The 4 Business Plan Threats

photo credit: Felix Francis
There are four critical areas causing business plans to change. All are changing trends in the business environment. The four areas we will examine are: 1) government trends, 2) economic trends. 3) technological trends and 4) cultural trends. Each one causes a specific impact on our decisions and requires us to make adjustments. Some changes are dramatic and require dramatic reactions to minimize their effect on our business.
First are government trends. There are several different sources caused by changes in regulations, tax policies and new legal precedence. Most of these are not a direct result of what we are doing in our business, but are the result of political and social shifts. On the legal side, changes result from court cases. It is absolutely necessary to address these changes because of both the financial and legal jeopardy. The result will be changes to not only our business plans but also our business conduct.
Second are economic trends. These changes occur because the local, national and international environment changes. Read more
Restaurant Franchising – Going Green

Environmentally sensitive practices are becoming increasingly important for many businesses and restaurant franchising is no exception. The environment is a hot topic and the public is becoming more vocal about what they expect from retailers, manufacturers and service providers alike. Environmental issues which are foremost in the public’s mind, and which restaurant franchises must now take into account, include energy conservation, recycling and organic locally sourced food.
In Britain, a government sponsored “Green Achiever Scheme” has been created to enable companies to demonstrate their environmentally friendly credentials to suppliers, customers and other bodies interested in green business. In the United States, federal tax incentives and recycling programs have been set up to facilitate those companies wanting to improve their green credentials. The number of restaurant franchises opting into such schemes in both countries has been steadily growing, as business owners take note of the public’s demands when it comes to the environment. Read more
Government Grants For Business – Is Your Company Eligible?

The government’s role in society is to support it and make it better as time progresses. When it comes to the question: Is my company eligible for government grants?
Ask yourself this: Will my venture help the government attain this goal? Will my project make society better? The business does not necessarily have to invent the internet or cure a disease (although that does help and receives massive funding when viable), but it can do simple things such as provide employment to a community in need, which can make an improvement in the lives of many of society’s members.
Certain industries are beneficial to society by nature and they are as follows: Read more
Small Business Ideas in “Green”

photo credit: wearitdotcom
The world is becoming extremely environmental conscience. With great pushes to save the environment and reminding everyone that they can do their part, the market in green has become huge. By the “green” market we are speaking of items that are environmentally friendly. There are several areas where the opportunities for small businesses are huge.
One area is the search for green apparel. Individuals are looking for eco-friendly clothing and the market in this area is growing. This means using organic materials such as cotton and using environmentally friendly dyes. Small businesses can find a market in this area because they can offer unique environmentally friendly clothing. Read more
How to Put More Money Into Your Pockets by Getting Involved With the Green Revolution

photo credit: Iain Farrell
It’s everywhere you look, these days. People, companies, communities, and governments are making changes to “go green.” Considering what Mankind, and the Industrial Revolution, has done to the environment over the past 300 years, one can argue that it may be too little too late, but it is now the main focus for many. The old adage of “Better Living Through Chemistry,” is now under deeper scrutiny. However, can we truly create better products that perform just as well (if not better) than their more toxic counterparts? Can we manufacture them and bring them to market at competitive prices? Will the general public be willing to make the needed buying choice changes that they’ve grown comfortable with, over the years?
Ecological Science has proven to be able to step up to the plate, and deliver on products that leave little or no carbon footprint. Read more
Start an Environmentally Friendly Lawn Care Business
One way that you can differentiate your Lawn Care Business from all the others is to consider starting an environmentally friendly lawn care company. Here are some ways that you could distinguish your company as being environmentally friendly.
Some smart lawn care operators are starting to use electric mowers, edgers and blowers to do their work. Not only can these options be better for air emissions but they can also be quieter and cheaper due to the savings made on fuel. Read more
Make Major Money As a Green Consultant
In these rough economic times, anyone making the choice to be a consultant should first investigate a segment that is not already filled with rampant competition. Consider how many business coaches are out there. There is a lot of turnover in coaches and consultants, so why not avoid the businesses that lack serious promise? One of the best areas of consultant is the exploding needs of emerging Green businesses.
The problem is that most businesses are busy making business happen. Going Green is often relegated to paultry offerings such as installing CFL bulbs or more technical thermostat. Read more
Green Business – A 6 Step Strategy For Turning Your Business Green
Increasingly businesses are becoming aware of the benefits of being environmentally friendly but what happens once the decision has been made to turn the business green?
Reducing the environmental impacts of a business is not a fast process so having a strategy to incorporate environmental issues into the strategic planning is vital for long term success.
The following six step strategy outlines activities a business will undertake in becoming sustainable.
1. Confirm management is committed to the environmental vision: Nothing happens in a business without the support of management. This is not so difficult in small organisations but larger companies will need to enlist the support of all those with managerial responsibilities. The management team should decide their definition of a green business as well as their reasons for going green. Is the motive to engage in ethical behaviour, be certified as environmentally friendly for marketing or to ensure environmental regulations are adhered to? Read more
Green Investing – The Gold Rush

photo credit: angela7dreams
Green investing is growing up. Previously the province of a small number of investors who chased an even smaller number of companies, the market for environmental technology has expanded dramatically in recent years. And it has captured investors’ wallet share along the way. Inflows into green funds totaled $766 million for the year ending May 31, according to Morningstar, compared with $37 million in net outflows from religious funds over same time period. (Morningstar tracks these two subcategories under the umbrella of socially responsible investing, or SRI, funds). “The interest has turned from ‘maybe I’ll dabble in this’ to ‘this is an asset class I should include in my portfolio,’” says Jerry Moskowitz, president of FTSE Americas. Read more
Profit From the Insatiable Green Movement With Natural Soy Candles

photo credit: House Of Sims
It has been proven the “Green” movement is good for our planet and us. There is a product that is gaining immense popularity with this movement. In fact, it is spawning cottage industries, and other opportunities for the ever-increasing crowd looking to start a home business.
With the economy testing our patience and our pocketbooks at every turn, more and more people and families are looking to find ways they can make a few extra dollars. An ever-increasing amount of enterprising individuals and families are starting their own natural soy candle business, right from their homes. You can get started fairly quickly, and you have a couple of choices in how to get your business up and running within a few days. Read more


