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THE ART OF SELLING
February 25th at 10:11pm
Every business revenue relies one way or another in the ability to sell services or products. Here are top tips from professionals on how to master the art of selling. 1. Learn to be comfortable interacting with others and try to develop a comfort level in talking with people you have never met. Joining a couple of social groups such as Toastmasters International that assist all types of professionals in public/group speaking can help. 2. Consider taking a sales course at a nearby college, entrepreneurial center, or chamber of commerce. 3. Develop a strong level of self-confidence in your ability…
BUSINESS CHARISMA
February 11th at 11:51pm
We learn from small business leaders about the value of charisma in a small business, and what it takes to be an inspirational figurehead capable of achieving tangible results, whether that’s getting the best out of staff or winning new clients. Charisma can definitely be developed and is built through confidence of who you are and owning it. Like most traits some people are naturally abundant is that area while others have to work at it, but irrespective of where you are on the spectrum it can be nurtured in order to further both your business and personal life. Genuine…
TOP SELLING BUSINESS BOOKS YOU MUST READ
December 17th at 9:31pm
1. “Think and Grow Rich,” by Napoleon Hill Key takeaway: You can achieve anything you conceive and believe. Thoughts are things — and they are incredibly powerful. Focus on what you want to achieve and strengthen your resolve by having what Hill calls a “definiteness of purpose.” It’s also essential that you persist in the face of obstacles that are bound to impede your growth along the way. 2. “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” by Robert Kiyosaki Key takeaway: Know the difference between an asset and a liability. There’s a reason the rich get richer: They understand the vital yet often…
BUSINESS TAX TIPS
October 1st at 8:54pm
Small business owners spend time each quarter reviewing invoices and receipts as a first step toward filing their taxes. But this process typically results in spending money rather than saving it. In reality, tax time can be a time when you save money if you take advantage of all the small business tax deductions that are available and appropriate for your business. Here are 10 tax savings to keep in mind for your business, Utilize tax filing software. …Keep close tabs on all receipts. …Pay for your retirement now (and get a payoff later). …Deduct your home office. …Deduct your car expenses.…
BUSINESS FUNDING 101
September 3rd at 8:25pm
Before you sit down at a bank — or in front of a keyboard — to apply for business funding, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. How much money do you want to borrow? What is the funding for and why do you need it? Those might seem like obvious questions, but many business owners don’t have the answers when they apply for funding. You must first figure out what you need to use the money for — business expansion, equipment purchase, debt payoff, inventory — and then determine how much you can realistically afford to repay,…
RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS
August 20th at 8:10pm
The global financial crisis of 2007-2009, rewrote the rules about recessions. Many economists are now saying that there’s no longer such a thing as a recession-proof business. The best that employees can hope for is a recession-resistant business, meaning one with a better chance than most of riding out a recession Recession-Proof Industries Food and Beverage. No matter the state of the economy, people must eat. …Retail Consignment. When cash flow is weak, people typically don’t buy new furniture, books or clothes — that’s a no-brainer. …Information Technology. …Finance/lendingRepair Industry. …Health and Senior Service Industries. …Cleaning Services. If your company is one…
BUSINESS INSURANCE
August 13th at 8:03pm
Most small businesses need General Liability and Property Insurance at the very least. If you have employees, you’ll probably need Workers’ Compensation Insurance as well; most states require it. Commercial Auto is important if you or your employees drive for your business. Businesses need business insurance because it helps cover the costs associated with property damage and liability claims. Without business insurance, business owners may have to pay out-of-pocket for costly damages and legal claims against their company. Insurance companies basically do three things with the premium dollar. First, they pool the money to pay claims. Second, insurance companies pay for expenses involved in selling and providing insurance protection. … Earnings from investments help keep down the cost of insurance to policyholders. Looking for business funding? Easy online application with First Down Funding.
PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT
August 6th at 7:54pm
To live well in retirement, you no longer can rely solely on a company pension plan or Social Security. Instead, you will have to depend on how skillfully you plan and invest, and whether you make good use of tax-advantaged savings plans such as 401(k)s and IRAs. Approache retirement planning using an eight-step process: Set your retirement goals.Assess your current financial position.Identify retirement income sources.Evaluate retirement risks.Understand health care issues.Invest your retirement assets.Manage your retirement income. Best retirement plans to consider: Defined contribution plans.IRA plans.Solo 401(k) plan.Pensions.Guaranteed income annuities.The Federal government plan.Cash-balance plans.Cash-value life insurance plan. First Down Funding is funding America, apply…