Bajan Sun Magazine - Caribbean Entrepreneurs Vol1 Issue 8 | Page 111

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE Always include a “call to action” telling prospects what you’d like them to do. Your marketing pieces should also include a compact version of your “elevator speech” for consistency and branding. 4. Working the numbers. When your business requires expanded facilities, new equipment and increased staff, how will you pay for it all? If you’re “growing slowly”, can you “selffinance” these requirements through profits? In most instances you cannot therefore it becomes necessary to consider loans or mortgages for the financial injection. A good place to start is the Small Business Association website for information on loans and grants. While you’re there, surf around. There’s a wealth of free information on a broad range of topics like writing a business plan, business law and regulations and finding local resources. 5. How many people does it take to create success? As your business grows, the workload necessitates distribution and hence requires more employees. Controlled growth means adding these employees slowly and deliberately. If you’re not sure you’ll have sustained revenue to support direct hire employees, consider temporary contract workers. It’s a great way to harness a skill you may only need temporarily. And “test driving” an employee is a great way to find if you have a good fit for longer term employment. 6. You’re the engine. The personnel in your business impact its sustainabili H[