Comments for The Ramblings of a SCORE.org Counselor

Comment on So you want to start a hair salon business? Start researching so you can write a killer business plan! by Jeff Lippincott

Jeff Lippincott — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:54:18 +0000

I doubt you will find a federal grant to apply for. And even if you did I doubt it would be granted for a startup. Government money is tight today. And it cannot afford to throw money at pipedreams – what most startups are.

If you want to start a small business, then you will need to do some investigation and research in order to write a sound business plan. Get three books at your public library on how to write a business plan and you should be able to write a good plan. Contact your local SCORE chapter to schedule a face-to-face meeting with two SCORE volunteers to discuss the first draft of your business plan. Find your local chapter by using your home zip code and the link at SCORE.org’s homepage. The meetings are free.

You need a business plan to know if you have a sound and profitable business to start and operate. And you need to the plan in order to know how much startup capital will be required to get the business up and running before it started making a profit. If you need startup capital, then you will need the plan when seeking funds from a bank or investors.

Comment on So you want to start a hair salon business? Start researching so you can write a killer business plan! by James Dukich

James Dukich — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:10:25 +0000

Dear Mr. Lippincott,
My name is James Dukich, and I am trying to research how to write up a proposal for federal grant to start a small business. I know this business venture would bring employment opportunities for the unemployed, and create a safe environment for families to spend quality time together. The town I live in, is small, and there are a lot of kids that have nothing to do. The reason the kids in this town are getting out of hand is sheer boredom. The reason their bored is because this town has been know to have more bars and a bunch of drunks, instead of popular hangouts for preteens and teens to do things constructive instead of destructive. I realize that this idea to start a small business is going to take a while to get started, and there will probably be alot of set backs, yet I truly feel in my heart that if I don’t go with my dream for a better life for my family, then I will have failed before I even tried. I am going to find the score chapter in my area and schedule to meet with them and discuss this in further detail. I am going to continue to research on how to achieve my goal of getting grants and loans to start a business. If there is anything advise or information that you can provide me with, I would really appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for your website.

sincerely,
James Dukich

Comment on I’m starting a new business and I need some help. by Amanda Vlahakis

Amanda Vlahakis — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:22:20 +0000

I have a guide to logo design and trademarking here that you may find a useful read;

http://www.trulyace.com/blog/trademarking-and-logo-design/

Also with regards to insurance that may depend on what type of company you are, a retail operation would need different insurance to say a freelancer for instance.

I you are a professional or freelancer/consultant type of trade I would recommend professional indemnity insurance, if you are having clients coming to your premises I would also recommend public liability insurance.

What sort of company are you launching?

Comment on I want to buy a business, but I’m not sure how to put a value on it. by isareyes05

isareyes05 — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:31:26 +0000

Interesting post. I’m planning on running a business soon, so this will be very helpful. I’ll have to keep it in mind, especially during these tough times. I can use all the help I can find! Lately I’ve been thinking about buying a business instead of starting one from scratch. I’m a little on the fence though, and I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons. Do you have any advice for this possible decision? Thanks.

Comment on My personal credit is tapped out. How can I get some for my startup business? by clairenortel

clairenortel — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:48:05 +0000

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it. I'm going to get in contact with a broker within the next couple of days. I did do a bit more research and found Biztrader.com. There were a lot o businesses for sale, which was nice. I found a couple I want to inquire on soon. Thanks again!

Comment on My personal credit is tapped out. How can I get some for my startup business? by Jeff Lippincott

Jeff Lippincott — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:22:39 +0000

I suppose a short list of 7 options would be:

1. Get to know business brokers and see what businesses they can put in front of you to buy.
2. Put an ad on Craigs List (www.craigslist.org) seeking a business to buy.
3. Search Craigs List for business for sale.
4. Look for businesses where the owner is nearing retirement age and offer to work for her and then buy her out.
5. Contact a bankruptcy trustee and inquire about businesses he might be trying to sell.
6. Contact estate attorneys and inquire if any of their clients have a family owned business that is up for sale.
7. Join organizations where business owners of companies you want to buy would congregate; then ask around if anyone wants to sell their company.

Comment on My personal credit is tapped out. How can I get some for my startup business? by clairenortel

clairenortel — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:28:26 +0000

Interesting post. I want to run a business, so this is very useful information. I’ve been thinking about buying a business instead of starting one from scratch, but I haven’t had much luck while searching for one. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.

Comment on About Jeff Lippincott by Tori

Tori — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:27:40 +0000

Hi Jeff,

I was searching through the e-counselors at SCORE and happened upon your profile. And I’m glad that I did!
You have some great information on your site and blogs. I am subscribing to the RSS feed now.

Also, I love your booklists. I read BlogWild last year but was unaware of the other two books on blogging for business. I am currently using a private blog to write a business plan.

Comment on Wanta-be entrepreneur has got it right knowing that putting a business plan together will be the key to her success as a small business founder. by Lee Kendrick

Lee Kendrick — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 21:53:45 +0000

Interesting post & great content!

I maintain a blog at http://leekendrick.com/blog that that you might like to see too. I’m always updating it with new information about credit, investing, mortgages, foreclosures, real estate & related products.

Keep up the good work & have a great weekend!

PS – I also have a free newsletter at http://leekendrick.com/credit-expert/ that you might find interesting too.

PPS – I’d also recommend checking out 2 other resources: a PowerPoint presentation at http://yourcreditpros.com/movie & then I’d also look at http://yourcreditpros.com … if want to skip the normal 2-5 year credit building exercise.

Lee Kendrick

Comment on Wanta-be entrepreneur has got it right knowing that putting a business plan together will be the key to her success as a small business founder. by gaic

gaic — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:44:36 +0000

Hello Jeff,

Interesting article. I liked what you say. BP are the key of success. But is it really worth the money?

I try to build an Entrepreneurs Investors community. Our idea is to bring to entrepreneurs advice that will help t hem in the growth process. They can post their needs. Most entrepreneurs are too isolated and just don’t know what to do. They also do not have all the financial resources to ask for advice. We will be honored if you can participate to our community.

I leave you the decision to publish the address of the website (thestreetmarket.com).

Thanks and good work!