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Business Connection

 

August 2014

lancasterchamber.org

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

 Executive Board

                    
Chairwoman of the Board
Tamara Stoebe, Stoebe Services
 
Chair-Elect
Josh Mann, Mojave Partners

Treasurer
Mark Troth, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Troth REALTORS
 
Vice-Chair Secretary
Gina Rossall, Superintendent, Westside Union School District

Vice-Chair
Monica Grado, George's Cleaners

Vice-Chair
Stan Turner, Edwards Federal Credit Union
 
Past Chairman of the Board
Gene Melchers, Melchers Construction Co.
 
Ex-Officio
Sandy Smith - Chief Executive Officer, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce   
  
Board of Directors
                 
Chris Chapleau - American Business Machines

 

Sgt. Theresa Dawson - Lancaster Sheriff's Dept.

 

Rosemary Mann - Camille's Sidewalk Cafe

 

Nelson Rasse - High Desert Broadcasting

 

Bridget Razo - Antelope Valley College

 

Katie Nelson - Hunter Dodge

 

Lynn Roth - SOL Graphix, Inc.

 

Dave Saltman - Passantino-Andersen

 

Chris Spicher - Antelope Valley Florist

 

Bernie Longjohn - Choices in Learning National Foundation

 


 

 

Antelope Valley Fair Parade Applications Are Now Available!

 

Please click on the link below to download your application today! 

2014 Antelope Valley Fair Parade Application   

For more information please contact the Chamber office

(661) 948-4518 

Interested in Becoming an Ambassador?

   

Ambassadors have a unique opportunity to represent the Lancaster

Chamber at many events, including breakfasts, luncheons, mixers, ribbon cuttings/grand openings and more!  Through this involvement, ambassadors are able to represent the chamber while also representing and marketing their own businesses--it's truly a "win/win" relationship!

 

 

 If you or someone at your place of business is interested in

 participating in our comprehensive training series and ultimately

 becoming an ambassador, please contact the Chamber: (661) 948-4518

Business After Hours Mixer

 

 

Antelope Valley Fair to Host the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
August Mega-Mixer  

 

 

The event will be held at the Turf Club, drinks &  horsd'oevers  will be served.  With Mega-Mixers, your opportunity to network with others is greatly increased as these mixers are large-scale and are FREE to our members!  


 

If you are interested in hosting a mixer at your place of business, please contact Sandy at the Lancaster Chamber office for more information:

(661) 948-4518 

Please click on the link below to visit our events calendar

Lancaster Chamber Events Calendar 

 

 Law Offices of

 

THOMPSON VON TUNGELN

A Professional Corporation

 

*CERTIFIED SPECIALIST PROBATE, ESTATE PLANNING & TRUST LAW

 

Mark E. Thompson

Kevin L. Von Tungeln Leonard A. Cosgrove

 

 Visit our Learning Center

 

www.tvttrustlaw.com

(661) 945-5868


 

  The State Bar of California - Board of Legal Specialization

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ChamberSTORE

 

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Please go to www.lancasterchamber.org

and look under Services/Internet Ads for description and pricing.

 

Chamber Membership Lists

 

Labels by Alpha: $50.00

Email Data: $50.00

 

2014 California Packets Are Here!!!

 

Employer Poster Set: $25.00

UI & SDI Pamphlets (10): $17.00

Sexual Harassment 

 Pamphlets (10): $17.00

Paid Family Leave

Pamphlets (10): $13.00

Workers' Compensation

Pamphlets (25): $14.00

 

*Employer Poster Set Available in Spanish & English - Laminated Upon Request w/Additional Fee

 

Please call the Chamber for more information:

 (661) 948-4518 

 

 

 

 

What can the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce do to help grow YOUR business???

 

Membership Benefits 

  • Chamber Website
  • Monthly Business Connection E-Newsletter
  • Membership Directory
  • Membership City Map
  • Radio Talk Show - Free
  • Super AV Expo
  • Quarterly Mega Mixers

 

Monthly Events 
  • Membership Luncheon
  • Members Lunch & Learn
  • Business-4-Breakfast

 

 

Discount Advertisement 

  • AV Press - Chamber Page
  • Video Commercials
  • Web Video - Business Showcase

 

Please call the Chamber for more information:

 (661) 948-4518 

 

 

Mission Statement 

 

To Serve the Community by Promoting, Protecting, Encouraging and Developing Local Business

 

 

New and Renewing Members

 

July

   

 Introducing Our Newest Members!

 

 

 

Patrick Nelson

501 W. Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster, CA 93536

Email: pnelson@lasd.org

Ph: (661) 940-3801

Fax: (323) 415-3264

 

 

2Brothers Mobile Detailing

Ryan Longmead

Email: carbondsm@yahoo.com

Ph: (661) 754-5199

 

 

Behold 3D Me

Lino Stavole

765 W. Lancaster Blvd.

Lancaster, CA 93534

www.behold3d.me

Email: lino@behold3d.me

Ph: (661) 727-3799

 

 

Boba Cove & Cafe

Danny Tran Ly

44445 Valley Central Way

Lancaster, CA 93536

Email: bobacove@gmail.com

Ph: (661) 945-2929

 

 

DGM Corporate Safety, Inc.

David Miller

www.dgmcorporatesafety.com

Email: dmiller149@aol.com

Ph: (310) 930-6518

Fax: (661) 285-2084

 

 

Shreds Unlimited

Rob Mendoza

44618 N. Trevor Ave

Lancaster, CA 93536

www.shredsunlimitedav.com

Email: shredsunlimited@gmail.com

Ph: (661) 208-9597

 

 

St. Andrew's Anglican Church in the Desert

Sharon Collier

2034 W. Ave K-4

Lancaste , CA 93536

Email: mezzo.sharon@gmail.com

Ph: (661) 609-0821

 

Stevie's Fine Jewelry

Stevie Ploetz

854 W. Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster , CA 93534

Email: LauraRockstheblvd@gmail.com

Ph: (661) 942-0555

 

 

 

We Are Pleased to present our Renewing Members

 

  

 

Michelizzi, Schwabacher, Ward & Collins

767 West Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster CA, 93534

tjw242@yahoo.com

(661)948-5021

Member Since: 1966

 

 

Bohn's Printing

656 West Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster CA, 93534

rehemme@printbohns.com

(661)948-8081

Member Since: 1981

 

 

A V Pulmonary Care

340 West Milling Street

Lancaster CA, 93534

avpc@qnet.com

(661)942-9995

Member Since: 1985

 

 

Praxair Distribution

43923 Division Street

Lancaster CA, 93534

alan_hegwood@praxair.com

(661)948-8509

Member Since: 1985

 

 

California Bank & Trust

831 West Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster CA, 93534

angela.underwood@calbt.com

(661)945-4511

Member Since: 1987

 

 

Artistic Carpet One Floor & Home

1061 West Avenue K

Lancaster CA, 93534

billy.ward@verizon.net

(661)948-7567

Member Since: 1987

 

 

Waste Management

1200 West City Ranch Road

Palmdale CA, 93590-4050

spursley@wm.com

(661)947-7197

Member Since: 1987

 

 

America's Best Value Inn

44131 Sierra Hwy

Lancaster CA, 93534

HHolmberg@roadrunner.com

(661)945-8771

Member Since: 1987

 

 

Antelope Valley Fair Association

2551 West Avenue H, Suite 102

Lancaster CA, 93536

wendy@avfair.com

(661)948-6060 x132

Member Since: 1987

 

 

Independent Living Center of Southern CA.

606 East Ave K-4

Lancaster CA, 93535

aalexander@ilcsc.org

(661)942-9726

Member Since: 1987

 

 

Big Iron Construction & Landscape Materials

1943 - B Sierra Highway

Rosamond CA, 93560

kspoor@antelecom.net

(661)256-0126

Member Since: 1988

 

 

William Edwards Photography

38434 9th Street East

Palmdale CA, 93550

info@williamedwards.net

(661)273-2110

Member Since: 1988

 

 

Theurer Orthodontics

1629 West Avenue J, Suite 108

Lancaster CA, 93534

drtortho@earthlink.net

(661)949-2290

Member Since: 1988

 

 

High Desert Broadcasting, LLC

570 East Avenue Q-9

Palmdale CA, 93550

nelson.rasse@highdesertbroadcasting.com

(661)947-3107

Member Since: 1990

 

 

West Park Villas Apartments

1800 West Avenue J 12

Lancaster CA, 93534

pvilbrandt@ezralow.com

(661)949-1562

Member Since: 1990

 

 

Dewey Pest Control

45440 23rd Street West

Lancaster CA, 93536-7215

jbaldridge@deweypest.com

(661)948-4503

Member Since: 1991

 

 

Velvet Touch Upholstery Shop, Inc

1234 West Avenue I

Lancaster CA, 93534-2248

(661)942-3233

Member Since: 1992

 

 

Wells Fargo Bank (Inside Albertsons)

43543 20th Street West

Lancaster CA, 93534

victoria.ramirez@wellsfargo.com
 
(661)723-0159

Member Since: 1995

 

 

Hanford Home Loans

554 West Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster CA, 93534

aidao.hanford@verizon.net

(661)942-1153

Member Since: 1996

 

 

Bethel Christian School

3100 West Avenue K

Lancaster CA, 93536-5403

(661)943-2224

Member Since: 1996

 

 

Expert Automotive

P.O. Box 803

Rosamond CA, 93560-6160

expertautomotiveinc@gmail.com

(661)256-0405

Member Since: 1999

 

 

Comfort Inn & Suites

1825 West Avenue J 12

Lancaster CA, 93534-4664

gm.ca824@choicehotels.com

(661)723-2001

Member Since: 1999

 

 

Rite Aid Southwest Customer Support Ctr

2801 West Avenue H

Lancaster CA, 93536-8342

rjohnson@riteaid.com

(661)951-7500

Member Since: 1999

 

 

Five Star Auto Body - H W Hunter, Inc

44733 Sierra Highway

Lancaster CA, 93534

deniseriley@5starautobody.com 

(661)951-9110

Member Since: 2000

 

 

Suburban Propane L.P.

46151 Sierra Highway

Lancaster CA, 93534

shayes@suburbanpropane.com

(661)942-5117

Member Since: 2000

 

 

Nu Science Corporation

43102 Business Center Parkway

Lancaster CA, 93535

(661)948-8898

Member Since: 2001

 

 

A V Chem-Dry

4504 Otter Court

Palmdale CA, 93551

avchemdry@gmail.com

(661)722-9342

Member Since: 2002

 

 

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe

44140 20th Street West, Suite 101

Lancaster CA, 93534

camilles2u@gmail.com

(661) 940-5878

Member Since: 2004

 

 

Hampton Inn & Suites, Palmdale

39428 Trade Center Drive

Palmdale CA, 93551

melissa.magallanes@hilton.com

(661)265-7400

Member Since: 2005

 

 

All Homecare

540 West Lancaster Blvd, Suite 110

Lancaster CA, 93534

palmdale@all-homecare.com

(661)729-4663

Member Since: 2009

 

 

Sempra US Gas and Power

101 Ash Street, 14th Floor

San Diego CA, 92101

(619)696-4016

Member Since: 2010

 

 

Sakura Buffet

44840 Valley Central Way

Lancaster CA, 93536

joneswei@yahoo.com

(661)951-8338

Member Since: 2010

 

 

Farmers Insurance/Don Ryan Agent

38457 9th Street East

Palmdale CA, 93550

dryan@farmersagent.com

(661)272-9926

Member Since: 2011

 

 

K G G Electric, Inc

PO Box 3241

Quartz Hill CA, 93586

pam@kggelectric.com

(661)943-5616

Member Since: 2011

 

 

Rancho Mirage Mobilehome Park

43850 20th Street East

Lancaster CA, 93535

ranchomirage_mhc@yahoo.com

(661)948-5815

Member Since: 2012

 

 

Security Defenders

530 West Milling Street

Lancaster CA, 93534

jmancino@securitydefenders.com

(661)949-2581

Member Since: 2012

 

 

Boulevard Flooring Emporium, Inc.

626 West Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster CA, 93534

boulevardflooringemporium@verizon.net

(661)723-9500

Member Since: 2012

 

 

Schooners Patio Grille

2797 West Avenue L

Lancaster CA, 93536

woodwrkz@aol.com

(661)943-0800

Member Since: 2012

 

 

iLEAD Lancaster Charter School

254 East Avenue K 4

Lancaster CA, 93535

dawn.evenson@ileadcharterschool.org

(661)609-1489

Member Since: 2012

 

 

Antelope Valley Property Management

1043 West Avenue M 4, Suite E

PalmdaleCA, 93551

acibrokers@aol.com

(661)945-1175

Member Since: 2013

 

 

A V Hawaiian Pool & Spa Supply

4085 West Avenue L

Lancaster CA, 93536

avh7@verizon.net

(661)943-0557

Member Since: 2013

 

 

SunPower Corporation

15637 Avenue A

Rosamond CA, 93560

nikki.franko@SunPowerCorp.com

(661)886-9749

Member Since: 2013

 

 

Prime Signs

20810 South Street

Tehachapi CA, 93560

service@primesigns.net

(661)882-8510

Member Since: 2013

 

 

OUR NEW WEBSITE OFFERS INCREDIBLE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR MEMBERS!

 

 

For those of you who have utilized all the wonderful features of our new website, we are confident that you have seen interest in your business grow!  We are seeing triple the traffic on our site since we rolled out the new product in late October!  It's easy for our members to use and navigate and the free marketing tools that are included are state-of-the-art!  If you have not yet had the opportunity to request optimization of your member page, upload coupons, classified ads, and member-to-member discounts, or submit your events and meetings to our community calendar, please log in to your account and take full advantage of these exciting ways to market your business on both our website and our mobile app!  If you need us to re-send your log-in information, please contact us at

 

 (661) 948-4518

  

A NEW VISITOR'S CENTER IS ON THE WAY!

 

In the coming months, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with

Destination Lancaster, will
be opening the official Lancaster Visitor's Center!  This center will be housed in the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce lobby and will feature information on local businesses, lodging, dining, and events for our out-of-town visitors!  We plan to offer small souvenirs and local postcards as well--stay tuned for more information on this exciting new venture!

  

In This Issue
August Mega-Mixer hosted by AV Fair
New and Renewing Members
Paying Off Debt the Smart Way
City of Lancaster News and Events
Lunch & Learn
SCORE Tips for Small Businesses
The Month In Pictures
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce August Luncheon  
 
Please join us for our August luncheon on Wednesday, August 13, where Small Business Development Center Business Advisor, Raimone Roberts will be speaking on how the SBDC can enhance your business, moving it to new levels of growth through:
  • Make critical decisions about your business vision and strategy
  • Investigate next-stage growth and opportunity
  • Plan for strategic growth
  • Build and maintain a competitive advantage
  • Lead with clarity
  • Maximize cash flow for future profitability
  • Identifying financial options for strategic growth

This will be an extremely valuable information session for both new and established businesses.  We hope you can join us.

  

RSVPs are strongly suggested for this event.

 

Lancaster Chamber members:       $20 (pay online) or

                                                                   $25 at the door

 

Non-Members:                                 $25 (pay online) or

                                                                   $30 at the door

  
                         
                    EVENT INFORMATION

 

Date: August 13th

 

Time: 11:30am - 1pm

 

Location: J.P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center 43404 30th Street West, Lancaster 93536 

 

Chairwoman's Message
  
  
  

It's time for the FAIR!

Will you be joining us for the upcoming Fair Parade - Saturday August 16th, 9 a.m. on The BLVD! Join us for POULTRY IN MOTION, and come down and celebrate with us!

Things are happening at the Chamber, did you hear about the Young Entrepreneur's Academy? This fall we'll be helping 24 young people expand their horizons through education. We're going to help them implement their great IDEA and market it. At the end of the Academy, we're going to celebrate their accomplishment with a great event that will allow them to "sell" their product to the highest bidder.

I hope you'll take the opportunity when it comes up to come out and celebrate these young people's accomplishments.

Remember, your chamber membership only works for you, when you work your membership. Take advantage of an upcoming event, there's a monthly luncheon and Business 4 Breakfast, I look forward to seeing you soon.

Networking tip of the Month:

Develop a 5-10 minute presentation that highlights 1-2 key things about you and your business. Practice in front of your mirror, and then come out and join us at the next Business 4 Breakfast - maybe think about becoming a sponsor for an upcoming B4B.

 

See you soon - and thank you for this opportunity to serve.
Chairwoman of the Board
Tamara Stoebe  
2014-2015

 Paying Off Debt the

Smart Way


 

 

 

Courtesy of Cobb Doerfler & Associates, CPA    Accountants and      Tax Preparers    

 

 

  

Between mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and student loans, most people are in debt. While being debt-free is a worthwhile goal, most people need to focus on managing their debt first since it's likely to be there for most of their life.

 

Handled wisely, that debt won't be an albatross around your neck. You don't need to shell out your hard-earned money because of exorbitant interest rates or always feel like you're on the verge of bankruptcy. You can pay off debt the smart way, while at the same time saving money to pay it off even faster.

Assess the Situation

First, assess the depth of your debt. Write it down using pencil and paper or use a spreadsheet like Microsoft Excel. You can also use a bookkeeping program such as Quicken. Include every instance you can think of where a company has given you something in advance of payment, including your mortgage, car payment(s), credit cards, tax liens, student loans, and payments on electronics or other household items through a store.

 

Record the day the debt began and when it will end (if possible), the interest rate you're paying, and what your payments typically are. Next, add it all up--as painful as that might be. Try not to be discouraged! Remember, you're going to break this down into manageable chunks while finding extra money to help pay it down.

Identify High-Cost Debt

Yes, some debts are more expensive than others. Unless you're getting payday loans (which you shouldn't be), the worst offenders are probably your credit cards. Here's how to deal with them.

  • Don't use them. Don't cut them up, but put them in a drawer and only access them in an emergency.

  • Identify the card with the highest interest and pay off as much as you can every month. Pay minimums on the others. When that one's paid off, work on the card with the next highest rate.

  • Don't close existing cards or open any new ones. It won't help your credit rating, and in fact, will only hurt it.

  • Pay on time, absolutely every time. One late payment these days can lower your FICO score.

  • Go over your credit-card statements with a fine-tooth comb. Are you still being charged for that travel club you've never used? Look for line items you don't need.

  • Call your credit card companies and ask them nicely if they would lower your interest rates. It does work sometimes!

Save, Save, Save

Do whatever you can to retire debt. Consider taking a second job and using that income only for higher payments on your financial obligations. Substitute free family activities for high-cost ones. Sell high-value items that you can live without.

Do Away with Unnecessary Items to Reduce Debt Load

Do you really need the 800-channel cable option or that satellite dish on your roof? You'll be surprised at what you don't miss. How about magazine subscriptions? They're not terribly expensive, but every penny counts. It's nice to have a library of books, but consider visiting the public library or half-price bookstores until your debt is under control.

Never, Ever Miss a Payment

Not only are you retiring debt, but you're also building a stellar credit rating. If you ever move or buy another car, you'll want to get the lowest rate possible. A blemish-free payment record will help with that. Besides, credit card companies can be quick to raise interest rates because of one late payment. A completely missed one is even more serious.

Pay With Cash

To avoid increasing debt load, make it a habit to pay with cash. If you don't have the cash for it, you probably don't need it. You'll feel better about what you do have if you know it's owned free and clear.

Shop Wisely, and Use the Savings to Pay Down Your Debt

If your family is large enough to warrant it, invest $30 or $40 and join a store like Sam's or Costco--and use it. Shop there first, then at the grocery store. Change brands if you have to and swallow your pride. If you're concerned about buying organic, rest assured that even at places like Costco you will have many options. Use coupons religiously. Calculate the money you're saving and slap it on your debt.

 

Each of these steps, taken alone, probably doesn't seem like much, but if you adopt as many as you can, you'll watch your debt decrease every month. If you need help managing debt give us a call. We can help.

 

We Can Help

If you'd like to better understand the ins and outs of your business and create sound guidance for internal decision making, you might consider cost accounting.
And we can help. Allow us to evaluate your business from top to bottom and determine the real cost of each component. With that as a foundation, we can help you draft budgets, adjust pricing, keep an appropriate level of inventory, and much more. Give us a call today.
  
(661)948-2661

 


 

 

Business-4-Breakfast
  
  

      Join us for business, stay for breakfast!

             

               7:00 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2014

                                      

Event Location

 

Schooners Patio Grille

2797 W. Ave L, Lancaster 93536 (30th St. West)
           
Table Sponsor

  

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Troth REALTORS

Tamara Stoebe : (661) 466-6849/Chuck Simons (661) 350-1006


                        

To RSVP please contact the Chamber Office

Phone: (661) 948-4518

Fax: (661) 949-1212

Email: Anna@lancasterchamber.org

 

 

Cash Prize $50.00 - 1 Winner will be chosen at every breakfast

 

 Sponsored by:

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Troth REALTORS

Tamara Stoebe : (661) 466-6849/Chuck Simons (661) 350-1006

 

 

*Please note - If you RSVP and do not attend you will be invoiced for $12.00

  

  
  

City of Lancaster to Host Fourth Annual

Job Services Network Job Fair

Employers and Sponsors Still Welcome to Sign Up for the Event

Lancaster, CA. July 18, 2014 - The City of Lancaster will host the Fourth Annual Job Services Network Job Fair, August 21from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Stanley Kleiner Building located at Lancaster City Park. The job fair will provide Antelope Valley job candidates with an opportunity to interview with more than 50 potential employers.

"One of the most significant factors in determining the quality of life for individuals is their employment status," said Mayor R. Rex Parris. "The City is happy to support this effort to bring employers together with qualified job-seekers and thus help to provide our residents with opportunities for a better future."

Candidates are encouraged to dress professionally and bring at least 12 copies of their resume. "Clothes the Deal" will be onsite to provide professional clothing for those who need it. The job fair is open to the public. Candidates must register for the job fair in order to attend.

Job candidates are encouraged to attend the "First Impression" workshops being offered August 5, 6 and 7. Those who complete this workshop will be given priority entrance to the job fair. Space is limited and candidates are advised to register early.

Employers are still welcome to sign up for the job fair. Those interested in attending can still register on the city's website. Participation is free, but employers must have at least five job openings, and be prepared to stay for the entire duration of the event.

To help sponsor the job fair, contact Araxie Kahramanian at akahramanian@cityoflancasterca.org or call 661-723-6078. For more information on the "First Impression" workshops, or to register for the job fair, visit the city website at: www.cityoflancasterca.org/jobfair.


 

     
         Promote YOUR business FREE of Charge
 
  
    
  FREE Chamber Radio 
Talk Show
  
 "Minding Your Business"
                       
    Saturday, 12-1pm
 Call Anna Zarley: (661) 948-4518
  

Lunch & Learn

with the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce


 

 

Our monthly Lunch and Learn session will be held on August 29, noon, at the Lancaster Chamber office.   This month, we will be addressing the subject of mental health in the workplace.  NAMI will facilitate this session and areas of focus will include:  employee stress, the employer's role in addressing employee mental health challenges, and mental health resources for you and your staff.  Invitations for this session will be sent to members and interested parties in mid-August.

 

 

ExpertAnswers:

 

5 Common Money Mistakes Small Businesses Make

 

 

 

Plenty of factors can contribute to a business venture's demise. Sometimes it's a lack of consumer interest; other times it's a matter of bad marketing tactics. But perhaps the most deadly contributor to startup failure is not knowing how to manage your business finances.

 "In many instances, [financial mistakes] are due to poor financial planning on the front end of starting the business," said Marc Price, business author and director of operations at ExpertBusinessAdvice.com. "Entrepreneurs underestimate the true costs of launching the business. Subsequently, working through initial growing pains that may transpire after the doors are open can be threatened without proper funding."

As an entrepreneur himself, Price knows how easy it can be to get your business into a financial pitfall. The co-author of "Business Finance Basics" (Nova Vista, 2014) shared five common financial management mistakes small business owners make, and how to avoid these errors. [15 Creative Financing Methods for Startups]

 

1. Not having enough cash reserves. Entrepreneurs know that they'll probably need money to invest in the setup of their business, but it may take several fiscal quarters to realize a steady income from the company, let alone to make a profit. So start with adequate operating cash. Don't fool yourself with wishful thinking that the money will somehow be there.

 

2. Being plastic dependent. Some small business owners are forced to turn to credit cards for early stage survival, especially when they haven't planned properly. Credit cards carry high interest charges and annual fees. Whether through a small business loan, a capital infusion or your own funding, ensuring sufficient operating capital can save you from getting into credit card debt.

 

3. Mixing personal and business finances. It's tempting to cross the line, but keep these two entities completely separate. It makes it easier for accounting, budgeting and reconciling both sets of books, and assists in determining actual profits and losses for the business.

 

4. Shorting yourself on compensation. In the early stages of business, it may seem like a solid decision to redistribute any and all of your profits back into your business. But not compensating yourself along the way could harm your personal finances and financial good standing.

 

5. Not having an organized accounts receivable system. Print your payment terms on the back of every invoice, and follow a clear process in collecting payments. Make sending prompt reminders part of your business.

Price said his best advice to new and aspiring entrepreneurs is to learn from fellow business owners and financial professionals.

 

"Learning from others can never be underestimated," he told Business News Daily. "Make it a habit to reach out to other small business owners and ask for advice and opinions on their own previous experiences. Additionally, seek out industry professionals [such as lawyers, accountants, bankers and real estate experts] to help guide you through the labyrinth of the endless financial pitfalls that could be looming. This process greatly mitigates your failure rate and puts you on a proper path for financial success."

Originally published on Business News Daily.

Have a question about common money mistakes? Connect with a SCORE mentor online or in your community today!

 

The Month In Pictures

July

 

 Light House Studio's

 Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

 

 Light House Studio's

  Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting    

 

 NAMI  of Antelope Valley

 25th Anniversary & Ribbon Cutting   

 

 NAMI of Antelope Valley

 25th Anniversary & Ribbon Cutting

 

 J Salon Studios & Spa 

  Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

 

 J Salon Studios & Spa 

  Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

 

Lancaster Chamber Luncheon 

 Guest Speaker

Josh Mann, Mojove Partners Inc. 

 & AV Fair Parade Grand Marshall, Leroy Halley 

 

 

Lancaster Chamber Luncheon 

 Ambassador Corps Service Award 

 

Lancaster Chamber

CEO, Sandy Smith  

Presenting Certificate for

25 Years of Ambassador Corps Service to Robert Wolf

 

Business-4-Breakfast 

 Table Sponsor

Buddhika Ekanayake, Light House Studio's

 

Business-4-Breakfast 

 $50.00 Sponsor, Vic's Bimmer Collision Center,Victor Vega

Winner Julia Martinez 

with Sam's Club

 Business-4-Breakfast 

 Best Commercial Award to

Lisa Harris, Joshua Memorial Park & Mortuary