Category: Finance

Employ Foreign Exchange Strategies when Going Global

Posted by: on November 23

Business owners with experience know that doing international business isn’t as simple as selling your product in another country. A key consideration when buying and selling overseas is how to…

Create Forecasting for Business Units

Posted by: on November 17

Forecasting seems like a simple idea, yet many entrepreneurs don’t put it into practice. Forecasting is a valuable tool that will give you better control of your business and help…

Assess Customer Profitability

Posted by: on November 16

Keeping your current customers and securing new ones may seem difficult enough in the recession. But not every customer is a "good" customer. Some customers could be costing you money….

Establish Daily Forecasting

Posted by: on November 13

With just about every business now under pressure to lower prices, it is more important than ever for business owners to know their real costs. What are the daily forecasts…

Measure Current Performance

Posted by: on November 12

In today’s tough economy, every dollar counts. Yet do you know how your business is really performing? How your company might compare to the norms for your industry? Many entrepreneurs…

The Basics on Financing Your Own Business

Posted by: on November 04

With the unemployment rate hovering near double digits, a growing number of people are viewing job loss as that "karmic kick in the pants" to try something new. In fact,…

Trade Terms Can Help Alleviate Your Cash-Flow Concerns

Posted by: on October 16

In a down economy, cash flow is one of the most predictable concerns for nearly every small business owner. Small businesses can significantly ease these worries by understanding how trade…

Multiple Banking Relationships

Posted by: on October 15

Even though news headlines indicate the economy is subtly improving, an important lesson learned by everyone from large to small business over the past year is the need to have…

Two Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Answer

Posted by: on September 09

Every business needs money. As an investor, I’ve developed a good understanding of what to look for in pitches for investment money. Often, what business owners and entrepreneurs seeking money…

Two Essential Business Ratios

Posted by: on July 29

There are key business ratios that you should use to measure your strengths, weaknesses, and overall success. Using these ratios periodically can help identify and correct weaknesses while building upon…

Determining Your Company’s Valuation

Posted by: on June 08

Whether you’re an owner-operator among the 12 million baby boomers poised for retirement or a young entrepreneur considering net worth, getting a read on your business’ valuation can be a…

Small Businesses Still Have Options for Financing

Posted by: on June 03

Much has been reported in the news to suggest that the availability of outside financing for small businesses has tightened or dried up completely. But this is not the case….

How to Write a Loan Proposal

Posted by: on June 01

At one time or another, most small business owners seek loans to fund their companies. Approval of a loan request often depends on how well you present yourself, your business…

How to Cope with Credit Issues

Posted by: on May 22

Savvy small business owners are finding ways to cope with credit issues and keep capital flowing. Here are some ideas: • First and foremost, don’t panic. The evidence suggests that…

Dealing with Bad Check Headaches

Posted by: on May 19

If you get a bad check from a customer, here are some tips on how to collect: • Call the Customer. Call the customer and ask that he or she…

Avoiding Bad-Check Headaches

Posted by: on May 15

Dealing with bad checks can be a big headache for small businesses. That’s why the easiest way to handle bad checks is to make sure that customers don’t write them…

What’s Your Exit Strategy in Today’s Market?

Posted by: on April 28

As part of the small business life cycle, at any given time there is a flow of owners looking for an exit as their operations mature and reach new stages….

Approach Chinese Incentives with Caution

Posted by: on February 02

For years, foreign investors took advantage of the various incentives local and central Chinese government authorities used to attract investment. But with the passage of new tax laws, this landscape…

Be Careful When Cost-Cutting

Posted by: on January 21

As the economic slowdown continues to affect industries of all kinds, many small-business owners have cost-cutting measures in mind. These are moments where cost cuts should be handled with caution….

Take Advantage of Bargains from Businesses in Trouble

Posted by: on January 14

If you have the cash and warehousing space to take advantage of bargains from distressed or failed businesses, now is the time to do so. Do not hesitate to ask…

Get the Most out of Vendor Financing

Posted by: on January 06

Know that vendors can sometimes play a significant role in financing a new business. Partners in one startup persuaded vendors to give them "net-30" terms in order to stock a…

Where to Search for Funding Now

Posted by: on January 05

If your small business is in need of funding, be sure to think outside the box when it comes to locating funds. You might start by contacting your state, county,…

Finding and Keeping a Bank

Posted by: on January 02

Small business banking doesn’t have to be a daunting. Here are five tips to help ensure that finding and keeping a bank is a smooth process: • Understand the basics….

Approaching Your Bank

Posted by: on January 01

Here are five items to consider before you approach your bank for financing: • Understand that your primary responsibility is the proper use of capital and that you are in…

Conserving Capital

Posted by: on December 31

The first step to conserving capital is to know what drives your business. Determine your primary business of units sold, customers sold, average order, hours billed, etc. Pricing should be…

Determining Who Might Buy Your Business

Posted by: on December 08

First, determine what type of small business you are. If your net profits are below $1 million and your gross revenues are below $3 million, you may be a "mom…

Keeping Your Capital Flowing During a Credit Crisis

Posted by: on November 18

As dismal as things may sometimes seem, it is possible to make your small business thrive even when credit is tight. Here are seven keys to keeping your capital flowing:…

Avoid the Greatest Loan Risk

Posted by: on November 14

The greatest risk in working with any lender is that you will get the poorest and the most expensive loan available. Since it is hard to find out this information…

Where to Find Microloans

Posted by: on November 11

Whether you are a startup company or a small business that is growing, the SBA Microloan Program may be just right for you. The SBA funds nonprofit, community-based lenders to…

How to Borrow Money in Tough Times

Posted by: on November 10

We are living in interesting times, but as small business owners, that does not mean we can suspend what we need to do, reset the game, or choose not to…

Retailers: Surviving the Credit Crunch

Posted by: on November 07

For retailers, the current credit crisis means the majority of customers will be putting a much-reduced spending limit on their purchases. As a result, retailers will see a change in…

Manufacturers: Surviving the Credit Crunch

Posted by: on November 06

When credit markets fail, it becomes a cash and carry world. The credit crunch extends to small businesses in a very direct way: You will have a harder time getting…

Surviving a Downturn

Posted by: on October 28

No one likes to think about a downturn in business. But if it happens, the sooner you react, the better. Here are some tips on what to do to handle…

Tips for Setting Up a Cash Reserve

Posted by: on October 13

If you’re looking to generate a cash reserve, the most important thing is to create a habit of saving each week. Start by adding up all your monthly expenses, so…

Should You Use a Finder to Obtain Venture Capital?

Posted by: on October 01

For early-stage entrepreneurs looking to obtain venture capital, an important decision to make is whether to use a finder. A finder (aka broker) is someone who offers to help an…

Securing Venture Capital Funding

Posted by: on September 30

If you want to obtain venture capital, spend the time to understand the following criteria, plan, then work hard to present your investment opportunity in the best possible light. Keep…

How To Select Accounting Software For Your Small Business

Posted by: on September 16

Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you decide which program can best serve your business accounting needs: 1. Determine and create a list of the specific types of accounting functions…

Tax-Free Medical Expenses for Business Owners

Posted by: on September 15

If you are a regular C corporation, owners can benefit from receiving tax-free medical expenses paid through the company. However, if you’re a sole proprietor, partnership, or an S corporation,…

Your Pricing Is Probably Wrong

Posted by: on April 14

Your product is most likely priced wrong. The only way to know if it is priced right is to know the production and support costs and add on the profitability….

Online Banking Payment Options Can Build Customer Loyalty for Retailers

Posted by: on March 25

Consumers have more options than ever when shopping online. Retailers must continue to adapt to offer options that will satisfy customer demands, and keep them coming back for return orders….

The Appeal of Cash-Based Payment Options

Posted by: on March 21

According to a survey conducted by eBillme and Market Platform Dynamics, 64% of small businesses shop and bank online. Convenience and the ability to compare prices make online shopping an…

What Investors Will Consider When Evaluating Your Business

Posted by: on March 13

Once you’ve decided your business needs funding, investors will need to carry out due diligence before finalizing their investments. Though all investors have their own particular considerations when deciding whether…

What to Consider When Looking at Potential Investors

Posted by: on March 06

So you’ve made the big decision to look for an investor to hold a stake in your company. The timing is perfect—you don’t need the capital just yet, but as…

How to Make Your Business Investor-Ready

Posted by: on March 04

If you want to ensure that the best financiers are interested in investing in your small business, you need to take charge of the process and make sure you’re investment-ready….

What Return on Investment Means in Mergers and Acquisitions

Posted by: on February 06

There is a staggering difference between the return on investment (ROI) that a venture capitalist seeks (some more than 50% per year) and the ROI a large company may seek…

The Best Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

Posted by: on January 22

These days, there is a retirement plan to fit nearly anyone’s lifestyle. Just consider a few basicsethe amount of disposable cash available to fund your plan annually, your age, the…

Can Your Lawyer Handle Venture-Capital Financing?

Posted by: on January 16

To complete a venture-capital financing deal, you need a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of VC financing. This is no time for an inexperienced lawyer to learn something…

Issuing Stock

Posted by: on January 11

Issuing stock to shareholders, even in a very small corporation, is a complicated process. And if your company is public now or will be in the future, there are a…

What Are Employment Taxes?

Posted by: on January 09

Small business owners often have great responsibilities while operating and managing a business. Before you become an employer and hire employees, you need a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). If…

Tax Answers for Home-Based Businesses

Posted by: on December 19

When you start your own business, your tax situation will change dramatically. Many new business owners get overwhelmed with the tax laws and regulations that govern their new venture. Luckily…

Cleaning Up Your Company’s Bad Credit Profile

Posted by: on December 05

How bad is your company’s credit? You may not think about it much, but you can bet your suppliers do. A bad credit rating can damage your company in several…

How Do I Contact Angel Investors?

Posted by: on October 19

Getting your business plan in front of the right people often takes an introduction by a third party so that it gets the attention it deserves. Do your research and…

What Is the Advantage of a Secured Line of Credit?

Posted by: on October 11

For business owners looking for some financial flexibility, one of the more inviting options is a secured line of business credit. Such a line of credit provides a business owner…

Dealing with Bounced Checks

Posted by: on October 10

When you accept a check as payment for goods or services, you do so with the faith that the customer has money in their account to cover it. When they…

Bank Loans for Small Businesses

Posted by: on October 03

Traditionally, banks are conservative with their investment dollars. Unlike many venture capitalists or angel investors, they are far more likely to approve a loan for an established business over a…

Five Tips for Avoiding Undercapitalization of Your Business

Posted by: on October 02

Undercapitalization, or lack of sufficient operating capital, simply means the money has run out. The concept is simple, but the root causes of undercapitalization are more complex. Knowing the factors…

How to Qualify for Franchise Loans Even with Bad Credit

Posted by: on September 19

Having bad credit makes it harder to qualify for a franchise loan, but it’s not impossible. If you have bankruptcies combined with lots of judgments and tax liens against you,…

How to Survive the New Credit Crunch

Posted by: on September 17

If you breathed a deep sigh of relief, believing you escaped financial fireworks set off by the mortgage madness, that relaxing exhale may have been premature. Chances are you will…

The Structure of a Venture Capital Investment

Posted by: on September 12

A typical venture capital investment is structured so that the venture capitalist gets convertible preferred stock in your company. This stock gives the venture capitalist preference over the common shareholders…

Selling Your Business: Entity Sale vs. Asset Sale

Posted by: on July 27

When selling a business you have two options: You can opt either for an "entity sale" or an "asset sale." Making the right choice between the two can help minimize…

How to Apply for an SBA Loan

Posted by: on July 16

In order to be eligible for an Small Business Administration Loan, you must have applied and been turned down for a conventional loan by a commercial lender. By law, the…

Issuing Stock

Posted by: on July 13

Issuing stock to shareholders, even in a very small corporation, is a complicated process. And if your company is public now or will be in the future, there are a…

Old-School Finance Lessons

Posted by: on July 09

As hard as it is to admit sometimes, Mom and Dad usually do know best. From relationships to finances, Mom and Dad kept it simple and benefited because of it….

When to Retire

Posted by: on July 05

The gap between what many business owners say they will need for retirement and what they actually have saved is considerable but the picture does not need to look bleak….

New Business Budget

Posted by: on July 03

Preparing a budget, particularly when starting a new business, isn’t just a good idea—it’s vital to your success. Here are some tips to help get you on the right path…

Accrual and Cash Accounting Methods

Posted by: on July 02

As a new small-business owner you must make a decision between using accrual or cash accounting methods. Regardless of which method you choose, you must use it consistently. The accrual…

Avoiding Cash Crunches

Posted by: on June 17

A company’s cash flow is its lifeblood. Without a steady stream flowing in and out, you run the risk of damaging your credit and stalling the growth of your business….

Successful Debt Collection

Posted by: on June 10

A key to successful debt collection is the assumption that most people are honest and want to pay you. That means you need to treat customers with respect during the…

Should You Pay Points on Mortgage Loans?

Posted by: on May 29

In real estate lingo, a point is one percentage point of the overall loan that is paid up-front, typically at the time of closing. For example, if you are borrowing…

Making a VC Partnership Work

Posted by: on April 18

I’m often asked by entrepreneurs what it takes to make a partnership with a venture capitalist work. To them it often seems like all VCs want is results, results, results….

Ways to Prevent Overdue Accounts

Posted by: on April 17

The best way to prevent overdue accounts is to avoid doing business with customers who have bad credit histories. If it were only that simple. If you limited yourself to…

Give Investors Realistic Expectations

Posted by: on April 11

Always provide your investors or potential investors with realistic outlines of the time and resources it will take to complete a product or project. Investors will always look for aggressive…

Navigating an Unpredictable Income

Posted by: on April 01

All businesses are going to experience some ups and downs. It is the nature of the beast of being in business. Here are two ways to help navigate an unpredictable…

What VCs Don’t Want

Posted by: on March 21

Business plans go into the "no" pile for many reasons. Here are three "ratio pitfalls" to avoid when seeking funding from venture capitalists. 2:3:1 Two to three minutes per slide?…

Start Your Tax Prep Now

Posted by: on March 18

Putting off doing your taxes only increases the likelihood that you will make needless mistakes and miss legitimate deductions you could be taking. Start with last year’s tax return. If…

Avoiding an Audit

Posted by: on March 11

Of the more than 100 million tax returns submitted to the IRS each year, fewer than 2 million are subject to closer examination. But the more money you make, the…

Successful Cash-Flow Management

Posted by: on February 27

Cash management is ultimately about cash flow—and very few small businesses are awash in cash. Even successful, growing companies are vulnerable to cash-flow problems because they tend to add employees…

Researching a Company’s Payment History or Bankruptcy Record?

Posted by: on February 13

There are three national credit reporting agencies that do credit checks on businesses from which you can learn about a company’s payment history or bankruptcy record: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion….

Tax Accounting Is Not Enough

Posted by: on February 11

Investors, lenders, and buyers want your financial records to show more than revenues, expenses, and net profits. Too often, bookkeepers and accountants focus solely on tax issues, and provide your…

Buying a Company for Growth

Posted by: on February 07

When buying a company for growth, look only at the three success factors: • Customer type and share • Market share and size • Rapid-growth opportunities Do not get distracted…

Preparing Financials

Posted by: on February 04

If you plan to raise or borrow money or sell your business, forget annual statements. When undertaking such transactions, you will undoubtedly be asked for more detailed information. So, before…

Start Budgeting Now

Posted by: on January 21

Think of a budget as a useful tool—a written financial plan that helps you set goals and measure progress To start budgeting, come up with a sales revenue target. Make…

The Balance Sheet for Small Businesses

Posted by: on January 09

Along with the income statement, the balance sheet will provide you with the data necessary to make sound financial decisions. The balance sheet lists the assets and the liabilities of…

Finding Capital

Posted by: on January 07

Understanding the basic types of capital is the first step in knowing where to look for startup or expansion money. The most common sources of commercial loans are banks, savings…

Barter Basics: An Old Idea Gets New Life

Posted by: on January 04

Barter has been around as long as humans have walked the earth. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a place in a modern economy. In fact, over the past…

Buying an Existing Business

Posted by: on January 03

If you’re considering purchasing an existing business, investigate it just as you would a business startup. Ask yourself: • Do I have experience in this type of business? • Will…

SBA Loans for Home-Based Businesses

Posted by: on December 28

Getting financing for a new venture is never easy, and finding funding for a home-based sole proprietorship business is even harder. But the Small Business Administration (SBA) has made it…

Paying Yourself

Posted by: on December 26

As a small business owner, deciding what to pay yourself can be a tricky question. You don’t want to give yourself so much that you cripple your company or so…

Do You Really Want to Raise Venture Capital?

Posted by: on December 25

You think your small business has the potential to become a leader in its segment and experience tremendous growth. You also keep hearing about these young entrepreneurs who raise ridiculous…

Is a Business Loan Taxable Income?

Posted by: on December 21

Understanding and interpreting business tax law is a daunting task. First of all, what is "business income"? Basically, if the income has anything to do with your business, whether or…

Credit Lines vs. Credit Cards

Posted by: on December 19

Both lines of credit and borrowing money on your credit cards can be effective ways to finance small-business operations. Both are revolving, and charge interest only on outstanding balances. And…

Benefits of Tax Accounts

Posted by: on December 18

Self-employed individuals and owners of pass-through entities (in which the owner, not the business is taxed) should use a "tax account" to accumulate funds for federal and state income taxes….

Beware of Tax Scams

Posted by: on December 11

The IRS announced the "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams for 2006. New to this year’s list is the "zero wages" scam, in which taxpayers filed "corrected" Form 1099s or Form 4852…

Setting Up Your New Business for Tax Time

Posted by: on December 04

It’s never too early to start thinking about how to reduce your tax burden. Startups are especially poised to make decisions that can help save them time and money on…

Five Small-Business Grant Resources

Posted by: on November 30

Sometimes even the best business concepts don’t come to fruition due to lack of funding. Lending sources may refuse funding for multiple reasons. For example, you could have a strong…

How Do You Determine the Selling Price for Your Business?

Posted by: on November 21

Though many formulas and tools can help you determine the selling price for your small business, there is no magic bullet that will come up with the absolute correct price…

The Fastest Way to Finance Your Small Business

Posted by: on October 20

When you need cash in a hurry, you will find plenty of lenders ready to loan you money at exorbitant rates. Unscrupulous loan brokers routinely prey on small-business owners who…

Understanding Financial Packages

Posted by: on October 19

Loans and venture capital often come in packages—that is, each may have several sources of funding, and one piece of financing may depend on another. Even government programs may require…

Finding a Good Accountant

Posted by: on October 13

The right accountant can minimize your tax bill and find ways to save you money throughout the year. But what makes a good accountant—and where can you find one? Don’t…

Tips on Factoring

Posted by: on September 28

Factoring is a way to turn your accounts receivable into cash by selling them to a finance company called a factor. Though it can be expensive, it may fuel your…

Suing a Customer for Nonpayment

Posted by: on September 27

If you find yourself in the unfortunate but common situation where a customer or client has not paid you for services rendered or for merchandise already delivered, you have several…

Conserving Capital

Posted by: on September 26

To conserve capital, start by knowing what drives your business. Determine your primary business of units sold, customers, average order, hours billed, etc. Next, determine your pricing by calculating the…

Alternatives to Selling Your Business

Posted by: on September 20

The choice to sell a business often arises from pressures beyond the owner’s control. Family responsibilities, partner disputes, lagging prices, and product or market shifts can all take a toll…

Successful Cash-Flow Management

Posted by: on September 15

Cash management is ultimately about cash flow—and very few small businesses are awash in cash. Even successful, growing companies are vulnerable to cash-flow problems because they tend to add employees…

Budgeting Isn’t Just for Beginners

Posted by: on September 14

Scorecards and dashboards are popular measurement tools because they reveal the budget issues within a company. While budgeting isn’t just for beginners, most people are beginners at budgeting. Budget both…

It’s Not Just About Appeasing Lenders

Posted by: on September 13

Small-business owners are often seized by a vision and driven to see it through. Yet a vivid image in the mind’s eye is a sketchy road map at best. Creating…

Two Fast and Effective Sources for Gap Financing

Posted by: on September 12

The opportunity of a lifetime has landed at your feet. It will make your company. All those long days and sleepless nights will pay off. But there is one problem:…

Preparing for a Tax Audit

Posted by: on September 06

Preparing for an audit is sort of like preparing for a test in school: The IRS informs you of which sections of your tax return the agency wants to examine,…

Take Your Exit Money Now!

Posted by: on July 27

At a recent speaking engagement for family business owners, the attendees were very concerned about knowing how and when to exit their companies. After a bit of discussion it became…

The Structure of a Venture Capital Investment

Posted by: on July 26

A typical venture-capital investment is structured so that the venture capitalist gets convertible preferred stock in your company. This stock gives the venture capitalist an advantage over the common shareholders…

Who’s the Loser in Family Business Estate Planning?

Posted by: on July 25

Estate planning among family business owners is always a hot topic, and the percentage of family business owners who have engaged professionals to assist in the estate planning process has…

Successful Debt Collections

Posted by: on July 24

A first step to successful debt collection is to assume that most people are honest and want to pay you. Treat customers with respect during the collection process and remember…

Understanding Home Office Deductions

Posted by: on July 17

Take advantage of every legal opportunity to reduce your taxes. Recent changes in the law benefit business owners who use their homes—whether the home is rented or owned—as an administrative…

Basic Rules for Buying a Business

Posted by: on June 14

Instead of starting from scratch, you can usually find someone with a business who wants to sell. Buying an established enterprise may be more costly, but it’s less risky than…

60-Second Guide to Getting A Loan

Posted by: on June 07

Getting a small business loan is not as easy as saying you have a great idea and holding out your hand. While it is difficult to get a start-up business…

Five Ways to Pay Off Your Mortgage Loan Faster

Posted by: on April 25

Most homeowners would love nothing more than not to have to put that mortgage check in the mail every month. But trying to pay off your mortgage ahead of schedule…

Key Business Loan Issues

Posted by: on April 12

When you start a business, you generally have two ways to raise capital: loans and equity contributions. There are some obvious disadvantages to loans. They require you, for example, to…

Charge It

Posted by: on April 11

Many customers love to pay with plastic, and accepting credit cards can sometimes be the difference between making or losing a sale. Credit card services are competitive, so shop around…

Finding the Right Venture Capitalist

Posted by: on March 08

Before approaching a venture-capital firm, you should have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. You are obviously looking for money to help expand your business, but what…

Automobile Expense Deductions

Posted by: on March 06

Automobile expenses are one of the major tax deductions for small businesses, and making the right choice about how to deduct them can save you hundreds of tax dollars. The…

Don’t Limit Your Financing Options

Posted by: on February 24

Coming up with the money to start a new business is a challenge, but it is not impossible. There are many options, some of which you may not have even…

A Secret the IRS Doesn’t Want You to Know

Posted by: on February 23

If you are a regular “C” corporation, owners can benefit from receiving tax-free medical expenses paid through the company. But if you’re a sole proprietor, partnership, or an “S” corporation,…

Getting Your Foot in the Door at Venture Capital Firms

Posted by: on February 09

Venture capital firms are inundated with inquiries and business plans, and they are very selective about which companies they take meetings with. The best way to gain access to a…

Finding Funding Off the Beaten Path

Posted by: on February 02

If you know where to look, there are a variety of funding options available to help your small business succeed. Check out these resources: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance…

Small Business Loans & Grants

Posted by: on January 03

Keep in mind the following when looking for state and local funding options to help your business succeed: 1. Consider city, county, or state assistance programs for qualified small businesses….

Tax-Free Medical Expenses Through the Business

Posted by: on December 30

Owners of a regular “C” corporation can benefit from receiving tax-free medical expenses paid through the company. But if you’re a sole proprietor, partnership, or an “S” corporation, these same…

Find Funding Off the Beaten Path

Posted by: on December 23

If you know where to look, there are a variety of funding options available to help your small business succeed. Check out these resources: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance…

A Helping Hand at Tax Time

Posted by: on December 12

Micro-business owners and the self-employed manage every aspect of their business themselves — including doing the business’ taxes. With all the tax forms, deduction qualifications, and exceptions to the rules,…

Five Tips to Speed Up Tax Filing

Posted by: on December 05

1. What’s in a filing date? Tax returns or an extension must be filed by Apr. 15. However, all taxpayers can get an automatic extension by filing Form 4868, which…

Question the Numbers

Posted by: on November 14

You can’t believe the financial results that come out of your software system. Those numbers need to be reviewed and questioned. My favorite managers are the ones who look at…

Estate Plans Are Not Succession Plans

Posted by: on October 25

You don’t have to die to win! So much of traditional family-business planning revolves around death issues that the plans don’t answer one important question: What if you live? The…

There’s Safety in Numbers

Posted by: on September 22

A company needs a team of five full-time employees (this includes the founders) or more before venture capitals typically will invest. Too few employees make an unstable company and cannot…

What VCs Want

Posted by: on August 16

Make sure that your products have an exceptionally high gross margin. Venture capital investors have learned that products need a minimum of 67% gross margin to pay for — and survive…