Guidant Financial Group Blog

It is the start of a new year, a fresh start for many business owners. In an article for The Street, Laurie Kulikowski suggests some resolutions that entrepreneurs can make this year.

"Some can be quite simple, such as improving time management skills, whereas others can take a bit more strategy, such as finally getting on the social media bandwagon. Small-business owners should also use these early days to refresh their business plans and make an effort to, finally, implement some of those ideas you had but never quite put to use."

She suggests and explains ten resolutions such as "Stand out in a crowded social media space" and to "Create an effective brand" that entrepreneurs should consider. Read the full article here.

Check out the profile of Guidant Financial on the inc500 list.

We came across a good article the other day in NuWireInvestor.com: “What Small Businesses Can Learn From Big Companies.”

In the article by Mitch Free and reprinted from The Street (an investment news and analysis site), entrepreneurs are encouraged to “consider the lessons offered by the successes and mistakes of America's largest companies.”

The article goes on to suggest ways to improve your focus, market smartly and how to adopt a service mentality without offering too many products or services.

When Guidant started out, our co-founders studied the winning characteristics of successful companies—no matter how large or small. But they didn’t stop their studies there. They continued to learn from others . . . and from their own successes and their own mistakes. And, as a result, Guidant has survived the worst economic meltdown since the Great Depression.

One of the keys to helping your own company (or your own life, for that matter), survive the hard times is to be a continual learner. The minute you think you know it all, you’ve only proven that you don’t!

On June 5th, 2009, Entrepreneur.com released an article about the 7 Essential Startup Steps. The article did a pretty good job of identifying steps that a new small business or franchise owner can take before launching to ensure a higher likelihood of success. They suggested that one:

• Do more market research
• Find the right financing
• Hire a great attorney
• Get a good CPA
• Use the right business entity
• Pick a good name
• Make sure you have the proper licensing and permits

This general information is very helpful for entrepreneurs. Having helped more than 4,000 people fund a business through 401(k) small business investing, Guidant has seen many different people from all walks of life go into business for themselves. There is one thing that we know brings immeasurable value to a new business owner…building a great team! This can include, but is not limited to a business broker or franchise consultant, attorney, CPA or tax professional and much more.

If you are considering opening or buying a business or franchise and would like to meet a professional in any of these areas – call us. We will happily make an introduction!