Archive for January 2012
January 31, 2012 | 
Author One of the most popular ways to reduce debts is by using debt consolidation. The simple system will make a difference on the money we should allocate per month for credit card payments. The program is able to serve us low interest rate by making a negotiation with the creditors. The popular method for debt consolidation is by using balance transfer credit card. If we are using the credit card with the right strategy, then the credit card can be very helpful. However, if we are using the wrong strategy, then we will risk ourselves on higher debt.
Therefore, when we want to use debt consolidation program, we have to be guided by the professional. The professional will check our current credit and financial condition, so they can determine whether balance transfer credit card is the solution or we need another solution to solve our debt problem. The pro will guide us. For example, if we need balance transfer, then the will help us on the balance transfer credit card and if we need to make a negotiation with the creditor, the pro will also do it for us.
Can we do the debt consolidation program by ourselves? Yes we can, but there could be a great risk if we were taking the wrong step. With the guide of a professional debt consolidation agency who knows a lot about the subject, we can always make the right step and have a peace of mind. Learn more on DebtConsolidationAgency.org.
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A business card is one of the most important marketing pieces that you’ll develop
for your company, since it is typically the first piece of your marketing materials that
a new client will see.
One of the most debated points in business card design is whether to print
information on just one side of the card or to use both sides. There are many views
on this controversy, and here are some that we frequently hear.
The arguments for keeping the back of the card blank are that printing on both
sides has the following disadvantages:
o Not having a space to take notes while networking: Many business
people use a system of writing notes on the backs of the business cards they receive
while networking. They do this to remind themselves of the commitments they
made or to later jog their memories about the conversation. Too much printing on
the back can make this difficult or impossible. Glossy coatings on the backs of cards
can also prevent note writing.
o Rolodexes, business card filing systems, and card scanners: These are
widely used in business today, and many models don’t allow for the back of the card
to be viewed. For this reason, you should not put vital information on the back, so
that the card can still be functional when only one side is visible. Also, if your
prospect uses a business card scanner to store business cards, they might not scan
both sides.
o Greater printing expense: Printers charge more to print a two-sided card, because of the additional work and ink involved.
o Ink smearing: Some inks are more likely to smear or rub off on
neighboring sheets of paper than others; for example, blue Pantone inks are
especially prone to this effect. If you do choose a two-sided card with a field of
color on the back, then it is best to also varnish or clear-coat the back of the card in
order to seal the color in and prevent this. The varnish also adds drying time and
expense to the
The arguments for putting information on both sides are that you can use the back
to:
o Add more information: If you have a lot of contact information, putting
it all on to the front of the card will often make the font too small and the text too
dense to read comfortably. Putting some of that information on the back will free up
the front of the card and make it look better.
o Make your business card more valuable: By including interesting
information like a calendar of events, tip, or quote on the back, you can make your card more likely to be kept. Other things that you can put on the back include
coupons, appointment information, or directions to your store or office.
o Enhance your brand: The back of the card is often the perfect place for
graphical treatments and pieces of your Visual Vocabulary.
o Maximize your message: Use the back to add more information about
your business. It might not be clear to everyone receiving your card what you offer,
so you might try listing that on the back.
And it might not cost that much. Some printers will print a two-sided card for as
little as $20 extra per 1000 cards. In that case, the low price for additional “real
estate” really makes it worth the cost.
With all of these points in mind, the most effective card for small businesses is often
a two-sided card. The next question to address is what to put on the back of the card. We recommend:
o Not putting vital information on the back of the card: Since the back of
the card might get hidden or ignored in a filing system, it’s best to put all of the
most important information–like your name, logo, phone number, email, and
website–on the front of the card. If you have a physical office, you should also
make sure that your address is on the front of your card.
So what’s left to put on the back? You could put your tagline, a couple of lines that
explain your offerings, a list of your services, or a short testimonial. Or try one of
the suggestions from “Make your business card more valuable,” above.
o Try graphics: You can print a field of color, small graphic, or a simple
pattern on the back. A card with graphics on the back looks more sophisticated and
high-end, and is more memorable as well. If you don’t print in a color that is too
dark and you use a solid color field, people will still be able to take notes on the
back of the card. Just don’t forget the varnish!
If you use these tips, you’ll be able to maximize the effectiveness of your business card. Your card will go from being just a thing to hand out when you meet someone
to being a strong marketing tool.
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A business plan is a written summary of your business idea including the product, people, equipment, financing, competition, sales and marketing, cash flow and operations that are required. You will want to prepare a business plan not only for your new venture but also for new products or business models. If you need financing for your venture you will need a Business Plan to present the plan to venture capitalist, investors or your bank. Even if you are self financing the venture you should prepare a business plan as if you were going to present it to your bank. There is no one easier to lie to than yourself and no one easier to fool.
There is no magic formula for a Business Plan although I always found when presenting a plan to a bank the heavier and longer it was the easier it was to get the banks approval. You plan should at a minimum include the following.
A detailed description of the product or line of products or services including target consumer and features and benefits of the product. A statement of qualifications and experience of the person or persons who will lead and manage the venture. A detailed plan of where and how the product will be manufactured or purchased. If it requires manufacturing where will you get the equipment, factory space, raw materials and skilled labor? If you are purchasing the product what are your supply lines? Do you have a purchasing agreement in place? How reliable is the source? Can you get alternate sources if necessary? A marketing plan that details you unique selling propositions, market area, method of reaching your customer such as advertising or online marketing. How will you attract the right sales people? If you are planning on using a marketing firm provide details. If you are out sourcing sales such as to a real estate agent if you are building homes include information on the individual or firm you intend to use. If they provide a marketing plan include that in your business plan. A cash flow plan detailing required cash resources and how long the cash will be required before the venture becomes cash positive. A statement of required resources not listed above such as licenses, permits, insurance, testing and research, office space and associated equipment and furniture. An organizational chart showing a plan for operating the business at inception and as it grows. A list of your key advisors; accountant, attorney, insurance professional Include a break even and profit analysis. How many units or dollars do you need to sell to break even and how many do you need to sell to provide a return to your investors? A bank will want to make sure they are going to get repaid. Investors will expect a return which well exceeds return they could get from safer investments such as saving accounts, money markets or bonds.
Even if you do not need to reach out to investors and a bank and are going to be self financed prepare a business plan and present it to a bank or group of investors who do not have fallen in love with the idea like you have. If you cannot convince them to provide funding then you likely need to reexamine the plan.
Friends and relatives are not a good audience as they will either be too easily swayed by your enthusiasm or afraid to tell you what they really think. I once had a relative who I looked up to all my life. He was buying a franchise when he retired and he showed me the business plan. When I looked at the return on investment and the work required to produce that income I thought “this plan will never work.” Because I had looked up to him so long I kept my opinion to myself. He spent almost ten years working too many hours trying to keep from losing his retirement savings. In the end only the long hours and a lot of resourcefulness helped him recoup his original investment.
Original Content copyright 2010 Thomas Robinson