Are you having trouble with your personal finances? Or perhaps your business is on the brink of a financial crisis? After decades as a CPA, Chief Financial Officer, and financial counselor, my cumulative and concentrated wisdom in solving financial woes is this: create no new problems. I have seen this simple principle guide people and companies out of terrible financial difficulties. And I have used it myself to help our management team survive financial crisis long enough to turn the company around.

Financial problems are usually made up of many smaller problems that eventually add up to one big problem. They accumulate over time. Quite simply, they are based in the decision-making process of where you spend your income. Though most of us have complete control over these decisions, it seems that the critical and urgent problems – the proverbial “squeaky wheel” – get addressed first. This is definitely the WRONG APPROACH!

You may solve one individual problem, but a new one is almost always created to take its place. Over time, your total problem gets out of hand. This wrong approach is like a snowball rolling down a hill. Something needs to be done to level out the slope — but what? The right approach to financial problem solving is to draw a line and say, “After today, no new problems!” It is all a matter of where you focus your attention. The only way to level the slope is to pay attention to the strategies that keep you from creating new problems.

In the financial arena, the line you draw is when you develop a “zero based budget” (ZBB). The ZBB comes to a break-even bottom line, which means you are creating no new debt. Since all your debt repayment is a part of your ZBB, your debts get paid over time and you eventually break into the fresh air of financial independence. Over time, you will control your financial destiny.

But be aware that you will be forced to make choices, some of them rather difficult. In your business, you may need to cut your overhead or find financing for that new marketing program to increase your income. Personally, you may be forced to cut the money spent on clothing, entertainment, or eating out. You may need a part-time job for a while to increase your income. You did not get into trouble by having good habits, so you won’t get out of the crisis without changing something.

The only way to solve a financial problem is to grab the reins of the wagon you’re on, which is headed over a cliff, and say, “I am going to control where this wagon is going. I am going to gain control over my expenses and make them less than my income.”   If you are tired of living on the slippery slope of ever-increasing pressures caused by your finances, change where you focus your attention. Base all your financial decisions on a budget that you have created — and stick to it! It may take some time, but the day will eventually come when your finances are problem-free.

Video related to financial problem

www.sivababa.org more videos bit.ly Seminars/Events: www.sivababa.org Baba’s New Year Message: Solutions Financial Problems Visit www.sivababa.org to learn more about Baba’s spiritual solutions for the world’s financial problems. Priorities for preparing for 2012 This a time for solidarity, to look into ourselves, and reflect on the meaning of life, the meaning of money. The world now is in a recession. Baba wants to give new solutions for money problems to help people solve their problems. He is visiting New York City on December 31 to give a spiritual solutions for people, the United States and the World. He is also visiting San Francisco on January 3-4, to give a 2 day course for people to receive his blessings and solutions. In this video, Baba includes a photo which he wants people to look at and keep with them for all of 2009 so they can help solve their own money problems and the money problems of the world. Visit www.sivababa.org to learn more.

Help answer the question about financial problem

What would you consider the most financial problem UC Berkelely is facing now?
This is intended only interested in UC Berkeley. I am asking this questions because overall UC students are suffering from the budget cuts from the government.

Please UC students or experts reply to this. Not only about UC Berkeley but the UC System overall!

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST UC BERKELEY OR THE UC SYSTEM FINANCIAL PROBLEM AT HAND?

About Author

Paul J. Meyer

For more professional advice from a variety of reputable authors on getting out of debt and making, saving, managing, and investing money, order How to Manage One Million Dollars…or Less today, available at www.theleadingedgepublishing.com.

Regardless of what type of website or business you’re pursuing on the web, you and your site must be seen as “credible” in the eyes of your visitors or it’s “game over” before you even get started. Visitors must believe you are someone who “knows their stuff” and is worth their time.

Therefore, instantly establishing this credibility is vital to your site’s success, especially online where people are still very distrustful of what they see and read. And if you’re selling something this “distrust meter” takes a giant leap of faith.

So here are some eight quick ways to instantly build trust with your site’s visitors and remember you only have a few nanoseconds to accomplish this difficult task.

So try these quick trust building methods:

1. Credibility Pre-header. Many marketers and webmasters try to get or place a credibility pre-header above their content, especially if you’re selling a product. “America’s #1 Affiliate Marketer according to Time Magazine, reveals all his secrets…”

Or something along those lines, but keep in mind, this pre-header must have a neutral third party blurb or statement which can be backed up. Quoting respected important sources such as major magazines, news programs, well known organizations or even other important web sites will instantly help establish your credibility in the mind of the viewer.

That’s why on a lot of sites you see such things as “As seen on Oprah” “As seen On CNN” or even the old stand-by “As seen on TV” will add credibility to what follows… just use the same concept on your own site. While you may not be able to boast those kinds of claims… you can usually come up with some important (well known websites) which feature your work or content. I like using sites like “Featured on Ezinearticles.com”, “Featured on Buzzle.com”, “Featured on SiteProNews”, while those places don’t have the power of a Larry King, Dr. Phil or Oprah… they do establish some instant credibility in the “eyes” of your visitor.

2. Picture and Bio. Have your picture and bio at the top of the page so that readers can instantly see who you are. Give your major accomplishments and successes because you must prove that you’re worth their time. Many savvy marketers use a two-columned page format where one side is used to establish credibility… where you place your picture, your bio, any awards your site has won and tons and tons of testimonials from your visitors and site users.

Use this whole side column all the way down your page to establish your credibility. As readers are reading your content or sales letter, they can glance over to see what you’re saying is backed up by other people.

3. Testimonials. As mentioned above, you should have testimonials on your page and plenty of them. These will give credibility to what you’re saying. You should also place a few of these testimonials in your main sales letter as well as to use the credibility of the person giving the recommendation to your best advantage.

Many big-name online marketers (Gurus) do have enormous credibility in the “eyes” of those reading the content. These testimonials can go a long way in establishing your credibility as well. Use as many as you can possibly get. Don’t forget that also adding recommendations from the BBB (Better Business Bureaus) and placing securely buttons/logos does also help in establishing your site’s credibility.

4. Use Videos. You have probably noticed many people are now using videos on their sites and content. Videos are an excellent way to immediately establish contact and credibility with your viewers… you are indeed a “real person” and not just some written words floating in cyberspace. Of course, the more personality and likeability you can bring to these videos will help further establish your credibility.

Many marketers and webmasters also use videos for their testimonials, anyone can make up fake text testimonials and place them on a web page but actually seeing and hearing 10 or 15 videos of customers talking about your product or content will definitely give you more credibility.

5. Professional Graphics and Design. We have all seen the cheap-looking template site that immediately says “template” in the mind of the viewer. Now the actual content on this site may be great but surfers are becoming increasingly web-savvy and will know a cheaply designed site when they see one and immediately hit the back button. Ouch!

Your site must appear professional in the “eyes” of the beholder. Using professional graphics and design will help you establish immediate credibility for your site. In that split second when you have to capture your visitor’s attention, you want to make that all important first impression a good one. You want them to say “This site’s a Keeper!”

6. Use Social Media Sites. Visitors want to know you’re a real person or company, so establishing profiles in all the social media sites such as Twitter, FaceBook, MySpace, YouTube, Linkedin… gives credibility to who’s speaking. They can check you out and see what everyone is saying about you. They can discover who your contacts are and what kind of reputation you have built up. These social sites can have enormous influence in building a solid relationship with your visitors. It can definitely help establish your credibility; so use them.

7. Content And Writing. Of course, the proof is in the pudding, your content must be compelling and convincing. It must show you know what you’re talking about and that you’re worth reading. All the flash and window dressing will be worthless if you don’t have quality content on your site.

It is this quality content that will ultimately establish your credibility in the minds of your visitors. All the other factors are important but “what you say and how you say it” will be the main determining factor in how much credibility and trust you earn from your site’s visitors; so choose your words carefully.

8. Pre-built Credibility. One last point on establishing online credibility has to be discussed. I believe many webmasters don’t fully understand the importance of building credibility BEFORE your visitor even gets to your site. Your marketing strategy doesn’t just start at your site, it must include building your brand and reputation outside of it.

One obvious example, getting top rankings in Google for your major keywords does give your site a lot of credibility. Or achieving top rankings in any search engine for that matter, but especially in Google, I have found getting top rankings gives credibility to your web pages. People respect Google and they have come to respect the search results and in turn, some of this credibility is passed along to your site.

Another more important way to “pre-build” or “pre-sell” yourself or your site’s content is to write simple articles that are distributed all over the web. Visitors coming to your site from these articles will already be more familiar with you and your information. You have hopefully already gained some credibility in their eyes and may just be worth checking out.

Video related to personal credibility

King Thailand King Bhumibol: Although His Majesty the King has no intention to become involved in politics, in times of national crisis the situation is always stabilizes due to His Majestys personal credibility. The crucial political conflict of October 14th 2516, which is also known as The Day of Great Sorrow, His Majesty, the center of the peoples spirits, speedily stabilized a dangerous situation into one of peace and order. Similarly, the crisis involving bloodshed in May of 2535, once again, the people saw His Majestys ability to bring peace and harmony to the country. And so who will win? There is no way to win. There lies only calamity and lost, which means that everyone is a loser. Those that confront lose. And the ultimate loser is the nation. What good is a victory gained atop of the piled rubble of a destroyed nation?.

Help answer the question about personal credibility

Do Supreme Court Justices lose credibility if they fail to set aside their personal views, and why?

About Author

Titus Hoskins

… The author is a full-time online marketer who has numerous websites. For the latest web marketing tools try: Internet Marketing Tools If you liked the article above, why not try this Free 7 Day Traffic Course here: Free Internet Marketing Course Copyright © 2009 Titus Hoskins. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

One must first change their habits and not procrastinate. American Consultants Inc at offers key financial tips. The main point to remember that by not acting,credit card debts may grow which could also bring about higher interest problems,or even money invested in non performing stocks and bonds could also be wasting away. Procrastination could also bring about paying higher taxes,little or no retirement benefits and insurance.

Another area that causes financial problems is overspending. Focus in today’s society has always been on spending. Discipline is definitely needed to keep spending in order. In order to save more you either have to work more to earn more than your debts ,win the lottery, or just spend less.

An area that I have seen affect many of my clients and friends have been making horrible financial decisions after experiencing a traumatic experience. Usually after divorce, death,or even job loss people usually make the worst spending decisions. Focus on taking a break from spending if any of the above happens.

The worst effect of poor financial problems is the effect of waiting on saving for retirement. Retirement saving should be started at younger ages but isn’t stressed as being important enough until sometimes it’s too late. Many people want to retire by the age of 60 but in order to do this at least 10 percent of their working income has to be saved.

The last area that must be focused on is having enough insurance. Insurance may not be as chic as buying that new outfit or new car but without it you can find yourself bankrupt and out on the street. Insurance protects against catastrophic financial disaster. It’s surprising that many people lack enough coverage to cover their income. So place insurance on top of your list in order to protect your income and savings reserve.

Video related to financial problem

Optimus Prime Has Financial Trouble

Help answer the question about financial problem

how can I escape the WORRY of a financial problem?
the financial problem exists, but its the worrying about it that is really affecting me. What can I do?

About Author

Charleston

I would like to share with you a little known brand marketing strategy that will enable you to get more new business.  

According to the Associated Press (AP), over 500,000 jobs were lost in November of 2008.  Businesses are feeling the financial crunch more than ever as potential new clients are holding onto their resources and spending less. Unfortunately, the economic climate hasn’t really improved that much since a year ago and is predicted to be about the same in 2010.

Most business owners cut their marketing when times are tough financially.  As business owners we should be doing the opposite, but how do you increase your marketing when your finances are strained? How do you get more business? What is your brand marketing strategy?  As most of you know, the internet is the best tool to advertise available today.  Unfortunately, print and other types of media are no longer bringing the results that we as business owners need.

So what do we do?  We become more creative and innovative and look for the most effective, yet least expensive brand marketing available. Businesses that adapt to the ever-changing economy will thrive while others close their doors for good.

Because I am a small business owner myself, I have also been looking for new cutting edge ways to attract more new business. I want to take this opportunity to share with you a marketing opportunity that none of your competitors are utilizing, yet. I am sure that during these tough economic times you have been looking for a way to attract more new business without spending a lot of money.

I have discovered a little known brand marketing strategy that has the potential of dramatically changing the amount of new business you attract. Did you know that Google is the most visited website in the world? Did you also realize that 76% of internet users view video online? This little known brand marketing strategy involves using a simple video to dominate your competition by getting your business on the first page of local Google searches. Getting ranked on the first page of Google can sometimes take years to accomplish.  The great part about this is there is very little cost involved and in most cases is cheaper than running a yellow page ad or an ad in the local newspaper, and will give your business better results.

So, what do you need to start attracting more new business utilizing this simple brand marketing strategy of video? The most obvious item you need is a video camera. You don’t need anything fancy. An inexpensive flip video camera or a webcam will do the trick. In fact, you don’t even need a video camera. You can use pictures to make a slide show and have a service like animoto.com put it together in a video format for you. It costs very little to do this. The first time I used this service it cost me three bucks!

After you have made your video and edited it with a free program called windows movie maker, the next step is to distribute your video to multiple video hosting websites. You can upload the video yourself to the multiple video hosting sites but it is somewhat time consuming. Because my time is very valuable, I prefer to have an online service do this for me. Once you have distributed your video to the multiple hosting sites, just sit back and watch what happens. In most cases, within 24 hours, your video will start to show up on the local searches. Submit 2-3 videos every week and in a very short time, you and your business will be the authority in your local market, literally, dominating your competition.

Video related to brand marketing strategy

www.paulfloodmarketing.com – Brand-building as a small business marketing strategy may be one of the costliest mistakes you can make. Most do not have time to wait for prospects to “think of my company when they need my product.” As a small business marketing strategy consultant, I believe your marketing investment should start with marketing ideas that get clients and prospects now. To do that, give them a reason to call you – NOW. Your Unique Selling Proposition will do that for you.

About Author

Todd Cremeans

Dr. Todd Cremeans is a chiropractor that enjoys teaching others how to be creative in marketing themselves and their business. Use his little known brand marketing strategy to attract more new business . Visit http://morenewbusiness.com right now!

Know yourself and your employer better

Once you understand the personality of another person as well as your own it helps you motivate the others in a better way.

Types of Personality tests: Personality tests can be divided into two types. These are:
a)    Tests which are actually regarded as personality assessment instruments
b)    Tests which try to explain the behaviour, motivation and thinking styles of people.

The examples of the first one are DISC and Myers Briggs and the examples of the second one are Maslow, McGregor, Adams Benziger and many others.

There are some projective tests like TAT and Ink Blots which also try to assess the personalities of people but indirectly.

How to score in personality tests? The scorings in personality tests are done using either the dimensional approach or the typological approach. In the dimensional approach, Big 5 is measured. This approach believes that the personality of person is a dimension which continuously differs. The typological approach divides individuals into categories and scores individuals according to the scores assigned to various categories. In the eyes of the critics, the dimensional approach is more accurate.

It is not very easy to interpret the personality test scores. Thus some norms have been set by the makers of the personality tests. The common formats that are used for these norms are z scores, percentile ranks and sten scores.

In which fields are the personality tests applied?  The personality tests are applied in the following fields. These are:

Psychological Research: The personality tests are often used in psychological research as testing devices for various personalities. An important outcome of personality tests is that it has been found out that individuals often have flawed views about society and themselves. This may lead to negative impact on the life of an individual.

Stock markets and business: The psychology of an investor can go a long way in determining his or her position in the stock market. Economic news, political events, economic data and earnings report play a major role in decision making of an investor. Personality tests can help a great deal to acquire knowledge about the personality of the individuals.

Other applications: Other fields in which the personality tests are applied are in the corporate world where many companies use these tests while hiring people. The sales personnel are the people who often take the help of these tests to understand the needs of the customers. The college students also use these tests to know the behaviour of their roommates. It is also used by the lawyers for the examination of the witnesses, analysis of the behaviour of the criminals and litigation profiling.

Video related to DISC Profile Personality Test

This video provides the instructions for completing the online DISC profile assessment. The DISC assessment provides the framework on ‘How’ people go about doing things.

Help answer the question about DISC Profile Personality Test

Has anyone ever taken the “DISK” profile?
It’s a personality test we had to take at work. If so, what are your thoughts about it?

About Author

maruti

In the present time more and more importance is given to Personality tests and people are getting benefited also because these tests help in knowing the people better.

Why a Cash Flow Statement?

Many business owners believe their financial statements will give them all the information they need. Financial statements are an historical tool that shows you where your business has been. A Cash Flow is the fancy name for a working budget that tells you how much cash your business actually has. Working in sync with your balance sheet your cash flow should be an easy-to-read tool that allows you to monitor sales, costs, profitability, collections and cash. It allows you to plan for future cash needs for growth, while identifying operational issues requiring immediate action.

Successful cash flow planning does not require a degree in accounting. What you need is real-time understanding of where the cash is originating, where it is going, and how much is left over (just like you do at home). Businesses need to operate with a cash flow model that looks ahead one year, month by month, and is updated with actual results every week.

Create a Worksheet

The formula for successful cash flow management is deceptively simple. Money in. Money out. Money left over. If there isn’t any money left over, then you need to do something differently.

Start with Sales. Sales is work performed that is documented by cash register receipts, guest checks or invoices. Project the amount of sales you anticipate month-by-month starting with the current month. Sales should fluctuate when you consider the seasonality of your business. Break the sales into categories and be conservative.

Project your collections month by month. Collections are the money you put into the bank in the form of cash, checks or charge card vouchers. If Sales do not equal Collections, you either have accounts receivable or a cash control problem.

Review your expenses. Define your expenses into two major areas: Cost of Sales (expenses that fluctuate with sales such as product costs) and Overhead Expenses (expenses that do not fluctuate with sales). Define the cost percentages for your major sales categories. Forecast all other Overhead Expenses (rent, utilities, insurance, licenses, etc.). Project all expenses out in the month they will be paid.

Forecast your payroll. List your current and anticipated employees and categorize them as Cost of Sales labor or Overhead labor. Cost of Sales labor may be projected in part by a target labor cost percentage. Estimate payroll expense per employee (average hours worked, rate of pay) over the next twelve months.

Evaluate Your Profitability

With monthly sales and expenses projected, business profitability, feasibility and value can be determined. Total Sales minus Total Cost of Sales Expenses (including Cost of Sales payroll) minus Total Overhead Expenses (including Overhead payroll) equals Monthly Cash Reserve. This is also your profitability. Is there any money left?

What debt are you servicing? Evaluate this debt separately from your profitability. Debt takes many forms including notes, loans, credit cards, leases, and lines of credit. When businesses must restructure their debt in order to improve cash flow, lenders expect the business’s Balance Sheet to look a certain way in order to qualify for financing.

So, What’s Next?

Once this working budget is assembled, a break-even sales volume can be determined that generates enough profit to cover debt load and have no cash loss. Your cash flow objectives are now clarified and strategies can be implemented. Any issues that caused a cash flow problem will now be corrected.

With your Cash Flow mapped out, you have the beginning of control.

Cash Flow Planning brings financial stability to a business through pro-active budgeting, monitoring and adjustments. You will understand where you are today and what your options and priorities are. You will be able to forecast your cash needs and gain control of your business. With the use of a Cash Flow, your business will have more money and a road map for the future.

If you’re new parents who are looking for the baby care and supplies products then you’re advised to visit Shopwiki.com. This website represents an online source that provides you complete information about all things needed to take a good care for your new baby. When you visit this website then you can find the Nursery Furniture buying which are aimed to provide you with some choices of products that might be match to your needs and budget. You can also find some selections of Changing Tables that come in many sizes, designs and models that may fit to your home.

You’re very welcome to visit this website and learn more about some products of Babies and Toddlers offered. Please visit this website to shop at the most convenient way.

If you are concerned the cash flow won’t flow and you won’t have enough income for the next months, check out these ten tips:

1. Create written copy to email your subscribers and other email lists.

Just for your faithful customers, send a free how-to report, a thoughtful poem to celebrate the holidays, or a free offer of answering a question via email. This action keeps your name out in front of your audience, and it makes them feel acknowledged.

2. Create a form letter to send by email to your potential clients.

It reminds them you are available for them if they are ready to make a decision. Sample: ‘Dear name or group, Just wondering if this is the time for you to begin action on your book, internet marketing or web project? As you know I work with small business people who want to write, publish and sell their books, that will make a difference in others’ lives, become the savvy expert and household name, and build business profits consistently.’ Follow with a special offer like a half hour phone session, or your free ezine or articles. Send it during and after the holiday.

3. Organize your computer files to locate the gold.

Perhaps you’ll find an unfinished article that you can edit and send to the opt-in (no spam) ezines or top web sites in your field. These articles placed your coach #1 in Google and other search engines as well as listing her web site URL on 12,800 sites up 1200 from just last week. This is a good time to delete what no longer serves you.

4. Offer a strategic alliance with top people in your field.

This can take the form of exchanging tips for ezines, exchanging web links, or even promotional copy to add to your site called, ‘Professional Resources.’ When I did this with a large company’s ezine of 30,000 subscribers, I received back a spot where my monthly column sits–with a different how to article each time. Just another way to get yourself out there.

5. Hire a part-time organizer-computer assistant.

Call your local high school and place an ad for their career center. It’s minimum wage usually, and you can double, even triple your business results with just a little help. If you don’t promote each day, you lose your momentum and potential buyer’s responses. You can do the creating, your assistant can send the emails out, clean up your files, and do web marketing.

6. Send out an email survey to discover what’s on your potential customer’s or client’s minds.

Ask them what is the number one question they would like to have you answer for them. Then compile the questions and answers. Leverage them to place on your web site, place a few in several ezines to add new content, send out as article for the opt-in ezines or for web sites, or exchange with strategic partners.

7. Take some time off.

Renew yourself with a walk to hear the birds, see the green and enjoy the smells. On my walks I take a big whiff of Starbucks coffee aromas as I pass by to my local lake. Check out nearby places such as a spa, hot mineral springs, or gardens to be silent. Include more yoga in your day.

8. Get your expenses tallied before tax season.

See what else you can do to get more deductions before the year’s end.

9. Stop spending time on things you don’t enjoy.

Say, ‘I let go of all that doesn’t serve me.’ Look over your daily to do pages, and instead of dashing from one thing to another, list just 3 High Level Activities you want to accomplish for each day. The trick is to finish them before you wander to another lesser priority.

10. Make promotion and marketing part of your daily life.

Doing a little each day does bring great rewards. You may not get to pick the time someone uses your service or product, but ongoing promotion does work. Just found an email from one year ago from a potential client. Today he is with me as a full on client.

These tips are just the beginning. Put an easy attitude on as your build your business even during the holidays. Then, reward yourself with quality time with friends and family.

It’s true that most people are busy, but extra time for some sort of home-based extra income producing project can almost always be found. It may mean giving up or changing a few of your favorite pastimes–such as having a couple of beers with the guys or watching TV–but if you score big with your extra income project, you will have all the time you want for doing whatever you what to do.

Efficient time management boils down to planning what you’re going to do, and then doing it without backtracking. Start by making a list of the things you want to do tomorrow, each evening before you go to bed. Schedule your trips to the store or wherever to coincide with the other things you have to do, and with your trips to or from work. Organize your trips to take care of as many things as possible  while you’re out of the house. take stock of the time you spend on the telephone—and eliminate all that isn’t necessary.

Whatever chores you have to do at home, set aside a specific time to do them, and a specific amount of time to devote to them. For instances, just one hour a day devoted to yard work would probably make your property the envy of all your neighbors. Don’t try to do a week’s work in one big flurry. Whether it’s painting your house, fixing leaky faucets, or mowing your lawn and trimming your shrubs, do a part of it, or one particular job each day, and you’ll be amazed at your progress.

Take care of all your mail the day, you receive it. Don’t let those bills and letters pile up on you. If you’re unable to pay a bill immediately, file it in a special place that’s visible, and note on the envelope the date you intend to pay it. Answer your letters the same day you get them.

Once you start listing and planning what to do, and then carry out your plans, you’ll find plenty of “extra time” for handling virtually any kind of home-based income producing project. People in general may not like routines or schedules, but without some sort of plan as to what is supposed to be done, the world would be mired in mass confusion. Laws, ordinances and regulations are for the purpose of guiding people. We live according to an accepted plan or way of life, and the better we can organize ourselves, the more productive and happy we become.

The secret of all financially successful people is simply that they are organized and do not waste time. Think about it. Review your own activities, and then see if you can’t find a couple of extra hours in each day for more constructive accomplishments.

When you begin planning, and then when you really become involved in an extra income producing endeavor, you should work it exactly as you have organized your regular day-to-day activities—on a time basis. Do what has to be done immediately. Don’t try to get done in a hour something that’s realistically going to take a week. Plan out on paper what you have to do–what you want to do–and when you are going to do it. Then get right on each project without procrastination.

Finally, and above all else, when you’re organizing your time and your business, be sure to set aside some time for relaxation. Be sure to schedule time when you and your spouse can be together. You must not involve yourself to an extent that you exclude other people–particularly your loved ones–from your life.
Taking stock of the time you waste each day, and from there, reorganizing your activities is what it’s all about. It’s a matter of becoming more efficient in the use of your time. It’s really easy to do, and you will not only accomplish a lot more, you will also find greater fulfillment in your life.

A very important rule of the game to learn: Any time you want to raise money, your first move should be to put together a proper prospectus.

This prospectus should include a resume of your background, your education, training, experience and any other personal qualities that might be counted as an asset to your potential success. It’s also a good idea to list the various loans you’ve had in the past, what they were for, and your history in paying them off.

You’ll have to explain in detail how the money you want is going to be used. If it’s for an existing business, you’ll need a profit and loss record for at least the preceding six months, and a plan showing how this additional money will produce greater profits. If it’s a new business, you’ll have to show your proposed business plan, your marketing research and projected costs, as well as anticipated income figures, with a summary for each year, over at least a three year period.

It’ll be advantageous to you to base your cost estimates high, and your income projections on minimal returns. This will enable you to “ride through” those extreme “ups and downs” inherent in any beginning business. You should also describe what makes your business unique—how it differs form your competition and the opportunities for expansion or secondary products.

This prospectus will have to state precisely what you’re offering the investor in  return for the use of his money. He’ll want to know the percentage of interest you’re willing to pay, and whether monthly, quarterly or on an annual basis. Are you offering a certain percentage of the profits? A percentage of the business? A seat on your board of directories?

An investor uses his money to make more money. He wants to make as much as he can, regardless whether it’s short term or long term deal. In order to attract him, interest him, and persuade him to “put up” the money you need, you’ll not only have to offer him an opportunity for big profits, but you’ll have to spell it out in detail, and further, back up your claims with proof from your marketing research.

Venture investors are usually quite familiar with “high risk” proposals, yet they all want to minimize that risk as much as possible. Therefore, your prospectus should include a listing of your business and personal assets with documentation—usually copies of your tax returns for the past three years or more. Your prospective investor may not know anything about you or your business, but if he wants to know, he can pick up his telephone and know everything there is to know within 24 hours. The point  here is, don’t ever try to “con” a potential investor. Be honest with him. Lay all the facts on the table for him. In most cases, if you’ve got a good idea and you’ve done your homework properly, and “interested investor” will understand your position and offer more help than you dared to ask.

When you have your prospectus prepared, know how much money you want, exactly how it will be used, and how you intend to repay it, you’re ready to start looking for investors.

As simple as it seems, one of the easiest ways of raising money is by advertising in a newspaper or a national publication featuring such ads. Your ad should state the amount of money you want–always ask for more money than you have room for negotiating. Your ad should also state the type of business involved ( to separate the curious from the truly interested), and the kind of return you’re promising on the investment.

Take a page from the party plan merchandisers. Set up a party and invite your friends over. Explain your business plan, the profit potential, and how much you need. Give them each a copy of your prospectus and ask that they pledge a thousand dollars as a non-participating partner in your business. Check with the current tax regulations. You may be allowed up to 25 partners in Sub Chapter S enterprises, opening the door for anyone to gather
a group of friends around himself with something to offer them in return for their assistance in capitalizing his business.
You can also issue and sell up to $300,000 worth of stock in your company without going through the Federal Trade Commission. You’ll need the help of an attorney to do this, however, and of course a good tax accountant as well wouldn’t hurt.
It’s always a good idea to have an attorney and an accountant help you make up your business prospectus. As you explain your plan to them, and ask for their advice, casually ask them if they’d mind letting you know of, or steer your way any potential investors they might happen to meet. Do the same with your banker. Give him  a copy of your prospectus and ask him if he’d look it over and offer any suggestions for improving it, and of course, let you know of any potential investors. In either case, it’s always a good idea to let them know you’re willing to pay a “finder’s fee” if you can be directed to the right investor.

Professional people such as doctors and dentists are known to have a tendency to join occupational investment groups.  The next time you talk with your doctor or dentist, give him a prospectus and explain your plan. He may want to invest on his own or perhaps set up an appointment for you to talk with the manager of his investment group. Either way, you win because when you’re looking for money, it’s essential that you get the word out as many potential investors as possible.

Don’t overlook the possibilities of the Small Business Investment Companies in your area. Look them up in your telephone book under “Investment Services.” These companies exist for the sole purpose of lending money to businesses which they feel have a good chance of making money. In many instances, they trade their help for a small interest in your company.

Many states have Business Development Commissions whose goal is to assist in the establishment and growth of new businesses. Not only do they offer favorable taxes and business expertise, most also offer money or facilities to help a new business get started. Your Chamber of Commerce is the place to check for further information of this idea.

Industrial banks are usually much more amenable to making business loans than regular banks, so be sure to check out these institutions in your area. insurance companies are prime sources of long term business capital, but each company varies its policies regarding the type of business it will consider. Check your local agent for the name and address of the person to contact. It’s also quite possible to get the directories of another company to invest in your business. Look for a company that can benefit from your product or service. Also, be sure to check at your public library for available foundation grants. These can be the final answer to all your money needs if your business is perceived to be related to the objectives and activities of the foundation.

Finally, there’s the Money broker or Finder. These are the people who take your prospectus and circulate it with various known lenders or investors. They always require an up-front or retainer fee, and there’s no way they can guarantee to get you the loan or the money you want.

There are many very good money brokers, and there are some that are not so good. They all take a percentage of the gross amount that’s finally procured for your needs. The important thing is to check them out fully; find out about the successful loans or investment plans they’re arranged, and what kind of investor contacts they have—all of this before you put up any front money or pay any retainer fees.

There are many ways to raise money—from staging garage sales to selling stocks. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the only place you can find the money you need is through the bank or finance company.

Start thinking about the idea of inviting investors to share in your business as silent partners. Think about the idea of obtaining financing for a primary business by arranging financing for another business that will support the start-up, establishment and developing of the primary business. Consider the feasibility of merging with a company that’s already organized, and with facilities that are compatible or related to your needs. Give some thought to the possibilities of getting the people supplying your production equipment to co-sign the loan you need for start-up capital.

Remember, there are thousands upon thousands of ways to obtain business start-up capital. This is truly the age of creative financing.

Disregard the stories you hear of “tight money,” and start making phone calls, talking to people, and making appointments to discuss your plans with the people who have money invest. There’s more money now than there’s ever been for a new business investment. The problem is that most beginning “business builders” don’t know what to believe or which way to turn for help. They tend to believe the stories of “tight money,” and they
set aside their plans for a business of their own until a time when start-up money might be easier to find.

The truth is this: Now is the time to make your move. Now is the time to act. the person with a truly viable business plan, and determination to succeed, will make use of every possible idea that can be imagined. And the ideas I’ve suggested here should serve as just a few of the unlimited sources of monetary help available and waiting for you!