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Questions to Ask Yourself When Starting a New Home Business


I love the excitement of starting up a new home based business. I enjoy trying out new ideas and approaches with the new venture.

Memo: Sustaining Growth in Your Business


What gets measured gets done.How do you keep your business growing? How do you ensure the health of your business and your personal income against threats from competition, market cycles, commission payout changes, regulation of all kinds, and the human threat of complacency?The answer isn't to run faster on the same treadmill.

Under Construction During the Storm - A Hurricane Guide for Businesses that are Under Construction


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.

How to Snuff Out the Competition Without Leaving a Mark


Does the competition drive you crazy?Are they relentless about taking your clients away?Are customer loyalties becoming a thing of the past?In our ever changing world, it seems securing business these days comes down to, who will provide the most service at the lowest possible price.To add insult to injury your previous customers have taken on a new militant attitude about obtaining your services.

Why You Need a Business Planning System NOT a Business Plan


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.

Abstract Thought; Business Strategies and Biological Systems


To stop a computer virus you must understand how it works, grows and what it's innate purpose is? What is its program, evolution and future vectors. The fastest way to expand a business or exploit a competitor on a sports team is to use the organizational patterns of nature like swarms, ants, and viruses.

Mobile Franchise Business Expansion Strategy


If you own a mobile franchise business and wish to expand you will need to have a strategy that involves your franchisor. Additionally if you are a franchisor it is important to have some sort of policy in place in advance so that there are no hurt feelings as franchisees expand.

Creating a Vision That Achieves Results


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.A vision statement should paint a picture of what you want your business or division to look like in the future.

6 Steps To Laying Out Your Competitive Strategy


Why do so many companies languish and watch as their business turns into a zero profit zone, while others seem to thrive?When you look at your business, whether it's a new venture or a company with a long history, can you answer the following questions?What does my company do better than anyone else?What unique value do I provide to my customers?How will I increase that value next year?Companies that fail to answer these questions, and don't believe they are of paramount importance, relegate themselves to marginal profitability at best and failure at worst. But companies that can answer these questions are able to raise the value bar for their customers and reap the benefits of success.

Business Process Methodologies


I've either been involved with or held a process-related role since 1994. It started in the government with TQM (Total Quality Management).

Scheduling of Additional Auto Detailing or Mobile Car Wash Units


If you own a mobile car wash business or auto detailing business then you realize that when you are parked working you are making money and when you are stuck in traffic you are losing money. Sure you can say when you are in traffic people see you and write down the phone number, but you are not making money, that is potential future income, which is work you still must do in the future.

Bounced Checks in Your Business Location Outlets


The new check cashing instant clearing will take some time to get use to. If checks clear immediately and deposits take a few days then franchise outlets may find more bounced checks in their establishment.

Turning On The Lights


Fun From The StartFor those with the will to start a new business the rewards, both financial and emotional, can be excellent, but the risks can also be significant to both sanity and mortgage. Of course, the chance of success increases if a company has a good, well thought through strategy before they strike out.

Strategic Planning Consulting


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.

Troubled Waters Require Capable Leaders at the Helm


Canada's lean leaders need to look beyond the horizon and chart the futureIn stormy times, true leadership skills emerge, says Larry Coté, the President of Lean Advisors Inc. (www.

Have You Identified the Enemy?


One of the most powerful driving forces in human nature is competition. The desire to overcome something or some company, the need to win, the cause, can in many cases be more important than the day-to-day work of the company.

Action Planning


ACTION PLANNING: Action Planning is a process to develop strategies for changes in the organization based on an analysis of the problems which precipitate the need for change. It is a collaborative method of planning which involves the people working in the organization and permits the people who will be influenced by the decisions and change to have influence on the product or outcome.

Microsoft Great Plains Implementation: Placement/Recruiting Agency example - overview for consultant


Microsoft Great Plains does wonderful ERP job for horizontal markets and clientele. However in our opinion placement software market is underserved and needs custom modules to be developed.

The Importance of Value Mix


( * - the word 'product' can be substituted to mean 'service' too; and vice versa )Every consumer looks at maximizing value accrual while engaging in act of purchase of products* or services*. Marketing as a domain plays a very important role in influencing a purchase.

Six Key Areas For Evaluating A Strategic Alliance


Strategic alliances are increasing at a rapid rate. It is good for business, good for the consumer.

Innovate Today for Great Leaps Forward Tomorrow


How often does your company make a quantum leap forward? My guess is that, on a scale from "frequently (10) - to - never (1)" the answer is much closer to "never" because few companies have a process to innovate or think creatively. Very few attempt to formally think through their business model, their relationships with staff, clients, and vendors, and their product / service offerings.