Business Planning
Making the most of seasonal downtime
Following the holiday rush, many retailers may face late-winter doldrums and many agricultural businesses are already hibernating after the harvest. Whatever your seasonal cycle, a lull doesn’t mean you need to slow your efforts to grow your business. Here are some tips on ways to use down periods to your advantage:
Forecasting your 2011 revenue
Even if you don’t look forward to planning for next year, you can’t help but enjoy the first step—forecasting how much your revenues will grow. Here’s how to get a handle on what your sales this coming year will be, and how to get ready to meet the increase in business.
Going Global: 10 Secrets to Success
By Susan Baka, President, Bay Communications & Marketing Inc.
The global economy and advances in technology have created a huge world market. However, less than 7% of women entrepreneurs export. There are many opportunities to develop new business that women can pursue, regardless of size. Even if you are a small, home-based business, the beauty of using the Web to do international business is that no one will ever know that you could be in front of a computer in your spare room!
Get more from your business with our revamped Website
We understand that as a small business owner, you often have to wear many hats – from marketing, sales, bookkeeping and ordering supplies, to managing staff and suppliers. The new Get Growing for Business Website recognizes how time-crunched you are, so we’ve provided the resources and know-how to help you get more from your business on your terms – whether that’s a short, digestible article with strategic tips, video coaching or an online tool.
Ask an Expert
Do even really small businesses need a business plan?
This month’s question is answered by David Stockley, Manager, Small Business, Scotiabank, St. John's, NL
Sales Planning Key to Growth
Each month, The Pulse provides market research insights gained by polling small business customers like you.
Our most recent survey finds that entrepreneurs are focused on growing their businesses, and that many have specific sales targets in place. Indeed, sales planning is well entrenched among Scotiabank small business customers.
Why a Business Plan is Key to Your Success
A business plan has many practical uses. It sets out measurable goals, helps sell your business vision to employees, and also helps you anticipate your financing needs. Find out why a business plan is key to your success.
Plan Today for Future Borrowing Needs
Most small businesses will need to borrow money at some point. The more advance planning you do, the better your chances of getting the financing you need at the best rate possible. Here are some planning tips to keep in mind.
The Retailers Guide to a Successful Holiday Season Part 2 - Management Tips
Retail Performance Specialist, Kevin Graff, of Graff Retail, shares his management tips in The Retailer's Guide to a Successful Holiday Season: Part 2.
The Retailers Guide to a Successful Holiday Season - Selling Tips
Retail Performance Specialist, Kevin Graff, of Graff Retail, shares his selling tips in The Retailer's Guide to a Successful Holiday Season
Is there an easy way to write a business plan
There is no substitute for doing the market research, scoping out suppliers, and making sure your vision is articulated in a compelling way. But the good news is that once you've done all this work, the actual creation of your plan is now easier than you think. The Scotia Plan Writer for businessTM is an innovative, online tool that guides your through each step of the process - from researching your idea, to developing financial projections and printing a final document. There is no need to wade your way through complicated business books to write your plan.
Where do entrepreneurs get their business ideas
There are many sources of business ideas. Some entrepreneurs build something new, while others discover an untapped market. Another source that is quite fruitful is to improve on an existing business concept. Indeed, modifying or improving on an existing business is how many entrepreneurs begin. You don't always have to reinvent the wheel. Online florists, for instance, combine selling flowers, the Internet, and a delivery service to create their business and a fresh approach. As a start, take a critical look at businesses you see around you every day.
Business Planning in an Uncertain Economy
Each month, The Pulse provides market research insights gained by polling small business customers like you.
Our latest survey* finds that business planning appears to be an entrenched behaviour among small business owners: Half of small business customers surveyed have prepared a financial plan for their business.
Sales Planning Key to Growth
Each month, The Pulse provides market research insights gained by polling small business customers like you.
Our most recent survey finds that entrepreneurs are focused on growing their businesses, and that many have specific sales targets in place. Indeed, sales planning is well entrenched among Scotiabank small business customers.
