<center> <img src="/Portals/6/bloggerphotos/geist.jpg"><br /><br /> "Issues, events, and topics that affect small businesses. A source of information for current and future entrepreneurs." </center> http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/BlogId/457/Default.aspx en-US eric.barnes@starbanner.com Sun, 18 May 2008 02:41:06 GMT Sun, 18 May 2008 02:41:06 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blog RSS Generator Version 3.3.0.16726 Many communities, even before the recent economic slowdown have tried to attract or grow new businesses, revitalize their downtowns, and help create high tech, high wage jobs for residents. A lot of those communities have been stymied in their efforts by ‘what they didn’t have.’ They thought their lack of business incubators, highways, airports, or existence of a venture capital fund was holding them up. What they really needed were entrepreneurs… http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/5028/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/5028/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=5028 Fri, 09 May 2008 02:15:39 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=5028 This is the keynote address that Dr. Geist gave to the graduates of the Ocala / Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s fifth Entrepreneurial Academy program at the Ocala Hilton on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008. It addresses the question of going into business and may be encouraging for anybody who is wavering in that decision. http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/5023/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/5023/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=5023 Thu, 01 May 2008 03:21:18 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=5023 The number, type, and trend of each of these modes of transportation has an inpact on your business and may also present some business opportunities, or provide input on decisions about locating or relocating your business. http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/5002/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/5002/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=5002 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:56:56 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=5002 What do these three topics have in common? The answer is that you can control the destiny of your business with all three if you are proactive. All it takes is a little planning… http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4995/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4995/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4995 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:15:04 GMT 1 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4995 Don’t let your business become a charity, existing for the benefit of your vendors, customers, and employees while neglecting yourself and your family. “Pay yourself first” may not always work, but if you are working for minimum wage or less you are missing the concept of business and may be putting your future in jeopardy. Here are some do’s, don’ts, and ‘warning flags.’ http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4984/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4984/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4984 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:07:15 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4984 There is a general belief that people resist change and that change is unpredictable, difficult to manage, and has a negative connotation. That may not be the case… http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4972/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4972/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4972 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:13:20 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4972 Trendwatching.com, a website that reports on emerging consumer trends has noted some movement towards new buying patterns that they have labeled “Snack Culture” and “InfoLust,” which are component parts of a greater movement that they call the “Expectation Economy.” Here are some highlights from those trends, what they mean to your business, and how you can profit from them… http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4957/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4957/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4957 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:03:45 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4957 Do you have an exit plan for your business? The equity you build up in your business can be your largest financial return on investment, but you can not realize it until you exit. Here are some thoughts on planning for a (financially) rewarding exit… http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4942/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4942/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4942 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:05:17 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4942 There is a lot of uncertainty in the short-term economic future at the moment. Are we in a recession? Will there be a recession? Has the housing downturn hit bottom yet? Are we facing increasing inflation next year? There seem to be as many answers as there are economic forecasters, but there are some strategies you can adopt to protect your business… http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4928/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4928/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4928 Sun, 03 Feb 2008 18:09:43 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4928 The marketing strategy of bundling, combining several services or products together for sale as a single unit, may be just what you need to boost sales in a slowing economy… http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4907/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4907/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4907 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 01:12:28 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4907 We are approaching the time of year that many chambers of commerce, economic development councils, and the small business administration announce their “business of the year” award winners. Here are some of the characteristics I’ve noticed that many of the winners have in common. http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4869/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4869/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4869 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:15:10 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4869 The calendar has changed… the economy has changed… later this year some of our elected officials will change, and along with them governmental policies will change. Will you be ready? If you operate your business the same way you did last year, status quo, you will miss some new opportunities and may become “stuck in a rut.” Here are some thoughts on New Year’s Resolutions… http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4857/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4857/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4857 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:31:25 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4857 Business owner Dale Wright is visited by the spirits of Business Past, Business Present, and Business Future and learns some valuable lessons. Appologies to Charles Dickens... http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4847/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4847/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4847 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:38:07 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4847 One of the most important aspects of a business are loyal customers who keep returning and who recommend the business to other potential customers. Assuming that you and the competition are both equally competent at providing the technical aspect of your business, the significant difference between you may be customer service. In that case, whoever provides the best customer service will have a market advantage... http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4835/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4835/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4835 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:05:09 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4835 The economic forecasters, news analysts, and pundits all have an opinion on where the economy is going. The problem as I see it is that there is no clear consensus. Should your business "hold a steady course in a storm" or "blow with the wind?" http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4765/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4765/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4765 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:02:20 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4765 In addition to the "snowbirds" who have a winter home in Florida, there are also people who drive their RV here for the entire winter or for a shorter period. Realizing that they are potential customers for many goods and services, I wondered what their demographics are. Here is what I found out... http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4740/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4740/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4740 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:02:35 GMT 1 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4740 Do you have reserves in your business to tide you over slow weeks or are you sweating where your next sale will come from? Do you carry "excess" inventory? Does a sales backlog make you feel comfortable or worry you? Let's examine some basics about business philosophy. http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4721/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4721/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4721 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:44:41 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4721 If your business needs funding for restructuring, reinvestment, just plain old growth, or for additional working capital there are a number of SBA loan guaranty programs that may fit the bill. Here is a quick review of some loan products available with SBA guarantees. http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4688/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4688/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4688 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:33:12 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4688 Fall is in the air, its a bit cooler and the humidity is lower. Fall is also the time that sales begin to increase as holiday gift buying begins, vacationers escaping cool weather come to Florida, and the "Snowbirds" return. http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4670/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4670/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4670 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:34:21 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4670 There's a lot of bad advice, or at least unwanted advice, available without the asking but when it comes to your business you need qualified advice that you can trust. Luckily, some great advice is available from people who will "work for food." http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4655/Default.aspx http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Home/tabid/195/EntryID/4655/Default.aspx#Comments http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/Default.aspx?tabid=195&EntryID=4655 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:05:02 GMT 0 http://blogs.myspaceocala.com/DesktopModules/Blog/Trackback.aspx?id=4655