Member You - Business

The Value of Values
One of the toughest jobs a leader has to perform is to act as guardian of an organisation’s values.An organisation’s values are the things that are really important to it.In the early days of an enterprise, the values are sometimes the only thing that keeps the business going. When other factors make the chances of survival doubtful, such as funds, markets, and technology, it is the set of beliefs held by the original founders which pull the business through. The beliefs of the organization are almost always the beliefs of the original leaders.These beliefs are intangible. Think of Unilever’s belief in co-operation, or Mars’s belief in efficiency, or IBM’s belief in innovation, or Hewlett-Packard’s belief in “plain hard work”, or Levi-Strauss’s belief in empathy with its customers. It is the high value placed on these beliefs that ensure these organizations survive in the first place and continue to survive.As the y

uct is patented or can easily be patented or I have another competitive barrier (e.g. trade secret, unique manufacturing process, etc.) that will make it difficult for others to compete directly ( 1 point)

3. My marketplace is well established but fragmented or my product has “category killer” potential because it is so unique to the market ( 1 point)

4. My marketplace is either very big (> $5 billion/year in sales) with clear room for a product like mine or is rapidly growing with well documented trend lines ( 1 point)

5. My marketplace is wide open and there are no competitors ( subtract 1 point)

Your score of (-1 to 4) is your Total Product Eco-System Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Product Eco-System Hurdle.

Now that you have completed the scoring, we shall take a look at how “fundable” your company is. Before we do, it’s important to realize that this is a snapshot in time. If you are not satisfied with your score, there are plenty of things you can do to improve it. I’ve seen many of my clients make tremendous progress along these dimensions by extending their team, focusing on sales

Finding The Right Financing For Your Business
One of the biggest challenges for business owners in the USA and in Canada is finding and securing the right type of financing for their businesses. Traditionally, business owners flock to banks when they needed business financing. However, the majority fail to get the business loan because they did not meet the bank’s tough lending standards.As a rule, banks require that you have an extensive and solid business plan and countless financial projections. And if you are already in business, the bank will need three years of profitable operations before they’ll consider lending you the money.But don’t be discouraged. If you own a business that is in operation you may have another option. This option is called invoice factoring.But invoice factoring is not for everyone. It can only be used by businesses that are already in operation and sell to commercial or government customers. However, if you qualify, invoice factoring can

Are you ready to raise money for your startup?

Leslie Mitts, Managing Practice Leader at the Wharton SBDC and Lead Advisor for the Wharton Venture Initiation Program, tells us that most entrepreneurs coming through her programs are focused on raising capital, even though there are higher priorities in many of their businesses. Since fresh dollars help drive the business engine, this is a natural entrepreneurial concern.

But are you ready to raise money?

Going to investors before you are really ready can damage your reputation and may actually hinder future funding efforts.

Team and a Dream uses a unique Fundability Diagnostic to help companies assess their strengths in four key areas:

Team - This is the most frequently cited attribute examined by investors. Many investors will invest in an A-level team and a B-level product, but not the opposite. Having your Seed Team nailed is crucial.

Traction - Showing momentum is a critical element to demonstrating progress and your ability to execute.

Perceived Pain - Do people really need your product? Why? Will they need it in the future?

Product Eco-system - How does your product fit into existing and emerging landscapes? Who else is out there and how big will this market grow?

Find out what you need to succeed and discover your roadmap to getting there. Take the quiz below to see how well you might expect to score with investors. For each of the four sections outlined above, see which hurdles you can clear given the current state of your business.

PROCEED WITH CAUTION: Only self-aware entrepreneurs should take these results seriously.

ASSESSING YOUR TEAM

Part A:

If you or any member of your current team are not planning on being the CEO, give yourself two points and proceed to Part B.

If someone on your team IS planning to continue on as CEO, then you’ll need to answer yes to both of the next two questions in order to score two points; otherwise, take a zero.

A1. Our CEO has significant, previous management experience in a startup or comparable operating environment (i.e. middle management in a large company doesn’t count!) ( 1 point)

A2. Our CEO is able to rapidly assess and prioritize our work with the respect of the team ( 1 point)

Part B:

Score one point for each answer.

B1. Someone on my team has significant experience in the domain space in which we are starting the company ( 1 point)

B2. Our team understands and acts as if they understand the difference between tasks that are urgent, urgent and important, important, and none of the above ( 1 point)

B3. This team has terrific chemistry ( 1 point)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Team Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Team Hurdle.

TRACTION

Score one point for each item you can answer positively.

1. We have made a few initial sales and have positive indicators from the marketplace for additional sales growth ( 1 point)

2. So many good things are happening I am bouncing off the walls with excitement ( 1 point)

3. I have added a significant team member (besides myself!) in the past two months ( 1 point)

4. In the past two months, I received press coverage that would be acknowledged by my prospects as legitimate business coverage ( 1 point)

5. We recently have achieved a significant product or marketplace milestone (includes a single, initial sale) ( 1 point)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Traction Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Traction Hurdle.

PERCEIVED PAIN

Award your Team the number of points indicated after each question that you answer positively.

1. My product or service solves an important problem for a well defined group of people ( 2 points)

2. My product or service will be in great demand in the future in order to solve problems emerging from a new trend that has a large population of prospects ( 2 points)

3. My product or service takes advantage of newly available market forces (technology, demographics, societal). The result is an offering that will clearly appeal to an existing, well-known market demographic ( 1 point)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Perceived Pain Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Perceived Pain Hurdle.

PRODUCT ECO-SYSTEM

Score the stated number of points for each item you can answer positively.

1. My product is unique in a clearly defined (i.e. I can describe the difference in one or two clear sentences) and useful way ( 1 point)

2. My product is patented or can easily be patented or I have another competitive barrier (e.g. trade secret, unique manufacturing process, etc.) that will make it difficult for others to compete directly ( 1 point)

3. My marketplace is well established but fragmented or my product has “category killer” potential because it is so unique to the market ( 1 point)

4. My marketplace is either very big (> $5 billion/year in sales) with clear room for a product like mine or is rapidly growing with well documented trend lines ( 1 point)

5. My marketplace is wide open and there are no competitors ( subtract 1 point)

Your score of (-1 to 4) is your Total Product Eco-System Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Product Eco-System Hurdle.

Tips for Organizational Stress Management
These suggestions came from a survey conducted regarding what has been useful for various businesses and organizations. Pick ones that you would use for your organization and use them. If you require coaching or training for the implementation, contact us for professional support.1. Focus groups…discussion of issues and solutions2. Survey employees regarding issues and possible solutions3. Divide issues into ones where there is control and ones where is NO controla. Acceptance of no controlb. Possible solutions or enhanced practices (Tackle the difficult situations and not just talk but solid follow-through…with accountability)4. Invite input and participation from every sector and all personnel5. Educate or at least update all personnel regularly and have supervisors explain the roles and expectations that will accompany any changes/transitions (help create “buy-in” for each of your “key” perso

w does your product fit into existing and emerging landscapes? Who else is out there and how big will this market grow?

PROCEED WITH CAUTION: Only self-aware entrepreneurs should take these results seriously.

ASSESSING YOUR TEAM

Part A:

If you or any member of your current team are not planning on being the CEO, give yourself two points and proceed to Part B.

If someone on your team IS planning to continue on as CEO, then you’ll need to answer yes to both of the next two questions in order to score two points; otherwise, take a zero.

A1. Our CEO has significant, previous management experience in a startup or comparable operating environment (i.e. middle management in a large company doesn’t count!) ( 1 point)

A2. Our CEO is able to rapidly assess and prioritize our work with the respect of the team ( 1 point)

Part B:

Score one point for each answer.

B1. Someone on my team has significant experience in the domain space in which we are starting the company ( 1 point)

B2. Our team understands and acts as if they understand the difference between tasks that are urgent, urgent and important, important, and none of the above ( 1 point)

B3. This team has terrific chemistry ( 1 point)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Team Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Team Hurdle.

TRACTION

Score one point for each item you can answer positively.

1. We have made a few initial sales and have positive indicators from the marketplace for additional sales growth ( 1 point)

2. So many good things are happening I am bouncing off the walls with excitement ( 1 point)

3. I have added a significant team member (besides myself!) in the past two months ( 1 point)

4. In the past two months, I received press coverage that would be acknowledged by my prospects as legitimate business coverage ( 1 point)

5. We recently have achieved a significant product or marketplace milestone (includes a single, initial sale) ( 1 point)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Traction Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Traction Hurdle.

PERCEIVED PAIN

Award your Team the number of points indicated after each question that you answer positively.

1. My product or service solves an important problem for a well defined group of people ( 2 points)

2. My product or service will be in great demand in the future in order to solve problems emerging from a new trend that has a large population of prospects ( 2 points)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Perceived Pain Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Perceived Pain Hurdle.

PRODUCT ECO-SYSTEM

Score the stated number of points for each item you can answer positively.

1. My product is unique in a clearly defined (i.e. I can describe the difference in one or two clear sentences) and useful way ( 1 point)

3. My marketplace is well established but fragmented or my product has “category killer” potential because it is so unique to the market ( 1 point)

4. My marketplace is either very big (> $5 billion/year in sales) with clear room for a product like mine or is rapidly growing with well documented trend lines ( 1 point)

5. My marketplace is wide open and there are no competitors ( subtract 1 point)

Your score of (-1 to 4) is your Total Product Eco-System Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Product Eco-System Hurdle.

Components of a Data Warehouse Architecture - Part 3, The Inmon approach
In parts 1 & 2 of this article series, we described the staging area of a data warehouse architecture and the presentation area according to the Kimball approach. In the present article we shall describe the presentation area of the data warehouse, according to the Inmon approach.The Inmon approach (marketed as Corporate Information Factory) involves the holistic view of the Enterprise and its informational needs. First implementation step, according to this approach, is the design of the Enterprise data model, supporting all its activities with completeness and sufficient detail ((‘atomic data model’). This is not any existing database model, but an abstract model of the information, actually used by the Enterprise. The data model of the so called ‘Enterprise Data warehouse’ is designed based on this abstract model. Data are extracted from all operational systems and other sources and the unique ‘Enterprise Data warehouse’ is updated

>Score one point for each answer.

B1. Someone on my team has significant experience in the domain space in which we are starting the company ( 1 point)

B2. Our team understands and acts as if they understand the difference between tasks that are urgent, urgent and important, important, and none of the above ( 1 point)

B3. This team has terrific chemistry ( 1 point)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Team Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Team Hurdle.

TRACTION

Score one point for each item you can answer positively.

1. We have made a few initial sales and have positive indicators from the marketplace for additional sales growth ( 1 point)

2. So many good things are happening I am bouncing off the walls with excitement ( 1 point)

3. I have added a significant team member (besides myself!) in the past two months ( 1 point)

4. In the past two months, I received press coverage that would be acknowledged by my prospects as legitimate business coverage ( 1 point)

5. We recently have achieved a significant product or marketplace milestone (includes a single, initial sale) ( 1 point)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Traction Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Traction Hurdle.

PERCEIVED PAIN

Award your Team the number of points indicated after each question that you answer positively.

1. My product or service solves an important problem for a well defined group of people ( 2 points)

2. My product or service will be in great demand in the future in order to solve problems emerging from a new trend that has a large population of prospects ( 2 points)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Perceived Pain Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Perceived Pain Hurdle.

PRODUCT ECO-SYSTEM

Score the stated number of points for each item you can answer positively.

1. My product is unique in a clearly defined (i.e. I can describe the difference in one or two clear sentences) and useful way ( 1 point)

3. My marketplace is well established but fragmented or my product has “category killer” potential because it is so unique to the market ( 1 point)

4. My marketplace is either very big (> $5 billion/year in sales) with clear room for a product like mine or is rapidly growing with well documented trend lines ( 1 point)

5. My marketplace is wide open and there are no competitors ( subtract 1 point)

Your score of (-1 to 4) is your Total Product Eco-System Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Product Eco-System Hurdle.

Conducting an Effective Interview
An employment interview is a goal oriented conversation in which the interviewer and the applicant exchange information. Even though interviews are a poor selection tool for most jobs, they are often the primary method used in evaluating applicants. The main players in the job interview are the interviewer and the applicant.The interviewer should have a pleasant personality, empathy, and the ability to listen and to communicate effectively. He or she should be aware of stereotyped views of the capabilities of women and minorities, and should be knowledgeable of the laws governing employment practices. In addition, a solid knowledge of the job and its requirements are indispensable to properly assess the applicants' qualifications. Through open-ended and probing questions, four major areas of information should be obtained from job candidates: job related knowledge, personal qualities as they relate to the job, willingness to do the work

sale) ( 1 point)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Traction Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Traction Hurdle.

PERCEIVED PAIN

Award your Team the number of points indicated after each question that you answer positively.

1. My product or service solves an important problem for a well defined group of people ( 2 points)

2. My product or service will be in great demand in the future in order to solve problems emerging from a new trend that has a large population of prospects ( 2 points)

Your score (0-5) is your Total Perceived Pain Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Perceived Pain Hurdle.

PRODUCT ECO-SYSTEM

Score the stated number of points for each item you can answer positively.

1. My product is unique in a clearly defined (i.e. I can describe the difference in one or two clear sentences) and useful way ( 1 point)

3. My marketplace is well established but fragmented or my product has “category killer” potential because it is so unique to the market ( 1 point)

4. My marketplace is either very big (> $5 billion/year in sales) with clear room for a product like mine or is rapidly growing with well documented trend lines ( 1 point)

5. My marketplace is wide open and there are no competitors ( subtract 1 point)

Your score of (-1 to 4) is your Total Product Eco-System Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Product Eco-System Hurdle.

The Mom And Pop Shop Business Model Is History- Here's What You Need To Do About It-
Whether you are the President of Toyota Corporation or the owner of a small, neighborhood "mom and pop" shop, your business is based on good marketing leading to sales. And your sales are based on having products and services in demand, a means of getting the message out to the buying public, and a method of taking money securely and seamlessly from prospective buyers.One reason why I am often disgusted with network marketing companies is that they tell you that an enterprise can be built on exponentials alone - Bob introduces three friends who introduce three friends, on and on until suddenly - and miraculously - you have a multi-million-dollar downline of users and business builders. Many online marketers also spew this nonsensical, pie-in-the-sky theory which just doesn't work for most of the rabble.Sorry to burst your balloon, but you must learn to sell both yourself and your product or service online. No matter if you ar

3. My marketplace is well established but fragmented or my product has “category killer” potential because it is so unique to the market ( 1 point)

4. My marketplace is either very big (> $5 billion/year in sales) with clear room for a product like mine or is rapidly growing with well documented trend lines ( 1 point)

5. My marketplace is wide open and there are no competitors ( subtract 1 point)

Your score of (-1 to 4) is your Total Product Eco-System Score.

If you scored three or more, you pass the Product Eco-System Hurdle.

YOUR FUNDABILITY RATING:

Number of Hurdles Cleared: None

IMPLICATION

If you received this score and hope to receive funding, then you have a lot of work to do. Perhaps you just know you want to start a business and are looking for ideas. If so, keep these criteria in mind as you formulate your plans.

If you already have a business concept, you should think long and hard about “re-conceiving” some elements of it to improve your scores.

Many perfectly good “lifestyle” businesses may fall into this scale – you just can’t get funding for them.

Number of Hurdles Cleared: One

IMPLICATION

Funding from your rich uncle may be possible

Number of Hurdles Cleared: two

IMPLICATION

Funding from family and friends network may be possible

Number of Hurdles Cleared: three

IMPLICATION

Professional investors will consider this, but you’ll need to be prepared to explain how you’ll address your gaps.

Number of Hurdles Cleared: all four

IMPLICATION

Put the finishing touches on your business plan and hit the funding trail!

You will have the best chances of success in fund-raising if investors see that you can clear the hurdles in all four areas.

NOTE: Team and a Dream offers a professional version of this assessment that offers additional detail and examines nuances that aren’t possible to convey in a simple quiz. If you have an interest in the professional assessment, please visit us at http://www.teamandadream.com/contactus.htm

Contact Information:
http://www.teamandadream.com
skip@teamandadream.com

HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.memberyou.net/article/24159/memberyou-Show-Me-the-Money.html">Show Me the Money!</a>

BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.memberyou.net/article/24159/memberyou-Show-Me-the-Money.html]Show Me the Money![/url]

Company logo design forms an integral part in the brand building process of a company. A well build brand may need to change its business logo due to variety of reasons like mergers, acquisitions, change in business areas, product repositioning etc. Seeking help from a professional logo design company will not only enhance the look and feel of the company logo but will surely translate into better business returns for the company.

Pursuing a career that interests you makes the job all the more worthwhile. If you are inclined towards nature and love spending your time in outdoors, then a job in the recreation industry is the perfect choice for you.

Tags

Links

Member You - Show Me the Money!

Related Articles: