By dallaschamber Business Tips • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Creating a business plan

The following post is from forbes.com writer Patrick Hull.

Bio – Patrick Hull

I am a serial entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience launching successful companies, including GetLoaded.com, a freight matching service for long-haul truckers that revolutionized the transportation sector. As a business owner and investor, I have financial interests in more than 30 companies which span a variety of industries, including transportation, technology, entertainment, real estate, energy, insurance, and mobile applications. I believe it’s important for professionals to be strong community stewards and serve as mentors for the next generation of entrepreneurs. From Richmond, VA, I’m also active in philanthropic efforts throughout the United States and across the world.

[Previously,] I discussed the components of a strong business plan and why entrepreneurs should create them, regardless of their venture.

I’ve had experience both developing business plans and reviewing them for potential investments. Although an idea is what often gets investors interested, a business plan is definitely needed to get financial support from them.

The simple act of writing down your idea and outlining how the business will operate can be helpful to ensure that you communicate your vision and that everyone is on the same page. It also helps you benchmark and check your progress as the company grows.

A business plan is crucial to get support for your vision because it shows that you have thought through an idea clearly and aren’t just winging it.

For example, I once wrote an entire business plan with a business partner on paper towels. We recognized an opportunity, but had to write it down and test the idea to make sure it would work (we didn’t have any paper handy, although that didn’t stop us). The plan was just for us, but we still had had to see if the vision, the financials, and the strategy were sound. We created that company and it went on to gross millions of dollars a month. In other words, your business plan doesn’t have to be some manicured document in order to make it successful.

Now with this example keep in mind that I didn’t need to raise capital for this company and I had existing expertise in this industry. I’m certainly not advocating people draft business plans on paper towels! However, even with capital and expertise, it was still important to write out our idea and create a business plan. Otherwise, the company could have lacked direction and structure.

Your business plan should be clear and provide a roadmap for your company. Without a plan, you’ll find it more difficult to communicate your vision and see a path to growth.

Here are five other business plan writing tips I’ve found useful during my career:

Get rid of the fluff: You should always be as concise as possible and remove any filler language. Even if it sounds nice, fluff gets you nowhere and wastes space. Plus, no investors want to read a long business plan. Get to the point quickly.

Be realistic: You should be honest with yourself in your business plan, which is why it’s important to consider challenges and opportunities. If you’ve got a strong idea, let it stand on its merit.

Show you’re conservative: Everyone says they’re “conservative” in their business plans, but most aren’t. You should be. Use examples to demonstrate that you’re conservative in your approach and projections.

Visuals are good: Whenever possible, and without overdoing it, use visuals in your business plan. Graphs, charts, and images can help bring your concept to life. Plus, it breaks up the text and helps a plan flow better.

Be creative: Include a creative element in your business plan so you stand out and grab someone’s attention. You can use templates, but don’t look identical to a template. Do something unique to make the plan yours.

If you need help writing a business plan (the financial information can be complicated), here’s a guide from SCORE, a nonprofit association that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners, to a number of business plan templates.

 

By dallaschamber Business Spotlight • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Allstate Agency – Tomas Patton – Member Spotlight

The Tomas Patton Agency lives an works along side you in Dallas, so they know firsthand what living and driving is like in and around Dallas –  whether you’re commuting to work, heading back home or getting out of town for the weekend.  As a local Allstate agency, and local residents ourselves, you can count on them to understand how to help you protect yourself – and your belongings – from cold days to rainy weather.  They believe in treating people with respect, whether you’re calling them for the first time or have worked with them for years.  You can count on the Tomas Patton Agency to be there when you have questions about your insurance needs or if you need to file a claim on your home or auto.

Tomas told us, “Customers are the most important focus for what we do, and the agency is here to help them choose the insurance coverage that fits their life.”

So whether you are located in Dallas or any where surrounding the Dallas Area and are seeking a review of your insurance, call Tomas and his team see what they can help you with regarding auto, home, renters, motorcycle, life, ATV, boat or business insurance products.

By dallaschamber Business Spotlight • DACC • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

He Drives all the Nuts Around Dallas – Squirrel’s Taxi Service

The One & Only Taxi in Dallas, OR.  Forget the big-name transportation apps, They aren’t permitted in town anyway.  You really want a ride with Squirrels Taxi Service, the preferred method of transportation for the locals of Dallas, OR and throughout Polk County. Owner Merlin Berkey is safe, dedicated, friendly and hardworking. Squirrels Taxi Service holds the same characteristics as the beloved woodland creatures our company is named after. Merlin was once referred to as a hero.  A retired Dallas police officer shared that he felt that without Merlin, there would likely be a lot more driving related injuries and fatalities, emphasizing that “he really is a hero.”

Rides for Any Reason or Occasion.  Need a ride to an appointment? We can provide you with the medical transportation you need. Had too many drinks? We’ll be your designated drivers so the party never has to stop. Whatever reason you may need to get to and from, let Squirrel’s get you where you need to be.

Home

By dallaschamber Business Spotlight • DACC • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Member Spotlight – Dallas School District

Dallas School District serves a large geographic area of nearly 250 square miles. The students enrolled in the school system represent nearly half of all students served by Polk County schools. A staff of over 300 licensed and classified people work in six schools and one administrative building. The District also sponsors Luckiamute Valley Charter School (formerly Pedee School and Bridgeport Elementary) as well as Dallas Community School, another Charter School in Dallas.

They believe the school is one of the major institutions through which our cultural, political and social heritage is transmitted from generation to generation and the means by which the members of our society are prepared intellectually to evaluate and control cultural, political and social changes.

The primary purpose of the Dallas School District is to provide opportunities for the full intellectual development of each child. The child has the responsibility to himself and society to purposely pursue the educational opportunities provided him. Dallas School District has a shared responsibility with parents and with other institutions and agencies for the social, physical, and emotional growth and development of the individual child.

It is an obligation to our children, community, and country to institute those programs necessary to fulfill the education needs of our children and to provide the facilities, materials, technology, and staff required to do so.

The School District has partnered with the Chamber by being on the board, sponsoring business-centric events, working on business solutions pertaining to workforce development.

Dallas School District is working hard to shape the future, participate with them.

https://www.dallas.k12.or.us/

By dallaschamber Business Spotlight • DACC • Member News • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Member Spotlight – MAK Grills

MAK Grills is a family and veteran owned, US-based company rooted in over 25 years of metalworking and fabrication experience. An acronym for Matt, Alex & Kal, MAK Grills got its start from our desire to create a pellet grill that measured up to our high quality standards. We wanted to create a pellet grill company that truly put quality and customer service squarely where they should be, at the core of who we are.

Upon discovering pellet grilling, we instantly loved the idea of precision-control and genuine smoke flavor, but we had long been disappointed by models that kept falling short of what we knew a pellet grill could be. At MAK, our grills have been designed without cutting any corners to be nothing short but best-in-class, reaching the peak balance of temperature control and real smoke flavor.

We are often asked, “Why do your units cost more than most of your competitors?” The simple answer is, their units are built overseas and have a fraction of the features found on MAK Grills.

The saying, “You get what you pay for” has never been truer than right now. In a world filled with disposable products, MAK Grills stands out as a manufacturer that cares about building long-lasting products that customers can enjoy for many years. Many of our grill components are made of stainless steel, so they won’t rust, and will last for years to come. We design our grills to exceed your expectations for a quality product.

https://makgrills.com/

By dallaschamber DACC • DAVC • General Information • Member News • Uncategorized • Upcoming Events • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Red, White, BOOM! Happy Independence Day!

Independence Day 2018, also known as Fourth of July, is a federal holiday observed yearly on July fourth. It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence of the United States of America from Great Britain in 1776.

Dallas will once again be celebrating the Fourth of July in a big way; Red, White, BOOM! We invite you to join us Wednesday for a spectacular day and evening for family fun as we recognize our service men and women with a beer garden, vendors, non-profit hosted games, field games, live band, a DJ, food trucks, and of course the first-rate fireworks show at dusk. The celebration will continue on July 6th with the sanctioned BBQ Competition Smoke of the Dragon!

All activities will be held at the Roger Jordan Community Park. Dallas Fire and EMS Department will light off the show from LaCreole Middle School. Citizens are encouraged to grab their chairs, blankets and family for the celebration. Come down early to pick your spot!

If you are headed to Keizer to celebrate this Fourth of July be sure to pick up your ticket to the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 12th Annual Patriotic Tribute baseball game. With his family in attendance, the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes will Thank, Honor, and Salute the “Ultimate Sacrifice” of Fallen Marine, Sergeant Ian Tawney of Dallas.  This annual salute to fallen heroes will honor one of our own local heroes.  Tickets may be close to sold out but check for yourself by clicking here.

By dallaschamber Business Spotlight • DACC • General Information • Member News • Uncategorized • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Dallas School District #2

Dallas School District serves a large geographic area of nearly 250 square miles. The students enrolled in the school system represent nearly half of all students served by Polk County schools. A staff of 169 licensed and 152 classified people work in six schools and one administrative building. The District also sponsors Luckiamute Valley Charter School (formerly Pedee School and Bridgeport Elementary)

They believe the school is one of the major institutions through which our cultural, political and social heritage is transmitted from generation to generation and the means by which the members of our society are prepared intellectually to evaluate and control cultural, political and social changes.

The primary purpose of Dallas School District is to provide opportunities for the full intellectual development of each child. The child has the responsibility to himself and society to purposely pursue the educational opportunities provided him. Dallas School District has a shared responsibility with parents and with other institutions and agencies for the social, physical, and emotional growth and development of the individual child.

It is an obligation to our children, community and country to institute those programs necessary to fulfill the education needs of our children and to provide the facilities, materials, technology, and staff required to do so.

Dallas School District is working hard to shape the future.

https://www.dallas.k12.or.us/

By dallaschamber Business Spotlight • DACC • General Information • Member News • Uncategorized • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Polk Itemizer Observer

If you live in Dallas you are familiar with our trusted news source, Itemizer-Observer. They have been serving Polk County since 1875 and the Dallas Chamber is proud to have them as a Cornerstone Member. We work hard to bring our community great events and the sponsorship and advertisement from the Itemizer-Observer greatly support our efforts. Their support of our community during their time here in Dallas cannot be missed.

Polk Itemizer Observer actively covers sports, events, and works hard to highlight what’s going on in Dallas and give its citizens a voice.

Emily Mentzer, editor at the Itemizer-Observer had this to say, “We have a renewed focus on serving our readers and our local businesses. We have a lot to offer both in print and online, and we’re taking full advantage of it to keep readers informed and help businesses get their message out.” Don’t just take our word for it, Dallas Residents have this to say about Polk Itemizer Observer: “A great way to stay informed on the happenings in and around Polk County!”

“This is a great small town newspaper. They do a really good job of staying local and reporting on the important things in the community. My kids have been featured many times with sports and different school activities. I’m very glad to have this paper in our small town. Thank you!”

  • Matthew H

https://www.polkio.com/

By dallaschamber Business Spotlight • DACC • General Information • Member News • Uncategorized • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Columbia Bank

Wherever you are headed, Columbia Bank has the people and resources to help get you there. It starts with “Hello.” They never forget a name of a face. Real human beings answer their phones. Their commitment to providing all the services required to help the build strong Northwest communities is firmly rooted in their DNA.

Growth is vital to remaining a preferred option for customers. It advances the services and expertise they provide on their customers’ behalf. Columbia Bank has grown both organically and through acquisition, in cases where they recognized the benefits of a strong fiscal and cultural fit. In the process, they have leveraged their community-minded, locally committed way of doing business from a single branch to a 150+ branch regional footprint throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

They demonstrate this commitment through their comprehensive approach to community engagement, empowering employees to address the unique needs of their communities through four distinct pillars: fundraising, employee giving, volunteerism, and company giving. Providing support through these employee-driven pillars allows them to have the greatest impact in the communities they serve. Because of these efforts, they are deeply woven into the fabric of our communities.

People truly do make all of the difference.

https://www.columbiabank.com/

By dallaschamber Business Books • DACC • General Information • motivation • Uncategorized • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

The Outward Mindset

An outward mindset will greatly impact how we negotiate our world and the impact we will have. An outward mindset helps us to see the world as it is and not how we imagine it to be. An outward mindset doesn’t come naturally though. We have to consciously change how we think about the world and about others.

In The Outward Mindset, the Arbinger Institute reports that “the biggest lever for change is not a change in self-belief but a fundamental change in the way one sees and regards one’s connections with and obligations to others.”

Moving from an inward mindset to an outward mindset is more than a surface adjustment or behavioral change alone. It requires a change in how we see and think about others. How we see and respond to others is not so much about them as it is a reflection of what is going on inside of us. We often fixate on other’s shortcomings so we don’t have to deal with our own.

Arbinger has discovered that those who consistently work with an outward mindset follow a pattern. They:

· See the needs, objectives, and challenges of others (Create opportunities for people to see each other so they can begin to talk.)

· Adjust their efforts to be more helpful to others (“Real helpfulness can’t be made into a formula. To be outward doesn’t mean that people should adopt this or that prescribed behavior. Rather, it means that when people see the needs, challenges, desire, and humanity of others, the most effective ways to adjust their efforts occur to them in the moment. When they see others as people, they respond in human and helpful ways.”)

· Measure and hold themselves accountable for the impact of their work on others (“Measuring one’s impact requires nothing but a willingness to stay in regular conversations with others about whether they feel one’s efforts are helping them or not.”)

An outward-mindset begins with you. “While the goal in shifting mindsets is to get everyone turned toward each other, accomplishing this goal is possible only if people are prepared to turn their mindsets toward others with no expectation that others will change their mindsets in return. This capability—to change the way I see and work with others regardless of whether they change—overcomes the biggest impediment to mindset change: the natural, inward-mindset inclination to wait for others to change before doing anything different oneself.” This of course, is true leadership.

The chamber office is carrying this book. Stop by and purchase your copy today to learn how you and your organization can benefit from building an “outward mindset”.