February 4th, 2008 08:29am
admin
I have come to the conclusion that with all the instructions about business planning and how to develop a business that I have researched in the past and now on the internet, the one most obviously glaring conclusion I am coming to is that there are far too many words, books, websites and so called experts all saying the same thing and making the same promises and yet so few people actually write or even want to write a business plan.
So, I have to ask the question, WHY?
I wrote my very first business plan some 30 years ago, using information I read in a book on how to succeed in business and I must say that my first reaction like most was, “I don’t want to do it” I didn’t want to know that I may not make it and that there were 70 percent of hopeful business owners who failed. I felt that my dream was slowly being drained away and the reality was that it was not going to happen, this passion of being a business owner that I had since a child. I had this dread in the pit of my stomach that I too would be added to the list of unsuccessful business owners.
When I finally succumb to the realization that a business plan was meant to help me rather than hinder me, I finally wrote my very first plan. At every turn the information I was to find in my research and later when I actually completed it was that I really didn’t understand what a business was all about and until I started this journey I had an unrealistic vision of standing behind a counter, smiling and chatting to customer while the money rolled in.
A business plan, like anything else in life becomes less complicated to understand and has more meaning if you have repeated the process many times and a business plan should be worked through regularly as things change. Why? Because it is not a static document, it is not merely another job that needs to be done and then put to one side, never to see the light of day again. It is a living breathing thing that can influence a person’s entire lifetime, so why on earth wouldn’t it be brought out into daylight every time there are changes to the business.
My Challenge
Since then I have spent countess hours sitting with people and listening to their dreams and aspirations, reading their business plans, reviewing their successes and discussing their problems and the one thought that constantly goes through my mind is how little things have really changed since I sat on the other side of the desk saying the very same words…..I know exactly what they are feeling and I can read between the lines.
So, here I am today looking for a better way to approach this task. How can I make it more digestible? How can I break in into smaller parts so that it is not like a marathon run with no idea of the outcome? This is the challenge I have set myself, and in time I will be able to offer a newer and better way to approach this thing called business…..watch for it, it’s coming to your nearest Craft Business Link.com website.
Help me in my quest for knowledge your views are welcome simply post them here.
December 24th, 2007 11:01am
admin
Dear Friends and Colleagues
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe and Prosperous 2008
From the staff and management of
Craft Impressions.com
December 19th, 2007 07:46am
admin
Co-operatives are an ownership solution that empowers members that normally have no control in other business structures. This sense of ownership unlocks levels of knowledge sharing, commitment and involvement that no other business structure can provide and unite business success and social inclusion through ownership.
We are often too reliant on a few known business structures.
The most challenging and hazardous is the sole proprietorship and partnerships where the total responsibility (unlike major corporations), fall directly onto the owner/s. If the business is a direct result of the inability to find employment many of these new small business owners, skilled as they are in their area of expertise, may lack either the finance or’ know how’ of running a small business. Inevitably, the results are the closure of the business in a relatively short period, possible loss of assets and increased hardships for them and their families.
Getting together works.
Combining the action of entrepreneurs and small businesses, (for instance in securing credit or opening up larger marketing opportunities), co-operatives can often become more effective than the individual. Co-operatives can provide purchasing power that an individual business may never be able to access. To meet the common needs of their members, co-operatives can provide benefits through the provision of shared services information, guidance and advice.
For many, co-operatives are linked with rural activities, yet there are extremely viable, thriving co-operatives worldwide that stretch from the voluntary sector to the mainstream economy. Some of the top corporations listed in Forbes 1000 top companies in the US today are in fact co-operatives. They are usually less visible than other businesses as they do not advertise their co-operative identity.
The Co-operative Principles - Co-operatives Act 1997 (current Australian) Voluntary and open membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Democratic member control
Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives on other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
Member economic participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. They usually received limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any if or all of the following purposes: developing the co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy and independence
Co-operatives are autonomous; self help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.
Education, training and information
Co-operatives provide education and training to their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and the benefits of co-operation.
Co-operation among co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Concern for the community
While focusing on member needs, co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
There is nothing new about co-operatives. Co-operatives can only work effectively through member loyalty and yet time and time again in successful co-operatives this unlocking of value through ownership does happen. What I am asking you to consider, is the possibilities of shifting away from developing individual business startups to that of developing a co-operative that can make a difference.
Co-operatives are working in every major world economy in areas of enterprise, agriculture, housing, finance, employee ownership, employment generation, regeneration, community involvement and the welfare sector. If co-operatives work on a worldwide scale, then why not here?
For many of you, the future offers limited, if any opportunities, but at times, having access to skills, resources or knowledge may be the key to taking advantage of these opportunities and so take control of your own future with pride and dignity
Co-operatives are not new; they are “A proven concept for new challenges.”
October 26th, 2007 10:48am
admin
Emailing is fast becoming a common way to communicate. We have seen emails become an integral part of running a business worldwide, not only by Internet businesses but also large corporations right down to those working from home have all embraced this form of communication. However, with technology growing at such a rapid rate so new problems regarding privacy are springing up just as rapidly. If you are using emails as part of your business and private communication here are 35 emailing tips to take into consideration before you hit that send button.
Download here http://www.craftimpressions.com/BlogArticles/35emailtips.pdf
I would like to sincerely thank Rob Harmer of PCProfile for allowing me to share them with you
October 18th, 2007 01:29am
admin
The B.O.N.D Group
Having touched briefly on business networking, there are some added advantages of getting to know the people you network with and the opportunities that may arise.
The Business Owners Network Development, (B.O.N.D) group is a classic example of how much further a group of people can go when there is confidence and trust within a networking group. All of the members came from another larger networking group and have developed a strong relationship with each other.
A group of eight like-minded business people came together with the purpose in mind of setting up a Mastermind group to assist each member in all aspects of business. Each person contributed, information and inspiration with the sole purpose in mind ‘to help each other achieve outstanding success’. This group meets on a fortnightly basis and at each meeting, working on a roster system; a selected business is discussed in detail. Whether it is rewording a pamphlet or developing a marketing strategy, the intention is to contribute to the success of that business. Essentially, other members also reap the rewards and benefits of that discussion and can apply the information to their business as well.
The businesses within the group are very diverse and each brings an added dimension to the group.
The B.O.N.D. members left front to right front
Andy Smith - Blacksilver - Painters and Decorators
Bob Edwards - Transport Engineering and Management
Tony Phillips - Business Developer
Mark Hayes - Jims Test and Tag - Electrical Testing and Tagging
Von Karpinski - GMS Innovations Pty Ltd - Funeral Industry
Eriks Draiska - Real Estate
Tim James - Bigfeat Coaching - Coaching, Mentoring and Consulting
Marion Drazil - Craftimpressions.com - Craft products, articles and directory - taking the photo
October 17th, 2007 07:45am
admin
Networking is almost an everyday occurrence in most people’s lives. It may be through having a coffee with a friend or a group gathering of people with similar interests. The weekly shopping trip, the phone call and a chat over the back fence can all be placed in the category of networking; we all do it to some degree or other.
Like the beasts in the wild, we are social animals that seek out company, not only to preen ourselves in front our peers but to allow them to do the same. We draw attention and motivation from others like us, in order to fulfill our desire to fit in.
Why is ‘Networking’ so beneficial to us?
We know that it gets us away from the humdrum and the pressures of our everyday lives. Networking gets us talking to others, sharing views and opinions and gives us a place to release our emotions or vent our displeasure, or even to share those times when something exciting or extraordinary happens to us. Often we are unable to share these things with close families or loved ones who may not understand or believe or even care. Networking offers us a way to fulfill a need for companionship, understanding and acceptance.
Where do we network?
Why are gyms such a popular ‘Networking’ environments? It’s not only to get fit but because they provide a relatively safe environment where we can network with others of similar interests. Day-care groups have as many mothers involved as they do children, and weight watches are a classic example of how effective networking can be through providing support when needed.
Structured Business Networking
Business has long seen the benefits of networking, not only to meet with others who have similar interests but for many networking is part of their marketing strategy.
Who would you remember best and trust more when looking to purchase your new house, someone who merely drops a brochure in your letterbox or a person you have come to know over a reasonable length of time at a breakfast meeting or a coffee?
For the most part, the person you deal with from your networking group has established some credibility in the eyes of the group. If they constantly turn up for breakfast or the evening networking meetings, you can feel confident that they will also turn up with that new contact when they say they will. They would be far more approachable in the event of problems or difficulties because they have to face you and many others at the next meeting.
The credibility within the group needs to be maintained if there is any chance of getting further referrals, the last thing needed is a poor reputation, leading to many missed opportunities.
As we are well aware, some of the biggest deals and most important business decisions have been made over a game of golf.
Internet Networking
With the introduction of the Internet and Web2.0, networking has taken on a significant new focus. It’s not enough to simply network with your neighbor, a contact in another state or even one in another country. Internet networking is about setting up new relationships with people through the entire world.
The same principle of dealing with people you know still applies and even more so on the Internet. With the problems of identity fraud, unscrupulous dealers and no contact details, many people are only dealing with people that they know or have been introduced to through social networking groups.
You may well find that in the future you will be dealing with people that you have met on one of the social networking sites like Face Book, You Tube or My Space.
Networking Works