Your Business Plan

A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your business’ resume. Its basic components include a current and defined balance sheet, an income statement, and a cash flow analysis. It helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make the right decisions. It provides specific and organized information about your company and how you will repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of any loan package.
You may wonder why you need a business plan if you do not plan on obtaining a loan. It can tell your sales personnel, suppliers, and others about your operations and goals. It can also give you a clear view of where your business is going and where it can be. Everything in life needs a plan and business is definitely no exception.
A business plan requires time and can be done over a period of time but should be done. There are a number of websites that provide outlines for the information needed on your plan. Check your local library to find out census data on your competitors to obtain a market analysis.
If you are in the Tacoma area; the Sound Business Assistance Program through the Metropolitan Development Council is holding a class on Simplified Business Plans Thursday January 14th from 9am to 11am. This class is free of charge. For more info click here

It's Almost 2010 Get That Business Started!

2009 is almost over and some of you are still sitting around thinking aout starting your own business. The idea sounds great but it means nothing if you haven't started.2010 is 2 days away and its time you get started. In 1 hour or a lot less you can be a lot closer to starting your business without leaving your home, bed, office...wherever you keep your computer.

When starting a business you should do a few things. 1st Come up with a business name. 2nd Sign up with the top 4 social networks that matter. Facebook, Linkedin, Youtube, & Twitter. Then sign up for a Blogger & Flickr acct. This is important. Claim your name even if you do not plan to use these accounts right away.

When you are ready to roll and you are serious about it, Then go on Google and claim your business listing. If you don't have a business listing on Google create one.

Contact a graphic designer and have business cards and a website created. This isnt a costly as you think.

Feel free to contact Reddi for more info on obtaining your business license and registering your business with the state, IRS, and obtaining a DUNS number.