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© ivanpw

Google Inc .has always been a strong support to small online business owners with its SEO services, online business website optimization and promotion services and other sever and web search support. The Big Daddy of the internet world has been indispensible in enhancing online visibility and increasing sales volumes through targeted customers for the online business websites and portals.

The internet juggernaut has recently stepped up its outreach to small online business houses in SA by launching Woza Online, the service that helps the online business owners to build up their own websites for free with the minimum of information technology expertise.

This may be taken as a part of the social investment program by Google but it goes a long way in helping the online business sector. A quick survey of the number of people who have already signed up for Woza for their online business websites indicates positive results .It may also be a strategy undertaken by
Google to counter threats from social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter in the region.

An SME with an online business presence is likely to be more profitable than one that works offline. The global reach and the targeted search results along with skillfully placed advertisements are very important for the success of small business enterprises. Online business is the order of the day and Google support is enough to entice owners to go digital.

© terren in Virginia

North of Boston Business Plan Competition identifies and supports both -new start-up ventures as well as existing businesses in growth phase. Advastim(TM) LLC – producing wireless neuro-stimulator system, Doodle Roll® -developing arts and crafts business products, Infection Prevention Solutions, Inc. – intending to make equipment for regulating medical wastes, Mathesis Tech, Inc. – training manpower for the US IT industry, PJC & Company Ecological Land Care of Rowley, MA – making organic fertilizers and Shady Oaks Organics – supplying mushrooms to local restaurants are the six semi finalists of this year's business plan competition.

The semi-final event would take place on March 28, 2012 where judges would interrogate all the participants on their business plans and select three finalists. The grand finale is scheduled on April 09, 2012 in the recital hall of the Bertolon School of Business on the Salem State University central campus. The finalists would present their business plans in front of the panel of jury, local business giants, and other interested audience present. Participants believe that this competition is a huge platform to understand the process of making a good business plan since it includes expert opinions and open interactions with investors. The prizes include USD 5,000 for the winner, USD 3,000 for first runner-up and USD 2,000 to second runner-up.

© IvanWalsh.com

A business plan is inevitable as well as vital for a successful business. According to Kevin Leahy Executive Director of CEDR and SBDC a business plan has many objectives. It helps to organize the system for fruitful research and planning. The probability of success increases manifold with a proper business plan in hand. One also gets a proper knowhow of financials and fund flow related to the business. According to Leahy every business plan is exclusive and it should not be forced to fit into a certain mold.
The quality of the business plan is important and not its size. It should be able to recognize the expectations from the business and should be reviewed from time to time to make necessary changes as per strategy.
Leahy goes on to suggest certain rules which go in to make a successful business plan. The most important is to write your business plan yourself as it helps to gain insight and expertise. An outline of the plan would help in formatting it. It should be able to address all issues related to the business viz. size and market of the product, marketing strategies, as well as market research on the product to be sold. Earlier balance sheets if any and cash flow and fund flow statements are compulsory inclusions.