21/12/2007 by admin.

By using a free business plan template you can prepare the plan yourself and save your new company a lot of money. Although you can certainly hire a professional to prepare a business plan for your new business, consider this less expensive alternative.

One of the most intimidating aspects of starting any new business is developing a business plan.

A business plan is necessary for many reasons including management and finding the funding you need to get your venture off the ground.

There are many different free sample business plan templates online. It’s important to search for one that is reflective of the business you are starting. Obviously if you are launching a new craft business, a business plan template for a daycare business just wouldn’t work. You need a template that will work for you particular business focus.

If you are using a computer that runs on the Microsoft interface you’ll want a business plan template download that works in either MS Word or Excel. Excel can be somewhat tricky for someone unfamiliar with the program. However, it’s often the suggested program for spreadsheets so it’s very likely that you’ll have to adopt it at some point.

Once you’ve downloaded the template you’ll need to take a few moments to acquaint yourself with it. Although every program is different, you would do well to have all the business’s information close at hand so you aren’t wasting time searching for the relevant facts and figures.

There are several different parts to a standard plan that you’ll need to prepare. All of this can be done with the aid of a sample template. The parts are typically a strategy and marketing plan, profit and loss account, a balance sheet, a cash flow statement, cash balance graph, and operating ratios. An executive summary is probably the most important part. This may seem impossible to someone who has never prepared a business plan in the past, but the software walks you through each and every document.

Most programs will allow you to make adjustments as necessary. It’s a very good idea to start using the template soon after you decide to start the business as it allows you the chance to not only have ample time to prepare it, but also to get a feel for the program itself. Obviously as your business ideas change, that it will be reflected in the program.

Once you have completed the business plan it’s now ready to present to potential investors. It’s a good idea to have a trusted friend or relative who is savvy in business have a look over it first. This way they’ll be able to point out any inconsistencies or problems they see. Remember that any business plan can be adjusted and should be adjusted as the business grows and changes.

For more useful information on writing business plans and sample templates for many types of small businesses, go to http://www.businessplans4u.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Oscar_Zhang

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20/12/2007 by admin.

There are a lot of internet gurus out there that keep going on about how page rank for your website os soooooo important.

There has been a study by Jon Ledger that actually exposes this massive myth.

Google is seen as the Holy Grail of internet marketing on the web and the basis why so many people want fine tune their seo techniques. Rank well in
Google and your profits are pretty much set.

But there is SO MUCH bogus information out there, often coming from
the “gurus” themselves.

On January 9th, 2008, Jonathan Leger is releasing a new f.ree report
that completely obliterates the following myths about Google (and then
goes on to show you what DOES work):

Myth #1: Google Knows All and Sees All
Myth #2: Google Will Not Rank Duplicate Content
Myth #3: You Must Get Links From Related Subject Sites to Rank
Myth #4: Your Site Must Focus On One Subject To Rank
Myth #5: High PageRank Means Good Rankings
Myth #6: To Maintain Good Rankings, You Must Add New Content

..and..
MYTH #7: THE BIGGEST MYTH: Ranking In Google Is Hard!

Jon’s site is in pre-launch now, but if you sign up early you will get
a sample chapter full of proof and details.

And did I mention he’ll pay you for referring other people to this
powerful f.ree report? And that he’ll pay you for anyone THEY refer
as well (even while it’s in pre-launch)? Find out more about that
when you download your sample chapter from: We Recommend

Click Here To Download FREE Chapter

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05/12/2007 by admin.

Free Window Cleaning Tips

Traditional Window Cleaning Tips
 
1. Use The Right Tools - First of all, use the right tools. Seems like a silly point to start off with. Trust me, there are so many people that start out and use the wrong tools in this business. If you can, use a professional squeegees, soap and applicators.

2. A Clean Scrubber – There are many window cleaners that start the job off with a dirty scrubber. Make sure it’s a clean scrubber or lamb’s wool applicator, sponge and/or porcupine cleaner. Put it this way - a dirty applicator can leave dirt behind on the window and a very unhappy client. All you need to do is rinse the scrubber frequently, if you are cleaning several windows - especially the really dirty windows.

3. Holding the Squeegee Correctly – Try and hold the squeegee at an angle so the water runs down the glass; I’d say a 45 degree angle. You don’t want water flowing from both ends of the squeegee.

4. Have A Selection Of Channel Sizes or Squeegees – Throughout your window cleaning round, you’re going to tackle many different types of windows coming in all shapes and sizes. Having a wide selection of channels or squeegees will help you no end.

5.Wipe the Blade - After each squeegee stroke, always wipe the rubber blade with your lint free cloth. Placing a wet squeegee on the glass will leave a blade mark. You will get good at quickly wiping the blade.

6. Don’t Cut It In Too Close – Try to overlap each squeegee stroke by about 1½ inches if you can. Angle your squeegee so the water flows towards the wet window surface on the window, don’t cut in on the clean and dry area.

7. Be Conservative With The Water – What does that mean? Try not to use too much water when you’re applying the scrubber to the surface. I know it’s easier said than done, try practicing at home or on a friend’s window to get this technique just right. You actually want the dirt to come off the window with this solution, but not too much that you’ve got your own water shower going on leaving water on the sills!

8. Shake The Mop/Scrubber – When you’re cleaning windows outside, get rid of the excess water by shaking the scrubber in an upward/downward motion away from any windows. This will ensure the right amount of solution being applied to the surface.

9. Use Less Water Inside – If you’ve got a window cleaning job inside, use even less water than you would outside for obvious reasons.

10. Remove The Clutter – If you are cleaning inside, always remember to clear all items and clutter from the window sills (better still, ask your clients to do it). This makes your job ten times easier and allows a better clean.

This article has been written by Joe Polanksi-Smith http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/Window_Cleaning_Tips.html who is the man behind the famous Advanced Window Cleaning EBook and AdvancedPro Window Cleaning eBook found at http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/AdvancedPro_Window_Cleaning_eBook.html.

He is also a keen contributor to http://howtostartyourownbusinesstoday.com that’s a new blog for people wanting to start their own business.

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02/12/2007 by admin.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR WINDOW CLEANERS

1. Always call the client the day before the clean. This also helps as most people will have a lock on their gate. Calling them the night before enables them to remove the lock for you.

2. Always be kind and courteous when speaking to your clients. These people represent your bread and butter and will more than likely refer you to friends and family.

3. Try to close all gates or garages after you’ve finished cleaning. If there’s one thing that upsets people more is this. Not only that, you’re prospective client across the road will be watching. You leaving the gate open isn’t going to impress them.

4. If you find the back gate is locked. Don’t worry. Just clean the front of the house and charge them half the clean price. Your client will not only be embarrassed, they’ll send you your money fast to try to paper over their embarrassment. This will allow you some revenue, even though it only half what you normally get. Better than nothing!

5. If the back door has a small pane of glass and is filthy. Take time out to clean it with your window cleaning spray. This will take you seconds, but your client will certainly notice it and you’ll be in their good books.Note: Throughout my EBook you’ll probably be amazed and surprised just how many things I do for FREE. Trust me. This will pay you dividends in the long run. It’s nice to take on new clients. It’s even better to be referred by your clients costing you nothing in the process. Studies show that referred clients are more than likely to pay more for your service and will more than likely refer you again and again and again. This is the key to growing your window cleaning without spending £000’s on advertising.

6. Unfortunately, you’re going to get a few cancellations. Don’t worry; this is normal and nothing to fear. However, for each cancellation you receive. Call the client and ask them why they want to cancel. Some of you out there may be a little scared in calling clients that want to cancel. In my experience it is normally a misunderstanding and something that can be put right. Sometimes clients don’t understand why their windows are still wet, even though you explained it to them. Simply use the letter provided in my “Stationary Kit” which explains the use of the water fed pole. This has saved my bacon more than once!I once had a client ring and cancel my services because she only wanted her windows cleaned every 3 months. Now, instead of telling me this she just cancelled. I rang her back and after getting out of her the reason for the cancellation, agreed to do them every 3 months. If I had just accepted the cancellation I would have lost 4 x £18. In my book you can actually gain clients by keeping the ones that may have cancelled. It’s much easier and cheaper to keep an existing client than spend money on marketing for new ones.

7. On the odd occasion, a client will ask you to clean the fascia at the front of the property. Use your common sense with this one. If it is relatively small, agree to clean this one time for free and let them know you’ll have to charge next time. If you charge for this service straight away, you may alienate your client and upset them. They don’t really want to pay for the first clean, but are more than happy to pay for further cleans. If it’s going to take you longer than a couple of minutes then I would charge. (Water fed pole users).

8. There a few porches or upvc fascias that are located at the front of the house and are quite small. If you have the time, just clean these at the same time you’re cleaning the windows for FREE and let your client know. This will only add 10 minutes onto your time, but your client will really appreciate it. Why should you do it for free and not charge them? Referrals referrals referrals. This again, is your choice. You can charge them if you like, but what you’re trying to do is build a solid business based on your existing clients referring you.

9. Clean and polish outside letter boxes for FREE. You’ve those external post boxes on a house (basically so the dog doesn’t chew letters and papers). Same principle. This will take you seconds and your client will appreciate it. People love getting things for FREE that they didn’t ask for. If you’re regular and offer a good service you’ll have these clients for years.

10. If you are window cleaning with a water fed pole, why not offer conservatory cleaning too! I know I mentioned it in an earlier chapter. At least 10% of your client base must have conservatories. Offer to give them a free trial by cleaning a section of it! I guarantee they’ll want it clean after your demonstration. (Water fed pole users).

This article has been written by Joe Polanksi-Smith who is the man behind the famous Advanced Window Cleaning EBook and AdvancedPro Window Cleaning eBook found at http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/AdvancedPro_Window_Cleaning_eBook.html. He is also a keen contributor to http://howtostartyourownbusinesstoday.com that’s a new blog for people wanting to start their own business.

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