Ask 100 people why they are writing a business plan and most likely 99 of them will say it is because they need to raise capital. Almost every company, big and small, will need to raise capital at some point in their life cycle. Whether they turn to their local banker, scour the planet for…
Since 1988, my company, Jian Software, has been refining and marketing the top software package for developing business plans – BizPlanBuilder for Mac and Windows. Over the years I have spoken with thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners who were over the moon excited about the future prospects of their company, but less than…
If you have spent any time speaking or meeting with entrepreneurs you have probably heard this statement many times: “I’ve got this really great idea, but it’s a secret (or revolutionary, or proprietary, or blah blah blah). I can’t tell you anything without a signed NDA…” And even with an NDA in place, many entrepreneurs…
At some point in your business career you will most likely find yourself in a position of needing to raise capital from investors. Whether you turn to family and friends, or to professional angel or venture capital investors, you will have to step up to the plate and ask someone to write you a check…
You may want to laugh when you read what I’m going to suggest, but these things are exactly what you need to do, and they will help you build your business. Take a deeper interest in your customers. A much deeper interest. Their success is required for your success. The more you can help them…