Class 3 Notes for E-commerce

Learning Objectives:

You will be able describe the parts of a business plan.

You will be able to identify tools and Web sites they can use to create a business plan.

Homework:

Read: Book I & IV (Chap 1)

Post: 1 resources for each of the other business identified by your fellow students. Post the resources under Discussions > Your Business

Post: 3 Business Plan Websites under Discussions > Plan Websites

Post: Shopping Cart services (PayPal for example) under Discussions > Shopping Cart

Take the Quiz: Are you ready to start a business

Read: Ways to Research Your Customer

Get an account: Mal's E commerce (online shopping Cart!)

Read: Support Site for Mal's E-commerce

Reminder: Post your articles on Canvas under the Weekly Review on the Discussion Board Section.

Topics Covered:

Business Plan Pro is available at PVCC's Computer Commons.

 

Elements of a Business Plan

Business Plan

Executive Summary
Legal issues
Marketplace conditions
Competitive environment
Product
Pricing
Market Placement of Product
Management Team (responsibilities outlined)
Financial Assumptions
Cash Flow (for 2 years on a monthly basis)

Review the Business Plan Web sites for ideas and structure

Bplan Software and Business Plan Pro on plans

Sample Plan

Small Business Administration helps with Business Plans and SBA's Small Business Planner

Business Plan Archive

American Express can help with Business Plans

Virtual Business Plans by BizPlanIt

 

What business are you in?

What business are these companies in?

Answer: Entertainment

What business are they in?

Southwest (cheap local travel), American (International travel and US ) and British Airways (High End International travel)

 

Funding.

Finding money to start the business may be the hardest part.

Cash Flow is king! Do you have enough money to run your business over time?

Banks, Local & State Government, Federal Government and Crowd Sourcing Loans

Find a Kickstarter a Funding Source for your innovative ideas.

NPR article: Who Pays for Online Business?

Lean Model for Starting a business.

Got a great idea that could change the world in a small way? The Pollination Project has 1000 dollar grants to help you get started.

Business Ideas:

ideas for a Business

Fast Company has several business ideas for 2013

About has several pages full of ideas for Small business

Terms:

Cash Flow, Business Plan, Management Team, Marketing