SCORE ExpertAnswers
June 2015
Simon P. Mahler
The Money You Need To Make More Money.

Expert Advice for Aspiring or Existing Small Business Owners

P. Simon Mahler is a small business influencer and SCORE mentor.

 

For 15 years, he has been a consultant for or founded several of his own start-up companies that have amassed more than $30 million in annual revenues. 

 

Get his advice on small business funding, business plans, startup and growth strategies. 

 

Q: How do I create a business plan and then get the money to finance it? 
 
Ideas for financing
A: Business plans are the lifeblood of any business and should not be taken lightly. To put a plan together, make an appointment with your local SCORE office -- 

we can help!


As for financing, if your credit history is challenged, I would look at alternative sources like LendingClub.com, Kickstarter.com, Kabbage.com, and Crowdfunder.com. Consider these platforms to start looking at and doing some research. Various states have small business grants with zero interest that you can have as well. Call your local SCORE office or visit SBA.gov and they can assist you with those needs.

Q: How should one prioritize limited funds?


A: I would look at the importance of branding in your community and go that route.  I would create a technology following that sees the value in the information you provide and send out press releases constantly to grow your business. 

You need to be public in the community and provide tools for non-profits to succeed as well -- contribute in as many ways as possible. Public awareness is key for anyone starting a business on limited funds. PR! PR! PR! It is so critical and since some of it can be done for free, there is no reason not to make it happen.
This session will cover the "usual suspects" like subject lines and email length, but from an entirely fresh perspective. It will also go way beyond the typical, delving into email "persona", the nuances of mobile, and more! Join us on Wednesday, July 1 at 2 pm EDT, 11 am PDT.

Gina Watkins, an educational marketing expert with Constant Contact, will use case studies of businesses which have thrived during emergencies, to convey practical advice on how to use online marketing tools to create engaged, vital communication networks that can respond well to any disaster. Join us on Thursday, July 9 at 1 pm EDT, 10 am PDT

Join entrepreneur and best-selling author Ramon Ray as he shares why the power of social content marketing - selling with education - is the best way to sell. You'll leave this presentation with a better appreciation of how to leverage the tools you already have to boost sales and build loyalty with your customers. Join us on Thursday, July 16 at 1:00 pm EDT, 10:00 am PDT
The Top 5 Ways You Can Make Email Marketing Work for Your Business
Wednesday July 1 at 2:00 pm EDT / 11:00 am PDT

Email Marketing

Email remains a thriving marketing channel, but most businesses are still getting the details wrong. 


Constant Contact's Ron Cates, one of the world's leading email marketing experts, will share "insider secrets" that will enable you to immediately produce email marketing campaigns that are better than many of what the world's leading brands send.

 


Make more happen for your business by joining SUCCEED: Small Business Network, Powered by StaplesYou'll be able to connect and share resources with this community of more than 125,000 like-minded small business owners.

Get your business ready to make more happen with these top three discussions posted by members of the SUCCEED community.

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