Business Library: Articles for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs
These articles have been selected by Portland SCORE to provide information on subjects relating to the starting of and running of small businesses. This Business Library is a compliment to the Web Resource Links and together you will find much of the information that you need to successful start and run a business.
Our sincere thanks to the authors, both from within SCORE, and from the business community at large, who so graciously gave permission for SCORE to host these articles.
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Business Planning
7 Reasons to Write a Business Plan
by Susan Martin
The process of creating a business plan and thinking things through has helped many business owners learn what it takes to be successful. This article covers the key reasons why writing a business plan is critical for success.
Do I Want (Need) A Partner?
by Alan Shaver
Are you considering a partnership arrangement for your business? Are
you currently in a partnership that is not working? This article
explains some of the basic ingredients of a successful partnership and
why it is very much like a good marriage.
Financing Your Business
Financing Your Business
by SCORE & Circle Lending, Inc.
How to borrow money from people you know. This guide has been written with the intent of providing useful information, tips, and strategies to individuals who are considering a private business loan.
Franchising
Understanding Franchising
by Alan Shaver
Buying or opening a franchised business is much like starting or purchasing any other business, except there are some legal hurdles to get past, and some advantages may exist. This article is an excellant overview of the opportunities and risks associated with franchising
Maine Business Formation
Summary of Maine Business Entity Forms
by SCORE Portland
Table showing various forms of legal business entity. Includes information about ownership, liabilities, and taxes.
Marketing
7 Crucial Steps Before Marketing Your Service or Product
by Susan Martin
You don't need a large marketing budget to generate sales for your product or service. But you will need to take some important steps in order to "position" yourself in the marketplace. Here are 7 steps you won't want to skip:
Time Management
The 7 Deadliest Time Management Mistakes
by Susan Martin
Time management is critical to business Success. NYC based Business Coach, Consultant and Strategist Susan Martin will give you insight about and concrete steps to improve your time management.
Website Articles by CS Wurzberger
9 ways to market your Web site via offline marketing
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
To reach your customers in today’s cluttered market, having your site domain name on all your printed “offline” materials (business cards, letterhead, etc.) are just as important as your Internet/online tactics.
Boost online profits by including Web site content that sells
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
“Content is King” is the rule of thumb in the Web industry because the content, or copy, is your online salesperson. Discover how marketing content makes all the difference.
Define your Web site's purpose to boost online success
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
To build a successful Web site or to improve your existing site, you need to clearly define its objectives. These four questions will help you.
How to choose a domain name that will drive customers to your site
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
Having the right domain name (also known as your URL or Web address) is absolutely critical in helping your customers will find your business in the Internet Jungle.
How to choose the right Web host to ensure online success
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
Choosing your Web host is very important because you need to trust that your site is functioning at all times!
How to make sure your Web site's design is helping, not hindering, your chances for online success
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
Learn how a great site design clearly outlines all the functions and features you need on your site to have the best chance of generating profits.
How your Web site's graphic design can help more customers buy from you
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
While it’s very unlikely that you’ll be designing the graphics on your site yourself, it’s important to know about the graphic design considerations that are unique to the Web.
Know your keywords for search engine marketing success
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
The foundation of successful Web marketing is in knowing the keywords your prospects use in search engines to find solutions to their needs. Find out what this means for you.
Measure your Web marketing results to find opportunities for more sales
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
It’s important to monitor your online marketing efforts on a regular basis so you can make improvements. There are several ways to do this
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising can significantly improve your search engine ranking and online sales
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
PPC is a great way to enhance your site’s visibility and even guarantee you the top position of a search-engine page at least some of the time. Find out why.
Three ways to make it easier for customers to buy
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
Your Web site’s functional design, graphic design and content will make—or
break—your online shop success. By paying close attention to all three of these areas, you’ll make it easier for your customers to buy from you.
Turn your Web site into a profitable marketing tool
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
Discover the 9 easy steps to planning a profitable Web site, from defining its purpose and choosing the best domain name to following proven marketing tactics that improve results.
Web "Usability" is a key factor in whether your site is profitable. . .or not
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
What is Web “usability” and why does it matter? Learn how it plays a critical role in the experiences your customers have on your site, so they’ll buy from you.
What you can plan to spend on launching a profitable Web site
by C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
The Web development community seems to shy away from revealing their prices unless they’re dirt cheap. Here’s the truth about Web development costs.
Looking for more help with your business? Contact SCORE now and make an appointment for your FREE and completely confidential counseling session either at our Portland Maine office or one of our other Southern Maine locations.
Need an explanation or discussion about any of the material in any of these articles? Come in for no-charge counseling.
Or attend one of our small business workshops.
Betsy Hanscom,
Maine Warmers
"If I had not had that business plan I don't think I would have been successful"
Maine Warmers LLC, a developer and manufacturer of microwavable heating pads and ice packs, distributes their Maine-made products around the world through retailers and directly off their website. Betsy keeps busy doing the design work, purchasing fabrics, running the website, and orchestrating the activities of three subcontractors. SCORE has been with Betsy from....
Business Concepts (QS):
This workshop is your start in developing a feasibility plan for your business. You will examine how your business idea meets a need or solves a problem. You will clearly identify the features or benefits of your product or service. You will examine whether your personal skills and background are a good fit with your business idea. You will learn how to find critical information about your industry, customers and competition. You will be assigned a SCORE mentor to help and coach you through the process.
Thursday Sep 09, 2010
6 - 8 PM
Register Now
Marketing(QS):
In this workshop you will start to develop a marketing plan. You will
identify your target markets, discuss pricing strategies, focus on
creating a consistent marketing message, and discuss different
marketing communication methods. In addition, you will work on
identifying and developing an appropriate business plan.
Thursday Sep 16, 2010
6 - 8 PM
Register Now
Financial Projections (QS):
This workshop is designed to teach you to develop financial projections to see if your business concept is feasible in dollars. You will learn the importance of having a financial plan.You will look at start-up costs, operating expenses, breakeven analysis, the financial risks and rewards, and what funds will be needed to finance your business. You will see how financial statements are used to help manage your business. Don’t panic! An experienced SCORE mentor will be there to guide you through the numbers.
Thursday Sep 23, 2010
6 - 8 PM
Register Now
Funding Sources and Next Steps (QS):
This final workshop exposes you to traditional and non-traditional funding sources to finance your business. You will learn what information a bank needs to consider your loan request. You will learn what key elements go into the bank’s loan decision. You will learn to recognize your financial strengths and weaknesses. You will review your progress through the various workshop sessions and discuss what next steps may be needed to make your decision: “go” or “no-go” with your business concept. Your SCORE mentor will continue to work with you to complete any remaining items.
Thursday Sept. 30
6-8 PM
Thursday Sep 30, 2010
6 - 8 PM
Register Now
