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Guidant Financial Group Blog
Friday
A major hurdle for most small business is getting better brand recognition. In an article for The Wall Street Journal, Michael Michalowicz states that making this leap is crucial."As consumers, we are hard-wired to mistrust anything new, but expose us to that same something repeatedly and we will start to trust that it's a product or service worthy of our hard-earned cash."
Michalowicz believes that this can be achieved by focusing on the frequency to which consumers are exposed to a brand.
Michalowicz believes that this can be achieved by focusing on the frequency to which consumers are exposed to a brand.
"Small businesses can achieve frequency by working in tight, concentric circles – showing up many times in just a few places, as opposed to showing up in many places, just a few times."
Read his advice and the full article here.
Check out the profile of Guidant Financial on the inc500 list.
Check out the profile of Guidant Financial on the inc500 list.
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For many start-ups, finding the right vendors for your business can make all the difference. Sarah Needleman, in an article for The Wall Street Journal, suggests several considerations for small business owners about their prospective vendors.The article encourages owners to "do their homework" before choosing a vendor. "Good places to search for vendors are trade shows and magazines, as well as industry-association websites."
Another important lesson is to "stand your ground. Don't settle for a lesser product or one you don't need just because a supplier doesn't have the merchandise you're seeking."
Needleman also says that "When striking deals with vendors, keep in mind that it may take several months to secure the kind of rates and terms you'd like."
Read the full article here.
Check out the profile of Guidant Financial on the inc500 list.
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In today's economic climate, some may be afraid to open a business, but really now is the perfect time!
Guidant CEO and Co-founder David Nilssen has published an article noting the Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Business Right Now.
Read it here.
Follow Guidant on Twitter at @guidant.
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Steve Calderia
The projected top sources of small business financing for 2012 appear today in Entrepreneur, and Guidant Financial, along with client Linda Jamerson of Chicago, are featured prominently.
Read the full article here.
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Wednesday
David Nilssen shared his expertise on Mo.com today in his article about investing a 401(k) into a new business or franchise.
He detailed his 10 Things to Know Before You Touch Your Funds, which includes advice about understanding the risks involved with such an investment and creating a solid business plan.
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Small Business
If you missed our free webinar hosted by David Nilssen last Friday, on the topic Avoiding Common Credit Mistakes, you can now access it here.
Be sure to watch this blog, our Facebook page and Twitter account for announcements of upcoming webinars.
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As we approach a new year, many people are looking forward and are predicting a hopeful future for small business.Laurie Kulikowski, a reporter for The Street, predicts that circumstances in 2012 will encourage people to start their own businesses.
Kulikowski writes that a "trend likely to ring true in the new year: an entrepreneurialism boom. Unemployment is still high, and the bump from seasonal jobs will soon be gone. Additionally, military troops are coming home, and some will have trouble finding jobs."
The article quotes Jennefer Witter of The Boreland Group saying that "With returning veterans who are leaving the military to those who are laid off, many will decided to take their professional lives in their own hands and create businesses that will provide long-term security, income and, most important, their own say in their professional lives."
Read the full article on NuWire Investor here.
Check out the profile of Guidant Financial on the inc500 list.
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He just published the book, G.O.L.F. Greatest of Life's Frustrations Game of Limitless Fun, which is now available for purchase ($21.99) on his site.
Read more about it in the flyer to the left (click to enlarge) and consider it a great holiday gift option for your favorite golfer!
Join the conversation at the Guidant Financial Facebook page.
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Wednesday
Consumer confidence appears to be rebounding in the midst of our volatile economy.
A report by USA Today indicates that holiday retail sales were up and entrepreneurs are starting new small businesses in spite of the credit crises.
These new ventures are stimulating the economy by creating more jobs and opportunities for the unemployed.
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401(k) Small Business
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business
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economy
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sba loans
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Small Business
The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday will take place this weekend on Nov. 26.
It's a day designated as an alternative to the Black Friday rush in support of small businesses during this holiday season of shopping.
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Guidant is pleased to be a partner in the new Operation Enduring Opportunity campaign led by the International Franchise Association (IFA) VetFran program and Joining Forces, under the direction of First Lady Michelle Obama.
Read last week's press release here. Watch the First Lady speak about the initiative here (Guidant's mention comes in around the 16:20 mark).
Learn more about Guidant's commitment to help fund 500 veteran-owned businesses by 2014, and provide full scholarships for 12 veterans, on the Guidant Financial veterans page.
Watch Guidant's Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs video for an extra dose of inspiration.
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First Lady Michelle Obama
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International Franchise Association
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Joining Forces
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 |
| Magic Johnson with David Nilssen |
Last week, Guidant Cofounders David Nilssen and Jeremy Ames attended what was dubbed "The most exciting event in entrepreneurship," EO Alchemy 2011 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Johnson was Nilssen's childhood idol, so he was thrilled to be able to ask him a question during the presentation.
Johnson replied that successfully overcoming the "dumb jock" persona was tough, but ultimately making sure that what the customer wants vs. what he personally likes was something he had to learn to put into practice.
A great reminder for anyone who owns a business and offers services or products to consumers.
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Small Business
Guidant is proud to have earned Honorable Mention in the 2011 Corporations for Communities competition, awarded by Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed.
The prestigious civics awards recognize companies in Washington state that are dedicated to giving back to their community. Winners of the award this year included Sterling Savings Bank and Korsmo Construction.
The winners, along with those recognized with honorable mention, will attend a ceremony Nov. 2 in Olympia to receive their honors.
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According to an article from NuWire.com, a recent report indicates an increase in the selling of small businesses.The data, compiled by BizBuySell.com, reported that "Cheaper prices for businesses fueled a 3.5 percent increase in completed transactions of businesses for sale from July through September, 2011 compared to last year."
Mike Handelsman, the Group General Manager of BizBuySell.com and BizQuest.com, believes that as ". . . valuations decline, buyers are able to purchase larger businesses than in previous quarters for the same purchase price."
"We're glad to see the year-over-year upward trend that we've been reporting in the business-for-sale market continue into Q3."
Read the full article here.
Check out the profile of Guidant Financial on the inc500 list.
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A family in Ormond Beach, Fla. turned to Guidant Financial for help funding their new business when seeking help from their bank didn't work out.
Though they were skeptical at first of the 401(k) rollover process, after careful research they did use Guidant's iFinance to purchase the Ormond Steakhouse and feel they made the right decision.
Read the full Daytona Beach News-Journal article here, which includes quotes from Guidant Cofounder David Nilssen.
Join the conversation at the Guidant Financial Facebook page.
Friday
Despite economic uncertainty, the Labor Department reported a rise in payrolls during the month of September.CNN Money reports, "Employers added 103,000 jobs in the month ... And July and August were both revised higher, showing an additional gain of 99,000 jobs over the summer."
However, the increase still reflects a weak economy. CNN Money explains that "the economy has recovered only 2.1 million of the 8.6 million jobs lost since the recession began."
Read the full report here.
The Wall Street Journal reported some economists believing this growth is "Not weak enough to call it a recession, not strong enough to qualify as a healthy recovery/expansion."
Read the full article here.
Check out the profile of Guidant Financial on the inc500 list.
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Tuesday
Allbusiness.com is currently featuring an article titled 101 Secrets to Running a Successful Home-Based Business, and Guidant Cofounder David Nilssen is quoted in the section Funding Your Home Based Business.
Connect with us at our Guidant Financial Facebook page.
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Guidant Co-founder Jeremy Ames recently spoke to Business Monday about the best ways to capitalize a business, focusing on layered financing.
He notes, "Using a layered approach can provide entrepreneurs the ability to capitalize their business without the need for a traditional bank loan or can provide more cash to use as a down payment."
His Q & A with the reporter appears in today's edition of Seacoast Online. Read the full piece here.
The Small Business Advocate shared advice on how small businesses can sustain themselves and drive their business forward even in a down economy. In the article, Bob Prosen suggests that "maintaining quality customer experiences is crucial to the survival of your small business."
Prosen believes that small businesses succeed because they are able to balance costs and their customers needs. "To ensure customer trust and loyalty, stay true to your company’s promises."
He argues that just because times are tough, small business owners shouldn't assume that their customers are willing to go cheaper. "Don’t skimp on things that could sour their buying experience. Quality of goods and services must remain high, so don’t switch suppliers just because someone else can do it cheaper."
Prosen states that small business owners need to build relationships of trust with their customers. "Show them that you want to be there for them now, as well as when good times return. Everyone understands hard times, and we admire those who take proactive steps to be there for us in the future."
Instead of only viewing this economy solely as a disadvantage, Prosen says that this may be an opportune moment for small businesses and its customers. "This is your chance to show your humanity and develop closeness with your customer."
Read the full article here.
Prosen believes that small businesses succeed because they are able to balance costs and their customers needs. "To ensure customer trust and loyalty, stay true to your company’s promises."
He argues that just because times are tough, small business owners shouldn't assume that their customers are willing to go cheaper. "Don’t skimp on things that could sour their buying experience. Quality of goods and services must remain high, so don’t switch suppliers just because someone else can do it cheaper."
Prosen states that small business owners need to build relationships of trust with their customers. "Show them that you want to be there for them now, as well as when good times return. Everyone understands hard times, and we admire those who take proactive steps to be there for us in the future."
Instead of only viewing this economy solely as a disadvantage, Prosen says that this may be an opportune moment for small businesses and its customers. "This is your chance to show your humanity and develop closeness with your customer."
Read the full article here.
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customers
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economy
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Guidant
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Small Business
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small business owners
Shine a spotlight on your home business -- enter the StartupNation 2011 Home-Based 100 Competition.
The contest honors the best home businesses in 10 unique categories, and previous winners have been featured on MSN. It's a fantastic opportunity for publicity and exposure.
Who can enter?
Anyone with a home-based business and a website for that business. It also helps if the business fits into one of the 10 categories.
How much does it cost to enter?
Nothing -- the entry is absolutely free!
What is the deadline?
Entries and voting conclude on October 31, but don't delay because voting is open now and popular votes count toward choosing the winner!
For a list of categories and additional information, please visit the StartupNation official website.
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2011
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