Now that You're Registered ... What's Next?Registering a business is the easy part. Turning your new business into a profit venture is another matter entirely. There are probably three areas that have the greatest impact on a new business: marketing, money and management. For a good overview of things to consider when starting a new business, read the articles in 12 Steps to Entrepreneurial Success. This twelve-step series is a good introduction to what you need to know to develop a successful business. Your next step is to gain the marketing, money and management know-how you will need as an entrepreneur. Below we provide links to the best articles we have on these topics for new entrepreneurs. |
The Marketing & PR Checklist
Use this checklist to plan, track, and evaluate your marketing efforts. Know your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
This article looks at how you can power drive your sales and marketing by understanding what makes your business unique. Marketing Biz: Getting Started on a Shoestring
If you had the ear of a leading marketing guru, what questions who you ask? We were recently fortunate enough to have this opportunity, as we interviewed Jay Levinson, the noted author of Guerrilla Marketing. Marketing 101
Marketing/advertising that will help you get your new business up & running. Successful Sales
Success through sales – how a plan of action can help you turn business leads into new business. News Release Builder
This online workshop teaches you how to write and distribute a press release - go directly to step 4 to build your own press release online. Media Relations
A basic primer for small businesses. |  | The Marketing Phrase Book
(review) Are you tongue-tied when it comes to writing promotions? This book is a valuable resource for professionals with writer's block. Upcoming Business Events
Our events calendar contains information on upcoming business events across Canada. Interpersonal Networking Skills
Do I/don't I? skills for good interpersonal networking. Networking using Today's Telephone Technology
Tips for using your telephone as a networking tool - Part I and Part II Seeing Things from the Customer's Perspective
Step in to your customers shoes and consider how you can improve your business with this simple exercise. Canadian Trade Shows
Looking for Canadian tradeshows? Be sure to check out these online resources. |
Using RRSPs to Finance your Start-up
Tax implications for using RRSPs to start a business, and questions to ask yourself before purchasing an existing business. Financing your Business: Preparation Steps
Before starting your search for capital, be prepared; this article lists the things you should do before going to the bank. Financial Glossary
Use our financial glossary to discover the meaning of terms such as working capital, liquidity, and fixed assets. A Consumer Credit Rating Primer
A good overview of what factors affect consumer credit ratings. Accounting 101: Balance Sheet Basics
If owners equity calculations send your head spinning, read on for a clear understanding of balance sheet basics for small business owners. Understanding Financial Statements
This article briefly explains the balance sheet and income statement, two financial statements are used by financial institutions to evaluate a company's loan application. Financial Ratios Revisited
A look at the ratios most commonly used by the bank to assess your credit application. | | Understanding the Bankers' Formula
Need to secure debt financing? This multi-part article explains how you can improve the odds of securing credit from a bank. Collecting Debts
If you are reluctant - uncomfortable - collecting debts, consider this advice. Government Grants & Loans
Looking for government money? Use this free resource! Other Financing Channels When your financing channels are limited, consider these options. Cut Costs without Cutting Corners
The day to day expenses of running a business can quickly add up. This list of cost cutting ideas can save you money without losing face with your customers. The Ins and Outs of Individual Credit
You've decided to run a credit check on a potential client to ensure that you'll get paid for your services. Once the report arrives what are you really looking at and how can you use the information to make the best decision? This article can help. |
Mission and Vision Statements
Vision and goals may seem like the "soft-stuff" of business, but as seasoned business owners know, these intangible elements play a very important role in the success—or failure—of a business. The Formula for Success
What do some entrepreneurs do differently that enables them to achieve almost mythical business success? This month we look at the characteristics that separate successful entrepreneurs from their peers. Planning to Fail Can Spell Success
In order to succeed, plan to fail. Now, why, you probably ask, would anyone want to plan to fail? Steve Bareham shows how a look at the causes of business failure can be the key to success. Success Requires Action not Talk!
You need urgency to be an entrepreneur. If you hire someone who doesn't have it, it could sap your resources and ruin your business. Common Sense Leadership
Do you ever find yourself wondering if you are the leader your employees need? Or perhaps their actions don't seem to line up with your expectations. Paul Adams shows you how you can become a smart leader with these simple steps. Success is Managing with Common Sense and a Flair for Leadership
Leadership skills are critical to the success of a new venture. Do you have them? Whether or not you think you're a gifted leader, you should consider putting management theories aside and focus on common sense as you build your business. | | Awaken the Leader Within You!
Do you want to improve your leadership skills? Here are ten easy steps that will help you awaken the leader in you and rekindle your passion for greatness. Success is in the details
The failure of a business doesn't happen overnight, it is often the product of neglect, and overlooked details. Learn to spot the warning signs before your business becomes a statistic. Lessons in Leadership: Decision Making a Must for Success
Lessons in Leadership: Rewarding Extra Effort
Making heroes of employees is common practice with many well-managed progressive companies. In this article Dr. Paul Adams looks at the advantages - as well as the possible pitfalls - of using rewards to motivate your employees. Work Smarter – Not Harder
How many of us work harder, when we should really work smarter? This article looks at how you can use strategy to accomplish more .. with less! |
Are You Waiting for the Perfect Goal?
Successful entrepreneurs are driven by goals, which are integral to their success. Here's how you can define goals that will get you moving. If Only I Could Get Organized!
Reg Pirie offers some excellent answers to the question many business people ask - How do I get organized? Time Management: Interrupt Interruptions!
A piece of paper and a pencil are all the strategy you need to save time. Don't Put it Off Any Longer: Cure that Procrastination Virus
Do you find yourself waiting to the last minute to tackle projects? This article can help you cure your procrastination habit. Keys to Home-Based Business Success
Follow these 3 P's and you will be on the right track to successfully compete in your home-based business. HR Benefits for Small Businesses
An outstanding benefits plan can help you grab great employees out of the reach of competitors and keep them happy at your company. Ten Things You Must Know Before You Sign a Business Lease
Things you need to know before negotiating a business lease. | | Systematize and Simplify
Are you tired of hectic deadlines and having too much to do? Here's a tip that will help you reduce the time you spend on repetitive tasks. Doomed to Fail Before You Start
Want to start your own business? Reg Pirie offers excellent advice that can help you avoid business failure! Who Needs a Mentor!
A sounding board, a trusted resource. Someone who can listen - and challenge you to new levels. Mentors offer untold value to new entrepreneurs; in this article Reg Pirie explains why you need them, and how to find them. Conquer the Fear of Public Speaking
Stomp that #2 fear and gain the skills to knock their socks off the next time you represent your company in front of a live audience. Unclutter for Success!
Learn how to reduce stress and frustration with these tips for uncluttering your business space. So, You Want to Be a Consultant
There is more than meets the eye to these people then jetting around the world. We get the goods on what it really takes to make it in this business. |
