Making fishing lures may be easy for the seasoned do-it-yourself angler. But the maintenance of these lures is just as important to ensure a tip-top condition.
After buying or making the fishing lures there is still the responsibility of taking care of and repairing them so that they are always in good condition. This requires some effort and time but is usually easy for the angler who makes his own fishing lures.
Since he makes them and puts them together, he also knows how to take them apart and repair them. He also has the tools and fishing lure parts necessary for such work. All the tools required to assemble the parts and make the lures are explained on this page at http://www.make-your-own-fishing-lures.com/hand-tools.html .
Fishing lures in general do not require much care when storing them in a home or shop. The best idea is to put them into cabinet drawers or individual boxes so that they can be found easily and can be kept dry. In humid climates or near the seashore it is important not to expose the metal parts to the air; otherwise, hooks will rust and other metals will corrode.
Fishing lures that have feathers or hair should be kept in airtight containers so that moths and other insects or small animals will not get to them. This also applies to new fishing lures that haven't yet been used. Lures which have been used require considerable care if you want to get the maximum use from them. Freshwater fishing lures usually require less care and repair than saltwater ones.
In general, when examining any fishing lure you have made or bought it's a wise policy to repair it if you are the least bit doubtful about its condition. Repairing usually means sandpapering the part of the lure body that is slightly chipped and then touching up with a small brush, using enamels or lacquers.
Replace the hooks with new ones if they are badly rusted. When doing this it is important to use the same size and weight as the old ones so that the action of the fishing lure is not changed in any way. If the damage is too bad and the lure cannot be repaired, throw it away after salvaging any usable parts.
It doesn't pay to take chances with a fishing lure that is weak in any way. You may hook a record fish but lose it if the lure is not dependable. Many anglers who buy their fishing lures in tackle stores often use them until they fall apart, before buying new ones. But if you make your own fishing lures you can afford to use only those that are still in good condition.
It is better to be safe than sorry.
------------------------------------------------------
Keith Lee is a practical, do-it-yourself angler and owns Make-Your-Own-Fishing-Lures.com , an info-packed website on making fishing lures. Learn how to make high-quality fishing lures at http://www.make-your-own-fishing-lures.com and use it as your trusted guide on home made fishing lures.
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your newsletter or on your website so long as you leave all active links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed here.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Can You Really Develop An Outstanding Basketball Shot?
Struggling with your basketball shooting? We're going to begin fixing that right now!
First, let's look at some general tips as you're striving to reach your full basketball shooting potential:
1) Focus: This is absolutely necessary to have any real success in basketball. Focus on delivering your best.
2) Confidence: You can know all the basketball tips, plays or drills in the world, but if you don't have a powerful self-image, you're in for a tough haul.
The good news? You'll develop more confidence as you practice.
3) Desire: Put simply, you gotta want it more than the next guy!
4) Positive Attitude: No one likes a crybaby, right? If you put out a negative vibe, it's gonna affect everything from your team to all your fundamentals and skills. Develop a child-like enthusiasm in what you do.
5) Never Give Up
Basketball shooting is what everyone gets the most excited about. It's thrilling when the ball makes it through the hoop and more points are piled on.
Realize that becoming great at basketball shooting (free throws, layups, 3-pointers, etc.) means putting in tons of practice time. Shooting is a skill. Whether or not you become better or worse depends on whether or not you're practicing correctly.
Let's dig into the fundamentals of the "One-Handed Set Shot".
Shot Set-Up
Get your basic set-up right. Feet shoulder width apart, weight spread evenly on the balls of your feet with the knees bent slightly. If you're right-handed, place your right foot slightly ahead of the left and stick your butt out slightly. Remember, your power comes from the legs, not arms. The shot begins from the floor up.
Ball Placement
Hold the ball close to your chest, just below your chin. Your shooting hand should be positioned a little under the ball and a little more toward the back. Non-shooting hand should be cupped, slightly under the ball and a little more toward the front.
Load the Gun
Lock your wrist and cock it back. If the ball is cocked correctly, you'll see wrinkles on the back of your wrist.
Elbow and Head Placement
Your hand, forearm, elbow, knee and foot should be in a straight line. Don't let your elbows stick out at your side. This will change the ball's rotation and might make it curve. Keep the elbow pointed at the basket.
Keep your head up and directly above the midpoint between your feet. Focus on the front of the rim before, during, and after your shot.
The Shot
Your weight should roll up onto the toes of your forward foot. Be sure you're releasing upward and toward the basket and not reaching forward as you release. It's OK to leave your feet a bit as your back foot gives you a quick, upward push. Throw your head up and through and then land just ahead of the position from where you began.
As the ball leaves your hand, the fingers and thumbs on each hand should be well spread with the palms almost facing one another. Snap your wrist to release the ball off your fingers and achieve the correct back spin necessary for a soft shot.
Follow Through
In your follow through, the forefinger should be the last finger to touch the ball. Your palm turns out a bit as the ball is released. Visualize putting your hand into the basket as this will help you get complete elbow extension and wrist flexion during the follow through.
Craving more basketball shooting tips? Visit us!
Matt & Dave run http://basketball-plays-and-tips.com and enjoy teaching basketball players and coaches more about the basketball plays, drills, fundamentals and tips that result in individual and team success. For our free report, "5 Keys to Discovering the Successful Coach Inside You", plus two additional player/coach reports, send a blank email to mailto:basketballtip@aweber.com .
We give full permission for you to use this article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our website link and email link included.
First, let's look at some general tips as you're striving to reach your full basketball shooting potential:
1) Focus: This is absolutely necessary to have any real success in basketball. Focus on delivering your best.
2) Confidence: You can know all the basketball tips, plays or drills in the world, but if you don't have a powerful self-image, you're in for a tough haul.
The good news? You'll develop more confidence as you practice.
3) Desire: Put simply, you gotta want it more than the next guy!
4) Positive Attitude: No one likes a crybaby, right? If you put out a negative vibe, it's gonna affect everything from your team to all your fundamentals and skills. Develop a child-like enthusiasm in what you do.
5) Never Give Up
Basketball shooting is what everyone gets the most excited about. It's thrilling when the ball makes it through the hoop and more points are piled on.
Realize that becoming great at basketball shooting (free throws, layups, 3-pointers, etc.) means putting in tons of practice time. Shooting is a skill. Whether or not you become better or worse depends on whether or not you're practicing correctly.
Let's dig into the fundamentals of the "One-Handed Set Shot".
Shot Set-Up
Get your basic set-up right. Feet shoulder width apart, weight spread evenly on the balls of your feet with the knees bent slightly. If you're right-handed, place your right foot slightly ahead of the left and stick your butt out slightly. Remember, your power comes from the legs, not arms. The shot begins from the floor up.
Ball Placement
Hold the ball close to your chest, just below your chin. Your shooting hand should be positioned a little under the ball and a little more toward the back. Non-shooting hand should be cupped, slightly under the ball and a little more toward the front.
Load the Gun
Lock your wrist and cock it back. If the ball is cocked correctly, you'll see wrinkles on the back of your wrist.
Elbow and Head Placement
Your hand, forearm, elbow, knee and foot should be in a straight line. Don't let your elbows stick out at your side. This will change the ball's rotation and might make it curve. Keep the elbow pointed at the basket.
Keep your head up and directly above the midpoint between your feet. Focus on the front of the rim before, during, and after your shot.
The Shot
Your weight should roll up onto the toes of your forward foot. Be sure you're releasing upward and toward the basket and not reaching forward as you release. It's OK to leave your feet a bit as your back foot gives you a quick, upward push. Throw your head up and through and then land just ahead of the position from where you began.
As the ball leaves your hand, the fingers and thumbs on each hand should be well spread with the palms almost facing one another. Snap your wrist to release the ball off your fingers and achieve the correct back spin necessary for a soft shot.
Follow Through
In your follow through, the forefinger should be the last finger to touch the ball. Your palm turns out a bit as the ball is released. Visualize putting your hand into the basket as this will help you get complete elbow extension and wrist flexion during the follow through.
Craving more basketball shooting tips? Visit us!
Matt & Dave run http://basketball-plays-and-tips.com and enjoy teaching basketball players and coaches more about the basketball plays, drills, fundamentals and tips that result in individual and team success. For our free report, "5 Keys to Discovering the Successful Coach Inside You", plus two additional player/coach reports, send a blank email to mailto:basketballtip@aweber.com .
We give full permission for you to use this article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our website link and email link included.
Can You Really Develop An Outstanding Basketball Shot?
Struggling with your basketball shooting? We're going to begin fixing that right now!
First, let's look at some general tips as you're striving to reach your full basketball shooting potential:
1) Focus: This is absolutely necessary to have any real success in basketball. Focus on delivering your best.
2) Confidence: You can know all the basketball tips, plays or drills in the world, but if you don't have a powerful self-image, you're in for a tough haul.
The good news? You'll develop more confidence as you practice.
3) Desire: Put simply, you gotta want it more than the next guy!
4) Positive Attitude: No one likes a crybaby, right? If you put out a negative vibe, it's gonna affect everything from your team to all your fundamentals and skills. Develop a child-like enthusiasm in what you do.
5) Never Give Up
Basketball shooting is what everyone gets the most excited about. It's thrilling when the ball makes it through the hoop and more points are piled on.
Realize that becoming great at basketball shooting (free throws, layups, 3-pointers, etc.) means putting in tons of practice time. Shooting is a skill. Whether or not you become better or worse depends on whether or not you're practicing correctly.
Let's dig into the fundamentals of the "One-Handed Set Shot".
Shot Set-Up
Get your basic set-up right. Feet shoulder width apart, weight spread evenly on the balls of your feet with the knees bent slightly. If you're right-handed, place your right foot slightly ahead of the left and stick your butt out slightly. Remember, your power comes from the legs, not arms. The shot begins from the floor up.
Ball Placement
Hold the ball close to your chest, just below your chin. Your shooting hand should be positioned a little under the ball and a little more toward the back. Non-shooting hand should be cupped, slightly under the ball and a little more toward the front.
Load the Gun
Lock your wrist and cock it back. If the ball is cocked correctly, you'll see wrinkles on the back of your wrist.
Elbow and Head Placement
Your hand, forearm, elbow, knee and foot should be in a straight line. Don't let your elbows stick out at your side. This will change the ball's rotation and might make it curve. Keep the elbow pointed at the basket.
Keep your head up and directly above the midpoint between your feet. Focus on the front of the rim before, during, and after your shot.
The Shot
Your weight should roll up onto the toes of your forward foot. Be sure you're releasing upward and toward the basket and not reaching forward as you release. It's OK to leave your feet a bit as your back foot gives you a quick, upward push. Throw your head up and through and then land just ahead of the position from where you began.
As the ball leaves your hand, the fingers and thumbs on each hand should be well spread with the palms almost facing one another. Snap your wrist to release the ball off your fingers and achieve the correct back spin necessary for a soft shot.
Follow Through
In your follow through, the forefinger should be the last finger to touch the ball. Your palm turns out a bit as the ball is released. Visualize putting your hand into the basket as this will help you get complete elbow extension and wrist flexion during the follow through.
Craving more basketball shooting tips? Visit us!
Matt & Dave run http://basketball-plays-and-tips.com and enjoy teaching basketball players and coaches more about the basketball plays, drills, fundamentals and tips that result in individual and team success. For our free report, "5 Keys to Discovering the Successful Coach Inside You", plus two additional player/coach reports, send a blank email to mailto:basketballtip@aweber.com .
We give full permission for you to use this article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our website link and email link included.
First, let's look at some general tips as you're striving to reach your full basketball shooting potential:
1) Focus: This is absolutely necessary to have any real success in basketball. Focus on delivering your best.
2) Confidence: You can know all the basketball tips, plays or drills in the world, but if you don't have a powerful self-image, you're in for a tough haul.
The good news? You'll develop more confidence as you practice.
3) Desire: Put simply, you gotta want it more than the next guy!
4) Positive Attitude: No one likes a crybaby, right? If you put out a negative vibe, it's gonna affect everything from your team to all your fundamentals and skills. Develop a child-like enthusiasm in what you do.
5) Never Give Up
Basketball shooting is what everyone gets the most excited about. It's thrilling when the ball makes it through the hoop and more points are piled on.
Realize that becoming great at basketball shooting (free throws, layups, 3-pointers, etc.) means putting in tons of practice time. Shooting is a skill. Whether or not you become better or worse depends on whether or not you're practicing correctly.
Let's dig into the fundamentals of the "One-Handed Set Shot".
Shot Set-Up
Get your basic set-up right. Feet shoulder width apart, weight spread evenly on the balls of your feet with the knees bent slightly. If you're right-handed, place your right foot slightly ahead of the left and stick your butt out slightly. Remember, your power comes from the legs, not arms. The shot begins from the floor up.
Ball Placement
Hold the ball close to your chest, just below your chin. Your shooting hand should be positioned a little under the ball and a little more toward the back. Non-shooting hand should be cupped, slightly under the ball and a little more toward the front.
Load the Gun
Lock your wrist and cock it back. If the ball is cocked correctly, you'll see wrinkles on the back of your wrist.
Elbow and Head Placement
Your hand, forearm, elbow, knee and foot should be in a straight line. Don't let your elbows stick out at your side. This will change the ball's rotation and might make it curve. Keep the elbow pointed at the basket.
Keep your head up and directly above the midpoint between your feet. Focus on the front of the rim before, during, and after your shot.
The Shot
Your weight should roll up onto the toes of your forward foot. Be sure you're releasing upward and toward the basket and not reaching forward as you release. It's OK to leave your feet a bit as your back foot gives you a quick, upward push. Throw your head up and through and then land just ahead of the position from where you began.
As the ball leaves your hand, the fingers and thumbs on each hand should be well spread with the palms almost facing one another. Snap your wrist to release the ball off your fingers and achieve the correct back spin necessary for a soft shot.
Follow Through
In your follow through, the forefinger should be the last finger to touch the ball. Your palm turns out a bit as the ball is released. Visualize putting your hand into the basket as this will help you get complete elbow extension and wrist flexion during the follow through.
Craving more basketball shooting tips? Visit us!
Matt & Dave run http://basketball-plays-and-tips.com and enjoy teaching basketball players and coaches more about the basketball plays, drills, fundamentals and tips that result in individual and team success. For our free report, "5 Keys to Discovering the Successful Coach Inside You", plus two additional player/coach reports, send a blank email to mailto:basketballtip@aweber.com .
We give full permission for you to use this article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our website link and email link included.
CAN YOUR AIRPLANE MAKE YOU MONEY?
If you can view your airplane as a "tool" and you've got income to support an airplane payment. . . a "leaseback" may be right for you! A leaseback is an arrangement in which an individual purchases an airplane and allows a flight school to manage and operate the airplane in his or her flight school. Properly structured, a "win, win, win" situation is created. Win #1: A flight school, which is generally cash strapped can now attract new students more effectively and be more competitive in the market place while retaining capital for advertising and other operating expenses.
Win #2: The owner of the airplane who has no other business use for the airplane, now has legitimate business use and the ability to depreciate the equipment and benefit from the tax benefit that comes from this depreciation. This can be very significant and the depreciation can be as much as 42% of the aircraft value in the first year!
Win#3: The customer wins when he/she can learn to fly in a brand new airplane (new airplanes are most profitable for a leaseback due to the waranty) sporting equipment found in some of the best corporate aircraft.
Evaluating the leaseback opportunity and creating a business plan to determine if a leaseback is right for you is a step that should not be done in haste. Visit www.airplanenoise.com to request our free leaseback tools and tips including spreadsheets that will help you build a model that will be successful and profitable.
Link: http://www.airplanenoise.com/teleclass_schedule.htm
About the Author Pat Redmond, Brighton, Mi usa airplanenoise@airplanenoise.com http://www.airplanenoise.com Pat Redmond, helps business owners who are tired of long lines and baggage claims, fly their way to freedom! Enjoy dinner with your family tonight! To learn more about the General Aviation Business, sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://www.airplanenoise.com
Win #2: The owner of the airplane who has no other business use for the airplane, now has legitimate business use and the ability to depreciate the equipment and benefit from the tax benefit that comes from this depreciation. This can be very significant and the depreciation can be as much as 42% of the aircraft value in the first year!
Win#3: The customer wins when he/she can learn to fly in a brand new airplane (new airplanes are most profitable for a leaseback due to the waranty) sporting equipment found in some of the best corporate aircraft.
Evaluating the leaseback opportunity and creating a business plan to determine if a leaseback is right for you is a step that should not be done in haste. Visit www.airplanenoise.com to request our free leaseback tools and tips including spreadsheets that will help you build a model that will be successful and profitable.
Link: http://www.airplanenoise.com/teleclass_schedule.htm
About the Author Pat Redmond, Brighton, Mi usa airplanenoise@airplanenoise.com http://www.airplanenoise.com Pat Redmond, helps business owners who are tired of long lines and baggage claims, fly their way to freedom! Enjoy dinner with your family tonight! To learn more about the General Aviation Business, sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://www.airplanenoise.com
Buying your child a digital camera- what you need to know
Purchasing any gift item for your child is a mind-numbing task. You can never be sure whether they will like what you buy for them or not. So, when you want to buy a digital camera for your little kids, then there are lots of things, which you must know, which will help you (hopefully!) to get the right camera for your child.
One of the most important things for children is that the digital camera should be one of the latest available in the market. If it has been heavily advertised and people are talking about it, then it is even better. This gives children a sense of pride and also allows them to ‘show-off’ their possession to their friends.
Another factor, which is critical for children, is that the camera must look good. This is very, very important to them. It does not matter whether it has a big screen or small screen, whether it is 2 mega pixel or 1.5 mega pixel – the camera should have a smart shape, come in flashy colors or it can also look cute or funky. But, the camera should not look ‘boring’ or very ‘serious’ in nature. However good the functions might be, if the camera does not look good, it is most likely that your choice will get rejected.
The size is also important. Most children will definitely prefer a digital camera that is small and compact in size. The weight and size should be such that they are able to easily put the camera in their pocket or hang it by a string. Large and bulky models, even if they have better features are not advisable for children.
It is also necessary to remember that even though you might gift your child a digital camera to click photographs for school projects, they will be using it to take pictures of their friends. So, look for some ‘fun’ features in the digital camera. These can include colorful background images or sound effects, photographic effects that they can use to enhance the images taken by them.
One more thing is ease of use. It is important that the camera has a simple system through which children can easily take pictures quickly. However, you really do not need to worry about this aspect a lot because today’s children have been born in the digital era. They are able to pick up things much faster than you or me, so as long as the camera is good in all other aspects, even if its ‘click ability’ is a little confusing, it does not really matter. They are fast learners these days!
Last but not the least, is the price. While buying a digital camera for your child, it is understandable that you really do not want to spend a lot of money. There are lots of choices available in the market today. The price range starts from as low as $30 and can go up to $300. So, it really depends on how much you would like to spend on the camera. Start simple and upgrade if they grow out of the digital camera that you buy for them. Hey share them with the whole family!
Author information:
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of his kids playing sports. http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/gdcj.html
One of the most important things for children is that the digital camera should be one of the latest available in the market. If it has been heavily advertised and people are talking about it, then it is even better. This gives children a sense of pride and also allows them to ‘show-off’ their possession to their friends.
Another factor, which is critical for children, is that the camera must look good. This is very, very important to them. It does not matter whether it has a big screen or small screen, whether it is 2 mega pixel or 1.5 mega pixel – the camera should have a smart shape, come in flashy colors or it can also look cute or funky. But, the camera should not look ‘boring’ or very ‘serious’ in nature. However good the functions might be, if the camera does not look good, it is most likely that your choice will get rejected.
The size is also important. Most children will definitely prefer a digital camera that is small and compact in size. The weight and size should be such that they are able to easily put the camera in their pocket or hang it by a string. Large and bulky models, even if they have better features are not advisable for children.
It is also necessary to remember that even though you might gift your child a digital camera to click photographs for school projects, they will be using it to take pictures of their friends. So, look for some ‘fun’ features in the digital camera. These can include colorful background images or sound effects, photographic effects that they can use to enhance the images taken by them.
One more thing is ease of use. It is important that the camera has a simple system through which children can easily take pictures quickly. However, you really do not need to worry about this aspect a lot because today’s children have been born in the digital era. They are able to pick up things much faster than you or me, so as long as the camera is good in all other aspects, even if its ‘click ability’ is a little confusing, it does not really matter. They are fast learners these days!
Last but not the least, is the price. While buying a digital camera for your child, it is understandable that you really do not want to spend a lot of money. There are lots of choices available in the market today. The price range starts from as low as $30 and can go up to $300. So, it really depends on how much you would like to spend on the camera. Start simple and upgrade if they grow out of the digital camera that you buy for them. Hey share them with the whole family!
Author information:
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of his kids playing sports. http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/gdcj.html
Buy a Flower Shop: Serious Considerations
You've always liked flowers and you think the idea of turning emotions into floral expressions sounds like tremendous fun. You are between careers and have been investigating business opportunities in your community. Yesterday, while perusing the real estate magazine in your county, you notice that the family owned, downtown flower shop is for sale. The ad says it's a turnkey operation. This is your lucky day. Or is it?
Let's look before we leap, OK? Here are some factors to consider:
What is the current state of health of this business?
You should be able to see the financial records and consult professional help if needed.
What is the reputation of this business in the community?
If there are negative feelings about the business in the community, you need to consider a name change and making a big show of the change in management. Factor in the cost of a face-lift on the façade of the physical facility.
What assets are included in the selling price?
If you are buying the building, equipment, coolers and inventory, you need to carefully assess the age, condition and viability of these items. For example, there may be $10,000 worth of inventory in the store, and the seller may be able to document the value by showing invoices. However, if the inventory is shop worn, out of date or not in keeping with your business plan, the value of that inventory to you may be quite a bit lower than that $10,000.
Are you also buying the Accounts Receivables as an asset? If so, you should do some serious research into the exact state of these accounts. Many traditional florists have struggled with house accounts. They have extended credit as a matter of tradition, rather than good business sense and have found themselves in extreme cash flow trouble.
What liabilities are you buying?
You'll need to be very clear about any debt or bills you will be taking over. Be sure that you hire professional help to outline any such debt in your sales agreement. Because of seasonality of the flower business and the existence of house accounts, many retail florists have difficulty with cash flow; you should avoid any situation where you will be paying bills run up by the previous owner.
Also, you should take time to consult with the Wholesalers that you will be buying from. Discuss your payment terms and lay the groundwork for a healthy business relationship with a reputable Wholesaler or two.
What about the business name? If the name of the business is valuable in your market, you probably won't want to change the name of the business. In any case, consider a clause in the bill of sale limiting the use of the name by the previous owner in the future. This can be very sticky in the case of an owner's own name, for example "Smith Florist".
Will you need to hire all new staff?
Sometimes a previous owner chooses to stay on and work for the new owner. This can pose tremendous difficulties for all involved, so tread lightly on this territory. It's an extreme analogy, but think about the difficulties in open adoptions between birth and adoptive parents. Everyone has their own style and it can be difficult to accept change or let go of something you have worked very hard to build.
That being said, many valued staff members at successful florists have weathered the change in ownership of their place of employment. Do make every effort to retain good people. Just be sure to be clear about your expectations so that the separation can be as painless as possible should that become necessary.
What is the correct timing?
Take the holidays into account when you plan your purchase of a flower shop. Valentine's day is the single largest day, but Christmas is more of a marathon. Mother's Day, weddings, proms, graduations and anniversaries team up to make the spring months a nice busy time. Depending upon your market, the summer can be a difficult time to make ends meet.
Ideally, you'd take over a shop with enough time to get your feet wet before a holiday, but not with so much down time that your funds dry up before you can get going.
What other opportunities exist, and at what cost?
Here's the acid test. Take the time to sort out the options. Let's work on the assumption that you WILL own a flower shop in the next year. Take a big sheet of paper and draw a line down the center. At the top of the left column, write "Buy and Existing Flower Shop". In the Right column, write "Open a New Flower Shop". Now draw a line through the middle of the paper, so you have a top and bottom. The top is for pros and the bottom is for cons. Fill in the grid with as many items as you can figure. Ask your trusted business friends and floral professionals for help. You'll be considering such items as the finances and the marketing plan of your business. When you have completed this exercise, you should have two things. One is a good tool to help you make a decision. The second is the beginnings of a business plan.
Whatever your decision, a business plan is essential. It is your roadmap for success and will be necessary for a business loan. It is worth the extra time at the onset of this journey to compare the options and make the best decision you can.
About the Author Karen Marinelli is a Floral Industry Professional with nineteen years of experience in the academic, retail and wholesale sectors of the industry. She believes the common goal should be to sell more flowers to more people, more often. For information on How to Open a Flower Shop, visit http://openaflowershop.com/.
To order flowers online, visit http://send-flowers-online.ws/.
This article may be reprinted without permission under the following conditions:
Article must be printed in its entirety.
Author information and links must be printed exactly as above.
Let's look before we leap, OK? Here are some factors to consider:
What is the current state of health of this business?
You should be able to see the financial records and consult professional help if needed.
What is the reputation of this business in the community?
If there are negative feelings about the business in the community, you need to consider a name change and making a big show of the change in management. Factor in the cost of a face-lift on the façade of the physical facility.
What assets are included in the selling price?
If you are buying the building, equipment, coolers and inventory, you need to carefully assess the age, condition and viability of these items. For example, there may be $10,000 worth of inventory in the store, and the seller may be able to document the value by showing invoices. However, if the inventory is shop worn, out of date or not in keeping with your business plan, the value of that inventory to you may be quite a bit lower than that $10,000.
Are you also buying the Accounts Receivables as an asset? If so, you should do some serious research into the exact state of these accounts. Many traditional florists have struggled with house accounts. They have extended credit as a matter of tradition, rather than good business sense and have found themselves in extreme cash flow trouble.
What liabilities are you buying?
You'll need to be very clear about any debt or bills you will be taking over. Be sure that you hire professional help to outline any such debt in your sales agreement. Because of seasonality of the flower business and the existence of house accounts, many retail florists have difficulty with cash flow; you should avoid any situation where you will be paying bills run up by the previous owner.
Also, you should take time to consult with the Wholesalers that you will be buying from. Discuss your payment terms and lay the groundwork for a healthy business relationship with a reputable Wholesaler or two.
What about the business name? If the name of the business is valuable in your market, you probably won't want to change the name of the business. In any case, consider a clause in the bill of sale limiting the use of the name by the previous owner in the future. This can be very sticky in the case of an owner's own name, for example "Smith Florist".
Will you need to hire all new staff?
Sometimes a previous owner chooses to stay on and work for the new owner. This can pose tremendous difficulties for all involved, so tread lightly on this territory. It's an extreme analogy, but think about the difficulties in open adoptions between birth and adoptive parents. Everyone has their own style and it can be difficult to accept change or let go of something you have worked very hard to build.
That being said, many valued staff members at successful florists have weathered the change in ownership of their place of employment. Do make every effort to retain good people. Just be sure to be clear about your expectations so that the separation can be as painless as possible should that become necessary.
What is the correct timing?
Take the holidays into account when you plan your purchase of a flower shop. Valentine's day is the single largest day, but Christmas is more of a marathon. Mother's Day, weddings, proms, graduations and anniversaries team up to make the spring months a nice busy time. Depending upon your market, the summer can be a difficult time to make ends meet.
Ideally, you'd take over a shop with enough time to get your feet wet before a holiday, but not with so much down time that your funds dry up before you can get going.
What other opportunities exist, and at what cost?
Here's the acid test. Take the time to sort out the options. Let's work on the assumption that you WILL own a flower shop in the next year. Take a big sheet of paper and draw a line down the center. At the top of the left column, write "Buy and Existing Flower Shop". In the Right column, write "Open a New Flower Shop". Now draw a line through the middle of the paper, so you have a top and bottom. The top is for pros and the bottom is for cons. Fill in the grid with as many items as you can figure. Ask your trusted business friends and floral professionals for help. You'll be considering such items as the finances and the marketing plan of your business. When you have completed this exercise, you should have two things. One is a good tool to help you make a decision. The second is the beginnings of a business plan.
Whatever your decision, a business plan is essential. It is your roadmap for success and will be necessary for a business loan. It is worth the extra time at the onset of this journey to compare the options and make the best decision you can.
About the Author Karen Marinelli is a Floral Industry Professional with nineteen years of experience in the academic, retail and wholesale sectors of the industry. She believes the common goal should be to sell more flowers to more people, more often. For information on How to Open a Flower Shop, visit http://openaflowershop.com/.
To order flowers online, visit http://send-flowers-online.ws/.
This article may be reprinted without permission under the following conditions:
Article must be printed in its entirety.
Author information and links must be printed exactly as above.
Build Your Own Business and Quit Your Job
Do you dream of making a big income in your own homebased business? Can't wait to tell the boss you're leaving on your terms?
If that's you, then you sound like us. In order to do that, you need to find the business opportunity that allows you to do so as quickly and easily as possible.
Let's explore how to find the right business opportunity. There are five keys to working with the right product and the right company:
1) Residual Income
You'll never be truly free until you find a business that'll pay you a continuing monthly residual income. If you have to keep fighting to sell in order to live, how much freedom have you achieved?
2) Consumable Product
Make sure you offer a product that your clients need to re-order on a monthly basis. This way, after you've made the effort to earn a trusting customer, you'll be paid over and over. You don't want to have to build a client base the size of China in order to have success.
3) Marketable
You want a product that's easy to understand. If it takes all day to get someone to understand what it is, how long will it take for them to understand why they need it?
Also, your product needs to get results fast for those using it. In today's fast paced world, people want results now. That's just the way it is. No reason to fight that fact with a product that takes so long to work, no one will give it a chance.
4) Get Started Quickly
Your company must allow you to start making money immediately. There are some good products that are marketable with great residual income, but you need to get licensed first or go through long, extensive background checks. If you're trying to attract someone into your business, which do you think they'll like better - getting paid in a couple of weeks or in 3-6 months?
5) Exclusive Product
You want to be marketing a product that is so unique that it can't be found anywhere else. If someone wants it, they have to get it from you. This is where most companies fall down. But if you research carefully, you can find products that meet this criteria.
Once you find a business opportunity that meets these five criteria, only a little hard work is what stands between you telling your boss you quit, living your life on your terms and feeling like a completely free individual.
By the way, it's a wonderful way to live!
Matt & Dave of http://increaseenduranceandstamina.com have invested the last 6 years teaching others how to find the right business opportunity that lives up to the hype. Send blank email to mailto:thebestbizopp@aweber.com for our Free Special Report, "The Best Biz Opportunity You Can Find: How To Live the Life You Deserve!". We give full permission for you to use this article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our website and email included.
If that's you, then you sound like us. In order to do that, you need to find the business opportunity that allows you to do so as quickly and easily as possible.
Let's explore how to find the right business opportunity. There are five keys to working with the right product and the right company:
1) Residual Income
You'll never be truly free until you find a business that'll pay you a continuing monthly residual income. If you have to keep fighting to sell in order to live, how much freedom have you achieved?
2) Consumable Product
Make sure you offer a product that your clients need to re-order on a monthly basis. This way, after you've made the effort to earn a trusting customer, you'll be paid over and over. You don't want to have to build a client base the size of China in order to have success.
3) Marketable
You want a product that's easy to understand. If it takes all day to get someone to understand what it is, how long will it take for them to understand why they need it?
Also, your product needs to get results fast for those using it. In today's fast paced world, people want results now. That's just the way it is. No reason to fight that fact with a product that takes so long to work, no one will give it a chance.
4) Get Started Quickly
Your company must allow you to start making money immediately. There are some good products that are marketable with great residual income, but you need to get licensed first or go through long, extensive background checks. If you're trying to attract someone into your business, which do you think they'll like better - getting paid in a couple of weeks or in 3-6 months?
5) Exclusive Product
You want to be marketing a product that is so unique that it can't be found anywhere else. If someone wants it, they have to get it from you. This is where most companies fall down. But if you research carefully, you can find products that meet this criteria.
Once you find a business opportunity that meets these five criteria, only a little hard work is what stands between you telling your boss you quit, living your life on your terms and feeling like a completely free individual.
By the way, it's a wonderful way to live!
Matt & Dave of http://increaseenduranceandstamina.com have invested the last 6 years teaching others how to find the right business opportunity that lives up to the hype. Send blank email to mailto:thebestbizopp@aweber.com for our Free Special Report, "The Best Biz Opportunity You Can Find: How To Live the Life You Deserve!". We give full permission for you to use this article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our website and email included.
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