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How to dig in and refine your small business concept
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You've searched your soul. Now it's time to refine your business concept. One of the best ways to do that is to be able to present your business plan in 30 seconds or less — a pitch short enough to deliver to a prospect during an elevator ride. In this week's VIDEO, small business owner and USA TODAY columnist Rhonda Abrams, CEO of The Planning Shop, critiques a real business owner's pitch and shows you how to focus on the essentials. In the links below, you'll find more about how to refine your business plan, craft your Elevator Pitch and move your business from idea to reality.

WATCH THE VIDEO
 
WORKSHEETS YOU NEED
  Identify your customers and narrow your niche     Finding your competitive edge     Craft your elevator pitch  

TIPS THAT CAN HELP FROM RHONDA ABRAMS
YOUR TARGET: Know your customers
START ON A FIRM FOUNDATION: Choosing a legal status for your business
THE BASICS: Understanding Your Target Market and The Competition
SELL YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY: Essentials of a good elevator pitch

AUDIO BITES
Did you have a mentor or role model?

John Schnatter
Founder, Papa John’s Pizza		   Jim Koch
Founder, Samuel Adams		   Tim Zagat
Co-founder, Zagat Survey		   Barbara Corcoran
Real estate broker
REAL PEOPLE; REAL CHALLENGES
The business partnership: A storm or shelter from it?

  Fears of partnership pitfalls cause many entrepreneurs to go it alone, but that might not always be the best option. Learn what to expect when considering business partnerships.
FULL STORY: Partnerships can make or break you
GUIDANCE: Mentors, free or paid, can help

Would you like to be part of our USA TODAY/Gannett
Small Business Challenge?
Are you thinking about starting a small business? If you're interested in being considered for the challenge, please complete the following short survey. More information will be provided over the next few weeks about the Small Business Challenge and selection of 5 entrepreneurs whose progress will be followed over six months in 2010 to see how they do. The 5 entrepreneurs will have a series of business "challenges" to meet each month and will be featured in stories, photos and videos at usatoday.com and in USA TODAY, so you must be willing to have your name and photograph appear. By completing the survey you agree that USA TODAY can share your personal information with USA TODAY and local Gannett television stations and newspapers. If so, take the survey.

 

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