When it comes to starting a new business, the odds are stacked against you. Depending upon the source, the first year failure rate for new businesses ranges from 30 percent to 90 percent. According the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, around 69 percent of new businesses survive at least two years, and 51 percent are still around at the five year mark.
While new business owners should find the above numbers far more encouraging than the mythical 90 percent failure rate, the success rate is still low. However, there are some simple, commonsense tactics that fledgling entrepreneurs can employ in order to become part of the 51 percent.
According to Inc. Magazine, two of the biggest things that cause new businesses to fail is an inability to differentiate themselves from competitors, and having inferior,
During our latest interview with Christina L. Veschi, VP of Business Operations at EdgeAccess, Inc, we learned what motivated her to rise to the VP level and what brings her the most joy in her job at EdgeAccess.
What made you want to rise to become a VP of a business?
Christina L. Veschi: I wanted to be the final authority when it came to business decisions. In my previous life people with no real-world experience in my area of expertise were the final decision makers and quite often made the wrong decision. I further wanted to work with only the people and organizations that I choose to work with as opposed to having those relationship dictated to me as well. At the end of the day, the bottom line is I wanted to be in a position to focus on the service that we provide as opposed to the bottom line. My philosophy has always been if you take care of your customers your bottom line will take care of itself.
What is the biggest challenge when it comes to running EdgeAccess?
Christina L. Veschi: I would have to say the technology and employees are the easy part, it is the unknown factors that create challenge.
What is the biggest reward of being a VP?
Christina L. Veschi: The greatest reward of all is the ability to give the customers exactly what we promise, and being in the position to make that call without permission from someone else that would most certainly take a shortcut to save a few pennies.
What’s the most frustrating part of your job?
Christina L. Veschi: Finding and attracting good quality employees who are interested in more than just a paycheck, employees who connect the dots between performance, delivery, and success.
What makes for a bad day on the job?
Christina L. Veschi: The worst day in anyone’s life as a business owner is when they fail to perform. My word is my bond. When factors outside of my control alter a commitment I made, it is a very bad day indeed. We all have our failures, but I strive to make mine very few and very far between.
Let’s end on a positive note! Please describe your best day as a VP.
Christina L. Veschi: The life of a business owner is akin to Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day. My best day as a business owner comes each and every time we successfully complete a project. And each and every time we deliver something to a customer, we do it better, the project goes smoothly, and the feeling of satisfaction is even greater than the last one! The satisfaction that comes along with giving the customer a tool that will reduce their workload and make their employees more efficient and at the same time allow them to do more with less can only be described as AWESOME! There is no feeling in the world like the feeling you get when you accomplish a goal that you set for yourself.
For over 11 years, EdgeAccess, Inc has been providing state of the art video monitoring services to its clients from Odessa, FL. To learn more about how this company can help you, visit www.edgeaccess.net
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Business owners John Reese and Tim Hanlon worked hard over the past 10 years to build their thriving business. In this interview, they told us how they got their start and why they predict big things for the future.
What can you tell us about your background, and education?
John Reese: Tim attended the UNLV landscape architecture program the very first year it was accredited, and I was a Biology/Chemistry major at UNLV.
What kind of steps did you two take to acquire the skills necessary to run an interior design and installation business like GreenCare Designs, LLC?
Tim Hanlon: We worked hands on the first ten years of the business and now focus on teaching our craft to our team members.
What has the biggest challenge been for you two as business owners?
John Reese: Employees and clients can be very challenging at times.
How about surprises? Have there been any huge surprises?
John Reese: No money.
What about the biggest disappointment?
Tim Hanlon: No money!
Everyone knows that running a business can be quite frustrating at times. What is the most frustrating part of your day?
John Reese: An unreasonable client.
At this point, are you where you thought you would be? Ahead? Behind?
Tim Hanlon: Not behind, but on the cusp of something great.
How do you go about marketing this kind of business?
Tim Hanlon: Mostly word of mouth, just starting to do internet advertising.
Finally, do you have any employees?
John Reese: 70 employees, and we have team leads.
To learn more about GreenCare Designs, LLC, visit online at www.greencare.net today.
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Upstate New York glass specialists add a top rated new product to their already impressive list of products and services.
Rochester, NY — September 20, 2013 — Ray Sands Glass, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has added SolarGard’s Ecolux Low-E window film technology to its list of products, and is now ready to provide the money saving window film to customers across Western New York.
Truly Responsive Technology
The Ecolux window film contains a new dual action technology that combines the proprietary Low-E coating with unique properties for solar control. During the warm summer months, the Ecolux Low-E film will reflect the summer heat, even after the sun goes down. This will greatly reduce the need for air conditioning, which will reduce the customer’s energy bill.
Ecolux can help customers during the winter months as well. As the temperature drops, Ecolux will reflect heat back into the office or home. Users of the product will save on heating costs as their homes or office spaces are kept warmer for longer periods of time.
“Ecolux window film helps home and building owners lower their annual energy bills,” said David Burns, President of Ray Sands Glass. “Installing the film is a very cost-effective upgrade for any home or building, converting existing windows into effective energy conservation systems.” Thanks to this new film, customers could enjoy as much as a 30% savings on their energy bills each year. Being completely carbon negative, these high tech solar films can save more energy than it takes to produce them.”
Enjoy the View
While some window films may impede the amount of light that comes through a window, Ecolux Low-E does not come with the same handicap. As it increases comfort year round and encourages energy savings, this film has a naturally high visible light transmission that maximizes natural light. Those who use the Ecolux product will enjoy natural light and a clear view.
For 67 years, Ray Sands Glass, Inc. has been proudly serving its customers in Rochester and Canandaigua, NY with the latest in glass and glass repair technology. To find out more about about the company and SolarGard Ecolux Low-E window film, call 585.889.2876, or visit online at www.RaySandsGlass.com
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Christopher Ronak, the CEO of 4castplus, a technology company that builds specialized software for the construction industry, joins us for an interview.
Why did you decide to start your 4castplus?
Christopher Ronak: It’s challenging to find a platform to innovate new ideas when you’re working for someone else. When you’re possessed with creative ideas that you need to pursue, the only real way to pursue them is to go it alone. It’s not easy of course, but the non-stop challenge is part of the appeal; and the gratification from the intensity of the commitment just can’t be felt otherwise.
How would you describe your business to us?
Christopher Ronak: We’re a technology company that builds specialized software for construction project management and project cost controls. Our product, 4castplus, is cloud-based software that is marketed and sold to engineering and construction companies worldwide.
How was it that you ended up finding your niche?
Christopher Ronak: Big construction projects have layers upon layers of complexity that are impossible to stay on top of if the right tools and processes aren’t used. I worked in the technology and project cost controls business for years prior to starting this business. It was clear to me then that there was a significant lack of available software that took a unified, holistic approach to project controls and project management.
The only software that came close was old, expensive, difficult to use and required a lengthy and costly implementation. We wanted to change all that and build something that truly met the complex needs of these larger projects and teams.
Did you have a business plan? If so, has it required any tweaking throughout the years?
Christopher Ronak: Yes we had a business plan, and we continue to tweak that business plan. There were several elements to our original plan that we’ve had to change along the way, but the overall purpose and objectives have remained consistent. There have been opportunities that have emerged in our market over the years, along with new insights that we’ve gained with listening to our users, that have caused us to correct and adjust to take advantage of those opportunities.
For you personally, what is the most rewarding part of running your own company?
Christopher Ronak: Part of the reward is that I love what I do. All our staff love it too. But best of all is that our customers love our software. All of that gives me an intense feeling of having done something good. All the effort and moments of worry or uncertainty are quickly dismissed when I see or hear the words of a happy client.
Finally, do you have any words of wisdom for those who may be thinking about starting their own business?
Christopher Ronak: It takes more work and more time than you ever expected. Make sure you manage your business and personal cash flow very carefully. It’s unlikely you’ll have a quick-win and raging success without a lot of effort and careful strategic planning. I’ll mention cash flow again – even if you have a brilliant idea and plan, cash flow will kill it if not managed.
If you are interested in learning more about 4castplus and its specialized software, please visit their website.
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In this interview, Sheila Dodd of Cardinal Buses, Inc., shares her thoughts on the changing dynamics of the charter bus industry and her predictions for the future of the business she manages.
Please tell us about your work history.
Sheila Dodd: I started at United Limo in the charter department in 1989. I went to Bethel College for music. I’ve never worked in any other industry than the charter bus industry.
What steps did you take to acquire the skills and background needed to manage this type of business?
Sheila Dodd: By default. No else wanted to do it, when it comes to the technical stuff, so I did it. When it comes to selling, I have guess I have good customer service, since they keep coming back.
Do you have a business plan? If so, has it remained constant, or evolved over the years?
Sheila Dodd: The business plan has changed in that we have taken advantage of technology and have moved to an internet motivated business model vs. phone and personal sales calls. We still do those things, just not nearly to the degree we used to.
What is the biggest challenge when it comes to managing the business?
Sheila Dodd: Motivating all of us to continue to move beyond the norm and into excellence as a company.
Being a business manager often comes with many surprises. What has been the biggest surprise for you?
Sheila Dodd: The quality of drivers from what we had at United Limo to what we have here at Cardinal Buses. Cardinal Buses has drivers that are a class act.
What about disappointments? Have there been any?
Sheila Dodd: Seeing some of our longtime customers have to close up shop due to changes in the way people do business for various reasons. We treat our customers like part of our family and it’s hard to see a family member go through tough times.
Where do you see Cardinal Buses, Inc. in the next ten years?
Sheila Dodd: I see the charter bus business as a whole increasingly having a difficult time finding quality drivers in the next ten years. The quality of work ethic seems to be on the decline as generations progress. Our profession doesn’t draw young people, it’s up early and late to bed usually. It doesn’t provide drivers very much home time during busy season, but there are seasons where it’s the opposite and their wives are calling to find out when the next time we can get them out of the house!
Cardinal Buses, Inc. celebrates 90 years of providing charter buses to its customers from locations in Middlebury, IN and Holland, MI. For more information visit www.cardinalbuses.com
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Dr. Heather Wilson and Dr. Paul Ranney took a few moments out of their busy schedules to discuss their dental practice with us. During our conversation, we learned why they went into business together and how they keep up with the constantly evolving world of dental technology.
Let’s start with the basics. Why did you two decide to start your own business?
Dr. Paul Ranney: By having our own business, rather than working for others, Dr. Wilson and I have the ability to practice dentistry the way that we want to practice. We have the ability to create an environment where the focus of the work is comprehensive in nature, with a goal of providing patient centered care.
How would you describe your dental practice to a prospective patient?
Dr. Heather Wilson: We have a five operatory dental practice, located in West Chester, Ohio. It is a general practice dental office that offers a wide range of procedures including some endodontics, oral surgical procedures, restorative and some orthodontic services.
Can you tell us about any mistakes or unexpected obstacles that have come up along the way?
Dr. Paul Ranney: The most unexpected obstacle is one that is an ongoing one; the problem of keeping up with technology and materials as they evolve. Our office is currently all digital, and we try to stay current with new and emerging technologies in the practice of dentistry.
Do you have a business plan that you follow?
Dr. Heather Wilson: Yes. As with any business, we try to remain faithful to our plan, but also use advisors and past outcomes to revise the plan to keep the business heading in a forward and positive direction.
Have there ever been times when you have wanted to give up?
Dr. Paul Ranney: Every morning, just around 8 AM! Every day presents its own challenges. Keeping on top of small problems and resolving them is key to remaining on top of your game. If you resolve small issues one at a time, bigger problems tend to remain at bay. Part of the satisfaction of owning your own business comes from resolving these things and keeping the bigger picture on track.
Finally, do you have any employees? If so, what is your management style?
Dr. Heather Wilson: Yes, five employees. We take an approach that keeps the interest of the business at the forefront, but also takes into consideration the working styles of the employees and their interests as well.
Based out of West Chester, Ohio, The Dental Health Center was acquired by Dr. Heather Wilson, DMD and Dr. Paul Ranney, DMD in 2012. Those who are interested in the wide range of speciality services that this business provides or want to book an appointment may call 513.777.7017 or visit online at www.dentalhealthcenter.com
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