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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (May 23, 2012)
Classifieds Advertising deadlines 12:00 Noon Monday Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. To place your ad, email advertising@theskanner.com Entrepreneurial Success Comes from Planning, Management and Seeking Advice R esearch suggests that African Americans are more likely than the gener- al population to have small business aspirations. But I’m sure this is no surprise to you! Many of us grew up with dreams of “being our own boss” and becoming the next neighborhood success story. Owning a successful business can be a realistic goal for many, but it requires dedication, preparation, discipline and knowledge. At several points during my career, I pursued entrepreneurial endeavors. When I first graduated from college, the job market was challenging – similar to what we are experiencing today. I decided then that if I couldn’t find a job I would create one. First, I took the time to consider the skills I acquired in college to determine how best to capitalize on them. Given my studies in finance, I decided that I would start a tax service business. I knew that the field was competitive, so I created a niche for my new busi- ness by offering pick-up and delivery services. I was very excited to become a small business owner, but not so eager that I didn’t take the time to deliberately plan and prepare for success. Before pursuing my first W ELLS F ARGO B ANK Michelle Thornhill client, I made certain to develop a long-term business plan. Having a solid plan allowed me to define my business, outline my products and services, create my marketing strategy (including target audience and geography) and develop a financial plan. It also helped me look serious to potential clients, investors and lenders. I learned that it is equal- ly important to seek guidance from subject matter experts who spe- cialize in small business. Most states have small business devel- opment centers or branches of the federal Small Business Adminis- tration (SBA) office that offer free business counseling and services for both startups and established businesses. Having a relationship with a banker is also essential. You’d be amazed at what your bank has to offer. Whether your business is large or small, a banker can help provide general consultation on ways to help grow your business. While some new businesses don’t initially qualify for lending because of lack of collateral or poor credit history, most banks do offer other business products (like checking accounts), services (like overdraft protection) and tools (like online banking) to help new business owners better run their business. My local bank became a great received was to make sure I never comingle my personal and busi- ness finances. When you’re just getting started, it’s typical to use your personal accounts for busi- ness expenses. However, establishing accounts in the name of your business creates a clearer financial picture, allowing you to more easily track and manage business expenses. It also helps lenders and investors when making deci- sions regarding financing and investments. Last but cer- tainly not least, make it official. African Ameri- cans are infamous for “side hustles,” and finding ways to earn extra income beyond your regular nine-to-five is generally encour- aged. If you find yourself with a profitable business venture that is marketable and has the potential for long-term success, go ahead and file the appropriate paperwork to legally establish your business. This could create opportunities to grow your business and increase revenue by providing access to bank and government financing options, as well as other resources. My local bank became a great resource and provided me free tools and information to help me manage my business ON-CALL MEDICINARY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE I National College of Natural Medicine seeks to fill this part-time, on-call position that is for providing the highest quality customer service to doctors, students and patients and for compounding and dispensing prescribed medications and herbal formulas for patients. Full job description and application details can be found at www.ncnm.edu. Closes 6/6/12 EOE resource and provided me free tools and information to help me manage my business. For instance, my bank connected me with com- munity agencies specializing in small business development. In fact, this led to a full-time employ- ment opportunity with the NAACP Community Develop- ment Resource Center in Richmond, Va., where I was able to pursue my passion for helping individuals and families achieve financial success. Some of the best advice I ever ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR National College of Natural Medicine seeks to fill this full- time position for our School of Naturopathic Medicine to provide administrative support and coordination for fac- ulty and assist students with basic needs. Full job description and application details can be found at www.ncnm.edu. Closes 6/6/12 EOE 5-23-12 5-23-12 Long story short, over several years my business grew to serve over 100 clients and I was able to sell it and move on to other career aspirations. I know that this suc- cess came from careful planning and management and a willing- ness to seek advice. I also gained quite a few gems of wisdom as a small business owner that contin- ue to benefit me today: Good service breaks down barri- ers. Follow through on what you promise. Deliver your best. Network and seek guidance – no matter how much you think you know, there is always something new to learn. Regardless of whether you work for a company or are self- employed, leverage the skills you have to capitalize on opportuni- ties. For free tips, tools and resources to help you reach your entrepre- neurial dreams, visit the Wells Fargo Business Insights Resource Center at wellsfargobusinessin- sights.com. This site offers an extensive library of expert advice, videos, podcasts, articles and more to help manage and grow your business – regardless of the stage. ON-CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE National College of Natural Medicine seeks to fill this part-time, on-call position that is responsible for provid- ing excellent customer service and support for all clinic operations in a professional manner providing support for doctors, practitioners and students regarding patient care, including: high-volume phone reception, patient check-in, appointment scheduling, cashiering, medical records and insurance verification. Full job description and application details can be found at www.ncnm.edu. Closes 6/6/12 EOE 5-23-12 SUB-BIDS REQUESTED Sabin CDC Exterior Renovation Portland, OR Bids Date: June 1, 2012 @ 3:00 P . M . Requesting proposals for the renovation of an exist- ing three-story residential building in NE Portland. LMC is requesting proposals from the following trades: Insulation, Finish Carpentry, Drywall, Floor coverings and Window Coverings. All other trades will be excluded from consideration. CAMPUS RECEPTION National College of Natural Medicine seeks to fill this full- time position which provides communication and campus support by receiving and routing incoming calls to their proper destinations, processing College mail, greeting visitors by obtaining their names and nature of visit and providing information on college departments and events to students, faculty, staff and alumni. Full job description and application details can be found at www.ncnm.edu. Closes 6/6/12 EOE 5-23-12 Project is subject to residential prevailing wages, MWESB utilization goals, workforce training pro- gram and Section 3 compliance. Bid Documents are available for viewing at LMC's Plan Room, Contractor Plan Center, Precision Images, DJC Plan Center and MCIP. LMC CONSTRUCTION Ph: 503-646-0521 Fax: 503-6466823 8324 SW Nimbus Ave. Beaverton, OR 97008 CCB# 161282 We are an equal opportunity employer and highly encourage sub-bids from all qualified minority owned, women owned, disadvantaged and emerg- ing small businesses. 5-23-12 STAFF ASSOCIATE The City of Portland seeks a full-time self-starting team player to join the Office of Government Relations. Exem- plary verbal and written business communication skills and demonstrated ability in advanced research tech- niques desired. Bachelor’s degree and valid ODL required; experience working in political environments, and/or for elected officials is desired. Competitive com- pensation package DOE. Send a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Staff Associate Position, Office of Government Relations, 1221 SW 4th, Room 410, Port- land, OR 97204. Closes 4:30 pm, June 8, 2012. No faxes or emails will be considered. Equal Opportunity Employer. See full job description at: www.portlandon- line.com/govtrelations/ 5-23-12 SECURITY WA State Convention Center (WSCC) is accepting applications for On-Call Security Officer. Must have exp working directly w/ the public & strong customer svc. skills. Officers are responsible for the safe- ty & security of the facility, property & occu- pants. Requires HS diploma or GED and at least 2 yr security exp. May work 0-40 hrs/wk. Must be available flexible hours including week- ends, evenings & nights. Visit www.wscc.com for further info or to down- load an app. Apps are also available at the WSCC Service Entrance, 9th and Pike, Mon-Fri, 8a-5p. WSCC apps must be completed for consideration. Jobline: (206) 694-5039. EOE. 5-16-12 Mental Health RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR St. Mary’s Home for Boys has a full-time posi- tion available. See our website for details: www.stmaryshomefor- boys.org 5-23-12 GET NOTICED IN THE SKANNER Call Today for Advertising Rates 503-285-5555 May 23, 2012 The Portland Skanner Page 15
