|
|
|
|
A pandemic, inflation, natural disasters like forest fires and flash flooding … it can all be too much. So we’re bringing you a bad-news free Friday from content partner SMB for small and medium-sized businesses. Enjoy. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A good business plan is a must before you make your leap Former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson famously once said that “everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the face.†We’re not going to equate Iron Mike’s advice to Warren Buffett’s, but there is wisdom in his words. Every upstart has a business plan until it runs into reality, which is why 70% of new ones fail in their first two years. So how do you know what good business plan is, or how to make one? Think of it as your road map to success, all the way from your starting point to your ultimate destination. We’ve got tips on how to make and troubleshoot your plan so you are prepared for success – or what to do if you get punched in the proverbial mouth. 8 TIPS TO MAKE AND EXECUTE A WINNING BUSINESS PLAN
Target marketing: Why you can’t accommodate everyone There are occupations that truly can’t please everyone – DJs, chefs, referees. Add marketers to that list. Try as they might, attempting to cater to everyone is not only impossible; it’s also bad for business. Pleasing everyone doesn’t work in life or business so it is critical for a successful marketing campaign to identify its target audience and adjust the game plan accordingly. Saying your business is for everyone sounds good, but it doesn’t help in defining and targeting your bread-and-butter base that will ultimately decide your fate. HOW TO IDENTIFY AND TARGET YOUR CORE CUSTOMERS
How to put winning technology to work for your business Imagine you are an NFL team owner and you have assembled the best talent at every position to make a run at the Super Bowl. But when your team runs onto the field, they are outfitted with faulty helmets, defective cleats and no pads. The outcome is predictable. Many businesses make the same mistake. They put together a great team and give them useless our outdated technology to do their jobs. It’s a losing game plan that can also result in losing employees. Here’s a guide to some of the best and most affordable tech tools to create a winning strategy for your workers and your business. THE TOP 5 TECH PROGRAMS TO CREATE A WINNING EDGE
|
|
 |
Markets
| DJIA | 35,378.64 | -0.30% |
| S&P 500 | 4,448.57 | 0.02% |
| Nasdaq Composite | 14,789.38 | 0.16% |
| Japan: Nikkei 225 | 28,015.02 | -0.20% |
| UK: FTSE 100 | 7,193.50 | -0.37% |
| Crude Oil Futures | 69.08 | -0.25% |
| Gold Futures | 1,751.30 | -0.11% |
| Yen | 110.34 | -0.09% |
| Euro | 1.17 | -0.05% | | * As of market close |
|
|
 |
The top five tax software programs
One of the biggest stumbling blocks for small businesses is tax management and preparation. Many develop an “I’ll worry about it at the end of the year†approach that inevitably leads to a nightmarish tax prep experience or worse – an IRS audit. Many math-challenged owners have found the answers in the abundance of tax prep software programs available on the market, but how do you find the right one for your business? We have a list of the top five programs and which ones may be the best fit for you and what you do. Best of all, they're more affordable and user-friendly than you might think. HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT TAX PREP PROGRAM FOR YOUR BIZ
|
|
|
|
How to develop a successful investment plan
The stock markets have been flooded with upstart investors looking for a quick score, but the basics of developing and maintaining a successful, long-term investment strategy are still the same. It’s not a get-rich-quick sprint, but rather an investment-management marathon. Although the current climate may have changed, the principles of smart, end-game investing remain the same. Set your goals and find the right mix of investments to help you get there. We have a list of important tips and guidelines to help you get started and stick with it for the long haul. FIND OUT HOW TO MAKE AND STICK WITH AN INVESTMENT PLAN
|
|
Real estate investing 101: How to get started
The red-hot housing market has finally started to cool, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great time to get started in investing in real estate. With eviction moratoriums ending and housing prices at an all-time high, the rental market has lots of earnings potential for those making the move. We’ve got lots of useful information for beginners looking to take the plunge into real estate investing, like how to locate and identify the perfect first-time fixer-upper and how to find the right fit for renters. It’s a great opportunity to get your portfolio rolling -- and to start rolling in the dough. 5 HELPFUL HINTS TO FINDING PROFITABLE RENTAL PROPERTIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Knockout name
We earlier referenced Mike Tyson, who like fellow former heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali also converted to Islam. What was Tyson's name? Thursday’s answer: The first title for the baseball classic "Field of Dreams" was "Shoeless Joe" before author W. P. Kinsella settled on "Dream Field." SEND YOUR ANSWER HERE TO SHOW OFF YOUR KNOWLEDGE
|
|
Fast Start for friends
There's no better way to start your day than by waking up with Fast Start, except perhaps sharing it with friends. Spread the word by forwarding today's copy to your crew and tell them to let us know you sent them. HERE'S THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOUR FRIENDS WILL NEED
|
|
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.
|
|
IBTimes will always protect your security and privacy. Please read our detailed Privacy Policy. Please do not reply to this email. Click here to adjust your notification preferences or unsubscribe.Â
© Copyright 2021 IBTimes LLC. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
