There are a variety of options for financing a small business - most are worth pursuing but a few require careful consideration. In this session we explore traditional and alternative financing options and provide guidance to help you fully prepare for a loan request from a lending entity.
View the video which discusses:
* Financing options to be wary of * Financing options to research and consider * How to prepare for a loan request * What Lenders expect from their Borrowers * Resources available to entrepreneurs
Video: Using Social Networking to Build Your Business
Social media sources like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are fundamentally changing the way businesses and consumers behave, connecting hundreds of millions of people with instant communication. Social media communications can either help or hurt branding, reinforcing the need for consistent and concise messaging across all communications.
View the video which discusses Social Networking topics:
Introduction to social media channels and why it works
How to use social media for your business
Utilize social media to strengthen your brand and reach new markets
Resources for getting started
Video brought to you through the Wake Up Call Workshop Series, a collaboration between Northern Initiatives and Lake Superior Community Partnership.
For many of our organizations, our employees are our greatest resource and our greatest expense. In today's competitive environment, managing productivity is essential to business growth and survival. Improving productivity is more than just a matter of working faster - it is about accomplishing better results with limited resources.
View the video to learn techniques and strategies for maximizing the productivity of your workforce.
Implement a clear strategic direction for your organization.
Align your organizational strategies and your people.
Set expectations and goals that drive performance.
Technology has become an essential support and productivity tool for your business. Software applications are varied and options change rapidly, which can be confusing and may make it difficult to decide on the right solution for you.
View the video to learn how to leverage software applications including:
Using Microsoft Office Templates to enhance business management
Evaluating open source and online packages
Using customer communication and relationship management tools
Introducing some of the free conference calling options available to you
Privacy and security concerns
Watch the video to learn about technology options for small business.
Know your numbers - it makes all the difference. At no other time in recent history has the need to truly understand the key financial indicators driving your business been more important. A well prepared balance sheet and income statement are the tools to tell the story of your organization's financial health.
The basics of understanding your financials
Income Statement
Balance Sheet
Ratios
Using financial information to make effective business decisions
Watch the video to learn how to understand your numbers and learn how to use them to drive efficient and effective business strategies.
Learn about the importance of market diversification and key strategies to break into new markets. Shrinking orders from traditional customers have caused many Michigan companies to begin looking for new customers. Focusing on aligning your company's core competencies and strengths with new markets and customers will lead you and your organization to increased sales and sustainable growth.
Strategies and techiques covered to:
Profile, identify and target new customers through current and new marketing channels
Improve sales effectiveness and get the most value from your sales and marketing dollars
Using an online presence to enhance communication
Create a plan to cost effectively communicate your company's message
Video provided in partnership with the Lake Superior Community Partnership as part of a series of short workshops covering a variety of topics to help grow and manage businesses. Called "Wake Up Call", these content rich sessions will feature speakers who are experienced will all facets of business.
