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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Call to artists, writers & more

da Vinci Film Festival issues open call for entries — Entry deadlines are Dec. 10 (regular entry), Jan. 20 (late entry) and Feb. 5 (extended entry). The da Vinci Film Festival is seeking submissions for its 2012 program, to be held during the July 20-22 da Vinci Days in Corvallis. Films will be accepted in the categories of Documentary, Narrative Shorts, Animation, Experimental and Young Filmmakers (middle and high school). Documentary films must be 90 minutes or less. Young Filmmaker entries must be 10 minutes or less, and all other categories must be no longer than 30 minutes. Film submissions are made via Withoutabox (www.withoutabox.com), an online service for film festivals. The festival is especially interested in works that incorporate themes of art and science, but all submitted films will be considered for selection. Winners will be chosen for each of the five categories. In addition, two cash prizes for $150 will go to the best “Emerging Artist” and to the film that best captures the “Spirit of da Vinci.” Information: 541-757-6363 or www.davincidays.org.

CALYX open to electronic submissions — CALYX Journal is now accepting electronic submissions of poetry and prose through Dec. 31. Please submit to www.calyxpress.org/submissions/. Submission guidelines are available at www.calyxpress.org/submission.html. Information: 541-753-9384 or www.calyxpress.org.

Northwest Film Center asks filmmakers: to “Make It Short” — Submission deadline is Jan. 6, 2012. The Northwest Film Festival kicks off its “Make It Short” 40-Second Film Competition, challenging Northwest filmmakers to create outstanding short films in any format — from Super-8 to cell phone videos — the only caveat being that the films must have a running time of 40 seconds or less. Contestants may compete in youth or adult categories. Information: www.nwfilm.org.

Oregon Poetry Association seeks young poets — Entries must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. The Oregon Poetry Association has announced its 14th annual Oregon Student Poetry Contest. All K-12 Oregon students are eligible to enter. Ten winners each in four age categories receive cash prizes ranging from $5 for honorable mentions to $30 for first place. All 40 winning poems will be published in Cascadia: The Oregon Student Poetry Anthology. Each winner will receive a certificate and copy of the anthology. There is no entry fee. Complete guidelines can be found at www.oregonpoets.org or by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Student Contest, P.O. Box 1016, Klamath Falls, OR 97601-1016 or by sending an email to fishtrappe@hughes.net.

Salem Art Fair & Festival accepting online applications — Visual-artist applications for the 63rd annual Salem Art Fair & Festival will be online through Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at www.zapplication.org. Other applications, including musical performers, nonprofit food booths, the Kids’ Court and Cultural Corridor, are also available online, at www.salemart.org. The festival will be held July 20-22, 2012, at Bush’s Pasture Park in Salem.

UVAA solitics art, photos for shows — Submission deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012. The Umpqua Valley Arts Association invites artists and photographers to submit to the annual ArtWorks NW and PhotoWorks NW juried art shows and competitions. Applicants may submit up to three entries in all themes, genres, media and photographic processes (ArtWorks NW, however, is not accepting photography), except video. Cost: $30 for up to three entries. All work must be display-ready on arrival. Information: 541-672-2532 or http://uvarts.com/call-to-artists.

Kip Smith Young Writer’s Award now accepting submissions — Deadline is Monday, May 7, 2012. The Kip Smith Young Writer’s Award is open to all high-school seniors in Benton County. Students should submit their best writing in any genre — poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama or translation. The award offers a cash prize of $1,000 and is sponsored by Poetry Enterprises, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Prior to his death in an Alabama traffic accident, Kip Smith was a 1981 Crescent Valley High School graduate. High school seniors should submit as many samples of writing as desired to show their scope and interests. Entries should be sent to The Kip Smith Young Writer’s Award, Poetry Enterprises, 712 N.W. 13th St., Corvallis, OR 97330.

Reading/Writing Contest for Young Readers — Entry deadline is Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. The Library of Congress announces “Letters About Literature,” a national reading and writing promotion program for readers in grades 4-12, sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in partnership with Target. To enter, readers write a personal letter to the author, explaining how his or her work changed their view of the world or themselves. To obtain the guidelines and required entry form, ask your teacher or librarian, or dowload it from the Letters About Literature website at www.oregon.gov/OSL/LD/youthsvs/aboutlit.shtml.


Travel Oregon seeks appetites for Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast contest — Travel Oregon invites foodies to dig, gather and forage for the Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast, a statewide excursion with 10 of the state’s top chefs as guides. One lucky foodie will win a four-day, three-night Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast. To enter, create an itinerary of your choosing from a variety of Oregon culinary destinations and submit in 25 words or less what makes Oregon the perfect place for a Wanderfeast. A randomly selected winner will have the opportunity to bring three friends or family members on a culinary adventure. The prize includes the chosen itinerary, airfare on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air and lodging by Best Western. Information: www.traveloregon.com/bounty.

Win a bike trip to Angkor Wat, Cambodia with Bike Beyond Boundaries. Visit Bike Beyond Boundaries Facebook page for details.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Update for the Holidays

So I am busy like all others but here are some links to published clients:

http://jumpin-beans.blogspot.com/2011/11/we-were-busy-with-perfect-picture.html


http://dsc.discovery.com/adventure/off-roading-gear-guide-the-essential-stuff-to-have-in-your-truck.html

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

funding database

So, way back in the beginning of this blog I wrote:

"I know, I know. You are probably thinking finding funds to finance your business venture may come from anybody or anywhere. But I have taken the time, over past 15 years, to create a list of over 4600 funding sources that came from everybody and everywhere." Well, well, well.

We are counting the database and yes, well over 4600. Try 10,000 plus but then again we are still counting. I will keep you posted.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

innovation

Today another innovator left us. Steve Jobs died today. 56 years old and so much to show for his life.

I loved the Stanford speech....http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html

Sunday, September 25, 2011

September Promo Days

Eye & Health Safety Month
Read a Book Day September 6
Labor Day September 6
National Suicide Prevention Week September 6
Rosh Hashanah September 9
Patriot Day September 11
William Sydney Porter's - "O. Henry" - Birthday September 11, 1862
Grandparents' Day September 12
Mayflower Day September 16
Mexican Independence Day September 16
U.S. Constitution Signing Day September 17, 1787
Yom Kippur September 18
Autumn Equinox September 23
Native American Day September 24
William Faulkner's Birthday September 25, 1897
Johnny Appleseed's Birthday September 26,1774

PR Internships

PR Internships and relevant experience matter. It's very rare for one to be able to get hired for a Public Relations job without relevant experience – regardless of your education, spend the time getting actual working experience in the Public Relations field. An internship is a valuable stepping stone – and entrĂ©e points to the PR agency world.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Export Assistance...Finance

One of your first resources for export financing is a visit to your local bank. If you cannot receive the necessary credit for your export activities from your own bank, you should shop around for another bank willing to consider your loan proposal. Generally, a bank that has an international department or one that is active in small business lending will be more receptive than others to your proposal.

Ask your bank for the name of a correspondent bank that provides international financing assistance. In shopping for a bank, however, keep in mind the distinction between international trade services and international trade lending. Some banks have international divisions that offer international trade services, such as advising and negotiating letters of credit, but these divisions do not lend money.

International lenders, on the other hand, have the authority to make loans, as well as provide related services. Be sure to verify that the bank officer with whom you are dealing has the authority to lend for an export transaction or is willing to work with another division that has lending authority.

Before approaching a bank for financial assistance, you should understand the distinction between venture capital and lending. Venture capitalists invest in a business by providing capital in exchange for equity. Venture capitalists expect that, as the business grows, their equity in the business will grow proportionally. Unlike the venture capitalist, the lender does not obtain equity in the enterprise. Lenders simply provide funds to a small business in the form of loans. Lenders make their money on the difference between the rate at which they borrow money and the rate at which they lend to their customers. Lenders, then, are more sensitive to risk; a proposal that looks good to the venture capitalist may not appeal to a lender.

Usually, you should make your financial arrangements well in advance of expected sales. If you wait until you need credit to begin talking to your banker, you'll probably lose the sales.

Assistance Programs:

http://onestepsourcing.com/services-offered/financial-assistance/

http://www.exportassist.com/res_gov_exim.html

http://www.exportassist.com/res_gov_pefco.html

http://www.exportassist.com/res_gov_opic.html

http://www.exportassist.com/res_gov_tda.html

http://www.exportassist.com/res_gov_idb.html

http://www.exportassist.com/res_gov_ida.html

http://www.exportassist.com/res_gov_miga.html

http://www.exportassist.com/res_gov_wbg.html

Export Credit Agencies:

http://www.exportassist.com/res_eca_official.html

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Venture NW 2011, Bend's Venture Conference & Seed Oregon Deadline Near

Deadlines are coming up fast for two competitions sponsored by the Oregon Entrepreneur Network (OEN.) The Seed Oregon PubTalk is a unique opportunity for companies from Oregon and Southwest Washington seeking capital within the range of $100,000 to $2,000,000. In this competition, CEOs of emerging companies learn the rules of the road for effective fundraising and receive coaching from content experts. The first application deadline is Friday August 12.

Central Oregon is gearing up for their annual venture competition October 13-14, and southern Oregon companies are welcome to apply! The competition is targeting $200,000 for its primary investment award, and has added a “concept stage” award that will be worth $5,000 to $10,000 as well. The early bird application deadline is August 12, with an application fee of just $99 that includes a ticket to the event. Learn more and plan your trip to Bend at http://www.bendvc.com

OEN's Venture Northwest is an outstanding networking opportunity for all entrepreneurs and investors. Not only will your application be reviewed by a selection committee filled with investors, but if you are selected, you will be invited to present at the conference, as well as attend the prestigious Intel/Perkins Coie Investor Reception on the eve of the main event. Applications to Venture Northwest are due Friday, September 2. You can learn more and apply via http://www.oen.org/invest.aspx

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

August Promo Events

Monthly Events
American Adventures Month
Cataract Awareness Month
Children’s Vision and Learning Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Inventors’ Month®
Ramadan
Virgo , The Virgin

Weekly Events
World Breastfeeding Week
Aug 1st - Aug 7th

International Clown Week
Aug 1st - Aug 7th

Assistance Dog Week
Aug 7th - Aug 13th

PGA Championship
Aug 8th - Aug 14th

National Aviation Week
Aug 15th - Aug 21st

Little League Baseball World Series
Aug 19th - Aug 28th

National Safe at Home Week
Aug 22nd - Aug 26th

Be Kind to Humankind Week
Aug 25th - Aug 31st

Daily Events
Girlfriend’s Day
Aug 1st

Canada Civic Holiday
Aug 1st

Respect for Parent’s Day
Aug 1st

Psychic Week
Aug 1st

National Night Out
Aug 2nd

Coast Guard Day
Aug 4th

Sister’s Day®
Aug 7th

SNA: What Major & National Advertisers Wished You Knew
Aug 11th

National Garage Sale Day
Aug 13th

Best Friend’s Day
Aug 15th

National Relaxation Day
Aug 15th

National Aviation Day
Aug 19th

National Men’s Grooming Day
Aug 19th

World Humanitarian Day
Aug 19th

National Homeless Animals Day & Candlelight Vigil
Aug 20th

Poet’s Day
Aug 21st

National Dog Day
Aug 26th

Women's Equality Day
Aug 26th

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Identifying Generational Markers

There is some debate as to the start and end dates of each generation, these are the generally accepted demarcations usually associated with each American age cohort:

•The Silent Generation or Traditionalists (born late-1920s through 1945)

•Baby Boomers (born 1946 through 1964)

•Gen-X (born 1965 through 1980)

•Gen-Y, or Millennials (born 1981 through 1993)

•Gen-Z, or Generation Next (born 1994 through 2004)

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Want Your Product Featured on 40 Morning Talk Shows?

Toys, Strollers, Electronics and Household products! It's a PTPA Media Blitz Alert! PTPA Media (Parent Tested Parent Approved) is on the hunt for the top products for parents and kids for their fall and holiday campaigns. From gadgets and games, clothes and toys and household appliances, PTPA is looking for it all. PTPA is the leading awards company in North America with over 40,000 parent testers. These guys know how to pitch a product. They have been featured on over 40 morning shows.

Submission deadline is August 8th so hurry up and submit here:

http://ptpamedia.com

Monday, July 11, 2011

What is EBITDA?

If you’re not familiar with the term EBITDA, don’t worry. EBITDA is actually pretty simple – it’s simply defined as – Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization.

With that in mind, you can pre-calculate your historical and projected EBITDA as follows:

+ Net Income (or Loss) from your Income Statement

+ Interest Expense (if any) from your Income Statement

+ Taxes (if any) from your Income Statement

+ Depreciation (if any) from your Income Statement or Cash Flow Statement

+ Amortization from your Income Statement or Cash Flow Statement

Saturday, June 11, 2011

10 YouTube Videos Every Entrepreneur Should Watch

Inc.com compiled a list of videos that every entrepreneur should watch and Business Insider compiled them at:

www.businessinsider.com/10-youtube-videos-that-every-entrepreneur-should-watch-2011-6#developing-the-ceo-within-you-1

Becoming a CEO is all about constantly learning and improving oneself—and later, others—to establish a true role within a company, instead of merely being a placeholder.

I have watched them all and it’s true, these really are videos that Every Entrepreneur Should Watch.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

June Promo

•Accordion Awareness Month, Natl
•Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month
•Aphasia Awareness Month, Natl
•Audiobook Awareness Month
•Bathroom Reading Month, Natl
•Camping Month, Natl
•Cancer from the Sun Month
•Candy Month, Natl
•Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Natl
•Child Vision Awareness Month
•Childhood Cancer Campaign Month, Intl
•Children's Awareness Month
•Dairy Alternatives Month
•Effective Communications Month
•Entrepreneurs "Do It Yourself" Marketing Month
•GLBT Book Month, Natl
•Great Outdoors Month
•Iced Tea Month, Natl
•June Dairy Month
•June Is Perennial Gardening Month
•Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month
•Men's Month, Intl
•Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month
•Professional Wellness Month
•Rebuild Your Life Month
•Rivers Month, Natl
•Rose Month, Natl
•Safety Month, Natl
•Skyscraper Month
•Soul Food Month, Natl
•Sports America Kids Month
•Steakhouse Month, Natl
•Student Safety Month
•Surf Music Month, Intl
•Vision Research Month

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Funding a Restaurant Franchise?

It’s raining and raining. Like the sunshine, good loan opportunities are hard to come by for restaurant franchises or franchisees. Whether the collateral is commercial or residential, the pool of good quality well collateralized, stabilized loan opportunities are small and, along with employment numbers, shrinking. Costs, meanwhile, and the regulatory burden on small businesses are climbing. Tough times to be a banker, not to mention a small business owner. Some have had loans called in by lenders, foreclosed on and others have walked away but the times are a changing. You can negotiate on the restructuring of your loan, and in some cases, buy back the loan at a sharp discount.

According to Tom Mullaney, founding principal with Huntley Mullaney Spargo & Sullivan, Inc. (HMS) specialized in debt restructuring for companies and high-net worth individuals having trouble paying back their lenders:

“If you have the appetite to think about growing again, now is the time to strike. If that great location is at $90,000 this year, it will be at $120,000 next year. Banks make loan loss reserves every quarter, so it’s a good time to go to the bank and buy your loan back because as time goes by and reserves increase, you odds of getting a discounted loan payoff improve. And, if you do it right, you can buy back your debt at a significant discount. Of course, it all depends on the situation—including personal and corporate guarantees. But there are ways of dealing with guarantees. Now is the time to horse trade with a landlord. The landlords need to show their lenders they have signed tenants with lots of lease term. They don’t want their loans called in, either. The window of opportunity will be gone soon.”

Franchisees are the great American story and franchise lenders are more willing to put capital to work in franchising. So here are some options to grow your business:

1) The answer to lackof-credit-access issue without becoming a lender. Franchise
Note Buyers purchases business-backed notes (IOUs) on the secondary market. They allow franchisors to drop the risk of being their franchisee’s lender while also helping buyers and sellers of existing small businesses to finance and cash-out their
resale transaction without requiring a buyer’s bank loan. They specialize in buying franchise-backed notes, but they also buy notes that are secured by non-franchised small businesses.

“We’re spreading the word that deals can get financed without bank loans – transferring some power from the banks back to business owners.” For more information on Franchise Note Buyers, contact Rich Kolman, president, at (855) 362-2274, or by e-mail at rich@franchisenotebuyers.com .

2) First Franchise Capital specializes in lending to the franchised restaurant industry, and works with well-known brands across the country. The company provides financial solutions to help franchisees purchase real estate and equipment, remodel,
finance new construction, acquire existing locations, refinance debt and restructure ownership. For more information, contact Tom Schuldt, president, at 201-326-4007, or at Thomas.Schuldt@firstfcc.com ; or contact Rick Riecker, first vice president, marketing development at (201) 326-4021, or at Richard.Riecker@firstfcc.com.

3) Infinity Franchise Capital will offer conventional financing for experienced
operators in the nation’s top restaurant brands. The firm will offer loans for equipment, real estate, new store development, partnership restructuring, refinancing and remodels from $100,000 to in excess of $20 million. For more information on contact Sharon Soltero at ssoltero@infinityfranchise.com .

4) GE Capital, Franchise Finance is a lender for the franchise finance market via direct sales and portfolio acquisition. With more than 30 years of experience and $14 billion in served assets, they serve more than 5,000 customers and more than 22,000 property locations. For more information, call 866-GET-GEFF (438-4333).

5) Wells Fargo Restaurant Finance provides capital to corporate restaurant brands, multi-unit restaurant franchises, private equity firms and other financial investors in restaurant companies. For more information, contact Becky Brown, managing director, at (858) 756-8422 or by e-mail at becky.d.brown@wellsfargo.com.

6) United Capital Business Lending, which recently acquired the small business lending operations of Butler Capital, is a subsidiary of BankUnited, the largest bank in Florida with $11 billion in assets. The newly formed United Capital Business Lending now brings the prior experience of Butler Capital together with the financial strength of BankUnited. For information on United Capital Business Lending, contact Trey Grimm 866-218-4793.

7) CG Commercial Finance finances equipment for middle and large-ticket deals for larger or multi-unit restaurant companies, both through debt financing and tax leases. For more information on CG Commercial Finance, contact Jon Albin, senior vice president at 949-720-9511 or by e-mail at jon.albin@cgcommercial.com.

8) Guidant Financial is a provider of 401(k) rollovers as business start-ups (ROBS). Guidant’s services allow entrepreneurs to invest their existing IRA or 401(k) funds into a small business or franchise without taking a taxable distribution or getting a loan. Guidant also offers franchisees the option of matching their financing needs with an appropriate lender. For more information on Guidant Financial, contact Jerry Darnell at 888-472-4455, or by e-mail at jerry.darnell@guidantfinancial.com.

9) AEF is an equipment financing and leasing company, operating in multiple locations across the U.S. and headquartered in Warren, NJ. AEF provides same-day approvals for up to $250,000, and specializes in leases and loans ranging from $25,000 to $1.0 million. AEF is an independent commercial finance company specializing in financing to the QSR franchise and retail petroleum industries. For more information on American Equipment Finance, contact Richard A. Baccaro, president, at 800-785-3060, ext. 203 or by e-mail at rbaccaro@aefllc.com.

10) Pinnacle Commercial Capital, founded in 2002, is a commercial finance company that specializes in financing franchisees throughout the U.S. Pinnacle’s clients include multi-unit operators of national and regional restaurant concepts and specialty retail brands, and provides and manages franchisor-sponsored loan programs to assist with franchisee acquisition and conversion initiatives. For more information, contact William Wildman, president, at (317) 472-2828 or by e-mail at ildman@pincomcap.com; or James B. Railing, vice president, at railing@pincomcap.com

11) BoeFly is the online marketplace connecting lenders with business borrowers, secondary market loan buyers and professional service providers. For more information on BoeFly, contact Mike Rozman, executive vice president, at (646) 755-7433, or by e-mail at mrozman@boefly.com.

May Promo Month Ideas

•Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month, Natl
•Arthritis Awareness Month
•Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
•Awareness of Medical Orphans Month
•Barbecue Month, Natl
•Better Hearing Month, Natl
•Better Hearing and Speech Month
•Bike Month, Natl
•Business Image Improvement Month, Intl
•Civility Awareness Month, Intl
•Creative Beginnings Month
•Ecodriving Month
•Family Wellness Month
•Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month
•Freedom Shrine Month
•Get Caught Reading Month
•Gifts From the Garden Month
•Good Car-Keeping Month, Natl
•Haitian Heritage Month
•Hamburger Month, Natl
•Heal the Children Month
•Healthy Vision Month
•Hepatitis Awareness Month, Natl
•Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
•Internal Audit Awareness Month, Intl
•Jewish American Heritage Month
•Latino Books Month
•Meditation Month, Natl
•Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
•Mental Health Month, Natl
•Military Appreciation Month, Natl
•Motorcycle Safety Month
•Moving Month, Natl
•Older Americans Month
•Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, Natl
•Personal History Month
•Photo Month, Natl
•Physical Fitness and Sports Month, Natl
•Preservation Month, Natl
•REACT Month
•Revise Your Work Schedule Month
•Salad Month, Natl
•Salsa Month, Natl
•Smile Month, Natl
•Strike Out Strokes Month
•Stroke Awareness Month, Natl
•Sweet Vidalia Onion Month, Natl
•Teen CEO Month
•Tennis Month
•Ultraviolet Awareness Month
•Victorious Woman Month, Intl
•Vinegar Month, Natl
•Women's Health Care Month
•Young Achievers/Leaders of Tomorrow Month


May-June
•Family Month, Natl (May 8-June 19)
•Prepare Tomorrow's Parents Month (May 8-June 10)

Friday, May 13, 2011

Business Loans Aren’t Just About Money

Getting your business financed isn’t easy by any means. There are several types of loans and several types of financial institutions you can look to for financing.
Here are some options:

SBA 7 (a) loans
As you know, the SBA 7(a) loan guarantee program provides long term financing for small businesses not normally available through conventional commercial lending channels. This program provides the nation’s small business community with manageable long term debt service. Loans can be guaranteed to a maximum amount of $750,000. The originating bank, Credit Company or credit union keeps the non guaranteed portion and services the loan. The guaranteed portion is frequently sold on the secondary market. This is true of the SBA 7A and each of the loan types
discussed below.

Nearly 3,000 lenders have made 7(a) loans last year which is up 21% from 2008. The 7(a) program is the SBA’s largest loan program. The SBA is involved in less than 10% of all small business loans, however, and some banks won’t participate because of red tape. Lenders must follow the SBA’s rules when making 7(a) loans, which can be used for working capital, fixed assets and other business expenses. The term of the loan can be as long as 25 years.

7(a) Loan Program

The 7(a) Loan Program includes financial help for businesses with special requirements. For example, funds are available for loans to businesses that handle exports to foreign countries, businesses that operate in rural areas, and for other very specific purposes.

•Special Purpose Loans Program
http://1.usa.gov/dXysSH

•Express & Pilot Programs
http://www.sba.gov/content/express-pilot-programs

•Export Loan Programs
http://www.sba.gov/content/export-loan-programs

•Rural Business Loans
http://www.sba.gov/content/rural-business-loans

Eligible Use of 7(a) Loan Proceeds Include (Non-Exclusive):

•The purchase land or buildings, to cover new construction as well as expansion or conversion of existing facilities

•The purchase of equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures, supplies, or materials

•Long-term working capital, including the payment of accounts payable and/or the purchase of inventory

•Short-term working capital needs, including seasonal financing, contract performance, construction financing and export production

•Financing against existing inventory and receivable under special conditions

•The refinancing of existing business indebtedness that is not already structured with reasonable terms and conditions

•To purchase an existing business

Don’t ever forget that getting a loan isn’t just about the money. When you choose to apply for a loan make sure you use a lender with whom you have been saving your money, making mortgage or credit card payments with, writing checks to, or you have a special relationship with. Granted, sometimes this will not be possible because your best bet to obtain financing will be from a specialty lender, but most of the time, it will. But what if you need the money now? This Community Bank can finance nationally. They offer both SBA-guaranteed and conventional financing. They will finance up to $300,000 for FF&E, and up to $10 million for restaurant acquisitions, new build and equipment purchases. For more information on Equity Bank, contact Brad Elliott,CEO/President at 316-858-3106 or by e-mail at belliott@equitybank.com.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Hedge Funds

To hedge means to minimize risk or insulate oneself. Generally the term 'hedge fund' is used to refer to a type of private investment vehicle that invests all or most of its assets in publicly traded securities and hedges the investors’ risk from market exposure. These investment vehicles are commonly structured as limited partnerships in which the investment manager, or the investment manager's capital management company, acts as the general partner while the investors act as the limited partners. These funds are alternative investment vehicles and are generally available to high net worth individuals and institutional investors. For the investors who make up the fund, there is usually little or no market liquidity. In fact they usually have a minimum lock in period ranging from one to three years.

Hedge funds are broadly defined by their structural characteristics. They are considered to be an asset class that aims in producing absolute (not relative) returns, irrespective of how the markets perform. The best of these funds offer greater diversification, less risk and more stable returns than conventional equity investments moreover some offshore hedge funds can offer plan sponsors a third advantage: tax-free hedge fund investing.

The conventional equity and bond manager’s performance is largely related to the
performance of the underlying markets. On the other hand, performance of hedge funds
depends on the skills of the fund manager, who risk his own as well as his clients’ capital. The manager receives a fee for managing the fund, only if it is productive.

Strategies of Hedge Funds aka Hedgers
Hedgers use the futures market to protect themselves from risk. Similarly the portfolio managers hedge stock fund risk. Commonly, prices in the cash markets have a fundamental relationship to the futures prices. When the forces of demand and supply change the prices in the cash market, the future prices are supposed to move in a parallel fashion. But in reality they do not move.

Hedgers take advantage of this relationship between cash and futures prices. Analysts attempt to classify them into a number of different strategies and sectors, but each set of managers is essentially looking to exploit pricing anomalies through trading, rather than through simply buying and holding of the assets. Hedge fund managers aim to exploit price differentials, remaining market-neutral. Successful funds with good track records make money and prosper, although limits to the size of trades and the need to stay nimble do limit a manager's size.

The size of the hedge fund industry, relative to the markets in which the funds operate, is too small for hedge funds alone to move the market. However, it is
possible that they may move the market because other investors follow their lead.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedge_fund

http://www.barclayhedge.com/research/educational-articles/hedge-fund-strategy-definition/what-is-a-hedge-fund.html

http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/18/news/economy/hedge_fund_liquidations/?postversion=2008121817

http://www.hennesseegroup.com/releases/release20100119.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110304-711526.html (Trillions)

http://www.hedgeworld.com/

http://www.hedgefund.net

Monday, May 9, 2011

Investor Presentation

Wondering what types of information that could be useful in helping you secure funding? Well, there are numerous different types of investor presentation material that you can use. The kind you select simply depends on your needs. Will you use the business plan to secure funding from a venture capitalist or angel investor? Perhaps you're considering a loan? I suppose it just depends on who you talk to as to who wants what. Some investors want an Investment Overview which is used in conjunction with your Long Version of an Executive Summary aka Business Summary. This is used to not just solicit interest from an investor or venture capital firm (VC) about your investment opportunity, but it gives an investor the facts about your opportunity so it can be quickly qualified and vetted.

The process of looking for money can be lengthy, but by providing the right documentation from the get-go, you will shorten the VC process and get the attention your deal deserves. The following is what I suggest:

Investment Overview aka One Pager following this format:
https://angelsoft.net/pdf/sample_application.pdf

This is probably the single most important document you will send to prospective investors, so ensure it is targeted, concise, complete and accurate, with no mistakes or sloppiness. Develop the Investment Overview last, after you have completed your Business Plan, Executive Summary, and PowerPoint presentation.

A PowerPoint presentation, 12 slides is all you need:
1. Cover Page/Intro
2. Overview
3. Problem
4. Market
5. Team
6. Solution
7. Customers/Revenue Model
8. Go to Market
9. Competition
10. Financials
11. Milestones
12. Summary

Long Version Executive Summary aka Business Summary:
Generally this is detailed, yet it should be brief and concise. Your Business Plan will provide the next levels of detail the Investor or VC requires. Venture Capital firms provide their investment criteria and requirements on their website so that prospective entrepreneurs can provide them the information necessary to determine the deal’s qualifications in view of their investment parameters.

Business Plans
Business plans vary as well. A Business Plan should be over 50 pages and can be upwards of 100+ pages. This is highly dependent on the size, background and complexity of the business, venture or project.

The Business Plan Package is specific to the audience. Be sure to include sections specific to that audience’s requirements and interests. Each Business Plan is packaged and edited for the type of plan and customized for the audience.

Comprehensive Plans are the long ones thus the name. Or you can write a shorter plan sometimes called an Ancillary Plan, typically these are no more than 30 pages with 20-25 pages being the goal. Ancillary Plan brevity forces you to decide what is most important and requirement for the type of plan and the intended audience. Some business plan software templates produce this types of plans.

Going for a bank loan? A basic business plan with an executive summary, market analysis, and three year financials is suitable for bankers. For venture capitalists or angel investors, you may need to expand your financial forecast to five years.

If you fail to grab the attention of the person reading the one pager, executive summary within the first five seconds, it’s quite likely that he or she will stop right there and move on to the next project. So think like a fisherman, you gotta hook'em.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Personal Gifts & Funding a Business

The Types 5 of Personal Gifts
• Cash (direct to you, paid on your behalf, etc.)
• Discounts (letting you piggyback on a deal…)
• Freebies (free use of something or someone)
• Sweetheart Deals (overpayment, 1st choice…)
• Loan Forgiveness (from debt to gift)

Making Personal Gifts Work
• Gifts always cost time, usually cost aggravation, and sometimes even money
• Gifts work best when leveraged
• Most start‐ups depend on gifts, but don’t notice them
• Restate them as “in‐kind payments” to realize their value
• Get it in writing, e.g. a promissory note, see: www.inc.com/guides/2010/10/how‐to‐write‐a promissorynote.html

A possible source of grants for small businesses is the White House Faith-Based and Community Initiative funding that comes from federal agencies like HUD down through to churches and non-profits, to which you apply for a grant for your business. Do not be misled by the name, the program is for any for-profit or non-profit business that qualifies. You can view the program at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/

Investment Styles

I have a variety of companies that ask me what certain terms mean as it relates to investment styles, thought this may help.

Business Angels
Accredited angel are worth more than $1M
– Professionals, wealthy families, more established
– Think your church, schools, network from work

Everyday angels are people like you
– Friends, family, people in your neighborhood who might be willing to take a chance

Lists of Angel Groups:
http://bit.ly/g7xOqW

Private Equity
The investment focus of a private equity fund is generally on a specific style of investing, largely determined by either the portfolio company’s stage of development or industry focus. A key feature is that investments involve equity ownership in a business, in contrast to loans.

Equity investors generally receive a seat on a company’s board of directors and are involved in management and strategic decision-making. Private equity investment funds can be classified into the following three styles:

Venture Capital
Venture capital invests in companies early in development, ranging from seed
investments designed to develop a concept, to funding complete development of a product, to late stage investing where expanding a firm’s customer base is the investment goal. Venture capital is frequently deployed in technology-oriented companies. This investment strategy carries the highest risk; early stage companies are subject to numerous risk factors, including financial, market, operational, and technology. Venture capital investing can also provide spectacular returns.

Buyout/Corporate Finance
Investments in existing operating businesses make up a large portion of the private equity investment universe. These investments may include helping new owners finance the acquisition of a business (generally as a result of a sale by a corporate parent or a generational change in the ownership of a family business); finance expansion for an existing business, allowing it, for example, to acquire smaller competitors; or to recapitalize a business to provide it greater flexibility to operate. Buyout and growth equity investments frequently involve organizations with substantial
employment and prospects for job growth.

Mezzanine
Mezzanine investments are a form of corporate finance where the investment has
characteristics of both a loan and an equity investment. These investments are at the point in a company’s capital structure between debt and equity (hence the term “mezzanine”). The fundamental difference between private equity investing and investments in public securities is the manager’s participation in the growth and development of the portfolio company. The investment manager’s ability to devise strategy, hire key staff, implement an optimal capital structure, seek new customers, and identify possible acquisitions set private equity apart from passive investments in public securities.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Open call for roundtable interview subject

Generation X Documentary

Name: Manny Merchan (Feature Documentary)

Email: manmadefilms@me.com

Deadline: 07:00 PM EST - 9 April

Query:

The groundbreaking documentary film, “Xingularity: a film about gen X” (genxfilm.com), is having an open call for roundtable interview subjects. We are looking for both individuals and/or small groups of friends (3-4 people).

All applicants must have been born between 1965 and 1980, and lived a majority of their lives in the United States. For these particular sessions we are only looking for people who live in and around the Los Angeles areas!!!! These experimental interview sessions will take place in one sitting in unique locations around Los Angeles. This unique small-group approach, will deal with a variety of heavy
personal topics of the era including interpretation of historical events, opinion regarding our identity, occupational issues and cultural turning points. Before applying please be aware that we will need for you to incorporate a couple of personal traits.

You must be comfortable expressing unique opinion in front of camera and be willing to delve deep into personal aspects of your life both among friends and strangers. The heart of Generation X lies solely in the attitudes, opinions and honesty of its
members. This experiment is our attempt at effectively deciphering who we are, where we are and why we are. If you feel like you might personally have an opinion to express or think that maybe your small group of GenX friends have a dynamic that
is unique to our age group…please feel free to apply for inclusion in this unique event. How do you apply? You might ask… If you are an individual, email a short description of who you are. (Age, sex, occupation, a summary of your outlook or
angle) What makes you unique or relevant to the birth range. It could be as simple as being an unemployed student, single mom or youth pastor. If you are part of an applying group, give us a sense of the collective dynamic and the individual details of each member. Our email: manmadefilms@me.com

We are all a part of something that is much larger and more powerful than any single one of us. Be a part of our attempt at unlocking this lurid undercurrent. Thank you for your time. Please take a look at the films official website at: www.genxfilm.com

Wanna Go to Beauty School?

IMMEDIATE CASTING NEW PILOT FOR A MAJOR CABLE NETWORK - THIS WEEK!

Shannon McMahon Lichte (Major Cable Network)

Deadline: 07:00 PM EST - 7 April
Query:

BEAUTY SCHOOL? ALWAYS WANTED TO GO? THIS SHOW MAY BE YOUR FREE
TICKET IN! Casting fun/opinionated characters from around the
country who dream of one day making it HUGE in the beauty
industry! This series will be airing on a prominent cable network
and we're casting young adults, 18 to 25 with strong
personal/family stories who have the drive and passion to REALLY
make it! How to apply: casting happening this week! Email:
CastforReality@Gmail.com the following things to be
considered… 1. Recent photo(s)/facebook link 2. Contact
Information (cell & email) 3. Persona bio & WHY you would be
perfect for this show! 4. If you are really passionate about
changing your life, send us a link to you tube or vimeo with a
video showing us your big personality telling us why beauty
school?

Thursday, March 17, 2011

April Promo Days

April
•African-American Women's Fitness Month, Natl
•Alcohol Awareness Month
•Autism Awareness Month, Natl
•Cancer Control Month
•Car Care Month
•Card and Letter Writing Month, Natl
•Child Abuse Prevention Month, Natl
•Confederate History Month
•Couple Appreciation Month
•Customer Loyalty Month, Intl
•Decorating Month, Natl
•Defeat Diabetes Month
•Donate Life Month, Natl
•Emotional Overeating Awareness Month
•Fresh Florida Tomato Month
•Grange Month
•Holy Humor Month
•Humor Month, Natl
•Informed Woman Month
•Jazz Appreciation Month
•Knuckles Down Month, Natl
•Landscape Architecture Month, Natl
•Month of the Young Child
•Occupational Therapy Month, Natl
•Pecan Month, Natl
•Pet First Aid Awareness Month, Natl
•Pharmacists' War on Diabetes Month
•Physical Wellness Month
•Poetry Month, Natl
•Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month
•Rosacea Awareness Month
•School Library Media Month
•Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Natl
•Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Education and Awareness Month, Natl
•Soyfoods Month
•Straw Hat Month
•Stress Awareness Month
•Twit Award Month, Intl
•Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
•Workplace Conflict Awareness Month
•World Habitat Awareness Month
•Youth Sports Safety Month, Natl

Casting Struggling Businesses

Thought this may interest some of you small biz owners:

Name: Alexis Diamond (Television)

Email: alexisATcastingduoDOTcom

Deadline: 07:00 PM EST - 19 March
Query:
A major cable network is currently casting businesses that are struggling with finances and staff issues and need to turn around their fortunes lest they close their doors forever. Businesses of most types and sizes will be considered, from mom and pop independents to businesses with a larger reach and employee base.

We'll take a look at you all: Tattoo Parlors, bakery/pastry shops, bars, bed and breakfasts, music stores, book stores, flower shops, corner grocery stores, doggie hotels, etc. On the show, businesses will be assisted by a very well known business consultant who will aid in the businesses' recovery. The consultant will identify and tackle all of your businesses' problems, whether that be lack of sales, marketing issues, unruly staff, or communication issues.

If you'd like to know more about the project, or you're interested in having your business appear on the show and bouncing back from the brink, please contact us and we'll take it from there. We welcome nominations as well. This is a new and unique take on an already existing and successful project, and we appreciate your consideration.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/fbh/2240081583.html

Monday, February 28, 2011

March Promo Days

•Caffeine Awareness Month, Natl
•Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month, Natl
•Clean Up Your IRS Act Month, Natl
•Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Natl
•Craft Month, Natl
•Credit Education Month
•Employee Spirit Month
•Ethics Awareness Month, Natl
•Expanding Girls' Horizons in Science and Engineering Month
•Eye Donor Month, Natl
•Frozen Food Month, Natl
•Honor Society Awareness Month
•Humorists Are Artists Month
•Ideas Month, Intl
•Irish-American Heritage Month
•Kidney Month, Natl
•Listening Awareness Month, Intl
•Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness and Training Month
•March into Literacy Month, Natl
•Mirth Month, Intl
•Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month, Natl
•Music in our Schools Month
•Nutrition Month, Natl
•On-Hold Month, Natl
•Optimism Month
•Peanut Month, Natl
•Play-the-Recorder Month
•Poison Prevention Awareness Month
•Red Cross Month
•Save Your Vision Month
•Sing with Your Child Month
•Small Press Month
•Social Work Month, Natl
•Spiritual Wellness Month
•Umbrella Month, Natl
•Women's History Month, Natl
•Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month
•Youth Art Month

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

PR Lead-Struggling Business?

Name: Jonathan Tanzman (Bravo)
Category: Business and Finance

Email: query-zig@helpareporter.com

Media Outlet: Bravo

Deadline: 07:00 PM EST - 24 February


Query:

Casting Struggling Businesses for a Major Cable Network Show!
We’re on the hunt for businesses that are in the red, and need
to turn around their fortunes lest they close their doors
forever. We want to help you regain the profits and stature your
business once enjoyed. Businesses of most types and sizes will
be considered, from mom and pop independents to businesses with a
larger reach and employee base. We’ll take a look at you all:
Tattoo Parlors, bakery/pastry shops, gyms, bars, bed and
breakfasts, music stores, book stores, local insurance companies,
real estate companies, etc. On the show, you will be assisted
by a very well known business consultant who will aid you in your
businesses’ recovery. The consultant will identify and tackle
all of your businesses’ problems, whether that be lack of sales,
marketing issues, unruly staff, or miscommunication issues. If
you’d like to know more about the project, or you’re interested
in having your business appear on the show and bouncing back from
the brink, please contact us and we’ll take it from there. This
is a new and unique take on a project, and we appreciate your
consideration.

Friday, February 4, 2011

February Promo Month

•AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
•American Heart Month
•Bake for Family Fun Month
•Bird-Feeding Month, Natl
•Black History Month, Natl
•Boost Self-Esteem Month, Intl
•Care about Your Indoor Air Month, Natl
•Cherry Month, Natl
•Children's Dental Health Month, Natl
•Expect Success Month, Intl
•February Is Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month
•Library Lovers' Month
•Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month
•Mend a Broken Heart Month, Natl
•Parent Leadership Month, Natl
•Pet Dental Health Month, Natl
•Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month
•Pull Your Sofa Off of the Wall Month
•Relationship Wellness Month
•Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month
•Spunky Old Broads Month
•Time Management Month, Natl
•Weddings Month, Natl
•Wise Health Care Consumer Month
•Worldwide Renaissance of the Heart Month
•Youth Leadership Month

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Won't you take me on a sea cruise/ Oo-ee, oo-ee baby

Passenger Lecturer:

Princess Cruise Line provides an opportunity for interested passengers with confirmed reservations to deliver a presentation to passengers. Interested passengers should have proven public speaking experience and credible knowledge in their topic. All presentations must be accompanied by a PowerPoint slideshow. Passenger lecturers must provide their own laptop computer for this purpose. Presentation offerings must be pre-approved by Princess’ shore side operations.

Submit a brief resume, proposed presentation titles and description to:

Manager Enrichment Programs
Princess Cruises
24844 Avenue Rockefeller
Santa Clarita, CA 91355-1283
rsmolkin@princesscruises.com

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Mobile Marketing & Mobile App Development for Authors

You can do a lot more with your mobile phone than just talk and text. With thousands of apps for Android and BlackBerry smartphones, and even basic mobile phones.

Innovative platform is a simple & inexpensive way for any author to build and manage their own app. Why do you need an iPhone and Android app? To sell your books, promote your tour, share resources with readers, and to engage your fans on a personal level. Sound good? http://mobileroadie.com/authors

App Inventor for Android: http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/about - Step by step instruction to create apps for Android phones.

Book Marketing Network mobile website: www.thebookmarketingnetwork.com/m - Access this social network with 6,000 book authors via your cellphone.

DotMobi: http://mtld.mobi - Provides tips & resources for designing & testing websites designed for use w/cellphones & web-ready mobile phones.

iPhone Stimulator: http://iphone4simulator.com - To see how your mobile website or app will work on an iPhone (from your home computer), simply go to iphone4simulator.com or, better yet, simply add your mobile website URL to the end of the .com. Easy to use, and very effective.

Mobi Ready: http://ready.mobi/launch.jsp?locale=en_EN - This website offers a free report that scores your mobile website (1 to 5). Provides an in-depth analysis of pages to determine how well your site performs on a mobile device.

Friday, January 14, 2011

GREEN BUILDING WRITER

www.greatgreencareers.com/career/26543/Green-Building-Writer-Various

Green Education Foundation (GEF) is seeking experienced and
talented science writers to complete online text resource for
a national 11th/12th grade hybrid online course in green building.
GEF is launching its Green Building Course in partnership with
the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) and in alignment with
its LEED certification process. Write content for virtual text,
which integrates a focus on green building and is aligned with
the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) guidelines. Revise and
edit previously developed content to meet standards outlined by
project manager. GEF is currently seeking writers who have the
knowledge and expertise to focus on the following areas:

Materials and Resources
Sustainable Sites and Landscape
Environmental Quality

Important Dates in February

February 1 — National Baked Alaska Day
February 1 - Robinson Crusoe Day
February 1 — Serpent Day
February 1 - Women's Heart Health Day
February 2 - Bonza Bottler (2-2) Day
February 2 - Groundhog Job Shadow Day
February 2 — Home-Baked California Kiwi Fruit Day
February 2 - Brew Hog Day
February 2 - National Heavenly Hash Day
February 3 - Dump Your Significant Jerk Day
February 3 — National Carrot Cake Day
February 3 — National Men's Grooming Day
February 4 - African American Coaches Day
February 4 — Create a Vacuum Day
February 4 - National Girls & Women in Sports Day
February 4 — National Stuffed Mushroom Day
February 5 — Disaster Day
February 5 - More Hollywood & Broadway to Lebanon, PA Day
February 5 - Weatherman's (Weatherperson's) Day
February 5 - National Chocolate Fondue Day
February 6 — National Frozen Yogurt Day
February 6 - Pay A Compliment Day
February 6 - Wear Red Day
February 7 — Charles Dickens Day
February 7 — Love Your Robot Day
February 7 — National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
February 7 - Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor's Day
February 8 - Boy Scout Anniversary Day
February 8 — Kite Flying Day
February 8 - Laugh and Get Rich Day
February 8 - Man Day
February 8 - World Marriage Day
February 8 - National Molasses Bar Day
February 9 — National Bagels and Lox Day
February 9 - National DAV (Develop Alternative Vices) Day
February 9 — Toothache Day
February 10 - Leadership Success Day
February 10 - Plimsoll Day
February 10 — Umbrella Day
February 10 - National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
February 11 - Be Electrific Day
February 11 — Don't Cry Over Spilt Milk Day
February 11 — National Inventor's Day
February 11 - National Shut-in Visitation Day
February 11 - Satisfied Staying Single Day
February 11 — White T-Shirt Day
February 11 - National Peppermint Patty Day
February 12 - Darwin Day
February 12 — Home-Baked Pancake Day
February 12 - National Lost Penny Day
February 12 — National Plum Pudding Day
February 12 - Oglethorpe Day
February 13 - Black Love Day
February 13 - Get A Different Name Day
February 13 - Blame Someone Else Day
February 13 - International Skeptics Day
February 13 — National Tortini Day
February 14 - Congential Heart Defect Awareness Day
February 14 - Ferris Wheel Day
February 14 - National Have A Heart Day
February 14 - Pre- Will Hayes Movie Day
February 14 - Quirky Alone Day
February 14 - Race Relations Day
February 14 - Romance & Remembrance Day
February 14 - National Cream Filled Chocolates Day
February 15 — National Gum Drop Day
February 15 — National Sea Monkey Day
February 15 - Susan B Anthony Day
February 16 — Do a Grouch a Favor Day
February 16 — National Almond Day
February 17 — Championship Crab Races Day
February 17 - My Way Day
February 17 — What Shall I Be? Day
February 17 - World Human Spirit Day
February 17 - National Cafe Au Lait Day
February 18 — National Battery Day
February 18 — National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
February 19 — National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20 — Harry Potter Day
February 20 — National Cherry Pie Day
February 20 - Northen Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day
February 21 - International Mother Language Day
February 21 — National Sticky Bun Day
February 22 — Be Humble Day
February 22 - For the Love of Mike Day
February 22 - Joe Cain Procession Day
February 22 - National Margarita Day
February 23 - Curling is Cool Day
February 23 — International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 23 — National Banana Bread Day
February 24 - International Pancake Day
February 24 — National Tortilla Chip Day
February 24 - Paczki Day
February 24 - Spay Day USA
February 24 - National Chocolate Covered Peanuts Day
February 26 - For Pete's Sake Day
February 26 - Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day
February 26 — National "For Pete's Sake" Day
February 26 — National Pistachio Day
February 27 — International Pancake Day
February 27 — International Polar Bear Day
February 27 - National Kahlua Day
February 28 - Floral Design Day
February 28 — International Floral Design Day
February 28 — Public Sleeping Day
February 28 - National Chocolate Souffle Day
February 29 - Bachelor's Day
February 29 - National Surf and Turf Day

Weekly Dates to Remember

February 1-7 - International Coaching Week
February 1-7 - Publicity for Profit Week
February 1-7 - Willie Covan Loved to Dance Week
February 1-7 - Women's Heart Week
February 1-7 - Children's Authors and Illustrators Week
February 1-7 - Get Paid to Shop Week
February 1-7 - International Personal and Business Coaching Week
February 1-7 - National Consumer Protection Week
February 2-6 - National School Counseling Week
February 6 -14 - Sitter School Week
February 7-8 - Corvette Days
February 8-14 - Boy Scout Anniversary Week
February 8-14 - Cardiac Rehabilitation Week
February 8-14 - International Table Manners Week
February 8-14 - Jell-O Week
February 8-14 - National Family, Career & Community Leaders of America Week
February 9-15 - Celebration of Love Week
February 9-15 - International Flirting Week
February 9-15 - Freelance Writers Appreciation Week
February 13-15 - "Braveheart" Scotts Days
February 14-21- National Condom Awareness Week
February 15-21 - Build A Better Trade Show Image Week
February 15-21 - Heart Failure Awareness Week
February 16-22 - Live to Give Week
February 22-28 - International Friendship Week
February 22-28 - National Pancake Week
February 22-29 - National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
February 22-29 - National Engineers Week
February 21-28 - National FFA Week
February 17-23 - Nostalgia Week
February 21-23 - Second Honeymoon Weekend
February 29 - March 6 - Telecommuter Appreciation Week

January Monthly Observances:

Book Blitz Month
Bath Safety Month
Birth Defects Month
California Dried Plum Digestive Month
Celebration of Life Month
Cervical Cancer Screening Month
Financial Wellness Month
International Change Your Stars Month
International Creativity Month
International Quality of Life Month
International Wayfinding Month
International Wealth Mentality Month
National Be On-Purpose Month
National Bird Feeding Month
National Clean Up Your Computer Month
National Get Organized Month
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
National Hot Tea Month
National Mail Order Gardening Month
National Mentoring Month
National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month
National Poverty in America Awareness Month
National Radon Action Month
National Skating Month
National Soup Month
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month
Oatmeal Month
Rising Star Month
Self-help Group Awareness Month
Shape Up US Month
Thyroid Awareness Month

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year!

One of my heroes is Teddy Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, a creative writer and a great man of letters and of action. Here is one of his famous quote for the new year:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

So let’s make 2011 a great year. Here are 4 starters:

1 - Be open to change as it is a constant as is your competition's resistance to it is probable.

2- Think BIG because BIG ideas have more potential but can be trimmed, small ones don't lend themselves to growth,

3 – Think WILD and Outside -the-Box otherwise you'll never get a BIG idea

4 - Don't talk about it ... do it!