An Introduction of the Course

Are You Ready to Launch Your Small Business?

With 'How to Launch Your Small Business, you will learn all key elements of a launching a successful business. This series offers clients an option to work independently or when available, within a small group.

This program was designed to target specific needs for those in the pre startup phase. At the completion of this series, participants will have enough information to create a business blue print.


Session 1 | The Business Idea

From your first flash of inspiration to launching your business, there is much to be done leading to the start.

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • How to choose and committing to a business idea.
  • Assess your idea and its potential for success.
  • Complete a mission statement for your business.
  • Complete a vision statement for your business.


Session 2 | Home Based Business

Home-based businesses are rapidly becoming one of the largest forms of business start-ups in the United States. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 52 percent of U.S. companies operate as home businesses. That’s an astounding number!

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • Top Benefits for starting a Home-Based Business
  • Checklist for Home-Based Businesses
  • Top 10 ‘DO’s and DONT’S
  • 3 Home-Based Perks you will enjoy
  • Partial list of tax deductions
  • Benefits and Risks of starting a Home-Based Business


Session 3 | Goal Setting

As women, we have a multitude of responsibilities as mothers, wives, business owners, leader, boss and many other ‘life’ roles. With that, it is easy to stray from your goals due to lack of motivation. It's important to stay motivated even during stressful moments.

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • 4 Simple Ways to Stay Motivated to Achieve Your Business Goals
  • Case study showing effectiveness of goal setting
  • How to use SMART Goals effectively
  • Step-by-step method to plan your twelve-month goal(s)


Session 4 | The Name Game

Now that you’ve narrowed it down to ONE ‘business idea,’ you’ve got to figure out a name. A major challenge in starting a business is the process of searching and choosing the right business name. Choosing the right business name can mean success while a poorly thought out name could doom your business from the start.

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • 3 Smart business name tips
  • List of MISTAKES to avoid when naming your business
  • 7 Step process to help choose your business name


Session 5 | Basic Business Operations

Operations Management is, most simply, planning and making the activities of your business happen. Challenges for the business owner in the first few years are staying focused; using their own time, energy and talent for the most benefit; staying on top of administrative tasks; and continuously tracking and acting on their goals.

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • Top legal business structures
  • The pros and cons of having a partner
  • Identify sources of support and advice
  • Identify potential locations for your business
  • Business operation categories


Session 6 | Sales & Marketing

Every business decision you make, from the design, production and pricing of your product or service, to the location of the office, store or even the decision to be home based, to the way you advertise will be determined by two questions. The questions: (1) Who are your customers and (2) what do they want?

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • The four P’s of marketing
  • Assess marketing & sales foundation
  • Know your competitive advantage
  • Develop the foundation of your marketing plan
  • Understand the fundamentals of market research


Session 7 | Competition

Once the market has been identified and evaluated, it is important to consider competition. Understanding who your competitors are helps project sales, avoid surprises, decrease reaction time and understand your own business (or proposed business) better. During the busy start-up phase, it can be easy to forget to set aside enough time to monitor the competition. However, it is essential that you are ready to respond to competitors in your market place and to new developments.

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • Analyze your competitors such as location, expertise, reputation, services and/or personnel
  • 9 top ways to Identify your competitors
  • Know your competitive advantage
  • Understanding your competition analysis of direct and indirect competitors


Session 8 | Human Resource Management

As an entrepreneur, you dream of the day when your business is so profitable and has grown so much that it is time to hire an employee. This is exciting and an important step in the growth of your business. It also will help to reduce part of your workload. Once you start pondering hiring staff, you need to consider all the with human resource issues that you will inevitably face.

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • The fundamentals of outsourcing
  • Checklist to hiring employees
  • How to create an employee manual
  • How to write job descriptions for future employees
  • Select and train the best managers
  • Tips on setting up your company’s ‘Standard Operating Procedure Training Manual’


Session 9 | Licenses & Permits

When you are preparing to launch a small business, it would be behoove you to pay attention to your local city, county and state regulations. In most cases, you will be required to get a business license or tax registration certificate, register a fictitious business name, or comply with zoning ordinances, building codes, or environmental regulations. To begin, contact your city and county officials about license and permit requirements for your business. The fees associated with purchasing a license are usually low, if any.

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • Licenses & Permits (Local, State & Federal)
  • Business Name or DBA (Doing Business As)
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • List of State Websites
  • Top Benefits & Process for Applying for a DBA


Session 10 | The Business Insurance

Some industries have specific insurance requirements. Insurance coverage is available for every imaginable risk your business might encounter. Cost and amount of coverage of policies vary among insurers. It is imperative to discuss your needs with your insurance agent to get the right type and amount of insurance agent or broker. Your agency can advise you on the exact types of insurance you should consider purchasing. So, do you know which insurance requirements might apply to your business, particularly if you have employees?

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • Business Property Insurance
  • Business Owner Policy (BOP)
  • Employments Practices Liability Coverage
  • Errors & Omission Professional Insurance
  • Liability Insurance
  • Product Liability Insurance
  • Property Insurance
  • Workers' Compensation


Session 11 | Finance Management

A small business owner’s relationship with money and their ability to successfully manage their personal finances and credit are directly connected to their success in the planning, decision-making, detailed oversight and big picture strategizing that are necessary to healthy business finance management.

In both the personal and business contexts, Finance Management practices build on Self-Mastery competencies and include budgeting, tracking income and expenses, managing cash flow, developing and maintaining credit, investing and building assets.

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • Assess Your Money Relationship
  • Build Financial Management
  • Understand a Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Projection
  • Top 10 Mistakes Made When Applying for a Business Loan
  • About Community Express Loan Program
  • The Small Business Loan Process
  • Top 8 Financial Tips


Session 12 | E-Commerce & E-Mail Communication

What is E-Commerce? Simply, it is the selling your products and services over the Internet. Many experts say it is the fastest expanding segment of our economy. It enables even a micro business to reach a global audience with its product or message with minimal cost. The sale of products or services on your website can generate sales that will make the difference between success and failure.

By the end of this session, you will understand:

  • 3 Quick Steps to Launching a Website
  • 5 Top Reasons Why a Website is Beneficial for Business
  • How to Find a Theme You Like & Install
  • The Money Is In The List… The Email List
  • How to Setup an Auto Responder Account
  • Technology Tools for Startups

Wrap Up

  • Your business blueprint


HOW YOUR PROGRAM WILL BE DELIVERED

Starting March 6, 2017, the 'Launch Your Small Business' Program will run for 90 days and is delivered virtually as follows:

  • Group Coaching Calls: A Weekly (12) call to discuss the weeks topic as well as an open Q&A . Each Call will last approximately 60 minutes.
  • Recordings: All coaching calls are recorded for you to download. This is especially helpful if you are not able to attend live.
  • Done for you content: downloadable templates, checklists, and self directed exercises will be provided for each session.
  • Peer Accountability: Each participant will be assigned a partner for peer accountability. This is powerful as it pushes you to stay on track.
  • Membership into NAWR Community: In addition to the community and relationships you will create, this group is a place where you can ask questions, get feedback and support by each other.


Complete and Continue