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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
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May 23, 2012 The Portland Skanner Page 15