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Feature How-to Guides

Find the latest feature how-to guides here! Click on any headline below to find the full guide. And be sure to click the 'view more' link at the bottom of the page to read guides you may have missed.

How-To Build a Facebook Fan Page

Facebook is the king of social networking. In truth, there are no close competitors. If you have a small business, it is imperative that you create (and use) a Facebook fan page to interact with the thousands of potential customers in your area or across the world! We'll show you how to get started. . . . keep reading

Write the Executive Summary (Guide 10 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

Often individuals, including investors, will read an Executive Summary first, even though you wrote it last. It is a strong summary of the rest of the plan and a snapshot of your company, your vision and your financial goals and needs. Don't skimp on this piece as it may be all your readers actually look at. . . . keep reading

Gather Your Financial Information for Your Business Plan (Guide 9 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

This is the core of your proposal if you are writing a business plan to secure funding for growth. This is also where it may get a little complicated. If this isn't your area of expertise, consider asking a CPA for help with accurate financial projections. . . . keep reading

Your Overall Business Strategy (Guide 8 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

Your overall business strategy is important to your investors. This strategy dictates why you do what you do. Your short-term strategy is achieving your objectives. Your long-term strategy is meeting your goals. . . . keep reading

Incorporating Advertising into Your Business Plan (Guide 7 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

If consumers of your products or services do not know you exist, your business will fail. Advertising, in conjunction with your marketing plan, is a key component to building a successful business. As part of your business plan, your readers and investors will want to know how you intend to attract customers. A well thought out plan is key. . . . keep reading

How to Write the Marketing Portion of Your Business Plan (Guide 6 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

A marketing plan further explains your plan for success for your product or service. It is important to research everything about your specific product or service, especially the details of how well it does in which markets. Your business depends on how well you sell it! . . . keep reading

Selling Your Product or Service Idea in Your Business Plan (Guide 5 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

Whether you sell a product or provide a service, this section should sell your confidence in it to your investors and discuss your unique selling proposition. They should walk away from reading your business plan, reassured that you've done market research and that you know you have a viable idea that you can put a unique spin on. . . . keep reading

Documenting Key Personnel in Your Business Plan (Guide 4 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

Investors know that the right people can make the business work, while the wrong people can bring the business down. Showing them that you've made strong decisions about these key players can help build a case in your business plan for funding or expansion. . . . keep reading

Preparing the Goals and Objectives for Your Business Plan (Guide 3 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

Begin planning to write this section by listing all the things you want to accomplish in year one, two, and three. What you want to do, how you want to be perceived, or where you want to be. Those are your goals. . . . keep reading

Preparing the Background Section of Your Business Plan (Guide 2 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

The background portion of your business plan is your company's story and the introduction to the whole plan. Presenting a compelling story with enough brevity to not bore or distract the user and enough detail to engage them can be important in gaining funding or for expanding your business (or anything else you are presenting your business plan for). . . . keep reading

Writing a Business Plan Overview and Template (Guide 1 of 10 in the Business Plan series)
Steven Schlagel

A business plan A business plan is not just a list of everything you will be doing to make your business a success. It identifies your ideal customer and your unique selling proposition along with the plan of implementation. . . . keep reading

How to's for Interviewing Job Applicants
Kelly Livesay

When you have completed reviewing applicants and have talked to them by phone, there are some things to consider and prepare for in an interview. This How-to guide offers some pointers to make the process more successful. . . . keep reading

How to Review Applications and Resumes
Kelly Livesay

When you are sorting through a pile of applications and resumes there are some key things to look for. This How-to guide will provide you with guidance to choose who you want to consider for your open position. . . . keep reading

How to Pre-Interview a Job Applicant by Phone
Kelly Livesay

Learn why talking to job applicants by phone is crucial before bringing them and the three things you are looking for when you talk to them. . . . keep reading

Is it Time to Make an Offer on that Business for Sale? (12 of 12 in the Buy a Business Series)
Steven Schlagel

Now that you are ready to make an offer, you need to determine how you will pay for this business, develop a new business plan for yourself, negotiate the selling price, and secure the financing if necessary. If any of these events can't happen, you still may not have a deal. . . . keep reading

Determining Risk and a Fair Price for a Business You Want to Buy (11 of 12 in the Buy a Business Series)
Steven Schlagel

The last step in evaluating a business for sale is your key to a successful negotiation of a fair price to pay for it. Complete this step before you discuss the actual purchase with the seller. The owner already has an idea of what they want for the business, but if that amount is more than the business is worth on the market, you're spending more than you need to. . . . keep reading

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