Toronto, Canada - GAO Instruments (www.GAOInstruments.com) has announced the availability of its compact single fiber fusion splicer specifically designed for single mode fiber, multi-mode fiber, dispersion-shifted fiber (DSF), non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber (NZ-DSF), and erbium-doped fiber (EDF). The single fiber fusion splicer detects the fiber end-face and adjusts parameters automatically. It features a short splicing time of eight seconds,...more
When Jim Ballack started his own courier business, he did not have the money to buy an off the shelf PBX system. He was shocked to find that just the installation and setup would cost him in the thousands. Other complications arose as well. His service staff wanted an email productivity suite combined with a messaging system, which meant more expenses. Like most starting small business owners, Jim was not even sure that all this would lead to...more
When writing your first business plan (and perhaps what you hope is your only business plan), you will naturally be a bit unsure about how to proceed. Although a wealth of information about business plan writing is available, knowing how to focus your writing to be most successful in convincing funders will still be difficult. There is so much to cover in a business plan that it is easy to get lost in the details. Use this framework to take a step back and be sure that you are creating a believable story in your business plan. Convincing Opportunity Your interest in the business and your background aside, a funder should be able to look at the information you have researched about the market (the industry, competitors, and customers) and see a clear, unsatisfied customer need which competitors, for whatever reason, are not well poised to act upon. Furthermore, the solution to the need must be valuable enough to custaomers that they would pay for it (or that other parties would pay to share the attention you get, as in the case of advertisers on a website). Decisive StrategyThe business strategy must be clear in the plan and keep the specific opportunity, strengths and weaknesses of...more
Six Sigma training has a ton of great tools and uses for you and your company. Call centers have an amazing purpose when it comes to putting to use those tools and making the best of their problem solving abilities. With call centers, the processes are focused on customer satisfaction and efficiency, which makes them great targets for Six Sigma...more
When you are ready to seek private investment in your business, a private placement memorandum may be required by your states law. Even if it is not, this document is highly recommended as it can protect your business from claims of fraud down the road while serving as a compelling sales document in conjunction with a quality business plan. A range...more
Whether you create a business plan for external sources (generally potential investors, lenders, or partners) or for internal guidance for your management and staff, the outline of required sections is generally the same. However, there are some key differences between these two types of plans.Focus on Control MechanismsWhile important that the operations plan mention to some extent how quality and financial controls will be in place for a funder plan, it is extremely important for an internal plan. A business plan is only as good as the companys means to insure that it is put into practice. The systems of controls, including both technological and human elements should be covered in detail. Management QualificationsFor an externally-focused business plan, it is important to sell the qualifications of the management team to potential funders to prove that they can execute the outlined plans. For an internal plan, the management is already generally a given. Rather than detail who these managers are and why they are qualified to be in charge, it is more important to review the responsibilities of each manager and the organizational chart showing the hierarchy of reporting...more
How does six sigma training affect the finance industry? It definitely does, Six sigma applies to a lot of areas of business, risk management, internal processes and investment activities are all included. While a lot of companies have had a great...more
The traditional vessels for Christmas hampers have always been baskets and boxes. Its time to think outside the box and have some fun choosing unique and personalized vessels for your Christmas hampers.Some of the best Xmas hampers have had their...more
Increased information, technological advancements and shifts in focus all affect the success of a veterinary practice. As a result of these changes, many owners are beginning to rethink their business philosophy. The question remains, where to start?...more
If you have an online business and that you know that you are really selling great products, but no one's visiting your website, it might be because you lack something, which is advertising. If you really want to make your online business a success...more
Getting the perfect gift for the friends and acquaintances can be very difficult especially with all of the different holidays that people celebrate. Hampers of any type can make a great casual or professional gift and Christmas Hampers tend to be...more
It used to be that only certain professions and businesses had to really listen closely with empathy to their client's needs. Retail businesses in more prosperous times weren't in the business of playing counselor, coach, or advocate. That's all...more