Are all Your Customers Created Equal?

“The customer is always right.”
“We have to take care of the customer no matter what.”
“The customer focused business is a successful business.”

We’ve all heard or probably said those things. Read More →

Get Your Business Online.

http://kentuckygetonline.com/kysbdc

Several years ago, the business I owned at that time was struggling and finding cash just to operate was a daily problem. Needless to say, I wasn’t sleeping very well. One day, my CPA called and said the company’s tax return was ready and wanted me to stop by and go over it. When I arrived at his office, he had a big smile on his face as he extended his arm to shake my hand.

“Fantastic job,” he said, “you’ve really turned this company around and I’m impressed how profitable it now is.”

Me, profitable? I had just been wondering how I was going to find enough cash to make payroll on Friday. I decided to come clean with him.

Read More →

Braddock’s Procurement Opportunities Guide • 2013 Edition is a primer designed to help small-business owners and decision-makers understand the government procurement and private-sector procurement spaces. The Guide provides an overview of government and corporate markets with an emphasis on who buys and how buying decisions are made. The Guide also presents “next-step” resources for federal and state governments and the private sector. Read More →

The business model today is very different than it was before and during the boom, says Kawasaki. In order to write the best business plan possible, follow Kawasaki’s steps: specificity, simplicity, and ask women. He believes that women don’t possess the killer gene that is inherent in men, and will be able to give better advice about a business model. Read More →

You’re invited to Friday 15, a new series from Google to help grow your business.

Friday 15 will provide solutions to help your business succeed online, in 15 minutes or less. Join live via Google+ Hangout for regular discussions with industry experts on a wide range of topics like Tips for Choosing a Domain Name and How to use Google Alerts.

All you need to join us is a computer and an internet connection. For your opportunity to grow your business online, sign up now at http://www.gybo.com/kentucky/friday15

The next Friday 15 Hangout is on January 11, 2013 at 11am PST/2pm EST. The Hangout will cover how Google Trends can provide useful insights for your business.

Visit the Friday 15 page at http://www.gybo.com/kentucky/friday15 for instructions on how to join the Hangout. You can watch previously recorded sessions and sign up for email reminders about upcoming Hangouts.

Is it time for a Business Debt Check up?

The Kentucky SBDC can help – here are a few tips:

1.)  Don’t hide when you fall behind

Getting collection calls can be stressful. But screening your calls for collectors can only make things worse. This can lead to an escalation of efforts on their part.

2.)  Know how much you owe

Without accurate numbers, it’s hard to project paying your creditors or agree to any kind of payment plan.

3.)  Know your liabilities and exposure

Review all agreements you’ve signed and the terms they contain. Look for any personal guarantees you may have signed. Pay special attention to any debts that have family or friends as co-signers.

4.)  Learn about the different stages of collection

All collection efforts are not equal. For example, an out of state collection letter from an attorney could be a simple threat, while an attorney letter from your state could signal an imminent lawsuit.

5.)  Prioritize your creditors accordingly

Before negotiations of any kind, you must determine which creditors are truly vital. Vital creditors are any creditors you can’t operate your business without their product or service.

6.)  Finally, don’t make promises you can’t keep

It does you no good to promise a payment you can’t afford to make. Once you break a payment plan, your creditability is compromised. This can harm your chances of an affordable resolution.

If you are past due with creditors and don’t have a plan, we can help, schedule an appointment with the KSBDC nearest you.