| Jul. 20 2006 at 6:22 PM |
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Organizing logistics is a daunting task. Where do you start? I find it difficult to start picking up the phone and calling prospective team members. I am not familiar with accountants, lawyers, bankers, or insurance agents. Cold calls are the only option open to me.
It’s a fact that as your business grows you will need professionals of these areas. Without them, you will spend far too much time fixing problems you inadvertently made.
Here’s what I did/do as I follow the path of entrepreneurship. We all have moments when we realize we WILL have a need for something. For example; each quarter, I have to file for the State Board of Equalization. At the time, I felt I was not capable of executing this task with confidence, and correctly. Therefore, at that moment of realization, I started a hunt for an accountant.
In that situation where timelines are available and pressure isn’t present, every thing turns out great. Unfortunately, life isn’t always so planned.
One day, wakened by the business phone (6:15am) I find a very professional speaking character. Blurry-eyed and yawning, he tells me my online business name was in breach of his business name’s copyright. He then proceeds to tell me I will receive documentation of a “cease and desist” order.
Where was the time to prepare? I quickly started the hunt for a lawyer. When you are in a rush and don’t know where to start, it just builds pressure on the situation.
Receiving the documentation the following day by certified next day air, I learn I am being sued for $3.2 Million. Long story short, I was not found at fault in any way, and the lawsuit eventually left the table. Matter of fact, due to the abilities of my lawyer, I never even needed to attend a court proceeding. Lawyers… You gotta love ‘em.
Please start now. Begin the hunt for accountants, lawyers, bankers, or insurance agents. You don’t have to “buy” one now. But it can only benefit you and your business by being prepared. Meets some of these people. Tell them you are “browsing” you will soon become comfortable with these necessary creatures of business.
Make friends and acquaintances sooner than later!
Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words
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| Oct. 16 2006 at 4:25 PM |
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Win prize package in StartupNation ‘10 Steps
Challenge’
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from October 16 through October 31, 2006 to be entered to win in the StartupNation
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Edited by: Joel - Oct. 18 2006 at 3:44 PMJoel Welsh
chief community officer
StartupNation
and
CEO
Showcase U
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| Oct. 20 2006 at 4:25 PM |
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I truly appreciate the small business resources at - businessweek.com, inc.com, entrepreneur.com, allbusiness.com, nolo.com
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| Oct. 21 2006 at 10:18 AM |
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To be successful and realize the vision of the owner's business plan, it is CRITICAL to focus on what you formed the business to deliver. A technology service provider who can provide your business with technology that aligns with the business plan to support success is inseparable from long-term success.
Engaging with a Managed Technology Service Provider (MSP) who can support the technology the business needs for a fixed and affordable investment is a key to a successful business.
The key concept here is that the right MSP for your business will provide TECHNOLOGY AS A SERVICE while the business focuses on serving their clients. With supporting technology as a service at an affordable fixed investment, the business will have a large competitive edge.
Technology costs too much when there is no thoughtful technology plan to support the goals and operational processes of your business.
Finally, measure, measure, measure. An MSP who is really interested in YOUR success will measure the technology and its contribution to your business success. These measures will be provided regularly in plain English with a direct reflection to your business successes and challenges.
BeckITSystems is a mature MSP located in the Northern Virginia technology corridor providing managed technology as a service to small and mid-sized businesses around the world. www.BeckITSystems.com Ed Becker, President
BeckITSystems, Inc.
(703) 740-9240
22570 Markey Court Suite 200
Dulles, VA 20166
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| Oct. 31 2006 at 7:01 PM |
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I went through 3 accountants before I found one that aligned with my business plan and happy I didn't give up in the search. Glad I was patient since now my accounting is less stressful and done on time for a change!
Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Turning Clicks Into Cash For Her Clients!
Founder of the popular, informative, educational & resourceful Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) and Author of The Virtual Business Startup System
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| Jul. 01 2008 at 1:53 PM |
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My biggest fear of starting up a home-based business is the logistics. We are in the process of creating a website that provides a marketing tool to sell your house. I plan on giving the first 20 sites away as a start-up promotion and to establish credibility. Once homes are selling, from people seeing them on our site and mainly by their ability to advertise their home locally in newspapers to direct buyers to their site online with 10 photos and unlimited discription, the seller will be asked for a reference. I have all the details worked out for the site and the business plan. My problem is I am new at starting up. I always worked for the man. I don't know about taxes and all the logistics in a start up...business license, sales tax etc. Any suggestions to get me over this hurdle?
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| Jul. 21 2008 at 3:30 PM |
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Great Article! Keep up the good work
http://www.merchantaccount.com
Edited by: merchantpro - Jul. 21 2008 at 3:35 PM
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