Into the Tank: Entrepreneurs Swim with Sharks

Into the Tank: Entrepreneurs Swim with Sharks Module 1
To Be Or Not To Be. . . An Entrepreneur

What do you think of when you hear the words small business?  You may imagine your favorite local restaurant or crafting store. However, small businesses employ around 60 million people a year and play a major role in the job market and the economy. In module 1, we will look at the type of small business you want to start and look at the time, energy, skills and training you may need to make it work!  We will also examine your strengths and weaknesses and look at how to improve upon what you can do to improve your entrepreneurial skills.   Also explored in module one is the differences in types of businesses, branding, cash flow, inventory, and product development.

• Small Business 101
• What’s Your Entrepreneurial Quotient?
• Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
• Getting Educated Traditional VS. DIY
• Your Big Idea

Into the Tank: Entrepreneurs Swim with Sharks Module 2
Setting Up Shop. . . Money Matters!

During Module two, we will look at how to understand your target market.  Defining a market can make many first-time entrepreneurs uncomfortable, but after completing this module you will know how to find your market and understand how to identify the competition. Also included in Module two is discussion on how to choose the name for your business, build core values, and develop your business model. Module two looks at types of insurances to consider before opening your business.  Deciding upon accounting methods, tax preparation, and understanding financing is pertinent to running a successful company.  Some of the best ideas are never execute or only half executed due to the lack of financial planning.  Module two will culminate with how to finance your business and mater the pitch.

• Finding Your Customers
• Picking the Perfect Name
• Getting Down to Business
• Making it Official
• Knowing Your Numbers

Into the Tank: Entrepreneurs Swim with Sharks Module 3
Open for Business

Running a business, especially during the first year, requires tremendous focus and energy.  Module three will take you through a checklist of items to consider before opening day. Included in this checklist is finding the right vendor.  Your vendors are a reflection of both you and your brand, so it’s critical that you only work with the very best you can afford.  Another key item when opening your business is how you will connect to the outside-how will you market your product?  There are many ways to market, and this week, we will take a look at the types of marketing and how to decide which to use upon your start-up.  You many not think that you are a salesman-but every day the average person spends the majority of his day trying to sell one thing or another. Module three will look at how to sell in smarter, more effective ways. 

• Up and Running
• Choosing the Right Vendor
• The Big Bad Launch
• Mastering Marketing
• Learning to Sell

Into the Tank: Entrepreneurs Swim with Sharks Module 4
Technology and Workplace Challenges

Hiring the wrong person can have a disastrous impact on your business.  Hiring the right member of your team can help you go to the next level.  In our final module we will look at the basics of building the right team for you.  You also need an appealing business culture in order to attract the right employees. This week, we will examine how to build and improve your culture as well as define types of leadership and determine which type you are most associated with.  As you build your culture and choose the right employees, your business may be ready to go to the next level.   Module four looks at franchising basics and how to decide if and when it is right for you.  Wrapping up this lesson is a question and answer session with the Sharks of “Shark Tank.”  They will share tips and give advice for present and future entrepreneurs.

• Building the Right Team
• Creating Killer Culture
• A New Generation of Leadership
• Franchising Your Business
• Swimming with Sharks: A Roundtable