Over the years, we’ve worked with various ventures that were seeking funding. We also had a venture or two of our own for which we sought additional funds. These searches included going public, finding angel investors, and securing venture capital funds.
Continue reading Let’s Make a Deal…
We began working with smaller companies almost 40 years ago. But, back then, our efforts were exclusively aimed at developing new products these companies could manufacture, market, and sell. (We also worked with much larger firms, developing new products, processes and manufacturing schema.) But, many of our smaller clients ran into problems. Not with the technical matters, but with their management and financial affairs. So, we decided to begin working with these firms to help shore up their capabilities in these areas so their great products wouldn’t wither and die because the other parts of the company were sick.
Obviously, if you are just starting out, you need to determine the legal form under which you want to operate. Should you remain a sole proprietor or partnership? Or become incorporated/form an LLC? Each has their own tax situation- some pay corporate taxes (and then you must pay taxes on the money you take out of the company), others pass along profits to you directly, and still others let you allocate profits and losses among partners. Choosing the right entity is a critical consideration.
If you are like me, you have ideas that you want to share with the world each and every day. (OK, sometimes each and every hour…But, I digress.) The concept of starting a new enterprise is terribly exciting- and daunting. One of the primary ways you (and I) can keep it from being overwhelming is to prepare your business plan. Wait—don’t rush off. Before you can do even that, you must determine what it is you plan to do- and if you really are prepared to take the enterprise to a certain level.
Continue reading Introducing the next gazillionaire…
So, you’re taking the plunge in 2012. You will go off on your own. At the very least, you’ll be a solopreneur- but you may have aspirations to start a true enterprise and, therefore, become an entrepreneur. It’s not just a a business plan and a rolodex, you’ll need, however.
Continue reading Taking the plunge? Insure success!