Before You Develop Your Plan

Once you have decided to start your new business, read here to learn about important things to consider before you develop your plan.

Branding and Differentiation

One of the greatest challenges — and opportunities — faced by startup companies has to do with building the brand for their product or service, and distinguishing them from the host of established and emerging competitors. Many entrepreneurs do not fully appreciate the importance and value of a great branding and differentiation strategy.

Market Research Overview

One of the first questions a would-be investor or lender wants answered by the authors of a business plan is: how much do you really know about your Market? As enamored as we may be of our own discoveries, products and/or services, it is ultimately the market that will decide their value.  And investors know this all too well.

Presentation and Image

Many entrepreneurs fail to realize that a critical factor in startup success is your image and presentation. And fewer still understand the need for SIMPLICITY. The Good News? Creating a professional business presentation and image need not be expensive or complex. The (potentially) Bad News? Creating a simple, clear business presentation and image can be very challenging.

How Poor Forecasting Can Sabotage Your Business Plan (And How to Avoid the Pitfalls!) 

Few, if any, good investors believe the forecasts presented to them, due mainly to the fact that few entrepreneurs understand the importance of realistic forecasting. Here are some of the major ways poor forecasting can sabotage your business plan and your financing, as well as some of the lessons about how to avoid these pitfalls.

Why The “Eighty–Twenty Rule” Rocks!

The Eighty Twenty Rule has been proven for many decades. Yet many businesses — even those just getting started — ignore this rule, and produce a myriad of styles, colors, sizes, models and features to serve what they presume to be an endless stream of “niches.”  Often, by taking their eye off the ball in this way, many companies fail.

Glossary – A Few Web Marketing Terms

It helps to know the jargon when you venture into new territory, like web marketing. To make the most of your web marketing strategies, familiarizing yourself with the terms in this list will help in your conversations and further research.

 

Rethinking Pricing 

Despite the increased complexity and ever-changing nature of today’s pricing environment, there are still some basic rules and simple tips you can follow to build your market share, make money in the process, and establish long term success. Here are some considerations to review to maximize your pricing results.