December 31, 2008 by mrbizplan.

When entrepreneurs start a new business they often have a nasty habit of paying little attention to whether or not the timing it right for that business idea.  Some will start their business either way, no matter what the data (or the bozos) say.  And some of those entrepreneurs are going to be successful in spite of the worst of odds.

But today’s economic uncertainties actually puts the question of timing front and center in the entrepreneur’s minds eye. 

So here are some things you should consider before starting a business in today’s brutal business climate:

It was the worst of times:

• Consumer’s are tightening their purse strings which will mean slower sales.  One of the most common mistakes a new business makes is over estimating their revenues, leading to a lack of working capital sooner than they can achieve their break even point.  During these less than robust economic times, entrepreneurs will have to make sure they are fully capitalized before launching.

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December 24, 2008 by mrbizplan.

As I wake to the sounds of the FM dial my mind starts to focus on life’s great trials.

“Time to get up kids & brush your teeth and please for once don’t fall back to sleep.”

“Hurry now get out of the shower the bus has gone and it’s tardy hour.”

In a rush as we fly in our car but the road is slick and traffic is at war.

Now it’s up to the office where bosses await with sullen faces at my tardy state.

In these times and on this day it’s more work, less pay, and a vanishing 401K.

As I bring my work day to a close the calendar tells me what it knows.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have already past and online shipping is not that fast.

Now it’s off to shop and play ”bumper carts” at the twenty four hour big box mart.

Clean the house and keep the kids in line, the threat of Saint Nick will be gone in short time.

Like a tornado on this shopping spree, I lust after MP3s, DVDs, and HD-TVs.

Back at home my vision wont lie the whole family is coming and the hose is a pigsty.

Now it’s mission impossible to wrap in a bow while sneaking presents past those who can’t know.

The day is over and as I drift to sleep I think of bounced checks instead of counting sheep.

Now as I wake on this eve of the big day, the sounds of Christmas music began to play.

I hear the house groan from the bitter cold night, but my heart is warmed by glowing lights.

Feeling relaxed now my head is clear, I start to remember why I love this time of year.

The TV takes us to another time where Ralphie has only one thing on his mind.

Fun games, good company and holiday cheer, fill my heart and mind as night draws near.

Warm up the car and empty your glass, dress the kids in their best for Midnight Mass.

On this night nothing feels quite as right as singing Silent Night by candle light.

Happy Holidays!
Donovan Wadholm

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November 23, 2008 by mrbizplan.

With the economy the hot topic I thought I would take a break from discussing issues with small business and talk about investing, specifically in stocks.  Here are four sample headlines with links to stories about the current economic conditions, two for and two against investing in today’s current economic conditions:

Ignore the Stock Market Until February
Investor fear remains deep despite 1-day rally

Stock swoon creates chance to ‘buy low’
Why a Depression Is Not Likely

In addition to thousands of articles like these, the talking heads on CNBC, Fox Business News and their guests vacillate back and forth between “the bottom is in” and “financially, the sky is falling”, between: “the triple threat of Obama, Reid and Pelosi are the death of the stock market” and “good old government spending and more bailouts are what will help up avoid the next great depression”. 

The fact is the bottom pickers have been decimated in retest after retest of lower lows!

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