01
DecWhy December is a Great Time to Review Your Business Plan
December 10, 2018
admin
Thu, 12/01/2016 – 09:57
While December is a busy time for small businesses trying to end the year on a high note, it should also be a time for introspection and review. After all, December is National Write a Business Plan Month!
You might think this occasion is reserved for new, aspiring business owners. But a business plan is so crucial for success that it’s also a good idea to take time to review your plan on a regular basis. This month is a great time for that.
Here’s how to review your business plan to prepare for success in the coming year.
1. Set aside one hour to review your business plan
Yes, you can make progress in just one hour! Set aside quiet time to read through your business plan — no matter how old it is — cover to cover.
Don’t be hard on yourself if your current business reality isn’t the same as your plan projected. Celebrate your successes, of course! But your real task here is to read and contemplate your plan. Pay attention to how you feel as you do this, and jot down any ideas or thoughts that come to mind.
2. Step away from your plan for a short time
Don’t rush to any conclusions or judgments when you finish reading your plan. Set aside the document. Take a walk. Get back to work for a few hours.
See what thoughts bubble up about your plan. Do any ideas spring to mind to improve your business plan?
If you find yourself feeling frustrated during this step, remember that your business plan is a living document that can be changed at any time. No plan is set in stone unless you want it to be.
3. Set goals for the new year
It’s time to set goals for the new year. What do you hope to accomplish? Do those goals fall in line with your original business plan, or is it time to draft a new version?
One of the best ways your business plan can guide you in setting new goals is by reviewing your weaknesses.
Your business plan includes a SWOT analysis, evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for your own business compared to your competition. Go back to the “weaknesses” portion of that report. Do you still agree with what you listed for your business? Are those weaknesses still true for your business, yourself as the boss, or both? Whether you’ve added skills and strengths to your business endeavor or you’re still struggling, think about how you can grow — or ask for more help — in the new year.
When you’re finished, you’ll probably have a lot of ideas for your business for the new year and years to come. The beginning of the year is a great time to set up a meeting with a SCORE mentor to talk about how to help your business grow. Anxious to get started right away? Don’t wait! Volunteer mentors work all year round — including around the holidays — to support small business.
Cross post from SBA Blog
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Established Businesses and Growth
Business Opportunities in Latin America for U.S. Companies
January 20, 2016
admin
Wed, 01/20/2016 – 17:09
Created on January 20, 2016
The United States and Latin America have one of the most active trade relationships in the world – one that continues to provide opportunities for U.S. businesses of any size and in almost any sector.
That is why the U.S. Commercial Service will host the next Trade Winds Business Forum in Latin America, Sept. 6-13, 2016.
Trade Winds–Latin America Webinar Series
Our webinar series will provide valuable insights to new and experienced exporters who will gain knowledge of export opportunities in this dynamic region. Companies will learn about best prospects, financial and legal considerations and marketing strategies in seven countries in Latin America. Click here to register for the entire series of webinars.
Feb. 5: Market Insight on Export Opportunities in Chile
Chile continues to pursue market-oriented strategies, expand global commercial ties, and actively participate in international issues and hemispheric free trade. As the United States – Chile Free Trade Agreement concludes its eleventh year, trade of products and services continues to be a resounding success.
Join us for this webinar Feb. 5 to learn about opportunities in Chile and how Trade Winds-Latin America can help you take advantage!Additional Insight: eCommerce in Latin America
Feb. 5, 2016
1:00-2:15pm EST
Cost: $40
Feb. 10: Market Insight on Export Opportunities in Mexico
Mexico is the United States’ second-largest export market for U.S. products. Its stable government, growing economy, and close proximity to the U.S. make it a promising market for new-to-export companies and experienced exporters.
Join us for this webinar Feb. 10 to learn about opportunities in Mexico and how Trade Winds-Latin America can help you take advantage!
Additional Insight: Credit and Financing for Export Transaction in Latin America
Feb. 10, 2016
11am-12:15pm EST
Cost: $40
March 2: Market Insight on Export Opportunities in Bolivia
For the past decade, Bolivia’s economy has experienced steady growth, accelerating over four percent. U.S.-produced products signal innovation and quality to the Bolivian consumer, and key sectors of opportunity include mining, hydrocarbons, and agriculture.
Join us for this webinar March 2 to learn about opportunities in Bolivia and how Trade Winds-Latin America can help you take advantage!
Additional Insight: Pricing and Quoting Your Products
March 2, 2016
11am-12:15pm EST
Cost: $40
March 16: Market Insight on Export Opportunities in Paraguay
With U.S. good exports totaling $2.1 billion in 2014, Paraguay’s small but rapidly growing economy offers strong demand for U.S. manufactured products and services. Paraguay continues to experience rapid economic growth, and recent economic reforms have liberalized key sectors such as energy and telecommunications.
Join us for this webinar March 16 to learn about opportunities in Paraguay and how Trade Winds-Latin America can help you take advantage!
Additional Insight: Legal Considerations when Exporting to Latin America
March 16, 2016
11am-12:15pm EST
Cost: $40
April 6: Market Insight on Export Opportunities in Argentina
With a large and educated population around 42 million, abundant natural resources in agriculture, mining, and hydrocarbons, and significant infrastructure needs, Argentina offers tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters. Argentina’s infrastructure requires major updating and renewal, providing significant opportunities for exporters of equipment and services for roads, ports, railroads, telecommunications, water and sanitation, and electric power, among others.
Join us for this webinar April 6 to learn about opportunities in Argentina and how Trade Winds-Latin America can help you take advantage!
Additional Insight: Export Tax Incentives – Tools You Cannot Ignore
April 6, 2016
11am-12:15pm EST
Cost: $40
April 27: Market Insight on Export Opportunities in Peru
Peru has been one of the fastest growing Latin American economies over the past decade. Between 2003 and 2013, the Peruvian economy grew an average of six percent per year. The Government of Peru has encouraged integration with the global economy by signing FTAs with fifty-two markets, including the United States.
Join us for this webinar April 27 to learn about opportunities in Peru and how Trade Winds-Latin America can help you take advantage!
Additional Insight: How to Leverage FTAs to Export to Latin America
April 27, 2016
11am-12:15pm EST
Cost: $40
May 18: Market Insight on Export Opportunities in Uruguay
A combination of favorable exchange rates, higher wages, historically low employment, consumer confidence, and strategic location make Uruguay a promising market for U.S. firms seeking to expand to the MERCOSUR trade bloc. Uruguay has experienced robust economic growth over the past decade registering annual average growth rates of 5.4 percent from 2004 to 2014.
Join us for this webinar May 18 to learn about opportunities in Uruguay and how Trade Winds-Latin America can help you take advantage!
Additional Insight: Shipping Your Products to Latin America
May 18, 2016
11am-12:15pm EST
Cost: $40
Tags
Global Opportunities and New Markets
09
DecSBA NOW Accepting 2016 National Small Business Week Awards Nominations
December 9, 2015
admin
Wed, 12/09/2015 – 16:10
Created on December 9, 2015
Are you a small business owner with an amazing success story to tell?
If so, submit your nomination today for the 2016 National Small Business Week Awards. Nominations are currently being accepted online at http://awards.sba.gov.
For more than 50 years, SBA has recognized the outstanding achievements of America’s small businesses for their contributions in their local communities, and to our nation’s economy. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness. And in recognizing the changing face of America, the SBA’s National Small Business Week awards honor individuals and businesses that reflect our nation’s rich diversity.
Tags
Established Businesses and Growth
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