Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/Websites-For-Small-Businesses-What-You-Need-to-Know.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/Websites-For-Small-Businesses-What-You-Need-to-Know.html Whenever I meet a potential client that has a business they’d like to tell me about, the inevitable question follows: “Do you have a website?” You’d be amazed how often this answer is, “Uh…” It’s baffling to me that people don’t really find a web presence as important as it should be. At some point, no matter what type of business you’re about to start, establishing a website or presence on the internet will be vital. These days, almost every company has a web page. If you still advertise your small business only in print only, you’re just not paying attention to current trends. A professional web presence is a must for a small business, especially a start-up. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/New-Website-Sprowtt-Has-Arrived-To-The-Benefit-Of-Cleantech-Entrepreneurs.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/New-Website-Sprowtt-Has-Arrived-To-The-Benefit-Of-Cleantech-Entrepreneurs.html Cleantech entrepreneurs receive assistance in obtaining financing and networking to get their deals done with the help of this excellent new website. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/The-Current-Paradigm-Shift-For-Venture-Capital-Firms.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/The-Current-Paradigm-Shift-For-Venture-Capital-Firms.html Currently, the state of funding for start-ups from a venture capitalist seems to be on the wane. The keyword there is “seems.” Once again, what is actually happening in the realm of business and what is being perceived to be happening in the realm of business are too very different things. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/Tips-For-Creating-Lender-Ready-Business-Plans.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/Tips-For-Creating-Lender-Ready-Business-Plans.html Guess what? Lenders can’t approve every loan application that crosses their desk. I’m sure they wish they could, but the fact of the matter is that they deal with mostly very small businesses seeking small loans, usually less than $250,000. Lending to inexperienced, new business owners is one of the riskiest arenas for a lending agency. That’s where the eye for looking for those classic, “business plan killers” comes in. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/How-To-Pitch-Angel-Investors-And-Venture-Capitalists.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/How-To-Pitch-Angel-Investors-And-Venture-Capitalists.html I hear from a great deal of my clients that they're looking for the secret to the, "best pitch to investors." To me, this always sounds like looking for the secret to, "the best pitch to ask someone to prom." There is no perfect method. There is no secret. At the end of the day, all you can do is show up and do your best. There are, however, things you should remember to do and things you should definitely avoid. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/Keys-To-A-Powerful-Business-Plan.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/Keys-To-A-Powerful-Business-Plan.html Whether you are planning to start a brand-new business, expand an existing company, or get financing for a business venture, you will need to write a business plan. There’s no way around this unless you have a dead rich uncle who just left you his two-car garage full of thousand dollar bills. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/Raising-Capital-And-What-You-Need-To-Prepare.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/Raising-Capital-And-What-You-Need-To-Prepare.html Many people ask me if it's possible to raise capital in the traditional sense these days. Everyone knows and understands that lending practices have tightened and many VC firms have gently (and occasionally not so gently) refused to accept any more submissions. But is it impossible to raise capital? Of course not, it's just even harder now. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/How-To-Increase-Your-Chances-For-Getting-An-SBA-Loan.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/How-To-Increase-Your-Chances-For-Getting-An-SBA-Loan.html Many of our start up business clients at Ethos 360 come to us with basic questions on how to get financing from the SBA. There are a few things to have in your back pocket (and on the tip of your tongue) before going to them in order to increase your chances of getting approved. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/How-To-Market-Your-Small-Business-For-Little-Money.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/How-To-Market-Your-Small-Business-For-Little-Money.html Every business owner wants to use time-proven, effective marketing tactics that build strong brand awareness and increase its clientele. Small business owners today may not necessarily have the tools to spend an insane amount of money on television advertising, radio spots, or other costly advertising avenues such as billboards emblazoned with state-of-the-art graphics. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/How-To-Start-A-Business-For-Under-$5000.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/4298/How-To-Start-A-Business-For-Under-$5000.html In today’s economic environment, individuals with entrepreneurial mindsets are exploring new ideas for businesses that will not only survive in a recession, but will also thrive. The key to starting a new business is maximizing its resources while remaining lean in operations.