Don't Call It Small...Business

As a topic that keeps resurfacing, we're replaying part of Episode 67, which focuses on workplace inconsistencies and how to reduce and eliminate them. Whether it's inconsistencies within the employee handbook, enforcement of policies and procedures, or inconsistency with getting work done at the time, quality, and attention expected and for the intended purpose—inconsistency unravels the fabric of relationships (professional and personal). 

Inconsistency causes a breakdown in trust. Trust is built on consistency.

We share two real-life workplace examples of two employees facing work environments and managers who are inconsistent. In one scenario, we examine and address inconsistent training and policies. In a second scenario, we examine and address a manager's inconsistent nature and inconsistent follow-through, techniques, practices, and more.

We share suggestions on how to handle these, similar, and other issues in your workplace. We address some management areas where senior leaders need to pay close attention, and we share a list of workplace "no-nos" where inconsistency rears its ugly head and bites you.

SHOW INFORMATION:


Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates


HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman

Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers

Copyright 2022, 2024. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This is the FINAL episode of this multi-part series on "How to Start a Business" [or revamp an established one]. If you have followed along throughout this series, we hope you have found each episode informative and helpful.

Episode 100 will walk you through the first and final steps to launch your business. We'll discuss the various legal structures of a business, how to select a unique name, how to set up your business bank account and obtain the necessary licenses and permits, and how to build your team from scratch. Since we spent the past several weeks learning and creating the various elements that make up our business plan, we will examine the different types of business plans and provide you with tips on which plans to use based on certain circumstances and needs.

We're ending this series where most people start their business because often people romanticize this part, get carried away in the clouds, and then get blindsided by the required heavy lifting — all of which we covered in Parts 1 through 12 of this series. Hopefully, we brought some order to your chaos and made sense of the madness you were surrounded with.

If you're ready to rock and roll with us through this final stretch, grab your snacks and something to take notes with, and then press the play button!

SHOW INFORMATION:
Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates


HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman
Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers
Business Shout-Out Segment Song: “Pulsar” by Shane Ivers

Copyright 2023. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Today's episode is looking at Risk Mitigation Plans, as we wrap up the finance side of business, and then we're focusing our attention on Pitching to Investors.

If you're scratching your head and wondering what is a risk mitigation plan or you're absolutely clueless about how to pitch your business ideas to invesotrs, then we invite you to listen to Episode 99 of our Don't Call It Small...Business podcast. This episode makes up Part 12 of our multi-part series "How to Start a Business."

Creating a risk mitigation plan involves systematically identifying potential risks to your business and developing strategies to minimize their impact. In this episode we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective risk mitigation plan: We'll also walk you through how to pitch to investors, with an understanding that a compelling and well-delivered pitch can capture their attention and generate interest in your venture. We'll share a step-by-step guide and other valuable tips that you can use to be better prepared and feel more confident in the planning, execution, and pitch of your business ideas. So without further delay, join us for Episode 99!

SHOW INFORMATION:
Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates


HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman
Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers
Business Shout-Out Segment Song: “Pulsar” by Shane Ivers

Copyright 2023. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Episode 98 is all about the funding requests you might consider making to prospective investors. This is Part 11 of our multi-part series on "How to Start a Business" [or revamp an established one].

We will discuss a brief outline for including funding details or a funding request in a business plan and how to explain it. This episode provides a step-by-step approach to determining the amount of funding required to start a business. We're covering how to calculate working capital in a budget, how to make financial projections, and other elements that make up the funding request. And that's not all. There's more, so grab your snacks and something to take notes with, and let's dive in.

SHOW INFORMATION:
Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates


HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman
Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers
Business Shout-Out Segment Song: “Pulsar” by Shane Ivers

Copyright 2023. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Who wants to discuss Inventory Control Procedures and all things Supply Chain Management?

Great. Then listen to Episode 97, Part 10 of the "How to Start a Business" multi-part series.

SHOW INFORMATION:
Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates


HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman
Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers
Business Shout-Out Segment Song: “Pulsar” by Shane Ivers
Copyright 2023. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Defining your supply chain, which encompasses sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing or procurement, inventory management, distribution, and delivery to customers, is a fundamental step in optimizing your logistics and operations plan.

This is Part 9 in a multi-part series on "How to Start a Business" [or revamp an established one].This episode will guide you through:

• Defining each component of your supply chain.
• Explaining how to optimize the supply chain for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• And More!

SHOW INFORMATION:


Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates


HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman

Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers
Business Shout-Out Segment Song: “Pulsar” by Shane Ivers

Copyright 2023. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Today, we're diving into Part 8 of our multi-part series "How to Start a Business" [or revamp an established one].

Let's talk logistics and operations!

Creating a logistics and operations plan is essential for any business or organization that involves the movement of goods or services. Such a plan helps ensure the efficient and effective management of resources, time, and costs. In today's episode, we will:

• Outline and evaluate the steps to create a logistics and operations plan.
• Examine some goals and objectives for a logistics and operations plan.
• Explain how to analyze a business to determine the specific logistics and operations requirements.
• And More!

So get your note-taking materials and a snack, and let's get down to business!

SHOW INFORMATION:


Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates


HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman

Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers
Business Shout-Out Segment Song: “Pulsar” by Shane Ivers

Copyright 2023. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Episode 94 is part of a series called "How to Start a Business" that we have designed for people who are just getting started with the idea of starting their business, as well as for those of you who have one and you need a refresh, revamp, or major overhaul. Episode 94 covers Part 7, which focuses on the Marketing Plan and, specifically, what makes up Marketing Strategy, examples of a Unique Selling Proposition, and we're zooming into these elements of the 4 Ps of the Marketing Mix:

• Distribution Strategy (as part of Place)
• Promotional Tactics (as part of Promotion)

We're also going to explain the steps to create a Marketing Budget. We'll break down Fixed and Variable Costs, and how to Categorize Marketing Expenses. We'll also provide insights on Industry Benchmarks and 12 ways to use them effectively, and how to Review Return on Investment (ROI) expectations. Then we transition over to some of the concepts that we briefly mentioned in Episode 93:

• Customer Acquisition and Retention
• Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Risks and Contingencies
• Long-term Growth and Expansion (including some examples for expanding into new markets, launching additional products or services, or scaling your current operations.

Yes, folks, just like Parts 1-6, you also have homework for Part 7. It's not easy, but it's definitely worth it! Listen, learn, and share with friends, family, and associates. Be sure to follow, like, and subscribe to the Don't Call It Small...Business social media profiles and podcast.

SHOW INFORMATION:
Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates
HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman

Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers
Business Shout-Out Segment Song: “Pulsar” by Shane Ivers

Copyright 2023. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In Episode 93, we're bringing you Part 6 of our multi-part series, "How to Start a Business" which is geared towards people who want to start a business or refresh the one they already have.

In this episode, we thoroughly explain the concept of Barriers to Entry, the 10 types of barriers, why it's important to identify them, and how to overcome them. We will even analyze the 10 Cost Advantages that are a critical component of competitive strategies, especially when used in industries with price-sensitive customers.

We also deep dive into the Sales section of the business plan, helping you understand, ask and answer questions, and outline your company's sales strategy. In this episode we're covering:

• An Overview of Forecasting
• The various forecasting methods you can use
• Scenario planning
• Sales forecasting tools and software
• 17 different ways your company can show how it expects revenue to grow
• And more!

And yes, you have homework! So roll up your sleeves, grab something to take notes with, and get ready to get to work. Listen now!

SHOW INFORMATION:


Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates


HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman
Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers
Business Shout-Out Segment Song: “Pulsar” by Shane Ivers
Copyright 2023. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

We're back with Episode 92, which is Part 5 of a multi-part series on "How to Start a Business" which is also a great series for business owners and leaders who need to revamp, reinvent, reignite, reimagine their current business model and outputs.

Meeting Agenda

• We recap Part 1 [Ep 88], Part 2 [Ep 89], Part 3 [Ep 90], and Part 4 [Ep 91]
• You should have completed at least 50% of the work from your homework assignments.
• Diving deeper into Business Plan Research [looking at the groundwork we laid in Part 2 Episode 89]
• Competitive Landscape
• Market Gaps
• Defining Target Market, data points, and approaches for B2B and B2C companies
• Taking your visualizations and forming them into concrete ideas to run with
• Questions to ask and answer about your competition (which are possibly also companies that you admire.)
• Industry trends research
• Brand offers, price points, and value propositions
• Market penetration, profit optimization, testing pricing limits, competitors' pricing strategies, staying ahead of strategies that can undercut your prices
• Challenges with analyzing competitor pricing
• Customer Experience: Your competition's efforts and track record versus your own
• Customer Experience Platforms [a sample list] and the Do's and Dont's:
  • Zendesk, Response Tek, IBM TeaLead, Clicktale, Satmetrix, Adobe Experience Manager, Clarabridge, SAS Adaptive Customer Experience, Hubspot
• Other ways to collect data on competition
• Customer Education
• Reiterating the value of reviewing competition's customer reviews
• Wooing competition's customers
• CRM
• A lot more...and yes, you have homework!

Listen, Learn, and Take Notes!

SHOW INFORMATION:
Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://ForemanLLC.com
IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall
FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates
HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Managing Director, Foreman & Associates, LLC
Website: https://NatashaForeman.com
IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman
FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman

Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers
Business Shout-Out Segment Song: “Pulsar” by Shane Ivers
Copyright 2023. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.