Dornoff Consulting is designed to help businesses be more competitive in an ever changing marketplace. Dornoff Consulting provides business consulting services along with Community Development, Community Economic Development, Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, and Urban Design.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy New Year
You will see some more changes as we enter the new year. I will continue postings on Mondays (starting January 7th) the Starting a Small Business Series to help you get started on developing that business plan. Also one day a week I will post items to help you better compete against the big box stores.
I will be comment on important articles that will affect your business. You will also see some changes to the look of the blog in the near future to make it look better.
Thank you for reading and I look forward to hearing from you in the new year.
John Dornoff
Dornoff Consulting Group
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Do you need a virtual assistant?
I have look through some of the list and all of them can be potential sources of help for you. Have have resources for to do lists, accounting, phone, email, scheduling, presentations, information, project and time management, and client relations.
Everything you can do to stay more organize will allow you to spend more time building your business.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Starting A Small Business Series-Profit and Loss Statements
Last week we talked about the Profit and Loss Statement.
Today we will take a look at the Balance Sheet. So what is the balance sheet? It shows you how much your company is worth. You start off with your assets on one side with your liabilities and net worth on the other.
On the asset side your first listing is your current assets. These are assets that you could turn to cash very quickly. This obviously includes cash in the bank, your petty cash, temporary investments such as money market accounts, inventory, accounts receivable (money you are owed), supplies, and prepaid insurance.
Next is your investment which is anything long term such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.
Following up after investments comes your plant and equipment. This can include land, your building, and manufacturing equipment with your allocated depreciation taken out. After your plant and equipment come intangible assets. This could include goodwill and trade names which can be hard to calculate. Last would come to misc. assets.
Now you total up all of your assets and move to the next column.
The next section you work on is your liabilities and we start of with current liabilities. This includes Notes payable, wages payable, interest payable, taxes payable, warranty liability, and unearned revenue. Current liabilities basically cover anything that will be due by the end of the year.
Next on your list will be your long term liabilities which are anything that will be due past this year. This would include bonds payable and notes payable such as a mortgage on your business or a business vehicle.
You then add your current liabilities and long term liabilities and get a total.
Finally you have your owner’s equity. If it is just you then that is pretty simple. If you have stock you will have your stock and retained earnings.
Finally you add your liabilities and equity together. The number you get should be equal to the number you have for your assets. If they do not match something is wrong go back and figure out what is wrong. Once you are done you know how much you own, how much you owe and how much equity you have in your business.
To see what a balance sheet should look like you can go to Accounting Coach.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Lessons to be learned from CompUSA
The stores suffered not only due to issues within the stores but also with corporate management. The corporation could not decided what they wanted the stores to be. When they were not successful they looked to another successful chain and try to copy them instead of finding their own direction.
Today we will look at what the stores were and what they tried to be so that you can avoid the pitfalls that CompUSA made.
Just looking at the name you figure that CompUSA sells computers and computer supplies and that is what they started out doing. They also offered training and had a fairly good business department for many years.
However over the last few years (especially the last couple) CompUSA started losing their focus. They saw the success of Best Buy and like many companies instead of following their own path tried to copy someone else's and it failed.
Over the last year many of its stores have been remodeled and now look like a low end Best Buy. Instead of focusing on what they did best they tried to be all things to all people and started doing everything very poorly. Their business sector started to suffer which started costing them those type of customers.
In the end the store become the store for no one. The business people who used to buy their computer supplies there went elsewhere. The computer geeks could no longer find the supplies they need so they went to companies online like New Egg. Finally, the marketing they tried to attract with high end products such as LCD and Plasma TV's sought out stores with better customer service and a better selection. In the end CompUSA satisfied no one.
Once again it goes back to finding your niche, and sticking to it. While you can add items and possible move up or down, but do not alienate your existing customer base. While stores like Nordstrom and Wal-Mart can make mistakes and survive, you cannot afford to make mistakes like this.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Starting A Small Business Series Part V
In previous additions we talked about how to figure out what kind of small business you should operate and figuring out some of your start up cost. Now we are going to start getting into the financial statements you need to make.
The first one we will go over is the Income Statement with is also refereed to as the P&L with stands for profit and loss.
The first part of the income statement is estimated sales. You need to make realistic estimates of how much you are going to make. I would recommend doing estimated P&L statements for the first five years. It will usually take about three years before you start making a profit.
The Cost of Good Sold applies to retail businesses. Here is how you calculate your cost of goods Sold:
Beginning Inventory 100
Purchases 100
-Returns 50
Frieght 50
Ending Inventory 100
Cost of Goods Sold 100
Now the returns in the Cost of Goods Sold are returns to your vendors, not customer returns.
After you subtract your cost of goods sold you come up with your gross profit. After that you take out all those lovely expenses such as rent, power, insurance, phone, internet, and any other payments you may have then you end up with your net profit or (loss).
Sales 100
Cost of Goods Sold 50
Gross Profit 50
Rent 25
Electricity 5
Insurance 5
Phone 5
Now of course yours will be a little more complicated but you get the general idea.
If you are a retail business I also suggest you subtract 10% off your sales to account for customer returns and put that in the balance sheet which I will talk about later.
Keep your income statements simple when you’re getting started. As you become more familiar with them you can get more creative with them.
Another source for more information is Accountingcoach
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Holiday Season Ideas
Holiday Season Ideas
The Start Up Spark Blog had this entry:
Get more holiday jingle by increasing sales this season
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Blog Postings that May Interest You.
Hiring a Savvy Tax Advisor
Better than Monster: 50 Free Places You Can Post A Job Online and Get Top Talent
A Strategic Solution for Business: Outsourcing
The Marketing Nitty-Gritty: Part Two
How To Fix The Mistakes You Made In 2007
Time to Hire a Bookkeeper?
How To Be Compelling
Each of these posting has great information to help you in your business.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Starting A Small Business Series Part IV
In the last edition of the Starting a Small Business Series we talked about how to cost out the capital requirements for your business.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Being part of your community...
Over the course of this blog we have talked about various ways in which you can have a competitive advantage over the big box stores. Today we are going to take a little different approach and talk about not only competing but also doing something for the community as a whole.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Outsourcing?
Outsourcing for small businesses is nothing new. We are not talking about the outsourcing that is getting a bad rap right now such as sending your customer service to India but instead are talking about such items as secretarial services.
What I mentioned in that blog was outsourcing is fine, just do not outsource an area that deals directly with your customers. This is were many technology companies are making a mistake as they outsource customer service and tech support.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Starting A Small Business Series Part III
In the previous entries we talked about finding the right business for you. Now we are going to get into the finances of your business.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
What Niche?
One of things you will here me talk about all the time is how important it is for you to have a niche to drive your customers base. Wal-Mart has it’s low price niche (even if it really doesn’t have the lowest prices), Nordstrom is known for it’s customer service, and K-Mart is know for?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Capital Budget Needs...
In a previous entry I talked about the importance of having an emergency fund consisting of six months of expenses. This is not to be touch except in an extreme emergency. Today I am going to talk to you about another savings account you should have but this one you will tap into on a regular basis and that is your capital equipment fund.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Starting A Small Business Series Part II
In the first part of the series we talked about getting ideas for you to start your own business. Now that you have a general idea of what direction you want to do, now we will see how marketable the idea is and where you should go with it. We are keeping this very basic for those going from a blank sheet.
- Who would buy your product or service?
- How big is the market for your product or service?
- Who is your competition?
- How will you set yourself apart from your competition?
- What is your niche?
Friday, November 16, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Access the Most Complete Source of Worldwide Flight Schedules. Take a Free Trial.
Visit Allsop.com, a 30 year innovator of computer electronics accessories, mousepads, CD/DVD storage, and gardening items.
Big 3 pursue green market in big way
Earnings: Starbucks deigns to do TV
Venture Capital: Funds put $7 million on an old favorite
Movie rentals are moving increasingly to TV, Internet
Inside Entrepreneurship: Don't let funding challenges derail you
Industrial production takes its biggest dive in 9 months, led by sharp drop in utilities
Wal-Mart finds being green is no easy task
Safety-standards bill for toys is approved by House panel
Black Friday ads: Pros and cons for shoppers
Small start-ups thrive in Idaho but seldom become lots biggerGrowing our gazelles
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Accept Credit Cards - Free Credit Card Processing Set Up
Program builds business-school ties
Here's an innovative workplace idea -- 'offices'
Small-business boost?
Shoppers show reluctance to spend
Shoppers shying away from toys due to recalls, poll says
What's new: Organic foods market opens in Nampa
SBA does more with less in L.A.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
What Kind of Business Should I Go Into?
So you have decided to start your own business because you are tired of corporate culture, you want to control your destiny, or a range of other reasons for starting your own business.
- What kind of experience you have?
- What are your hobbies?
- Do you have an innovative product or service that is not out there yet?
Business Articles of Note
World's largest online seller of promotional items
Retail sales up only 0.2 percent
McDonald's to take on Seattle's best
Zillow signs deal with newspapers
Ready to shop?
Burn while you earn: Desk treadmill keeps you walking at work
Hyatt's break with tradition
Wal-Mart gain may be sign of recovery
Safeway joins in liquor sales
For the Guy Who Wants More Than a Little Off the Top
Keeping Up With Customers: A Phone List Is So Yesterday
Paying to Hear the Complaints
Personal Assistants on Call, Just Not in the Next Office
Benefits in a Pension, for Now and Beyond
A Little Planning Can Mean More for Heirs Later
Winemaking That Doesn’t Require a Mortgage
Your Computers Are Down? No Problema
These Angels Like to Work as a Team
Taking a Whack at Making a Car
From Boutique to Big Time
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Host Unlimited Domains FREE when you purchase with PowWeb!!!
Holiday shopping for safe toys
Sandy firm's wireless chip may fill holes
Competition looms for new 'Guitar Hero'
Buy Local First Week will be Nov. 24-Dec. 1 in Salt Lake
Kohl's store to open with new features
A Health Plan for Wal-Mart: Less Stinginess
Win Fabulous Prizes, All in the Name of Innovation
The Tables Turn for Dilbert’s Creator
More Than One Way to Help a Business Grow
Social streaming: music's new business model?
Monday, November 12, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Your Own Web Store at Your Own Web Address! ProStores - an eBay Company
Billings baker trades 2 a.m. shift for a sweeter calling
Newtek Solutions pushes the electronic envelope
Disabled can find job success - if they find a job
Malls bank on Santa to deliver sales
China October trade surplus hits record
Small-business owners look everywhere to cut energy costs
High heels and high hopes
Business franchise idea is not always a 'snow brainer'
Employee use of Internet a way of life, but limits needed
It is too good to be true?
Web is stage for hopeful musicians
Out with the trans fats, in with a lot of other
Finding South Florida's next economic wave
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Reliable, Affordable Business Hosting from Bluehost.com.
Companies see value in sabbaticals
Survey gets to the heart of sick days
Architectural firm explores new space, approach to work
Recruit and retain
Holiday hiring time not joyful
Import mix-ups hurt smaller companies
Venture capital: Mom Headquarters: 500-square foot studio apartment
SBA loans add up for small firms
Retail Notebook: Shop offers an array of 'magical groceries'
Most annoying co-workers? Those who slack off, kiss up
Variety of Web sites target older job-seekers
Please hold: Businesses want to hear your order, not your call
Everystreet USA style lends familiarity to Town Square
Friday, November 09, 2007
Business Articles of Note
$3.95 Web Hosting from IPOWER
Consumer confidence hits 2-year low
Venture Capital: VC firm targets the early, risky stages
Inside Entrepreneurship: A grant program for small businesses
Holiday retail outlook grim
McDonald's gaining sales on all fronts
Macy's hoping stars can provide a lift
Small firms anything but
Business owners talk over health-care reform
Starting Up: You have to be an entrepreneur at heart
It's Trader Joe's meets Ralphs
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Drive traffic and sales to your website with Excite.com
Retailers report sluggish October sales
Small Business: Internet surfing at work -- is it cheating or acceptable?
Southwest eyes an upgrade
Legislation aims to keep government competition from hurting businesses in Utah
Gas-price surge may crimp holiday spending
Date-rape chemical found in toy beads made in China
What Economic Slowdown? Small Businesses Grow Stronger
Matchmaker for minority-owned firms
Nonprofits supercharge Florida's economy
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Get rid of your fax machine. Try RingCentral Fax
Developers embracing 'green' to gain an edge
Productivity surges by 4.9 percent — fastest pace in 4 years
October's retail sales rose at a slow pace
Weaker holiday sales in store, economist says
Keys to search engine visibility
Top business women share insights, advice
Southland debut could be difficult for Fresh & Easy
Cabela's store brings the outdoors in
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Business Articles of Note
HSBC Term Life Insurance, Up to $250,000 in Coverage.Protect Your Family Today!
Circulation drops at daily newspapers
If it's important, don't put it in e-mail
Zibbie Zone gives kids a place to play online
Workplace Coach: Unhealthy conflict hurts workers and the business
Retail Notebook: Where shoppers find their way around the world
Venture Capital: Seattle VCs missing clean tech boom
New orders help boost services sector growth
New PCs just for kids, older users
Blu-ray DVD players will drop 20% in price
Housing-market woes may be long-term
U.S. trails other nations in broadband speeds
40 years of low prices pay off for WinCo; Eagle store opens
Google hopes to conquer the wireless world
The Right Places to Learn Entrepreneurship
Green Grocers (and Bakeries)
Venting, Yes. Profiting, No.
Never Too Young to Give, or Take, Advice
In Portland, Cultivating a Culture of Two Wheels
Friday, October 26, 2007
Business Articles of Note
The Rand McNally Store features maps and navigational accessories for all your travel needs. Shop Now!
Giant stores to get face-lift
Wal-Mart thrills locals
Consumer prices, industrial output fall
Venture Capital: Allozyne raises $30M for MS drug
Inside Entrepreneurship: Answers for non-profit startups
Author and visionary to speak at Nov. 1 event in Utah
Macy’s and Hilfiger Strike Exclusive Deal
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Seattle Coming Business Events from the Seattle Times
Name of event: Key Metrics for Product Managers
Date and time: Oct. 24, 6-8:30 p.m.
Place: Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St., Mercer Island
Cost: $55
Web site: www.pmcnw.org
Description: Join the Product Management Consortium for a discussion on the key metrics that product managers need to measure and communicate throughout the product life cycle. Guest speakers will provide examples from several companies to help you sharpen your use of metrics.
—
Name of event: Dealing with Difficult Situations with Tenants
Date and time: Oct. 24, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Place: Good Shepherd Center, Room 202
Cost: $150, includes lunch
Web site: www.kcdrc.org
Event phone: 206-443-9603
Description: Landlords and managers: Come learn how to become more effective in handling the most common conflicts with your tenants. This one-day training was designed specifically for landlords and managers to learn to become more effective in handling the most common conflicts with residents.
—
Name of event: OfficeShui, a peaceful productive workspace
Date and time: Oct. 24, 7-8:30 p.m.
Place: My Day Office, 2820 Elliott Ave.
Cost: $30
Web site: https://biznik.com/events/2007/10/24/officeshui-tm-a-peaceful-productive-workspace
Event phone: 206-228-0780
Description: In just an hour and a half, you'll walk away with the tools to transform your workspace into a work haven. Advance online RSVP required.
—
Name of event: Your Money, Your Business, Your Life
Date and time: Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m.
Place: AGC Building (Starbucks level), 1200 Westlake Ave. N.
Cost: $30
Web site: https://biznik.com/events/2007/10/24/your-money-your-business-your-life
Description: Learn about how your beliefs shape your financial success and how you can reap the most rewards from your efforts. Advance online RSVP required.
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Name of event: Alliance of Technology & Women, "Being a Person of Influence"
Date and time: Oct. 24, 6 p.m.
Place: Hyatt Regency, 900 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue
Cost: Preregistered ATW Members $25. Nonmembers $35
Web site: http://www.atwinternational.com/chapters/seattle/upcoming_events.aspx
Description: ATW Seattle invites you to join us for a presentation by Marja Brandon, Head of School at Seattle Girls School. Marja will share her story on empowering young women through education and becoming a nationally recognized Woman of Influence.
—
Name of event: Intuit's Just Start Event
Date and time: Oct. 24-25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Place: Westlake Center
Cost: Free
Web site: www.IWillJustStart.com
Description: Budding Seattle small-business owners can draw inspiration from local entrepreneurs, obtain expert advice from local business experts and get a free copy of QuickBooks software. In addition, aspiring Seattle business owners can enter the Just Start contest by submitting a letter or video describing their business dream, what they need to do to make it happen and how they would use Intuit's Just Start $50,000 business grant of cash and professional services to get started. For those not able to make the event, a letter or video entry can be submitted to www.IWillJustStart.com.
—
Name of event: The Success Blueprint Workshop
Date and time: Oct. 25, 7:30-10:15 a.m.
Place: The Coast Bellevue Hotel
Cost: $29
Web site: http://www.procoachsystem.com/index.html
Event phone: 800-983-8041
Description: Join Master Certified Coach Andrew Barber-Starkey, for breakfast and a workshop in learning proven strategies to accelerate your business results and maximize your profits. Seating is limited.
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Name of event: Women Business Owners Power Lunch
Date and time: Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Place: Washington Athletic Club
Cost: Members: Prepaid, $31. After deadline, $38.
Web site: www.womenbusinessowners.org
Event phone: 206-575-3232
Description: Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna will discuss the problem of identity theft
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Name of event: Eastside Business Networking Happy Hour
Date and time: Oct. 25, 5-8:30 p.m.
Place: Twisted Cork Wine Bar, 900 Bellevue Way, Bellevue
Cost: Free; online registration required in advance
Web site: http://biznik.com/events/2007/10/25/eastside-happy-hour-3
Description: Join business adviser Pete McDowell and Michelle Hayden Bomberger for food, talk and some new business connections.
—
Name of event: Bellevue Chamber Business After Hours
Date and time: Oct. 25; 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Place: RE/MAX Realty Professionals; 3025 112th Ave. N.E., Suite 100
Cost: $12 members; $20 nonmembers
Web site: www.bellevuechamber.org
Event phone: 425-213-1205
Description: Make lasting business connections at this after-work, networking focused event.
—
Name of event: Presentation with CEO of SolutionsIQ: The Ripple Effect
Date and time: Oct. 25, 6 p.m.
Place: Qpass corporate headquarters, 2211 Elliott Ave., Suite 400, Seattle
Web site: www.SeattleScrum.org
Event phone: 206-447-6000
Description: Join the Seattle Scrum Users Group at its October meeting for a presentation by Charlie Rudd, president and CEO of SolutionsIQ, whose topic is "The Ripple Effect: How Adopting Agile Practices Has Created Interesting & Positive Ripples Throughout The Company."
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Name of event: CEO Roundtable
Date and time: Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. luncheon
Place: Washington Athletic Club
Cost: Members $40 before Oct. 26 and $45 after; nonmembers $45 before Oct. 26 and $50 after
Web site: www.womenbusinessowners.org
Event phone: 206-575-3232
Description: Roundtable discussion with six women CEOs of companies with $1 million to $25 million in sales, plus time for Q&A.
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Name of event: Seattle Graphic Artists Guild October luncheon — Creating Continuous Cash Flow
Date and time: Oct. 31, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Place: Rock Salt Steak and Seafood on Lake Union
Cost: Preregistration: $25, guild members and students with ID; $30, nonmembers. Walk-ins: $30 members and students with ID; $35 non-members.
Web site: http://www.seattleguild.org/">www.seattleguild.org
Description: Jeanette Smith presents an action-packed talk on targeting marketing, licensing and publishing so your art can make money while you sleep. Reservations by noon Oct. 26 at http://www.seattleguild. org/meetingPaypal.htm
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Name of event: Certified ScrumMaster
Date and time: Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Place: Seattle Harbor Club
Cost: $1,200 per attendee
Web site: http://www.solutionsiq.com/scrum/training_events.html
Event phone: 800-235-4091
Description: This two-day ScrumMaster certification course, delivered by SolutionsIQ Agile thought leaders, provides everything you need to get started with Scrum and Agile. On completion, participants are registered as Certified ScrumMasters (CSMs).
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Name of event: Vision House Fundraising Breakfast
Date and time: Nov. 1, 7:30 a.m.
Place: Bellevue Hilton Hotel
Cost: Complimentary; but donations are accepted.
Web site: www.vision-house.org
Event phone: 425-945-0350
Description: Join us for breakfast with Nordstrom President Blake Nordstrom and learn how Vision House is working to end homelessness in our community.
—
Name of event: Money Wi$e Women Forum
Date and time: Nov. 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Place: Green River Community College, Auburn
Cost: $25
Web site: www.moneywisewomen.net
Event phone: 360-204-0982
Description: All-day financial conference featuring three keynote speakers and 12 breakout sessions taught by professional experts.
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Name of event: Alliance of Angels 10-Minute Pitch Clinic
Date and time: Nov. 6, 2-5 p.m.
Place: Rainier Tower Building, Suite 2500, 1301 Fifth Ave
Cost: $95
Web site: www.allianceofangels.com
Event phone: 206-389-7258
Description: Workshop on how to pitch a startup business plan to angel investors, including developing a pitch, what elements resonate with angels, and how to provide essential information in a limited time.
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Name of event: Training Course: Psychology of an Internet Customer
Date and time: Nov. 7, 7-9 p.m.
Place: Bellevue Community College, Building B, Room 101
Cost: $75 online registration or $100 at the door
Web site: www.regonline.com/awdtrain
Event phone: 425-770-5533
Description: This course will outline how to convert more Web site users into customers by understanding how Internet users' brains process information differently from when they read a printed publication.
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Name of event: Megatrend for Megabucks: Business Alliances that Grow Revenues
Date and time: Nov. 7, 8-11:30 a.m.
Place: Columbia Tower Club
Cost: $55 through Oct. 26; $75 through Nov. 6; $85 day of session.
Web site: www.megatrends4megabucks.com
Event phone: 206-972-0265
Description: Breakfast plus a targeted presentation on three topics relating to starting and growing business alliances for CEOs, company presidents, and those responsible for overall revenue in their organization. Part 1: Choose the right people for the team. Part 2: Tactical steps to build alliances. Part 3: An attorney's view of how to craft successful agreements for alliances that last.
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Name of event: Bellevue Chamber Morning Buzz Networking Breakfast
Date and time: Nov. 6, 7-9 a.m.
Place: The Bellevue Club Hotel 11200 SE 6th St., Bellevue
Cost: $25 members, $35 non-members
Web site: www.bellevuechamber.org
Event phone: 425-213-1205
Description: A structured and effective networking event, The Morning Buzz is the Eastsides most energetic and results-oriented business breakfast!
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Name of event: Cleantech Investing in the Pacific Northwest
Date and time: Nov. 8, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Place: Westin Seattle
Cost: $295
Web site: www.stoel.com/cleantechinvesting
Event phone: 503-294-9506
Description: A one-day forum hosted by Stoel Rives and Nth Power featuring keynote speakers Dan Reicher, Google.org; Mike Eckhart, president of the American Council on Renewable Energy; and Ron Pernick, author of "The Cleantech Revolution."
—
Name of event: Northwest Entrepreneur Network's Entrepreneur University 07
Date and time: Nov. 8, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Place: Bell Harbor Conference Center
Cost: $275 for NWEN members and $375 for non-members with early bird discounts available until Oct. 19.
Web site: www.nwen.org
Event phone: 425-564-5701
Description: This year's keynote speakers are Martin Tobias, CEO and Chairman of Imperium Renewables and a venture partner at Ignition Partners, plus Sunny Kobe Cook, founder of Sleep Country USA. Entrepreneur University (EU 07) features two complete tracks for the distinct stages of creating and growing an entrepreneurial venture.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Business Articles of Note
Incorporate Online for as little as $149. Click here!
Web could make buying a car fun
Economic growth slowed in Sept.; inflation in check
Green Plastics Find Cautious Market
Orders for big-ticket manufactured goods post unexpected back-to-back declines
Health food entrepreneurs gather to advise and learn
What's new: Buy or sell brand-name clothes at new shop
Ambitious designer should ask self: Why sew much?
PacSun to close footwear chain
Blazing a Trail Out of Chaos
A Battle Over Venture Capital for Small Businesses
Experience-Based Ventures Help Fight the Frustrations of Fighting Breast Cancer
For luxury yacht business, the tide is high
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Paying too much for health insurance? Discover truly affordable health plans on Vimo.com!
Macy's seeks to enliven Loop
'Potter,' free service push Amazon up 300%
Judy's Book on the verge of closing
Lehi officer works to educate small-business owners
31 Utah County firms honored
When you move to new e-mail account, should messages follow?
U.S. warns China on imports
Young entrepreneurs schedule Dec. 6 summit at Salt Lake Community College South Campus
For 2nd time, Wal-Mart cuts spending forecast
Wal-Mart curtails expansion as it faces slowing sales growth
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Compare Web Hosting Packages from Yahoo!
Paulson: Chinese recalls causing fear
Economic growth slowed in Sept.; inflation in check
iPod fitness: Utah company provides customized workouts — set to your own music
Toaster pops up among new patents
Internet getting things done with no middleman
Facebook is sued over unsolicited texts
Horizon raises some fares, including those in Boise
L.A. County tops in factory jobs
Some hotels dip toes into brave new digital world
Companies must plan to fill void left as boomers retire
Wal-Mart to buy rest of Japanese subsidiary
Venture capital deals near $400M
Events focus on minority-owned firms
Economic downturn is time for fresh ideas
Monday, October 22, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Assurant Health: FREE Online Quote
Family of candy makers help keep Billings sweet
Rancher banking on sod as newest cash crop
Knowing when to slow down key to managing the rat race
Technology powerhouse Tektronix seeded Silicon Forest
I-mate is stepping into the spotlight
Hollywood stars receive belts from Sheridan store
Self-employed enjoy tax benefits
Distinction between gifts and bonuses
In-air Wi-Fi firm copes with growth
Executives take do-it-yourself approach to business air travel
Vizio founder follows his TV vision
Selling ads is Google's bread and butter, but buying them is not its cup of tea
Want the best? Give your best
Producer Danja is helping reshape music industry's hit-making machine
Avon's latest scent sweet smell of success?
Wireless wiggle room may be on the horizon
What's going on in the Boise area business community this week?
Entrepreneur rides technology wave out of garage and into marketplace
Grocer pushes Earth-friendly store design
How Many Site Hits? Depends Who’s Counting
A Little Mexican Cafe, Built on Persistence
New Ways to Think About Selling
A Headache for Small Drug Makers
Salt Lake Convention Calendar
Office life without cubicles can take some getting used to
Retail Notebook: Fresh tofu in your backyard
Inside Entrepreneurship: Partnership tiffs can kill a startup
Friday, October 12, 2007
Business Articles of Note
Turn your business cards into digital contacts. Find out Which CardScan business card reader is right for you!
Retail sales jumped up in September
Exports shrink trade deficit
Nothing but the best for little ones at Redmond boutique
J. C. Penney recalls 70,000 items for kids
Nordstrom profit drop looms
Retailers sweating weak sales
Microsoft launching Evite-type event site
Inside Entrepreneurship: In-kind donation can mean a tax break
Luly Yang is winner of women business award
Want a good name for a business? Monster idea
E-mail rumors about telemarketers and cell phones aren't true, regulators say
New PlayStation Portable game system loses weight; overall changes underwhelm
Wal-Mart defends low-cost imports
Major airlines to allow check-in via cell phone
Winnie the Pooh toys the latest recall out of China
Local businesses are given a break in South Salt Lake, Utah
Six businesses and people win integrity awards
Auto care store started with a small-business loan
Big Retailers Cutting Prices to Reverse Weak Sales
New Home Depot store aims to make women feel at home
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Business Articles of Note
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Retailers report sluggish September sales
Trade deficit improves significantly
Most U.S. housing markets likely to stay in a funk
Health-care conference set Oct. 25 in Sandy, Utah
Heelys sues Wal-Mart over wheeled footwear
Possible lead contamination halts Marvel toy shipment
Judge blocks worker ID rule
Little firms may face big penalties
Domain name industry faces an identity crisis
For Sleep-Away Camps, More Endless Summers
50 years on, Rand's 'Atlas' still relevant
Affordable housing may come factory-built
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Business Articles of Note
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Taco Bell's fare baffles Mexicans
FAO's success would secure Macy's outlets
Same-store sales slowest in five months
Chicago Wal-Mart generates nearly $60 million in first year
Personal chefs take over for busy people
Hispanic Yellow Pages growing with community
StoresOnline earns association's award
Many recalled, few returned
EBay unveils its own social networking site
Study Says Wal-Mart Often Fights Local Taxes
Fresh $1 million for online commerce
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Business Articles of Note
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Rising grain, energy prices push up bills at supermarkets
Google to Show Videos on Other Web Sites
14 patents are awarded to Utah inventors
Moving data from computer to new one may get easier
Makeup of Avon sellers has changed
Demand for plus-size girls' apparel expanding
Get ready to pimp your laptop
Film Drop-Off Sites Fade Against Digital Cameras
Making sure stores guard your data
Monday, October 08, 2007
Business Articles of Note
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Guitar legend strums up business for popular pizza joint
Busy mom balances dual business ventures
Labor union membership continues to decline
Employers regulating workers' private behavior
Kimberly-Clark and others track shoppers in new ways
Ad trends send Web portals looking far, wide
Wal-Mart's new grocery stores come to S. Florida
Don’t Open This Cookie (Disastrous Day Inside)
Nothing Says ‘Buy’ Like ‘Free Shipping’
Chinese exporters made example