www.PartnerUp.com - Small Business Community
 
14

Cathleen Schindler posted a new Starting A Business thread on 4/1/2010

Need Help With My Dream

I have had this business dream forever and would love to get it up and running. I am opening a coffee shop and just completed my AAB last April. I am horrible at math. I am just starting my business plan and I need help figuring out my start up costs, ect for the next 3 years. I am almost 39 years old and I feel rushed to get my dream up and running. I plan on going global, but nothing like Starbucks. A cross between the Hard Rock Cafe and Starbucks, but with a special twist! Any help would be appreciated- both academically and financially!!
1
 
PartnerUp! Share This
Mark As Favorite
Mark As Spam Reply!
 
 
Sort Responses by : | |
1

Diane Glatfelter Responded on 4/1/2010


Cathleen,

We can assist you with your business plan, marketing and capital needs. We are a business and financial coaching and consulting firm. Start-up companies are our specialty. Feel free to contact us at 877-386-3799 or 978-362-1904. You can view our website at www.seaoffunds.com.

Look forward to assisting you.

Kind Regards,
Diane Glatfelter
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
105

William Henderson Responded on 4/1/2010


Cathleen, one step at a time. Have you contacted your local SCORE Chapter? They should have tools available (and guidance) to run a proforma set of financials. SCORE does not charge for services. Your focus should be on marketing and revenue (sales). Your start up costs will generally be one time only. From there you will have operating expenses (labor, supplies, etc.) and non operating expenses (interest). This activity would be part of your business plan, integral in your application/petition for funding. Your SCORE office can run a couple of models, one based upon reasonable expectations (projections), one exhibiting stress (below expectations), and optimal (best case scenario).
3
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 4/1/2010


Thank you Diane and William for your assistance. I truly appreciate it!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
17

Jesicca Thompson Responded on 4/16/2010


Hello Cathleen,

I think you need to check out these websites:

SCORE (www.score.org) their the counselors are experienced and will give you a helping hand in your project.

Secondly BPlans (by Business Plan Pro). Site URL is www.bplans.com. There you shall find many online resources available to help you out.


1
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 4/16/2010


Thank you! I have done research and have accomplished many tasks with this business just recently. I have everything lined up except a location/building to lease. Now I am at the menu stage so I may finish my projections and start writing my plan!

I will be speaking to SCORE as soon as I have my research completed to make sure my business financials are written correctly! It's moving quickly. I am excited!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
105

William Henderson Responded on 4/16/2010


Cathleen, you ARE GOING TO BE SUCCESFUL. You have all the assets a good entrepreneur needs, smarts, research, reach out to others. It is so exciting I cannot contain myself. Last word of advice… work you’re a** off girl! You rock. Godspeed. Thanks for sharing and let us know how you are doing. We love people like you!
1
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 4/19/2010


Thanks! I am trying! I am stuck on finding a building to lease right now. Kind of sucks. not sure what I am going to do!! I will figure it out!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
342

Alice Nadin Responded on 4/20/2010


Cathleen,

Look for a good Commercial Realtor in your area; they are the pros to help you with this step. They will know the area, prices, restrictions as well as traffic patterns (foot and car), demographics of the area and importantly will know future building plans as well as what properties may be coming open.

AND importantly learn about renting/leasing - the terms, the limits and requirements such as who pays utilities?....... who pays for repairs? ... can your get out of the lease? what insurance do you need? ... AND do NOT sign anything until you have your attorney or someone who represents YOUR interest read over the contract. Contracts are always written to benefit the one issuing it so know what you are signing.

Your local SCORE volunteers can help. If you have not contacted your local SCORE office, this will be an excellent time for you to do so. Go to www.score.org and use the Find SCORE option then fill out the request for counseling form.

Alice, SCORE Pittsburgh
1
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 4/20/2010


Thank you Alice! I plan on going to my local SCORE soon!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
9

Eric Messersmith Responded on 4/27/2010


Keep away from these people...they are nothing more than scam artists...AOL email address is a dead giveaway...
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 4/27/2010


I figured as much! Thanks for the advice. I won't be going online for financing unless directed by my local house bank in my city!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Sharon Drew Responded on 4/28/2010


Hi Cathleen,

Congratulations! Let me know if you run into any legal issues.

I think William Henderson is the advice to follow on this forum. He is fantastic.

Good luck.

Sharon
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 4/28/2010


Thank you Sharon, and yes I am following William's advice!! I have all my "big expenses" done, I just need to plan my drink menu pricing and once I get the location found I can add up the lease, insurance, maintenance expenses after it's found and then I can start writing the plan and get funding! I am excited!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
6

Lisa Wilson Responded on 5/2/2010


Cathleen,

I haven't seen you mention it yet, so I thought I would remind you to also check with your local board of health to go over all of the regulations regarding food service businesses, and the types of equipment you must have in order to meet the legal requirements. Also, to save yourself money, look into buying used equipment instead of new whenever you can. Sadly, with many small businesses closing their doors every day, you should be able to purchase many--if not most--of the things you need at well under cost.

Best of luck to you!
Lisa
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 5/4/2010


Thank you Lisa. Already accomplished that task!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
36

Monica Campbell Responded on 5/10/2010


Hey Cathleen!
Just wanted to say congratulations on starting your business and going after your dream. Would love to see photos of your first location once you land your commercial lease. If you need any questions regarding the day to day operations of your business, hiring employees, and product development, let me know, I would love to help.

Wishing you success,
Monica C.
http://equalaccessgroup.com
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This
 

Thank you Monica. Sorry I missed replying to you when you first posted! - Cathleen Schindler 14 on 6/24/2010

 
Add Comment
 
 
1

Jay Benjamin Responded on 5/11/2010


Hey Cathleen, hope you're staying on track with your goal! Be honest with the landlords you meet. 99.9% of the time, I sign a 3 year lease. I am sure about the location, and I talk the landlord into a step up program. For example, there is an old SunCom Wireless store right by me that I want to build out into a print shop. The lease is for about 4,000 sq ft for $4,500 a month. I made him agree to a step up plan, telling him that in the first few months, my money was better off in the business doing advertising and buying supplies rather than giving it to him. I am no good to him if I go out of business in 3 months- neither of us will see any money... Landlords don't necessarily always want what they're asking for. They just want longevity and security. So I agree to a 3 year lease, and he agrees to step up payments over 3 years- now my lease is like this- $600 for the first 6 months, then to 800 for the next 6, then 1200 the year after, and then 2400. The lease will grow as my business grows. His hope is that I make it big and resign, and I have done so in the past. At least with me, he can count on that money, even if it is 1200- there r plenty of people out there that are out of business within a few months. I just feel that the first year of having a new business- a lot of profits need to go towards advertising. So, good luck! Use your lease term as leverage to barter the deal u want!

Jay Benjamin
Movement Media
Get 5,000 Business Cards for $69! Ask me!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This
 

That is a good idea to look into when negotiating with a landlord. - Merri Pemberton 1 on 7/2/2010

 
Add Comment
 
 
1

Jay Benjamin Responded on 5/11/2010


and don't borrow any money to start this shop- Buy some nice promotional travel mugs from Discountmugs.com- put your logo on them and sell them for $20 to $30 each and use that as capital- tell them that they will get free coffee for life with that mug. If you need help designing it, just give me a shout!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 5/11/2010


okay, im totally confused Jay! I am going to have to borrow money to start this business because of everything I am doing. I have no money and just found out I am losing my job in 3 weeks! It's not just a coffee shop! I don't want to give out details, but,,, Your idea about the coffee mugs is a great idea.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
9

Eric Messersmith Responded on 5/11/2010


Good luck Cathleen with everything you are trying to do...if you need any "long-distance" help, let me know. I have a lot of experience with writing manuals and other documentation for training purposes...so, I would be happy to do what I can. Sorry about the job news...but if a door closes on you...you just need to open another one.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 5/12/2010


Thank you Eric for the help! I need it! I will let you know if I need anything. About me losing my job, I knew that was coming, but I didn't think it would happen until next spring, and that is when I plan on opening my business doors for actual business! Oh well, I have a couple weeks and another job opportunity I can apply for within my current company to stay employed by them. It's health insurance so I don't hold my breathe!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Jay Benjamin Responded on 5/12/2010


so true Eric, is there any possibility to collect unemployment cathleen? Well, it sounds stupid, but this is what my dad said before he kicked me out...lol. He said the only reason my business wasn't doing good was because I didn't need it to do good. From me wanting to make money, he turned that into a need and changed it all for me and accelerated the process.

No credit is just my rule, I like staying cash based for everything, so don't let it confuse you. I can tell your detail oriented, that's a good thing, but your attention to detail is going to delay this project. I'm not being mean, but there is no way to get this right, there is never going to be that perfect opportunity. I need some coffee.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
6

Lisa Wilson Responded on 5/12/2010


Cathleen, If you need any help with your PR/marketing I'll be glad to offer you a hand--no charge, of course. I think if we all put our heads together we can help you make your dream a reality!

You can contact me on the site or at LisaFWG01@hotmail.com if you want help, someone to bounce ideas off of, or just need to vent.

Beast of luck,
Lisa
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 5/12/2010


LOL, thank you Jay! I get the message! Yes I could collect unemployment. I have been with this company for 3 years and I have decent benefits and cannot afford to lose my job right now. I am speaking with a SCORE counselor here in Spoklahoma (spokane washington!) to get some guidance on Friday.

Thank you Lisa for the offer!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 5/31/2010


Well, jobless after Tuesday and after speaking with a SCORE counselor I am not sure what I am going to do. She told me my credit report would be highly considered when applying for "business loans" and I am too in debt thanks to student loans from getting my AAB. All I need is location and then to sit down and do all of my projections and start up figures and I will be done with my business planning. All that would be left is to type it up and get it on paper. So I am at a turning point in my life. Part of me is ready to give up for now and just wait until my youngest is off to college in 4 more years when I am 43 and not getting any younger. Not many jobs around here but I know I will land a job because I will be going through the temp agency that hooked me up with Premera from the beginning. 9 bucks an hour won't cut it though, so hopefully I can find a second job on top of a day job. Really don't know what I am going to do. I feel a Bob Seger song coming on!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Alexis Host Responded on 6/5/2010


Perhaps take your time alone to think about where you are going to be in next 4 years and put it in writing help you clear up your path.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
287

Joe Villeneuve Responded on 6/5/2010


Cathleen, You need to consider alternative funding sources. Private, not hard money. Traditional sources are going to look very closely at you where many private ones will look at the business side. Your involvement, as far as their decision making thoughts, is based on your ability to follow through with the business plan. With this in mind, get a partner with experience in operating this type of business (or similar) and use them on your business plan...even as just a mentor/advisor (paid, or it won't mean anything to them). This adds credibility to your business plan and will help you even with some traditional lenders.
I have found that one of the biggest mistakes found in loan requests is losing sight of the value of the actual presentation and the documents used. It isn't all about just the numbers, you also need to make it look good. Either one, without the other, is a weak presentation...and doomed to failure.
Make sure you have a way of buying out the mentor if needed, or set them up as a part of the team, but not controlling. With this said, if this "consultant" you use to project credibility doesn't have a vested interest in the project/business, and they have nothing to gain/lose if the project fails.succeeds, then their influence is weakened and of no use for your needs. Keep this in mind when you set up their compensation.

Joe Villeneuve
joe@3venterprises.ws
http://3venterprises.blogspot.com/2010/02/where-is-all-financing-now2.html
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/5/2010


I do want mostly private money if I can find the right private investor. If that happens things will work out great! Good idea about the partner deal Joe. Alexis I do have a 4 year plan - just getting a little twisted now with life events. I am still on track so far. I will be making some huge sacrifices soon to get the ball rolling faster!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
287

Joe Villeneuve Responded on 6/5/2010


My sources will probably work for you. Part of which private source you present to depends on the specifics of your business plan, how much and when you need the money (including phasing), and who is involved with the project.
The idea involving a consultant with a vested interest was something I used way back when I started my first business. I also used it when I started real estate investing. My background includes owning my own architectural firm for about 30 years. One of the things I used to do was be a featured speaker for people wanting to be their own contractor for their house. In order for them to get a construction loan, without any construction experience, they used to put the carpenter/builder on as the expert that had a vested interest since they were the carpenter on the job. They got the loan every time.

Joe Villeneuve
joe@3venterprises.ws
http://3venterprises.blogspot.com/2010/02/where-is-all-financing-now2.html
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/6/2010


Okay Joe. Let me get my personal life organized and little more under control in the next day or two and I will check out the link you have in your post. I truly need to sit down and re-write my current business plan -without perfect projections only because I need to get a rough draft started - I have a basic plan that I organized and wrote while in school for business as a class assignment, but I definitely need to get all my current information in that plan as far as my venders, costs, etc...
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
287

Joe Villeneuve Responded on 6/6/2010


Cathleen, Contact me directly if you have any questions to help you get started. No charge.

Joe Villeneuve
joe@3venterprises.ws
http://3venterprises.blogspot.com/2010/02/where-is-all-financing-now2.html
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/9/2010


I sent you an email Joe.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/13/2010


How in the world do you plan for unexpected expenses. What percentage do you add on to your costs to cover any unexpected expenses?
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
287

Joe Villeneuve Responded on 6/13/2010


This depends on the business you are taking about and what expenses you left out. This also depends on if your business will be large or small retail, service, or a combination of both...also if it will be brick and mortar , online or both.

Joe Villeneuve
joe@3venterprises.ws
http://3venterprises.blogspot.com/2010/02/where-is-all-financing-now2.html
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
287

Joe Villeneuve Responded on 6/13/2010


Here is another way that works...and will get you exactly what you're looking for. Put your business plan in front of some to try to get financing. They will probably deny you the money, but they will also tell you what you are lacking in the way of expenses in your budget estimation.

Joe Villeneuve
joe@3venterprises.ws
http://3venterprises.blogspot.com/2010/02/where-is-all-financing-now2.html
1
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/13/2010


ok, thanks Joe!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
287

Joe Villeneuve Responded on 6/14/2010


The best way to plan for something you really can't plan for...like unknown expenses, is to get a large enough corporate line of credit. This can be done easier than you might think...even with a new company. I have a source that can do this for you as well.

Joe Villeneuve
joe@3venterprises.ws
http://3venterprises.blogspot.com/2010/02/where-is-all-financing-now2.html
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/14/2010


okay, thank you. I was going to use the advice I read from an online source by basically tripling my start-up costs which would count for my basic start-up, hidden and first month in business. I will be in touch with you!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
287

Joe Villeneuve Responded on 6/14/2010


Be careful using that approach. You may over estimate and not get the loan because of that.

Joe Villeneuve
joe@3venterprises.ws
http://3venterprises.blogspot.com/2010/02/where-is-all-financing-now2.html
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/14/2010


ok. I will be contacting a business owner in the area and seeking advice, so hopefully I can get a better handle on this whole thing!
1
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Enrique Shadah Responded on 6/16/2010


You may want to use www.projectedfinancials.com and have a CPA friend review the math with you. Once you are up and running with the software, it get's easier.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/16/2010


oh wow, thanks Enrique for the link, that is a huge help to me!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
24

Rob Docherty Responded on 6/21/2010


Cathleen, I'd be happy to give you a kick in the right direction to get this thing moving. You have a vast array of talented individuals on this website, as well as in this particular posting. If you would be interested in having yet another person, that is perhaps [younger] than others, I am 24 years old and had a similar business idea to yours [many moons ago], that I decided not to embark own due to not having a good team.

If you would like to talk, you can connect to me via www.SocialVouch.com/users/robdocherty - my website, and email: docherty.rob@gmail.com or of course on here. There would be no charge for my time, and I feel that having a younger perspective could help.

I look forward to speaking Cathleen. To Joe: Amen! :)
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/21/2010


Thanks Rob
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
24

Rob Docherty Responded on 6/21/2010


Cathleen; If you have any messaging platforms we could use that :) I'm around right now if you feel like chatting.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Sean Deshler Responded on 6/23/2010


Cathleen, Weve been involved in a lot of startups and typically what we see happen is during the launch phase, revenue is about half of projection and expenses are close to double. So when doing income & expense projections, Id recommend running 3 separate sets of numbers, "targets," "conservative" and "horrible." The "horrible" numbers are a stress test. if your business is financially healthy enough to survive 6 months of horrible, then Id say you have a pretty good plan.

Also, you gotta be really careful how you raise money. If youre talking to an investor add "as long as everything goes well" to everything they say. Best case scenario is to bootstrap the business and keep as few entanglements as possible until you know whether "the dog will eat the dogfood." In other words, dont make large capital investments until you get a gauge of the market's response to your offering. Also, if youre doing this all yourself... dont. It sucks, and the more you succeed the worse it will suck because theres just too much work. From day one, you want to try and surround yourself with the best people. So, even though its your dream, let a few people in (not family members and not silent money partners) and make them bring some of their own capital as well as a sweat equity commitment to the business.

I think you can totally do it, but I know its hard!

Sean Deshler
BrandingVine Marketing Services
http://www.brandingvine.com
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Carlos Yarritu Responded on 6/23/2010


Cathleen,

Take a look at www.businessdoneeasy.com. On this site, you can promote yourself as an expert in your field of business. Works great.

All the best,

Carlos
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This
 

Thank you Carlos for the help! - Cathleen Schindler 14 on 6/24/2010

 
Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/23/2010


thank you Sean for the wonderful advice. I truly appreciate all your knowledge.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/23/2010


thank you Sean for the wonderful advice. I truly appreciate all your knowledge. Thank you Carlos for the link!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Madhuri M Responded on 6/24/2010


Cathleen,

I have been through the things you are going through currently. I can totally relate to you when it comes to opening a conventional business. Yes you can get a lot of help from the market however when it comes to profit and loss; you are the one baring that. I did run a conventional business for three years and finally gave it up (don't take it otherwise) since the running cost was way more than what I was making.

If you feel appropriate; we can talk and I can share some good and bad experiences those will help you planning your business venture in a better way.

if you feel appropriate you can contact me at 404-585-8463.

0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/24/2010


Thank you Madhuri, I will call you after my job interview today! I am PST so it will be late afternoon for you if that is okay?!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Madhuri M Responded on 6/24/2010


Cathleen,

Wish you the best for your job interview. Yes, call me per your convenience. I am in the EST.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
6

Normand Barnette Responded on 6/28/2010


I'm going to start a European oriented coffee shop based on a Scottish theme, I don't have any capital. So I'm going out of my way to get a poor mans copyright on every drawing I've made. I live in O.C Fullerton near the Anaheim Four Square church! I know a lot of people there who want to start coffee shops besides me. I think it would be good if every small coffee shop enterprenuer partnered their skills to make an army against the empires that already exist.
1
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This
 

I agree, that is an interesting idea. I would like to keep up with your updates and how everything is going with your venture. - Merri Pemberton 1 on 7/2/2010

 
 

Hello, if you need a reliable Espresso machine for your Coffee Shop, please contact me at GENSACO 800 506-1935. Thanks Al Elvino - Al Elvino 1 on 7/6/2010

 
 

Normand - how is your coffee business planning going? I am on hold for a bit until I find a different location. - Cathleen Schindler 14 on 9/26/2010

 
Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/29/2010


that is a great goal Normand. Good job getting copyrights on your drawings. I have no drawings yet, except in my head! I am at a stump in the road right now, so I am not sure what to do. I need more legal/expert advice and just sit down and come up with some dollar figures. I am scared and hoping I win the lottery so I can just get the ball rolling without having to find financing, because I feel I could get better research done once I actually started paying for the stuff I know I will need. Oh well. I am a total rookie at business starting, but I love my crazy dream/business idea so I just need to knuckle down.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Sean Deshler Responded on 6/29/2010


Cathleen, from what youre saying, I think it would be wise for you to hop on board with a team of people wanting to start a coffee business, maybe in a marketing role. You sound like you have a vision for the vibe and the branding, but not so much for the business model itself, which is key. A good team needs to have someone who is the bean counter who can play the "straight man" and keep everybodys feet on the ground. this person should also be able to rationalize capitalization requirements and know what money will be spent on and when. then you need someone who gets super excited about making the operations flow like a well oiled machine (think franchise model, kaizen, etc). this person thinks as the operational model (inputs, outputs, etc) as beautiful in and of itself... for how efficient it is. then you need someone who knows about selling, brand building, marketing and generating buzz. from what ive read in this thread, i think this is probably you. and you need someone in charge that gets the vision, can make tough decisions, and most importantly can keep all the other people pulling in the same direction. if you have room on the team, you also want a product management person who can manage the company's line and introduce / retire products in accordance with their lifestyle. really all of these skills are totally different and require a completely seperate mindset. i would recomend that instead of talking to investors, first start by building a winning team.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This
 

I like your idea Sean - but I can't find a partner, nor lender, and right now my life is in debt and personal disarray. - Cathleen Schindler 14 on 11/1/2010

 
Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 6/29/2010


Thank you Sean for the wise words.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This
 

Hello Cathleen! I love your idea, and we could always use coffee shops that have a different twist and become alternatives to a Starbucks. Do no give up on this dream...I know of many people who would be interested in becoming future customers to your future coffee shop. Can't wait to hear more of your developments. I will keep a lookout for any contacts that I have that may be able to contribute or help you find what you need for business development and/or publicity. - Merri Pemberton 1 on 7/2/2010

 
Add Comment
 
 
1

Carlos Yarritu Responded on 7/1/2010


Cathleen,

Visit www.businessdoneeasy.com for a good way to promote yourself as an expert in your area. Hope this helps.

Carlos
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Carlos Yarritu Responded on 7/1/2010


Cathleen,

I did not realize that I had already posted to your forum suggesting this site. Good luck.

Carlos
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
31

Julie Sturgeon Responded on 7/7/2010


When you have this team in place, check out options like 40billion.com. I did a profile on these guys when I was in the journalism game -- they help you set up a professional account with friends and family investing in your business. The formal parameters make sure these folks are paid back at the correct interest rate, but it can raise money to either supplement or replace a traditional loan.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 7/7/2010


okay, thank you Julie for the information! I am at a road block right now - trying to figure stuff out!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Carlos Yarritu Responded on 7/7/2010


I'm sorry that you are having trouble. Hang in there Cathleen, let me know if you need help with business.

Carlos
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Guy Farmer Responded on 7/18/2010


Congratulations on your dream. It might be helpful for you to connect with a SCORE counselor in your area who can help you access the people you need to talk with to develop your business. The idea is to get connected with people who "get it" about your concept and will be willing to invest. You may want to check a local university for their small business development office through their business school. There are also nonprofits that help small businesses with funding.

<a href="http://www.guyfarmer.com/businesscoach">www.guyfarmer.com/businesscoach</a>
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 7/18/2010


thanks Guy!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 7/22/2010


I have job interviews all week long! I found the perfect location for my business (with a little remodeling help). Just need to get my menu created with pricing and get the lease and remodeling costs figured out so I can do my financials.

Wow! I am a busy girl!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
6

Robert Zacny Responded on 7/22/2010


I just found your info and have scanned most of the replys. I have served as a business counselro at the Small Business Development Center here in Dallas area. In addition to SCORE, the Small Business Development Center near you may be a great, FREE, source of help.Most of the people at these SBA sponsored centers are sincere and capable. Go to www.sba.gov to seek out a center near you, or do a Google search. If you want to talk a bit, my site is www.yourbusinesscounselor.com and I offer a free 1/4 hour intro session.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Edward Franklin Responded on 9/18/2010


cathleen I have a three year projection plan I can email to you if you are interested email me at cleaning21@hotmail.com very simple to fill out let me know if you are interested thanks
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 9/19/2010


Thank you to you all for all the helpful posts. Right now I am stuck -jobless since June but I have been working for a temp agency for 3 weeks thankfully - and I found out my perfect location is going to cost 7 grand a month, so I have to find some time to start looking for other locations. I have a small drink menu planned and will start on my food menu soon -
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Marcus Williams Responded on 9/19/2010


STRUGGLING MOM & POPS STORES ONLY, if you are a struggling mom & pops store please email me klubw@yahoo.com. i'll explain all details
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
1

Marcus Williams Responded on 9/19/2010


ATTENTION STRUGGLING MOM & POPS STORES , if you are a struggling mom & pops store please email me klubw@yahoo.com for further details
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
21

Ashley Casey Responded on 9/24/2010


Cathleen,

I can see you've been going through a lot, but don't get discouraged! Sometimes we all need that little extra kick in the butt to get things going. If you need help with any of the writing, feel free to contact us. Many of our clients have the ideas and the information, they just can't put it down in words and in a presentable format.

www.branchofsuccess.com
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
34

Linda Anderson Responded on 9/24/2010


Working with Entrepreneurs Worldwide. http://Linda.FilipinoWealthBuilders.com
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 9/26/2010


Thank you Ashley and Linda. Will keep posting as I get further with the research.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
3

Michel Helou Responded on 9/26/2010


Hey Cathleen,
This is michel.
I'm trying to do the same thing in San Diego, California.
We probably can share some ideas
Good luck
helou.investments@gmail.com
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
21

Cindy Hoff Responded on 9/26/2010


Go to your Secretary of State's web site. Usually they have a starting business area and it usually has links to local groups that help small businesses get started.
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
21

Cindy Hoff Responded on 9/26/2010


Don't fall for people wanting to "help" for a fee, There are groups, such as S.C.O.R.E. who will gladly help you for free.
1
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
14

Cathleen Schindler Responded on 9/26/2010


Thank you Cindy. I am being very careful!
0
PartnerUp! Mark As Spam Share This Add Comment
 
 
 Respond to thread
( Paste a youtube link to embed a video. eg: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ )
Share on:



 Latest Business Articles

Learn more about being in business
The PartnerUp's Community's "How-To" content provides a deeper, more complete look into the topics and issues facing small business owners.



Read more..


 Explore The Community



 Helpful Resources


 
 
Home » Forums » Starting A Business » Need Help With My Dream