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Startup Boot Camp

     Kick Starting Success for
California’s Retail, Restaurant and
      Service Entrepreneurs!

          Day 1 — Session 1
"The best way to predict
           the future is to create it."
                      — Peter Drucker




WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONS
Goals
   Designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the early stages of
    developing service, retail or restaurant businesses

   Test your business idea
     – Is It feasible given your goals, values, income requirements, and finances?

   Understand and execute basic business planning concepts
     – Determine what information is important and how to get it
     – Determine what questions need to be asked

   Develop an action plan

   Link to free and low-cost resources that can help




                                            3
Expectations
   Attend entire program
   Complete all of the work
   Add your expertise to the discussions
   Become an SBDC client for one-on-one counseling upon
    completion of program to refine and complete your
    business plan




                               4
Caveat
   Like drinking out of a fire hose
   Exposure to many concepts
   Will touch on a wide variety of issues affecting startups,
    but concentrate on producing deliverables for the
    elements necessary to create a well-thought out
    business plan
   At the end of the program, you should become an SBDC
    client to refine your business plan and build-out your
    support network/systems.


                                5
One-Minute Introductions
   Identify yourself
   Describe your business idea
   Tell us about prior experience that is relevant to your
    business idea
   State one or two specific questions that you hope to
    answer as a result of the Boot Camp




                                6
XXXXXXXXX SBDC
Basics
          Business counseling, training

          Training free or low cost/counseling
           free

          Any stage of business growth

          Founded during Carter administration

          Oversight by federal Small Business
           Administration (SBA)
          Over 1,100 nationwide




         8
What Is An SBDC?
   Assists “business ready” entrepreneurs and existing small business owners
    who are ready to start, retain or expand their business
   Focuses on businesses with potential to produce economic impact for the
    local community:
   Provides no-cost, one-on-one business counseling
   Offers no- or low-cost training, workshops and business forums
   Measures and validates (through client surveys) success against 6 criteria
     – Business starts
     – Jobs created
     – Jobs retained
     – Sales increased
     – Capital investment received
     – Loans obtained




                                        9
What Is An SBDC (cont’d)
   Experienced, independent Business Advisors
   Generalists and specialists (examples)
    –   Business planning
    –   Market research, marketing, advertising
    –   Loan assistance/financial management
    –   Human Resources
    –   Procurement/minority certification
    –   Technology

   Part of local economic development community
    providing referrals to qualified small-business resources


                                       10
KIMCO KEYS PROGRAM
KEYS Program




12
North America’s Largest Owner & Operator of
                   Neighborhood & Community Shopping Centers.



                                            Who is Kimco?


History                            Started in 1958 | IPO that initiated modern REIT era;
                                   NYSE-listed for ~20 years | S&P 500 Index (2006)
Dividend                           $0.76 annually, ~3.9% yield (3/31/12)
Shopping Center Properties         946 properties; 138.1M / 89.5M sq. ft. (gross/pro-rata)
Geographic Footprint               44 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico and South America
Occupancy (pro-rata)               5-year average: 93.9% | High: 96.3% (12/31/07) / Low: 92.3% (6/30/09)
Enterprise Value                   $13.2B (3/31/12)
Credit Rating                Investment Grade  BBB+ | BBB+ | Baa1 (S&P | Fitch | Moody’s)
Westlake Shopping Center - Daly City, CA
                                           Kimco Entrepreneurs
                                                      Year Start
                                                   What is KEYS?

                                            • Kimco Entrepreneurs Year
                                            Start (KEYS) is a business
                                            incubator program for qualified
                                            startup entrepreneurs.

                                            • Approved applicants receive:
                                                • Resources and services
                                                • One year of free rent
                                                  (must pay NNN expenses
                                                  only)

                                            • This incentive accelerates the
                                            growth of their new businesses
                                            in shopping centers owned by
                                            Kimco and its joint venture
                                            partners.
Redhawk Towne Center – Temecula, CA
Kimco Entrepreneurs
           Year Start
    What does KEYS offer?

 • Qualified KEYS applicants will
 benefit from:
    • Substantially lower
 monthly
      overhead expenses
    • Lease term flexibility
    • Assistance of a Kimco
      counselor

 • Counselor will advise and
 guide potential tenant through
 the lease, store selection and
 planning process, if desired.

 • After Tenant’s initial first year
 lease term, the tenant has
 choice to exercise a four-year
 lease option for the existing
 store.

 • Also, the lease provides for
 an easy exit with no long term
 obligation to Kimco if the
 startup entrepreneur finds the
 business unworkable.
Larwin Square Shopping Center – Tustin, CA
                                             Kimco Entrepreneurs
                                                        Year Start
                                             How many spaces are available?

                                              • Currently, there are
                                              approximately:
                                                 • 100 available stores
                                                 • All under 2,500 square
                                                    feet in size
                                                 • Located in Kimco’s
                                                   demographically diversified
                                                   California portfolio

                                              • Of the 100 available units,
                                              there is a mixture of both
                                              retail, service, and former
                                              restaurant build-outs.
KEYS Locations
The District at Tustin Legacy – Tustin, CA
Kimco Entrepreneurs
           Year Start
   Who can apply to KEYS?

 • KEYS is open to:
    • New startup retail
 ventures
    • Service operations
    • Restaurants

 • The entrepreneur should
 have the training, skill,
 enthusiasm, and adequate
 funding to launch a new
 business.

 • Franchisees or product
 license agreement participants
 may not apply to the program.
The District at Tustin Legacy – Tustin, CA
                                             Kimco Entrepreneurs
                                                        Year Start
                                                    What’s the catch?

                                              • There is NO catch!

                                              • Kimco benefits by bringing
                                              new and exciting tenants to its
                                              vacancies, while new
                                              entrepreneurs benefit from
                                              lower startup costs, favorable
                                              lease terms, and the help of a
                                              counselor, if desired.

                                              • Studies found that 87% of
                                              ‘incubator graduates’ stayed in
                                              business, in contrast to 44% of
                                              all firms.
Westlake Shopping Center - Daly City, CA


                                                           How do I get started?
Kimco Entrepreneurs     • Applicants can submit their   • Applicants may also apply by    • A printable application form
           Year Start     business plan online at
                          http://www.KimcoKeys.com
                                                          calling 1-888-668-1690            can be found online by clicking
                                                                                            here
THE BASICS
The Textbook “Entrepreneur”

   Recognition of available opportunities
   The long-term will, motivation, and
    endurance to stick with it to deliver a
    product or service to capitalize on the
    identified opportunities
   Identification of the resources needed
   Ability to acquire resources required
    but not currently controlled


                              22
The Real World Entrepreneur

 Many Responsibilities                 Many Benefits
• Bookkeeping                 •   Do what you enjoy
• Record Retention            •   Do what you’re good at
• Reporting                   •   Freedom
• Bill Paying                 •   Be in control
• Regulations                 •   Be your own boss
• Tax filing                  •   Make more money
• Employees                   •   Build an asset for
• Administration                  retirement
• Customer service            •   Be the decision maker
• etc., etc., etc.




                         23
The Owner’s Mindset
   Understand the tasks that need to be performed
   To the extent possible, focus on the “drivers” of your growth and profitability
   When possible, hire professionals to handle other tasks (e.g., bookkeeping,
    taxes, insurance, etc.)
   Know your customer
   Know your competition
   Plan, act, assess . . . Adjust plan, act, assess . . . repeat
   Constantly innovate (do something different that can positively impact your
    business)
   Watch cash flow constantly



                                           24
Your Commitment — You . . .

   May need to make financial sacrifices
   Will have less free time
   Must understand the opportunities and risks
   Need to involve your family – it’s their commitment too!




                               25
Is This The Right Path For You?
   Are You:
    –   Comfortable taking risks?
    –   Independent?
    –   Persuasive?
    –   Able to negotiate?
    –   Creative?
    –   Supported by others?

   If interested, numerous self-assessment tools can be
    found on the Internet
    –   Google “entrepreneurship self assessment” to find some
    –   A sample: http://www.youronestopcenter.com/entrepreneur-test.php



                                      26
                                      26
A Couple Interesting Quotes




          Steve Jobs                           Michael Jordan

 “I’m proud of what I’ve done.         “I've failed over and over and
 But I’m most proud of what I         over again in my life and that is
      decided not to do.”                      why I succeed.”




                                 27
20 Starting Questions
   Why am I starting a business?
   What kind of business do I want?
   Who is my ideal customer?
   What products or services will my business provide?
   Am I prepared to spend the time and money needed to get my
    business started?
   What differentiates my business idea and the products or
    services I will provide from others in the market?
   Where will my business be located?
   How many employees will I need?
   What types of suppliers do I need?




                                          28
20 Starting Questions (cont’d)
   How much money do I need to get started?
   Will I need to get a loan?
   How soon will it take before my products or services are available?
   How long do I have until I start making a profit?
   Who is my competition?
   How will I price my product compared to my competition?
   How will I set up the legal structure of my business?
   What taxes do I need to pay?
   What kind of insurance do I need?
   How will I manage my business?
   How will I advertise my business?

                                         29
LET’S GET STARTED
At A Minimum . . .
   Get legal advice when . . . .
    –   Determining the business structure
    –   Adding your first employee
    –   Reviewing leases and other agreements/contracts
    –   Protecting intellectual property (e.g., trademarks)




                                        31
Business Structures
   Sole Proprietorship:
    – Owned and operated by one person
    – Easy to start (report income and loss on Schedule C)
    – High personal liability

   Partnership:
    – Multiple owners
    – Partnership agreement defines control
    – Pass through of profits and loss to personal tax return (Form k-1)




                                      32
Business Structures (cont’d)
   Corporation:
    –   Structured and formal
    –   Complex filing with state
    –   Bylaws govern operations and annual meetings
    –   Strictly limits liability
    –   Two forms:
         • C Corp: unlimited shareholders, double taxation
         • S Corp: less than 100 shareholders, profit and loss pass through

   Limited Liability Company
    – Any number of owners
    – Structure protects personal liability
    – Pass through of profits and losses


                                          33
Business Structure (cont’d)
   Factors to consider:
     – Number one consideration is YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY
     – Outsider investors
     – Cost
     – Ease of formation
     – Taxes




                             34
Additional Considerations
   Business Licenses Required: city, county, state
   Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
     – Only required if you have employees, but should be
       considered for all businesses




                              35
Fictitious Business Name
   DBA (“doing business as”)
    –   Not necessary if doing business under own name
    –   Allows use of descriptive name for business
    –   Prevent others from using your name in business
    –   Can use assumed name for bank accounts, credit cards, telephone
        listings, etc.

   Process
    – Confirm name is available
    – File with county clerk




                                     36
Taxes
   Self-employment tax
    – Social Security and Medicare

   Income taxes
   State and local taxes
   Property tax
   Unemployment taxes




                                     37
Sale of Tangible Goods
   Apply for seller’s permit through the Board of Equalization
     – California state sales tax of 8.25%
     – Additional local sales taxes may apply




                                38
Business Insurance
   Property – buy based on replacement value
     – Named peril
     – All-risks policy
   Liability – damage to property or injury to someone
     – Look at similar businesses
     – Consult a professional insurance agent
   Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions
   Employment Practices Liability Insurance
     – e.g., wrongful termination, sexual harassment, race, gender
   Workers’ Compensation
   Optional Medical/Dental/Vision



                                        39
Checklist
   Be Legal
    – Seek the advice of an attorney when necessary

   Know your Tax Responsibilities
    – Determine what taxes your are responsible for

   Determine insurance needs
   Hire qualified professionals to help




                                     40
Reference
   Three great resources
     – www.sba.gov
     – www.business.ca.gov
     – (Insert local SBDC website here!)




                             41
Reference (cont’d)
   Business structure: http://www.taxes.ca.gov/Income_Tax/incbus.shtml
   Trademarks and service marks: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/ts/
   Business name search: http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/
   Registering a fictitious business name:
    http://business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness/RegisteringaBusiness/FictitiousBusin
    essName.aspx
   Insert url for local licensing and permits here
   Starting a business overview: http://business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness.aspx
   Board of equalization:
    http://business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness/OperatingaBusiness/SellingMerchand
    ise.aspx




                                          42
Reference (cont’d)
   Business permits, licenses and registration requirements in California:
    http://www.calgold.ca.gov/
   Business incentives:
    http://business.ca.gov/Portals/0/RelocateExpand/Docs/%5BCalBIS%5D%2
    0Investment%20Guide%206-12.pdf
   Tools for business: (others as appropriate)
    http://alamedacowib.toolsforbusiness.info/california/0b/?CFID=20047345&C
    FTOKEN=48228e477ea10bf9-CBBF2EC4-080A-5D4F-
    FD33E2DE24B108AC
   Basic information on employees:
    http://business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness/AdministeringEmployees.aspx
   Apply for an EIN:
    http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html


                                        43
“If you don't know where you are going,
                 any road will take you there.”
                               — Lewis Carroll




SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PLANS
Purpose: Business Plan
   Secure capital
   Roadmap to success
   Negotiate deals with landlords and channel partners
   Written execution plan
   Solidifies thinking
   Makes “vision” in your head real

             The 3 C’s: Clear, Compelling, Concise


                               45
Simplicity is Key


    “People don’t read anymore;
      Make it easy for them!”




                 46
47
Success Factors

   10 or fewer written pages
   Plus financials and supporting documents
   Formula works for all companies
   At any stage of development
   Easy to customize




                             48
WHAT IS YOUR MISSION?
Define your Mission
   Summary of your business and your plan?
    – Short and Sweet.
    – 100 words, hopefully less.
    – Think of it as “your reason for being.”

   Clearly define your market and your role in it.
   How are your different from your competition?




                                       50
Answer these Questions
   What will your company do?
   Who is your core customer?
   How will your reach them?
   Why are you better than the competition?
   What are your product benefits?
   What are your key features?




                                51
Example
   Take out a blank piece of paper
   Assume this Day Spa is your business:




     Take 3 minutes and write a Mission Statement for your
                            business

                               52
Sample Mission Statement
Our mission is to run a profitable business by providing high-end therapeutic
massage and aesthetician services in a caring, upscale, professional
environment. We offer massage in a variety of styles – traditional Swedish
Massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue work, Sports Massage, Hot Stone
Massage, Reflexology, and others. Our licensed aestheticians offer the latest in
skin treatments, body treatments and anti-aging therapies.

Our goal is to tailor the client’s experience based on initial interview
information, as well as feedback during the treatments, to ensure the client’s
comfort and satisfaction, and to increase repeat business. We are mindful of
the overall experience – using only the finest oils and lotions, beauty treatments
and aromatherapies. Special lighting, music, decor, and textiles are used
throughout the spa to complete the comfortable, plush environment and
enhance the client’s overall spa experience.



                                        53
Write Down Your Mission
   Take out a sheet of paper and write “Mission” on it.
    – Write down your first draft of your business’ mission statement
    – Make it great!
   Remember . . . .
    – Short and Sweet.
    – 100 words, hopefully less.
    – Think of it as “your reason for being.”
   Does it define your market and your role in it?
   Does it define how you differ from your competition?
   Write it and rewrite it over time as you gather new
    information


                                       54
Startup Boot Camp — LUNCH

     Ask not what you can do for your
     country. Ask what's for lunch.
                      – Orson Welles
“I don't know the key to success,
             but the key to failure is trying to
                    please everybody.”
                            — Bill Cosby




WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER?
Customer Definition
   Specifies your market AND your role in it

   Identifies your customers and why they will buy from you

   Defines your “target” consumer




                               57
Types Of Customer Information
   Demographic Information - The study of human
    populations:
    –   Size
    –   Density and location
    –   Age and gender
    –   Race
    –   Occupation, Income and other statistics
   Psychographic Information - Dividing a market into
    different groups based on:
    – Social class
    – Lifestyle
    – A personality characteristic



                                       58
Market Segmentation
   The process of dividing the total market into a subgroup
    which consist of customers who share a similar set of
    needs and/or wants.




                               59
Market Segmentation
   Simple segmentation scheme




                           61
Identify Your Heavy User Group

   Specialty chocolate and women between 25 and 44
   Domestic beer and blue collar males
   Imported beer and white collar males
   Any Others Come To Mind?




                            62
Example
   Take out a blank sheet of paper.
   Assume this is your bicycle shop:




    Take 3 minutes and write down everything you know
               about your target consumer.

                              64
Example
  Is this your customer?         How about this?




Or is this your customer?            Or this?




                            65
Example
If this is your customer, what do we know/can we find out
about him/her?

                            • Age?
                            • Income?
                            • Other Activities?
                            • What do they watch/read?
                            • Where do they get product information?
                            • Who influences their decisions?
                            • What brands do they like?




                             66
Identify Your Customer
   Take out a sheet of paper and write “Customer” on it.
   Take 3 minutes and write down everything you think you
    know about your customer.




                                67
WHAT IS YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE?
What is this?




                A Camera!

         What is its purpose!
         Capturing Memories!


                    69
Product
   What is it?
   What does it do? What problem does it solve?
    – If you can explain in 3 steps = you are golden!

   Create a competitive product matrix and show what the
    others are missing
   Demonstrate your added value




                                      70
Example
   Take out a blank sheet of paper and over the next 2
    minutes list sample features of a camera.
   fea⋅ture: noun. a prominent or conspicuous part or
    characteristic
    –   8x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle Lens
    –   Optical Image Stabilizer
    –   720p HD Video
    –   Lithium-ion Battery
    –   Warranty/Customer support

             Remember: Features don’t sell
            Products; Benefits sell Products!

                                     71
Example
   ben⋅e⋅fit: noun. something that is advantageous or good;
    an advantage
    –   Better sports pictures
    –   Quality images
    –   Longer time between charges
    –   Affordability
    –   Easy return policy


   Marketing and sales: Think . . . .
                Feature → Advantage → BENEFIT!
              Remember to ask Yourself: What problem
                are you solving for your customer?


                                      72
More On Benefits
   The most compelling product benefits are those that
    provide:
    – Emotional rewards, or
    – Financial rewards.



     Example: It’s not the brighter smile that the
    toothpaste offers; it’s what the smile might bring
          you (e.g. friends, a better job, etc.).




                              73
Services
   Can a service have benefits?



   Of course! Name 5 potential features/benefits for a
    dentist.
    –   Years in practice: “The dentist knows what he/she is doing”
    –   Name dental school: “They are smart and, therefore, better”
    –   Location: “No hassle, saves time”
    –   Parking: “Convenient, saves time”
    –   In Network, Preferred provider: “Saves money and hassle”




                                       74
Define your Product/Service
   Take out a sheet of paper and write “Product/Service” on
    it.
   Take 3 minutes and write down your product/service and
    the associated features and benefits.
   Create a competitive matrix and show what your
    competitors are missing that you offer

                              “Anything that won't sell, I don't want
                               to invent. Its sale is proof of utility,
                                     and utility is success.”
                                                    — Thomas Edison




                              76

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California Startup Boot Camp TitleTITLE California Startup Essentials for Retail, Restaurant and Service Entrepreneurs

  • 1. Startup Boot Camp Kick Starting Success for California’s Retail, Restaurant and Service Entrepreneurs! Day 1 — Session 1
  • 2. "The best way to predict the future is to create it." — Peter Drucker WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONS
  • 3. Goals  Designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the early stages of developing service, retail or restaurant businesses  Test your business idea – Is It feasible given your goals, values, income requirements, and finances?  Understand and execute basic business planning concepts – Determine what information is important and how to get it – Determine what questions need to be asked  Develop an action plan  Link to free and low-cost resources that can help 3
  • 4. Expectations  Attend entire program  Complete all of the work  Add your expertise to the discussions  Become an SBDC client for one-on-one counseling upon completion of program to refine and complete your business plan 4
  • 5. Caveat  Like drinking out of a fire hose  Exposure to many concepts  Will touch on a wide variety of issues affecting startups, but concentrate on producing deliverables for the elements necessary to create a well-thought out business plan  At the end of the program, you should become an SBDC client to refine your business plan and build-out your support network/systems. 5
  • 6. One-Minute Introductions  Identify yourself  Describe your business idea  Tell us about prior experience that is relevant to your business idea  State one or two specific questions that you hope to answer as a result of the Boot Camp 6
  • 8. Basics  Business counseling, training  Training free or low cost/counseling free  Any stage of business growth  Founded during Carter administration  Oversight by federal Small Business Administration (SBA)  Over 1,100 nationwide 8
  • 9. What Is An SBDC?  Assists “business ready” entrepreneurs and existing small business owners who are ready to start, retain or expand their business  Focuses on businesses with potential to produce economic impact for the local community:  Provides no-cost, one-on-one business counseling  Offers no- or low-cost training, workshops and business forums  Measures and validates (through client surveys) success against 6 criteria – Business starts – Jobs created – Jobs retained – Sales increased – Capital investment received – Loans obtained 9
  • 10. What Is An SBDC (cont’d)  Experienced, independent Business Advisors  Generalists and specialists (examples) – Business planning – Market research, marketing, advertising – Loan assistance/financial management – Human Resources – Procurement/minority certification – Technology  Part of local economic development community providing referrals to qualified small-business resources 10
  • 13. North America’s Largest Owner & Operator of Neighborhood & Community Shopping Centers. Who is Kimco? History Started in 1958 | IPO that initiated modern REIT era; NYSE-listed for ~20 years | S&P 500 Index (2006) Dividend $0.76 annually, ~3.9% yield (3/31/12) Shopping Center Properties 946 properties; 138.1M / 89.5M sq. ft. (gross/pro-rata) Geographic Footprint 44 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico and South America Occupancy (pro-rata) 5-year average: 93.9% | High: 96.3% (12/31/07) / Low: 92.3% (6/30/09) Enterprise Value $13.2B (3/31/12) Credit Rating Investment Grade  BBB+ | BBB+ | Baa1 (S&P | Fitch | Moody’s)
  • 14. Westlake Shopping Center - Daly City, CA Kimco Entrepreneurs Year Start What is KEYS? • Kimco Entrepreneurs Year Start (KEYS) is a business incubator program for qualified startup entrepreneurs. • Approved applicants receive: • Resources and services • One year of free rent (must pay NNN expenses only) • This incentive accelerates the growth of their new businesses in shopping centers owned by Kimco and its joint venture partners.
  • 15. Redhawk Towne Center – Temecula, CA Kimco Entrepreneurs Year Start What does KEYS offer? • Qualified KEYS applicants will benefit from: • Substantially lower monthly overhead expenses • Lease term flexibility • Assistance of a Kimco counselor • Counselor will advise and guide potential tenant through the lease, store selection and planning process, if desired. • After Tenant’s initial first year lease term, the tenant has choice to exercise a four-year lease option for the existing store. • Also, the lease provides for an easy exit with no long term obligation to Kimco if the startup entrepreneur finds the business unworkable.
  • 16. Larwin Square Shopping Center – Tustin, CA Kimco Entrepreneurs Year Start How many spaces are available? • Currently, there are approximately: • 100 available stores • All under 2,500 square feet in size • Located in Kimco’s demographically diversified California portfolio • Of the 100 available units, there is a mixture of both retail, service, and former restaurant build-outs.
  • 18. The District at Tustin Legacy – Tustin, CA Kimco Entrepreneurs Year Start Who can apply to KEYS? • KEYS is open to: • New startup retail ventures • Service operations • Restaurants • The entrepreneur should have the training, skill, enthusiasm, and adequate funding to launch a new business. • Franchisees or product license agreement participants may not apply to the program.
  • 19. The District at Tustin Legacy – Tustin, CA Kimco Entrepreneurs Year Start What’s the catch? • There is NO catch! • Kimco benefits by bringing new and exciting tenants to its vacancies, while new entrepreneurs benefit from lower startup costs, favorable lease terms, and the help of a counselor, if desired. • Studies found that 87% of ‘incubator graduates’ stayed in business, in contrast to 44% of all firms.
  • 20. Westlake Shopping Center - Daly City, CA How do I get started? Kimco Entrepreneurs • Applicants can submit their • Applicants may also apply by • A printable application form Year Start business plan online at http://www.KimcoKeys.com calling 1-888-668-1690 can be found online by clicking here
  • 22. The Textbook “Entrepreneur”  Recognition of available opportunities  The long-term will, motivation, and endurance to stick with it to deliver a product or service to capitalize on the identified opportunities  Identification of the resources needed  Ability to acquire resources required but not currently controlled 22
  • 23. The Real World Entrepreneur Many Responsibilities Many Benefits • Bookkeeping • Do what you enjoy • Record Retention • Do what you’re good at • Reporting • Freedom • Bill Paying • Be in control • Regulations • Be your own boss • Tax filing • Make more money • Employees • Build an asset for • Administration retirement • Customer service • Be the decision maker • etc., etc., etc. 23
  • 24. The Owner’s Mindset  Understand the tasks that need to be performed  To the extent possible, focus on the “drivers” of your growth and profitability  When possible, hire professionals to handle other tasks (e.g., bookkeeping, taxes, insurance, etc.)  Know your customer  Know your competition  Plan, act, assess . . . Adjust plan, act, assess . . . repeat  Constantly innovate (do something different that can positively impact your business)  Watch cash flow constantly 24
  • 25. Your Commitment — You . . .  May need to make financial sacrifices  Will have less free time  Must understand the opportunities and risks  Need to involve your family – it’s their commitment too! 25
  • 26. Is This The Right Path For You?  Are You: – Comfortable taking risks? – Independent? – Persuasive? – Able to negotiate? – Creative? – Supported by others?  If interested, numerous self-assessment tools can be found on the Internet – Google “entrepreneurship self assessment” to find some – A sample: http://www.youronestopcenter.com/entrepreneur-test.php 26 26
  • 27. A Couple Interesting Quotes Steve Jobs Michael Jordan “I’m proud of what I’ve done. “I've failed over and over and But I’m most proud of what I over again in my life and that is decided not to do.” why I succeed.” 27
  • 28. 20 Starting Questions  Why am I starting a business?  What kind of business do I want?  Who is my ideal customer?  What products or services will my business provide?  Am I prepared to spend the time and money needed to get my business started?  What differentiates my business idea and the products or services I will provide from others in the market?  Where will my business be located?  How many employees will I need?  What types of suppliers do I need? 28
  • 29. 20 Starting Questions (cont’d)  How much money do I need to get started?  Will I need to get a loan?  How soon will it take before my products or services are available?  How long do I have until I start making a profit?  Who is my competition?  How will I price my product compared to my competition?  How will I set up the legal structure of my business?  What taxes do I need to pay?  What kind of insurance do I need?  How will I manage my business?  How will I advertise my business? 29
  • 31. At A Minimum . . .  Get legal advice when . . . . – Determining the business structure – Adding your first employee – Reviewing leases and other agreements/contracts – Protecting intellectual property (e.g., trademarks) 31
  • 32. Business Structures  Sole Proprietorship: – Owned and operated by one person – Easy to start (report income and loss on Schedule C) – High personal liability  Partnership: – Multiple owners – Partnership agreement defines control – Pass through of profits and loss to personal tax return (Form k-1) 32
  • 33. Business Structures (cont’d)  Corporation: – Structured and formal – Complex filing with state – Bylaws govern operations and annual meetings – Strictly limits liability – Two forms: • C Corp: unlimited shareholders, double taxation • S Corp: less than 100 shareholders, profit and loss pass through  Limited Liability Company – Any number of owners – Structure protects personal liability – Pass through of profits and losses 33
  • 34. Business Structure (cont’d)  Factors to consider: – Number one consideration is YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY – Outsider investors – Cost – Ease of formation – Taxes 34
  • 35. Additional Considerations  Business Licenses Required: city, county, state  Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) – Only required if you have employees, but should be considered for all businesses 35
  • 36. Fictitious Business Name  DBA (“doing business as”) – Not necessary if doing business under own name – Allows use of descriptive name for business – Prevent others from using your name in business – Can use assumed name for bank accounts, credit cards, telephone listings, etc.  Process – Confirm name is available – File with county clerk 36
  • 37. Taxes  Self-employment tax – Social Security and Medicare  Income taxes  State and local taxes  Property tax  Unemployment taxes 37
  • 38. Sale of Tangible Goods  Apply for seller’s permit through the Board of Equalization – California state sales tax of 8.25% – Additional local sales taxes may apply 38
  • 39. Business Insurance  Property – buy based on replacement value – Named peril – All-risks policy  Liability – damage to property or injury to someone – Look at similar businesses – Consult a professional insurance agent  Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions  Employment Practices Liability Insurance – e.g., wrongful termination, sexual harassment, race, gender  Workers’ Compensation  Optional Medical/Dental/Vision 39
  • 40. Checklist  Be Legal – Seek the advice of an attorney when necessary  Know your Tax Responsibilities – Determine what taxes your are responsible for  Determine insurance needs  Hire qualified professionals to help 40
  • 41. Reference  Three great resources – www.sba.gov – www.business.ca.gov – (Insert local SBDC website here!) 41
  • 42. Reference (cont’d)  Business structure: http://www.taxes.ca.gov/Income_Tax/incbus.shtml  Trademarks and service marks: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/ts/  Business name search: http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/  Registering a fictitious business name: http://business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness/RegisteringaBusiness/FictitiousBusin essName.aspx  Insert url for local licensing and permits here  Starting a business overview: http://business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness.aspx  Board of equalization: http://business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness/OperatingaBusiness/SellingMerchand ise.aspx 42
  • 43. Reference (cont’d)  Business permits, licenses and registration requirements in California: http://www.calgold.ca.gov/  Business incentives: http://business.ca.gov/Portals/0/RelocateExpand/Docs/%5BCalBIS%5D%2 0Investment%20Guide%206-12.pdf  Tools for business: (others as appropriate) http://alamedacowib.toolsforbusiness.info/california/0b/?CFID=20047345&C FTOKEN=48228e477ea10bf9-CBBF2EC4-080A-5D4F- FD33E2DE24B108AC  Basic information on employees: http://business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness/AdministeringEmployees.aspx  Apply for an EIN: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html 43
  • 44. “If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there.” — Lewis Carroll SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PLANS
  • 45. Purpose: Business Plan  Secure capital  Roadmap to success  Negotiate deals with landlords and channel partners  Written execution plan  Solidifies thinking  Makes “vision” in your head real The 3 C’s: Clear, Compelling, Concise 45
  • 46. Simplicity is Key “People don’t read anymore; Make it easy for them!” 46
  • 47. 47
  • 48. Success Factors  10 or fewer written pages  Plus financials and supporting documents  Formula works for all companies  At any stage of development  Easy to customize 48
  • 49. WHAT IS YOUR MISSION?
  • 50. Define your Mission  Summary of your business and your plan? – Short and Sweet. – 100 words, hopefully less. – Think of it as “your reason for being.”  Clearly define your market and your role in it.  How are your different from your competition? 50
  • 51. Answer these Questions  What will your company do?  Who is your core customer?  How will your reach them?  Why are you better than the competition?  What are your product benefits?  What are your key features? 51
  • 52. Example  Take out a blank piece of paper  Assume this Day Spa is your business: Take 3 minutes and write a Mission Statement for your business 52
  • 53. Sample Mission Statement Our mission is to run a profitable business by providing high-end therapeutic massage and aesthetician services in a caring, upscale, professional environment. We offer massage in a variety of styles – traditional Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue work, Sports Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology, and others. Our licensed aestheticians offer the latest in skin treatments, body treatments and anti-aging therapies. Our goal is to tailor the client’s experience based on initial interview information, as well as feedback during the treatments, to ensure the client’s comfort and satisfaction, and to increase repeat business. We are mindful of the overall experience – using only the finest oils and lotions, beauty treatments and aromatherapies. Special lighting, music, decor, and textiles are used throughout the spa to complete the comfortable, plush environment and enhance the client’s overall spa experience. 53
  • 54. Write Down Your Mission  Take out a sheet of paper and write “Mission” on it. – Write down your first draft of your business’ mission statement – Make it great!  Remember . . . . – Short and Sweet. – 100 words, hopefully less. – Think of it as “your reason for being.”  Does it define your market and your role in it?  Does it define how you differ from your competition?  Write it and rewrite it over time as you gather new information 54
  • 55. Startup Boot Camp — LUNCH Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch. – Orson Welles
  • 56. “I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” — Bill Cosby WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER?
  • 57. Customer Definition  Specifies your market AND your role in it  Identifies your customers and why they will buy from you  Defines your “target” consumer 57
  • 58. Types Of Customer Information  Demographic Information - The study of human populations: – Size – Density and location – Age and gender – Race – Occupation, Income and other statistics  Psychographic Information - Dividing a market into different groups based on: – Social class – Lifestyle – A personality characteristic 58
  • 59. Market Segmentation  The process of dividing the total market into a subgroup which consist of customers who share a similar set of needs and/or wants. 59
  • 60. Market Segmentation  Simple segmentation scheme 61
  • 61. Identify Your Heavy User Group  Specialty chocolate and women between 25 and 44  Domestic beer and blue collar males  Imported beer and white collar males  Any Others Come To Mind? 62
  • 62. Example  Take out a blank sheet of paper.  Assume this is your bicycle shop: Take 3 minutes and write down everything you know about your target consumer. 64
  • 63. Example Is this your customer? How about this? Or is this your customer? Or this? 65
  • 64. Example If this is your customer, what do we know/can we find out about him/her? • Age? • Income? • Other Activities? • What do they watch/read? • Where do they get product information? • Who influences their decisions? • What brands do they like? 66
  • 65. Identify Your Customer  Take out a sheet of paper and write “Customer” on it.  Take 3 minutes and write down everything you think you know about your customer. 67
  • 66. WHAT IS YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE?
  • 67. What is this? A Camera! What is its purpose! Capturing Memories! 69
  • 68. Product  What is it?  What does it do? What problem does it solve? – If you can explain in 3 steps = you are golden!  Create a competitive product matrix and show what the others are missing  Demonstrate your added value 70
  • 69. Example  Take out a blank sheet of paper and over the next 2 minutes list sample features of a camera.  fea⋅ture: noun. a prominent or conspicuous part or characteristic – 8x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle Lens – Optical Image Stabilizer – 720p HD Video – Lithium-ion Battery – Warranty/Customer support Remember: Features don’t sell Products; Benefits sell Products! 71
  • 70. Example  ben⋅e⋅fit: noun. something that is advantageous or good; an advantage – Better sports pictures – Quality images – Longer time between charges – Affordability – Easy return policy  Marketing and sales: Think . . . . Feature → Advantage → BENEFIT! Remember to ask Yourself: What problem are you solving for your customer? 72
  • 71. More On Benefits  The most compelling product benefits are those that provide: – Emotional rewards, or – Financial rewards. Example: It’s not the brighter smile that the toothpaste offers; it’s what the smile might bring you (e.g. friends, a better job, etc.). 73
  • 72. Services  Can a service have benefits?  Of course! Name 5 potential features/benefits for a dentist. – Years in practice: “The dentist knows what he/she is doing” – Name dental school: “They are smart and, therefore, better” – Location: “No hassle, saves time” – Parking: “Convenient, saves time” – In Network, Preferred provider: “Saves money and hassle” 74
  • 73. Define your Product/Service  Take out a sheet of paper and write “Product/Service” on it.  Take 3 minutes and write down your product/service and the associated features and benefits.  Create a competitive matrix and show what your competitors are missing that you offer “Anything that won't sell, I don't want to invent. Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success.” — Thomas Edison 76