The End -- Fireworks or Fizzle?

Seems as though there are a lot of business closings going around lately. Everywhere I look small businesses -- one on top of another -- are closing their doors.

On small marquee signs, empty storefronts, and in the newspaper it's common to see the message, "ABC Company Closes It's Doors After 35 Years."

Is that what you want the newspaper to print about your business?

Somewhat deflating, isn't it? Like a balloon leaking air. So where will your business be in 35 years? Have you decided what "the end" looks like for your small business yet?

Decide -- now -- whether your business will end with an explosive headline such as, "QTD Company sold to YXZ Company for 10 Billion Dollars!" or fizzle out like ABC Company and fade quietly into the sunset.

Define your small business "end" now and work toward it. Dream big. Create a visual that shows exactly what you want your business to look like when you're done.

Define the steps necessary to make that visual you created a reality. Turn it into your plan for success by identifying how and when you will make each step happen. Take those steps and create a road map to follow so you can get there.

Denise O'Berry helps small business owners identify and execute the steps to grow their business. Visit http://www.smallbiz-bootcamp.com for small business tools and tips.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


10 Hiring Tips for Small Business Owners

As a successful small business owner,you're accustomed to long hours;... Read More

Local Government Relations for Small Business

Most small businesses simply go about their daily business and... Read More

Franchising and Royalty Payments

If you are thinking of turning your current into a... Read More

How the Crab Effect Obstructs Growth and How to Conquer It

Some of the greatest words of wisdom for any man... Read More

Blowing Your Own Horn ? A Key Marketing Strategy for Small Business

-- Building Credibility Through Success Stories --Successful solo entrepreneurs spend... Read More

Building A Business That Works For You

Before you want to build your business, you need to... Read More

Do You Love Food? - Then Maybe Opening a Restaurant is Not Such a Crazy Idea

The restaurant industry in the United States employs an estimated... Read More

How To Write A Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a fundamental step to ensuring... Read More

Franchising Pros and Cons

Last week's question from Anthony R. on how to choose... Read More

Get Free Payroll Forms Download from the Internet

Having a successful business means also having a good working... Read More

Accounting and Billing Procedures for Small Business

No matter how small your small business is, it is... Read More

Four Reasons Why Small Businesses Succeed (or Fail)

The American system of business management has been admired and... Read More

Internships: Good for Everyone

Many job applicants want a job but often do not... Read More

Eight Key Steps to Selling Your Business and Cashing In

This year, some 700,000 American businesses will be sold. Most... Read More

Small Business Health Check-Up

If your home business is not performing the way you... Read More

How To Accept Credit Cards

If you plan to do business online, then your website... Read More

A Day in the Life of a Self Employed Professional

It's Monday morning and Connie the Consultant sits in her... Read More

The Skills Gap: It Pays to Use Experts

By outsourcing to skilled professionals you'll be able to grow... Read More

Fleet Washing Operations Manual Sample Outline

In the Truck Washing Business every single type of vehicle... Read More

How to Write a Credit Policy for Your Business

The book, "Become the Squeaky Wheel," by New Hampshire author... Read More

Competition Relations in Auto Detailing

There is significant competition in auto detailing and car washing.... Read More

Five Break-through Ideas to Immediately Increase Profits and Improve Cash Flow

Too often in business we get trapped into reviewing our... Read More

How to Become Successful in the Field of Financial Consultants

Financial Consultants are one of the fastest growing industries today.... Read More

An Example of Business Automation - eCards with pizazz

The last time I spoke and went into a bit... Read More

Look Out for that Great Accountant

There are many factors to be considered when you are... Read More

Dispute Resolution of Territory for Mobile Franchised Companies

Franchisors of home based and mobile businesses need to carefully... Read More

Overcoming Your Biggest Competitor

Before you read any further in this article, I'd like... Read More

Debit and ATM Card Advice for Small Businesses

Your business account comes with an ATM, Debit card. Pick... Read More

Explode Your Consulting Income

Here are just a few ways to increase and diversify... Read More

Does Your Small Business Marketing Suffer From The Bulldog Effect?

If you're an entrepreneur responsible for your own small business... Read More

Finding the Right People for your Business

Where do you find the right people for a business... Read More

How to Promote Yourself to Small Business Riches

You've heard it before; we're living in an information age.... Read More

Organizing Tips for Small Business Success

If you discovered the bottom line in your business depended... Read More