Today, let’s talk about project management. Sounds scary to some people – especially when you read a particular wiki on Wikipedia about it! – but the idea behind it is pretty simple and straightforward, really.

This article is aimed for early stage entrepreneurs and project managers who are looking for info on project management from a slightly different perspective… read on!

Project management explained, in plain English

Project management is all about taking care of the “necessary evil” that will make a project successful: Project planning, time tracking, resource planning etc. What deemed to be a successful project? The answer is achieved goals.… Continue reading »

If you are a small business owner, you must have realised that opportunities to grow your business often come unexpectedly. As opportunities are almost always requiring some fund to turn into realities, many small business owners miss the window of opportunity, simply because they don’t have the cash to help securing the opportunities. But should it be that way? Fortunately, the answer is no; enter invoice factoring.

Your suppliers heavily discount product’s prices (means more profits for you); you need funds to invest in a new equipment; you want to move to a new, better location for your store; you get a large order needing capital to work on; there are some opportunities that are rather time sensitive – if you respond slowly, you’d missed your chance to grow our business – and secure more profits.… Continue reading »

It is a tough time for small businesses at the moment, especially for those struggling to find money. The banks are in turmoil and are less keen to lend and customers have less disposable income which, in turn, has resulted in less revenue for many businesses.

Secured Loans have been an option that many small businesses have turned to but these do come with risks; usually the person taking the loan will use their possessions as collateral. Despite this, secured loans, or homeowner loans, can provide an instant cash injection and, as long as the repayments are met should have no adverse consequences.… Continue reading »

With such an up and down economy, it can be discouraging to know that you need the help of investors. However, there are plenty of people who believe in small businesses and believe in the good that small businesses can do for the economy, so you might not be under quite as much pressure as you think. If you can convince an investor that they should work with you, you’re off to a great start.

Unfortunately, sometimes getting a meeting with an investor doesn’t actually mean they are going to work with you. You have to be a salesman and have a plan of action before a meeting with an investor.… Continue reading »

A great thing about running a business blog that buzzes small business ideas and tips is the many great recommendations I get on anything small business. I love infographic (especially cloud computing infographic) and every time someone sends me an infographic, I tend to get engaged.

This time, I have just been recommended a small business infographic, that I think every small business owners will surely benefit from. The infographic, brought to you by Warman Capital, shows you some pointers on how to know when it’s the right time for your small business to expand, to be sold or to be closed down.… Continue reading »

Too often, YouTube is overlooked as not only an engagement and marketing platform, but as an educational resource for small businesses.

In actuality, there are hundreds of YouTube channels dedicated to providing free and sound business advice. The challenging part is distilling the genuinely helpful videos from the heaps and heaps of video junk that litters the world wide web.

Listed below are five subscription-worthy channels that produce consistently valuable content, and who have validated their credibility with substantial viewership.

Add these to your daily diet of small business resources and stay on top of trends to gather up new ideas for your business.… Continue reading »

Entrepreneurism is a dream for just about everyone, but few do it and an even smaller amount of people are able to do it well. In fact, I sat through a lecture some time ago where the speaker said pointedly, “most startups fail because they spend too much money too early and do not properly understand the costs involved with getting their business off the ground.”

Entrepreneurs, especially those who are on their second, third and fourth ventures know the pain of starting all over. And, if you crashed and burned the first time, you should have learned from the potential mishaps.… Continue reading »

With the cloud computing trends rising in the past few years, we simply cannot ignore the fact that cloud computing brings plenty of benefits for small business. Let’s go through some stats to understand better via some survey results and a cloud computing infographic.

Cloud computing is said to be able to save 30 percent of small businesses’ IT-related costs. That being said, cloud computing is able to save small businesses’ energy costs by 90 percent, thus making your small business greener.

Cloud computing, indeeed, is no longer a new, shiny small business technology that can help you do business better at lower costs.… Continue reading »

At a certain growth stage of your small business, you might want to consider whether you should incorporate your business or not. Read on to learn more…

Business incorporation, in essence, will allow you to separate between your business and your personal assets. So, you will only have limited liability toward your business. Business incorporation should benefit you, the small business owner, the most.

However, not all business owners can benefit from business incorporation; there is no one size fits all in incorporating your business.

Of course, there is no right or wrong answer in business incorporation. The issues you should address are related to what liability concerns you have in mind and what kind of tax benefits you hope to get from the incorporation.… Continue reading »

Setting out on a new venture as a business owner has it challenges. Consulting the ideas of successful entrepreneurs before you will go a long way in help you get prepared.

As starting a business goes, finance, personnel management, marketing are some of the cardinal points an entrepreneur has grasp even if at basic level. Reading good books on business is a good way to started unraveling the mysteries of successful entrepreneurship. As far as personal finance goes, an entrepreneur you’ll better off reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Rich Dad Poor Dad is different things to different people. Though a few regard the book as controversial the awareness of finance, it will give you is worth it.… Continue reading »

When implemented properly ERP software can not only bring immediate benefits but it can also bring long term benefits. A well thought out implementation will allow the ERP system to be flexible enough to grow and change with the business. Successful implementation of any ERP system requires looking at best practice models as these can help the business bring out the best of the ERP system as well as reducing the cost of implementation and increasing the Return On Investment (ROI). Here are 6 steps which should be considered when implementing an ERP system:

1. Preparation

Before any work is carried out, it is vital that the business prepares itself by answering some key questions and only after these questions have been sufficiently answered can the business move onto the next stage.… Continue reading »

During these tough times, when employment rates are down but gas prices are going up, working from home has become an increasingly attractive option for many. The availability of high-speed internet as well as different methods of communicating has made it possible for those unable to seek jobs outside to become self-employed by putting up small internet businesses or working freelance as writers, transcriptionists, editors, et cetera. The possibilities are endless – some companies now allow eliminating the commute for employees by allowing them to work their shifts without leaving their houses.

Like most things, it is not without its advantages and disadvantages.… Continue reading »

Developing and growing a small business is challenging. It’s especially difficult if you don’t have the capital to fill your orders. Many small businesses instinctively turn to partnerships or investors to help them launch a new product or build their business. But partnerships require a level of trust and commitment that may just give a small business another issue to worry about.

How do you come up with capital?

You have spent years coming up with the concept for your business. You have arranged and rearranged every detail. Your business plan is designed, and you know the ins-and-outs of every aspect of the business.… Continue reading »