Happy Holidays from NaShawn Branch

As we venture into the new year, I just wanted to say, Happy Holidays!

25 Ideas for GROWING Business

1. E-mail Promotional Campaign
2. Search Engine Utilization
3. Direct Affiliate Programs
4. Online Ad Campaign
5. Direct Mail Campaign
6. Events (high visibility at trade shows and events)
7. Strategic Partnerships(utilization of reciprocal links)
8. Telemarketing Campaign
9. Local Daily Newspaper Campaign co-branded advertising with 72 newspapers)
10. Sponsorship of Colleges and University- ( Co brand brand corporate identity in Computers labs , community areas and book stores)
11. TV Commercials
12. Radio Ads
13. Co Branding with Software and Hardware Companies (Place logo on computers similar to XP or Computer processors.)
14. Walking Billboards at Large Events (Similar to the football fans that paint their bodies team colors)
15. Promotional Items (pencils, mugs, hats, etc)
16. Weather Balloon or Hot Air balloon
17. Coupons in Other Products Such as on the label of Mountain Dew
18. My Space, You Tube and other Web2.0 sites
19. Sponsorship of Presidential Candidate: For example hold a press conference and announce that the business company indorsed…..John Doe for President.
20. Pay athletes to advertise through endorsements.
21. Commercials on Cell Phones and PDAs
22. Corporate Discount Programs, offered discount through other corporation’s websites and place co-brand your logo
23. Community Involvement (sponsor little league games and community programs such as Habitat for Humanity)
24. Allow Independent Developers Free Access to Develop Additional Programs for products.
25. THROW A PARTY! - (invite as many people as possible, have drinks and have the logo displayed everywhere.

Ecommerce in Europe - A Good Opportunity

Going global...consider Europe as a first stop. Because of it's small language barriers and high income per capital ratio, it is an ideal choice. If you have an e Commerce business, Europe itself has the most expansive e-commerce policy.



Europe e commerce policy
eMarketer reaffirms its projection that pan-European e-commerce revenues will increase from $169.81 billion by the end of this year to nearly $1trillion by year-end 2004. Ongoing investment in the region’s information and communication technology infrastructure in spite of economic distress and a growing Internet user population constitute positive signs for Europe’s consumer and business-to-business (B2B) e-markets. (Emarketer, 2001)


E-Commerce Revenues in Europe, 2000-2004 (in billions)
2000 $34.30
2001 $68.89
2002 $169.81
2003 $415.97
2004 $979.83
Source: eMarketer, 2001 033339 ｩ2001 eMarketer, Inc. http://www.emarketer.com/


Percent of Leading Global Companies Participating in On line Exchanges, by Region, 2001
North America 32.4%
Europe 41.7%
Asia-Pacific 21.2%
Global average 33.2%
Source: Computer Sciences Corporation, 2001 035605 ｩ2002 eMarketer, Inc. http://www.emarketer.com/

Cultural Courtesy: America Vs. England

Originally, I thought England had some of the same cultural courtesies as America. I was wrong. After doing some research on cyber.com, here some unique differences between American and English Culture:



Appearance

• Business attire rules are somewhat relaxed in England, but conservative dress is still very important for both men and women.
• Dark suits, usually black, blue, or gray, are quite acceptable.
• Men's shirts should not have pockets; if they do, the pockets should always be kept empty.
• Additionally, men should wear solid or patterned ties, while avoiding striped ties.
• Men wear laced shoes, not loafers.
• Businesswomen are not as limited to colors and styles as men, though it is still important to maintain a conservative image.
  

Behavior

• Always be punctual in England. Arriving a few minutes early for safety is acceptable.
• Decision-making is slower in England than in the United States; therefore it is unwise to rush the English into making a decision.
• A simple handshake is the standard greeting (for both men and women) for business occasions and for visiting a home.
• Privacy is very important to the English. Therefore, asking personal questions or intensely staring at another person should be avoided.
• Eye contact is seldom kept during British conversations.
• To signal that something is to be kept confidential or secret, tap your nose.
• Personal space is important in England, and one should maintain a wide physical space when conversing. Furthermore, it is considered inappropriate to touch others in public.
• Gifts are generally not part of doing business in England.
• A business lunch will often be conducted in a pub and will consist of a light meal and perhaps a pint of ale.
• When socializing after work hours, do not bring up the subject of work.
• When dining out, it is not considered polite to toast those who are older than yourself.
  

Communications

• "America and Britain are two nations divided by a common language" George Bernard was once quoted as saying.
• In England, English is the official language, but it should be noted that Queen’s English and American English are very different.
• Often times ordinary vocabulary can differ between the two countries.
• Loud talking and disruptive behavior should be avoided.
• One gesture to avoid is the V for Victory sign, done with the palm facing yourself. This is a very offensive gesture.
• If a man has been knighted, he is addressed as "Sir and his first name" example: Sir John. If writing a letter, the envelope is addressed "Sir First name and Last name" example: Sir John Roberts
  

Refernces:
Cyberlink.com, Retreived 10/09/08, http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/united_kingdom.htm

GIVE ME FIVE!

By NaShawn Branch
Let's face it, in this world you have to have a "Plan B" if you are planning to START A BUSINESS. You need a Plan A, B, C and D. I believe that people do what they know and if you know better then you do better. This is my advice for 5 THINGS you should consider before you start your business:

1) DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB! - It always brings a smile to my face when I talk to someone that is ready to “take a leap of faith.” Their enthusiasm is so strong and they usually say that they are unhappy with their boss and they are ready to get started. After I settle them down, I explain that it would be unethical for me to advise them to quit because depending on your business model, it could take up to a year before you break even. They just sink into their seats. Start up costs are usually funded by…you guessed it, the owner, so don’t quit that awful job just yet. I have a better suggestion, if you want to know how your current employer can help you get started call me.

2) THERE IS NO FREE MONEY TO START YOUR BUSINESS - When I served in the military; one thing that they drill in your head is “Nothing in the World is FREE.” But I am amazed at how many people watch TV late at night and believe some sleazy infomercials that promise they have a secret way of finding money to start a business. Ladies and Gentlemen, in marketing that is called a “hook” and it is only designed to bait you in. These guys promise that if you buy their book or business kit (normally for a high fee) you too will have access to these secret funds. Let me save you a lot of time and money. These so called "experts" are just reprinting information that you can find in any local library. They state that you can receive a grant from the government to start your business but they are wrong! The only grant money for start-ups is for non-profits and the process for qualifying is very stringent and competitive. If you want to know better ways that don't lead to you getting into hot water with the IRS, give me a call.

3) GET YOUR SPOUSE'S SUPPORT – I am always amazed at my wife’s intuition. She is an EXPERT on sizing me up and she is also an EXPERT on pushing my buttons… (What? It’s the truth). One of the greatest lessons that I've learned is that in marriage the decision making process is made equally and if we don’t agree then we don’t do it. I don’t care how great it sounds, who we offend or how potentially profitable it can be; if we can’t agree then it doesn’t deserve my attention. That includes starting businesses. Take it from a guy that is an EXPERT in making bad decisions and pissing off my wife, if you are considering starting a business; get your spouse’s support. HINT: Most successful start up businesses are due to spousal support.

4) HAVE CUSTOMERS BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR DOORS – Ask Macintosh how in the world they are able to sell out before the product hits the market. Ask Microsoft how valuable it is to market their new operating system before they begin programming? Where does it say that you have to start creating a buzz about your product or service after you open? Again, here is my humble advice. These companies are excellent in BRANDING. They start advertising in the initial phases of development and so should you. The best time to start your marketing is day one, that way when you open your doors; you have cash in your pocket.

5) BUILD A BUSINESS AROUND YOUR GIFTS – You don’t need me to tell you the importance of having more than one stream of income in this world. After all, with lay offs, underemployment and corporate corruption, it just makes good common sense. I don’t profess to be an expert, but as a person that has made his fair share of mistakes, I would like to suggest that when you begin to start your businesses take time to get to know, who you are and what makes you unique. After some self reflection, build your business around your gifts. Don’t decide you want to start a business because it is a current trend or your buddy is doing well at something. Instead, focus on the gifts God gave you and your gifts will make provisions for you.

If there is something that you would like me to comment on or you would like to schedule a consultation please call me a (877)593-2085
God Bless!
NaShawn
http://www.nashawnbranch.com/

New Business Checklist

I am always wondering about information that I could have used that could have saved me time and money. Most times, it is after I have made a mistake. When starting a business, ignorance is not bliss and not having the right information can really hurt you.

Here is a "NEW BUSINESS CHECKLIST" courtesy of SCORE that will insure that you all of your ducks in a row before you start your business venture.

God Bless,
NaShawn

Preliminary Research

• assess your strengths and weaknesses
• establish business and personal goals
• assess your financial resources
• identify the financial risks
• determine the start-up costs
• decide on your business location
• do market research
• identify your customers
• develop a marketing plan

Business Transactions

• select a lawyer
• decide on business organization-proprietorship,partnership,corporation
• create your business-register your name,get incorporated
• select an accountant
• prepare a business plan
• get financing
• establish a line of credit
• select an insurance agent
• obtain business insurance

First Steps

• design and order business cards
• obtain a lease
• get furniture and equipment
• review local building codes
• obtain a license or permit (if applicable)
• send off for federal and state tax forms
• apply for Employer Identification number (if applicable)
• join a professional organization
• line up suppliers if needed
• set a starting date