optimism

Introduction

On this episode of Business Insanity Talk Radio, we first talk about the many rules and regulations – namely health insurance and immigration – that are changing under the new Trump Administration and what the impact on small businesses will be. Then, we’ll show you why business plans are an important tool in starting and launching a company and how to write them so they are most beneficial to you. Finally, FedEx is giving away over $100,000 to small businesses! We’ll show you how to enter.

Listen

Segment 1: Meg Schmitz brings enthusiasm and organization to the process of navigating the maze of franchise ownership and small business success. Her deep knowledge of small business started in the 1990s, when she opened the first of five Great Clips salons in the Chicago area.

1:00 – What was the inspiration for the Great Clips franchise?

2:15 – What can small businesses expect under the new Trump administration?

5:00 – The pros and cons of offering health insurance to your employees.

8:30 – The impact of franchising on the economy through a recession.

9:45 – The reality of buying a franchise.

Segment 2: Meg Schmitz continued.

15:30 – What affect will immigration policies have on small businesses?

18:00 – The impact of immigration policies on both unskilled and skilled jobs.

20:00 – The impact of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on small businesses.

Segment 3: Hal Shelton uses his knowledge and expertise to help small businesses be successful. In the corporate world, Hal was CFO of a NYSE listed alternative energy company for which he quarterbacked its IPO. For nonprofits, Hal is a board member and mentor for the SCORE Association – a volunteer organization that provides education and training to small businesses. Hal is a member of Blu Venture Investors; an active angel investing group supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in the Mid-Atlantic Region, with a primary focus on technology companies. He is the author of the book “The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan”.

31:45 – How important are business plans?

34:30 – Why is marketing often such a big weakness in business plans?

35:30 – How important is the financials section of the business plan for startups?

Segment 4: Hal Shelton continued.

41:00 – What are angel investors looking for in a business?

43:00 – Not all businesses are a good fit for angel investment.

44:30 – An example of a successful angel investment.

45:30 – What is SCORE?

Segment 5: Kelly Martin is a marketing advisor for FedEx.

49:30 – What is the FedEx grant contest?

50:00 – What do the winners receive?

50:45 – How to enter! www.fedex.com/grantcontest

Sponsored by Nextiva.