a business that serves the need of the community should be the prime concern. If you want to be successful it is important that you do some research and set up a niche business, rather than a business that you love to do.

5. Bad Time Management:

Have we not heard people saying, “I simply do not have the time to do my present job and my other activities, how will I ever find the time to run a business?” Running a business does not consume more time than your job. It is not a question of insufficient time but it is your time management that is at fault and needs looking into. How well you manage your time is very crucial for the success of your business.

6. Bad Temperament:

Ups and downs are inevitable in business. The fear of encountering failure and the inability to face the consequences of this frightens them. A balanced temperament that can face successes and failures equally and withstand all kinds of pressures associated with it is essential.

7. Fear of Stress:

Whether you are on an 8 to 5 Job or running your own business you can undergo stress. Stress is not confined to business alone. Unfortunately some people fear that by running a business they could be unnecessarily stressed thereby creating health and family problems. Stress can be avoided with proper time management and avoiding the tendency to procrastinate.

Conclusion:

Paying undue attention to the above factors automatically creates a sense of fear and prevents you from giving serious thought to starting a new business. Thinking positively and associating with positive thinkers and go-getters will give you the courage motivation and confidence to take the first steps in starting a new business.

Wonder why the global market for business is on the rise, despite the world being hit hard by recession? In fact, what the business coaches have predicted is that they are looking forward to 2009 for being the year for profits. Enroll for the Business Coaching Course at the Institute for Business Growth. This is a training course that has been propagated by Andrew Neitlich. He has been one of the people to foresee that business owners would keep on investing in the executive level coaching through the time of a recession? As far as the Business Coaching Course is concerned, entrepreneurs know it well that it is best to approach concrete and sensible advice is worth time and money in the event of a crisis.

What In Case of a Slouch?

The fact remains, in case there is an economic slowdown, you have as much a chance to grab a reconnection with your business in terms of the following:

Enjoy rapport with clients Create original and innovative product offerings Position businesses for success in the hub of an expected economic resurgence

This is the year of back surging, as new and small businesses are increasingly going to turn towards the bigwigs for support and recovery. This is something that’s going to make them face the tough times, should they singe ahead in the long run.

Accounting for the Popularity of the Business Coaches

The Institute for Business Growth or IBG as it is known proffers a varied range of services for their customers and clients who span all over the globe. This is why they are so popular:

Traditional Business Coaching: The Business Coaching Course at the Institute for Business Growth provides one-to-one or group discussions which center on demonstrating to business leaders as to how to help their businesses grow. In addition to that, it also helps improve the performance of the key players and make sure they are all the more effectual, irrespective of the fact as to where the economy stands presently.

Specialized Consulting Solutions: The center has been constructed with an aim to focus on the constraints of and issues relating to revenue and profit.

Group Training Programs: This is a course taken up at Institute for Business Growth in order to prove to business leaders on how to perk up their bottom line performance at the same time concentrating on particular high end solutions for the common problems that clients are faced with so as to help the owners of the businesses obtain a reconnection to fill them with a passion for carrying on their business.

Moderated Leadership Circles: This Business Coaching Course helps bring together business leaders and experts to help them share their successes as well as challenges in a non competitive and private ambience.

Proprietary information products: Are you looking for a Business Coaching Course that concentrates on itinerary based solutions for common client problems? If yes, this is something you should definitely look into.

Specialized Consulting Solutions: This one helps generate control with the help of putting to task a whole team of certified trainers to make them dictate a certain market or business niche.

Bad credit is one of the main reasons for bank loan denial. A credit score lower than 580 will most likely ruin your chances for a business loan. Multiple credit checks also lessens your chances for approval. And of course, a recent file for bankruptcy will ensure denial on your request.

Fortunately, there is no reason for despair if you belong to this group of people. There are now available alternatives for getting a small business loan, regardless of your bad credit. It is important, however, that you understand your circumstances before jumping into these alternative means for a business loan.

You can opt for an unsecured personal loan in such cases. But before you do, consider these factors first. One, how much do you need as a business loan? Factor in the numbers and come to a close estimate of how much you really need. Two, how much can pay each month. You have to note that personal business loans often have higher interest rates per month and if you’re not careful, you might become more in debt than you actually were, before the business loan. And three, will you be making minimum payments? Avoid making minimum payments because it actually costs more in the long run.

A business cash advance is also one way of securing the money you need. A small business loan through cash advance is relatively an easy process to go through as compared to borrowing money from a bank. Most small business, even if they do have good credit, have often little asset and property. This is what makes business cash advances a good alternative for small entrepreneurs in need of immediate money. The only important thing your business should have is access to credit card services (i.e. you accept credit cards for transactions). You just need to have your business’ credit scores established. The best way to do this is to separate your personal credit from your business credit. It is recommended that you control most, if not all, of your business credit needs from only one of two credit card service providers so you have better chances at getting approved quickly. Lastly, your business will need to have gained $2,500 to $4,000 as minimum credit card sales per month.

Most cash advance providers base the amount of business loans by average monthly credit card sales, and of course, your actual need for capital. A business cash advance as a business loan is recommendable because the processing time for approval of your business loan can be as short as 3 days. Since newly opened small businesses encounter a lot of time constraints with suppliers and clients, easy and immediate access to additional funding is always a plus. Furthermore, cash advance as a small business loan now comes easy with the help of the internet. You can apply for a business cash advance online and have it approved the next day. The business loan will be directly deposited into your account once it is approved.

Use your small business loan to purchase new equipment, marketing, pay debt or taxes, or pay the payroll. Banks and big lending companies are now not the only way of getting a small business loan for your immediate business needs. Fast, online cash advance is now the new means of making your business grow and compete in whatever market you are thriving on.

(c) 2008 Christine Kloser

When was the last time you heard someone talking about the proverbial “next level” in their business? Probably in the last 24 hours! Well, I don’t know about you… but I’m a little tired of hearing this phrase over and over again.

When I was in Las Vegas recently with my mastermind colleagues, we originally thought we were there to take our businesses to the “next level.” After all, isn’t that what mastermind groups are all about? Progress in your business! But, I soon began to notice something each time a colleague stood in front of the room to share… the realization of which leads me to third gift I received in Las Vegas.

Gift #3: The only “next level” is within YOU.

Colleague after colleague, each time someone stood in front of the room and started talking about where they were in their business, it became crystal clear that the only journey we were there to take was the journey within.

Many entrepreneurs (myself included) have made the mistake of thinking that business growth is something that you experience on the outside in terms of increased clients, more money, more web traffic, more referrals, more invitations to speak, more of whatever you desire in your business. And, yes, those things are all outward expressions of growth… but the only thing that SUSTAINS the external growth of a FULFILLING business is the internal growth of your soul.

Sustained, fulfilling growth does NOT come from what you DO in the external world; rather, it comes from the work you do on the inside. Sustained growth and the progress of your business’ evolution is less about the business than it is about YOU. As a conscious business owner, the only thing stopping you from all the success you desire is you, not your external circumstance.

Please forgive me if I’m coming on strong here, but I speak from my own experience. If you’ve been following me for any length of time, or have read my new book, you know that I have been through some very challenging times in my business… on the edge of bankruptcy and struggling to pay my rent. It wasn’t until I stopped TRYING to make my business work, (and started to INQUIRE WITHIN about where I needed to grow so that my business COULD grow)… that my business drastically changed for the better. So, now when I catch myself focused on the external aspects of my business, it’s a reminder for me that the growth isn’t going to occur “out there”, the growth is going to occur inside of me. Then, and only then, do I experience the results I desire on the outside.

So, the next time you find yourself wanting to get your business to the “next level”… it’s a sign that the time has come for you to go to the next level within yourself. Where do YOU need to go? What’s working? What’s not working? Why are you unfulfilled with the current state of your business? What would “light you up?” What old thoughts no longer serve you? It is this self-inquiry that leads you down the path to REAL, sustainable and fulfilling success.

ght (c) 2009 Marco Carbajo

There has been a growing demand in shelf corporations from many of the investors,small business owners and entrepreneurs that I have the opportunity to speak with on an ongoing basis who are looking for coaching on how to start business credit using a shelf corporation.

By sharing some insight with you on shelf corporations and what are the key business credit advantages will better prepare you in making a more educated decision if this is an option you’re thinking about.

Now, let’s first cover the basics.

What is a shelf corporation?

A “Shelf Corporation, also known as an “Aged Corporation” (or “Aged Company” when referring to an LLC, for example) is a corporation that is already formed, but not in use, and ready for “purchase” by a new owner. There are many reasons that people purchase shelf corporations, and there are certain things to look out for when considering one of these “ready-made” corporations.

Now one of the questions I’m sure you’re thinking is “Why should I buy a Shelf Corporation?”

Shelf corporations allow you to engage into business, credit, or real estate agreements as an established company without having to go through the long waiting period of establishing a brand new corporation.

Most potential creditors or business resources are less likely to extend credit or lend to new or up-start corporations. By approaching them as an established corporation or company, the more likely your business has the opportunity to have access to credit lines, banking relationships, leases, and so on.

For example, during the initial stages of building business credit there are some vendors that will only extend credit to companies that are at least two years in business. In some cases they also require a personal guarantee if the business is less than a year old. By purchasing a shelf corporation that’s three or even ten years old can drastically increase the number of credit opportunities available to you.

Now don’t worry if your existing corporation is less than two years old because you’ll still be able to obtain business credit, but the amount of banks that you can apply at will be limited. If you’re planning on starting a corporation or setting up another corporation then this may be an option to entertain.

Shelf corporations can also offer a large increase in borrowing power as well as enhanced credibility for your business when talking to customers and lenders.

Remember the age of the owners does not necessarily correspond with the age of the company.

When the H.J. Heinz Company advertises that it was established in 1869, it doesn’t mean that all of the shareholders are well over 100 years old. It simply means that the company was filed in that year. You can take advantage of similar credibility benefits when advertising to customers.

The age of your company can give greater credibility to customers and lenders than a business that was recently established. So, purchasing companies with established credit and existing credit lines can give the business a big financial boost.

Here are the Top 5 Advantages of a Shelf Corporation

1. Saving time and expense of forming a brand new corporation

2. Immediate access to contract and government contract bidding. Most states require that your company be in business for a specified minimum length of time.

3. Instant credibility and an appearance of corporate history.

4. More attractive to potential investors and investment capital.

5. Faster and easier access to banking relationships and lines of credit.

As far as purchasing a shelf corporation for the purpose of obtaining a bank loan or line of credit, given the current economic conditions, banks are requiring seeing much more than simply the age of your company. There are bank ratings, credit history, NSF history, and other factors to consider especially if you request more than a $50k line of credit. So if your interest is in applying for bank financing keep in mind shelf corporations have no business history, tax returns, financials and existing revenue.

Another word of caution that you need to consider is there are many businesses that sell shelf corporations that have done business in the past, DO NOT buy these! If a shelf corporation has done business in the past and you purchase it you also assume all past liabilities of that company. So if the company has had any lawsuits brought against the corporation from the past you are now liable because you now own the corporation.

It’s critically important that the shelf corporation you are considering not have any inherent or lingering liabilities. For the most part, this can be assured by looking into the history of the corporation and ensuring that the extent of its business activities was limited or nonexistent except for the application of an Employer Identification Number and maybe the formation of a bank account.

Shelf corporations can be a great option to start business credit if the proper due diligence is taken and there are many aged shelf Nevada corporations, Delaware corporations, Wyoming corporations, offshore corporations and Canadian Corporations that are available but be sure you do your homework.

In putting up any kind of business, the end goals are primarily profitability and progress. Magnifying your money is the target endpoint. To be able to do such, you ought to focus on a very important aspect of your business- Business Finance Management. Below are some tips that you can follow not just to ensure the sustainability of your company, but to probably maximize its potentials.

1. Raise Money- Lots and lots of it. Businesses need more than sufficient funding. They need funds for the expected expenses, more funds for unexpected problems, and reserved funds for possible beneficial ventures. As such, when you are attempting to look for funds and possible investors, maximize the opportunity. Prepare big time but feasible business propositions. When opportunities for investment and profit knock on your doors, take chances and welcome the chance. However, you ought to grab the risks only after you have carefully examined the possible consequences of your business venture.

2. Acquisition is not always the answer. During business ventures, there is always plenty of room for additional expenses. Your first budget allocation for a certain expense may not be enough. You may need additional equipment and materials that require you to make unexpected expenditures. In such cases, note that buying what you need is not the only option. Look for alternatives such as renting or leasing the equipment you need. However, do take note of the rental or leasing fee versus the acquisition expenses, in accordance to your time frame for equipment usage.

3. Inform the concerned. In business ventures, you ought to keep pertinent parties aware of whatever is happening in your business. Pertinent parties refer to those who will be affected by the profitability or fund inadequacy in your business. These parties include your bank, your investors, your suppliers, your customers, and even your inland revenue representative. Realize that keeping them informed maintains good business relationships. It may also heighten their concern for your business needs such as additional funds and/or more profitable business deals.

4. Welcome Renegotiations. There are some cases when your investors, suppliers, and customers ask you for renegotiations on your transactions. Be open for such possibilities and options. Avoid limiting yourself to uniform business deals. Recognize that suggestions made by the people you are working with are worth your attention. This will not only help you maintain good business relations with them. Instead, it can open your doors to business opportunities which may prove to be beneficial in the long run.

5. Stick to strict payment and debt procedures. Renegotiation starts and ends with business deals. They should not extend to your payment procedures and debt accountability. When allowing your customers to go on credit, do a thorough financial check first. Set clear procedures for payment and be sure to follow them, without exceptions. You should also set a specific deadline for each debt. Realize that a service or product on credit is a potential loss for your business finances.

6. List everything. This may be a tedious task but such may prove to be very beneficial for you in the end. Realize that no matter how big or small your business deals are, all of these mirror how you manage your finances and all of these affect the overall outcome of your business venture. As such, you ought to practice proper bookkeeping and accounting.

Small business finance acts as a stepping stone for the small businesses, to explore innovative and holistic approach of business to increase their profits. With small business finance borrower can minimize the difficulty of funds that the borrower comes across during the business.

Small business finance depends upon nature of the business i.e. new or seasoned business. Amount fetched through the small business finance can be used for various purposes like buying a land, furniture, raw material, advertisement, machinery, outgoing expenditures etc.

Depending upon the borrower’s requirement he can either opt for the secured or unsecured loans. If the borrower wants to enjoy the attractive features and larger loaned amount then he should opt for the secured small business finance, but for that he has to place some valuable collateral against the loaned amount.

Borrowers who are looking for small amount can opt for unsecured small business finance. Unsecured small business finance is often availed by those borrowers who are unable to place collateral against the loan amount. Tenants or non-homeowners can avail the unsecured business finance at the competitive rate of interest.

Small business finance can be accessed from various lenders like prominent banks, institutions, lenders. With these, nowadays small business finance is also available through the online market.

Online has proved to be a simple and the fast method of acquiring the small business finance. While opting for the small business finance borrower must not forget to compare the quotes of different lenders in respect to repayment period, lower interest rate, and the loaned amount.

Borrower with bad or poor credit history like CCJ’s, bankruptcy, defaults, arrears IVA, etc can freely opt for the small business finance.

The most important task to obtain small business finance is preparing a business plan. In small business finance, business plan provides the borrower to know what amount to be raised for his business.

Although banks and other business lenders have made a pointed effort to portray themselves as lending normally, very few business owners are likely to suggest that there is anything normal about obtaining financing from current commercial finance programs. It has become a routine occurrence for small business owners to be told by their current commercial lender that it will be necessary to seek another source for commercial loans and working capital.

I published several earlier articles which addressed some of the problems that commercial borrowers are experiencing when they attempt to obtain working capital financing and commercial loans. It has become clear that current commercial lending conditions have become even more difficult for most business owners. For example, one of these commercial finance reports described the unfortunate possibility of firing your banker as one of several guerrilla financing techniques that might be required for a small business to survive in the face of extreme business banking conditions.

It would not be realistic to suggest that there are one or two obvious business lending sources that will solve the working capital needs for all businesses in need of help. Nevertheless I would not advocate the guerrilla financing tactic of firing your bank and your banker if there were not suitable alternative sources for small business financing.

Identifying the most likely alternatives can be accomplished in several ways but one of the most effective approaches will include detailed discussions with commercial loans experts that are experienced in nationwide business financing similar to what the business owner currently needs. Realistically the search for new commercial lending sources must start with an admission from a small business owner that they do in fact need to find a new source for business loans.

The best commercial finance solutions will depend on the business location, type of financing, kind of business, operating history and size of loan desired. A key point for business owners to remember is that there really are a number of viable and effective commercial lenders that are currently active in making commercial loans to businesses that are in desperate need of commercial financing. Some of the most realistic sources for small business loans are operating regionally rather than nationally.

In addition to the advice contained in this article, small business owners should review commercial finance resources such as The Working Capital Management Guide, a free online publication which focuses on short term capital financing strategies. Commercial borrowers should also have a candid discussion with a commercial loan expert who is capable of providing appropriate help for their unique business financing needs.