By Pedro Enamorado Getting startup funds for a business can be as simple as saving up, or as difficult as going through dozens of investors to pitch your idea. Entrepreneurs for most small businesses have trouble getting investment for startups. They may also have a poor credit history, or lower-valued assets than what big banks are looking for to take …
By Marco Carbajo What does it take for a small business to achieve success? Whether you’re already in business, or preparing to start a business, it takes hard work, tenacity and drive to achieve a high level of success. Lori Greiner, star shark of ABC’s Shark Tank says, “Entrepreneurs are willing to work 80 hours a week to avoid working …
by Catherine Clifford For the first time since the Great Recession decimated the U.S. economy, entrepreneurship is making a comeback. The rise of U.S. startup activity reverses a five-year general decline, according to the latest report by the Kauffman Foundation, a non-profit entrepreneurship organization. The 2015 Startup Activity report measures data through the end of 2014. “This rebound in entrepreneurial …
By Steve Matthews and Catarina Saraiva Even though American politicians like to praise small business as the job-creating machine, research shows that it’s the startups that expand employment. These new entrepreneurs are now back on the rise, according to a report Thursday by Kauffman Foundation, which studies entrepreneurial activity. The Kauffman Index of Startup Activity, which is an indicator of new …
“The customer is always right.” “We have to take care of the customer no matter what.” “The customer focused business is a successful business.” We’ve all heard or probably said those things. Have you ever had a customer that you were always happy to see and were happy to see you? Your transactions always went well, were profitable and they …
Scientists studying habits in people have noticed some interesting things. If a person repeats a behavior over the course of 3-4 weeks the behavior becomes ingrained as a habit. While we form habits somewhat unconsciously in most instances, there is usually a loop of cue, behavior and reward. Something as simple as brushing one’s teeth in the morning are habit: …
Entrepreneurs are optimists. Otherwise, why take the risk to go into business? The downside: when the entrepreneur is planning her business, the optimism translates into the classic “hockey stick” explosive growth that few businesses can hope to achieve. Growing a business takes discipline and planning. And, planning is not done when the business plan is written. Plans are revised and …
If you are planning to start a business, it is critical to determine your budgetary needs. Since every business is different, and has its own specific cash needs at different stages of development, there is no universal method for estimating your startup costs. Some businesses can be started on a smaller budget, while others may require considerable investment in inventory …
Starting your own business can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It can offer numerous advantages such as being your own boss, setting your own schedule and making a living doing something you enjoy. But, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires thorough planning, creativity and hard work. Consider whether you have the following characteristics and skills commonly associated with successful entrepreneurs: …