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Testimonials
- “Not only did Frank work closely with me to development these strategies, but he has also implemented these strategies into real world solutions which reflect the strategic direction of my company. The comprehensive planning, consulting and implementation approach ABC Business Consulting offers is quite unique in the marketplace, and I have found it incredibly useful in defining the direction my company needs to take to be successful in this economy and beyond. Thanks Frank for all the help and advice. I look forward to a long term and successful relationship with ABC Business Consulting.” – Randy Velker, Owner, Simple Energy Works [more testimonials]
- “ABC Business Consulting is now implemented the off page search engine optimization and internet marketing strategy, and I look forward to the increased business this website is bound to create for me. Even in the few short days since my new website went live, I am already getting great rankings where I had none before. My website is going to be a marketing machine, even in this recession! Thanks for going the extra mile and doing the “little things” that really add up to great value and results!” – Randy Velker, Owner, Simple Energy Works [more testimonials]
- "I read this blog post, and I really appreciate this content: Business Trade Credit and Debt Finance. Thanks for useful information." -- John [more testimonials]
- “Moreover, Frank re-worked and developed new content for the website, then optimized the content for the search engines. In as little as a few days, my website has already starting ranking as a result of Frank’s content and search engine optimization work on the website. Frank also came up with the idea to have a Solar Case Studies section on the website, which proves out how solar energy systems make a lot of financial sense, and it adeptly showcases our expertise in designing and installing solar systems.” – Randy Velker, Owner, Simple Energy Works [more testimonials]
- "Hello Frank, It is always a pleasure to read your articles. Your expertise is obvious and makes the work seem so easy, yet I agree with you mastering all these techniques takes a lot of time and experience building. This is why your services are so valuable. Thank you for sharing such solid and helpful content. Today we also want to thank you for your awesome presence by our side. Today you are our featured person on our page. Happy New Year Frank, we wish you continued abundance in all its forms! To your continued fabulous success." -- Christiane Lavanoux and Mary Margaret White-Levilain, Life Coaches [more testimonials]
- "Most small business owners can appreciate the value of business planning. The missing piece is an easy to use, comprehensive approach to the process. Frank Goley's Comprehensive Business Planning Guide and Workbook supplies the missing piece by providing a clear explanation of the all the components of an effective business plan. Plus, his Business Planning Guide and Workbook includes a plug in format for your business data. For those business owners dedicated to more profit, Frank Goley's Comprehensive Business Planning Guide and Workbook is a perfect fit." -- Don Osborne, The Profit Puzzle [more testimonials]
- “Frank Goley's presentation on strategic business planning was very informative and will be of great help to our firm as we work through a new business plan.” -- Ryan Martin, Director of Business Development, Accumark, Inc. [more testimonials]
- “I'm working on a thesis concerning strategies about Business Turnaround, and I find your E-Books to be very helpful, especially "Small Business Recession Tactics" and "Saving a Business in Trouble". I would appreciate if you gave me your permission to make a reference on these E-Books for my thesis work. Thank you very much for your help!” -- Margarita Economidou, Open University of Cyprus. [more testimonials]
- “I am trying to grow my solar energy and energy efficiency company in a recession. It’s a challenge! I decided I needed a comprehensive approach and assistance from an experienced consultant. I searched on the internet for “business consultant” and found Frank Goley of ABC Business Consulting. After a few discussions with Frank on what I needed and what I was looking for, he presented to me a comprehensive business success solution that included:” Development and implementation of a Business Plan, Marketing Plan and Strategic Plan Business Success Analysis & Recommendations Intensive Onsite Business Consulting Design and Development of a new Website to include a custom WordPress Content Management System Search Engine Optimization Internet Marketing Solutions – Randy Velker ... [more testimonials]
- "I just wanted to express my appreciation for the business plan review service. It has helped tremendously in revising and making the plan attractive to potential investors and helped to eliminate the fatal flaws that could stop it dead in its tracks. The service was very quick and efficient. An absolute must for every entrepreneur or anyone looking for that extra help with a business plan. I eagerly look forward to doing further business in the future and making full use of more of the services offered!" -- Chris Johnson, Saskatchewan, Canada [more testimonials]
- “Frank, I reviewed the information you provided regarding business turnarounds. I was impressed by the level of detail and the elements that dealt with the leadership qualities of the business turnaround consultant and team. I have reviewed a great deal of literature on the topic and have interviewed a number of turnaround experts. Few have addressed the level of detail that you have provided and none have addressed the requisite qualities of the turnaround team. Thanks again for providing this information!” -- Dan Anderson, MBA, CBA, Director, Small Business Development Center, Helena, MT [more testimonials]
- “Frank, I reviewed the information you provided regarding business turnarounds. I was impressed by the level of detail and the elements that dealt with the leadership qualities of the business turnaround consultant and team. I have reviewed a great deal of literature on the topic and have interviewed a number of turnaround experts. Few have addressed the level of detail that you have provided and none have addressed the requisite qualities of the turnaround team. Thanks again for providing this information!” -- Dan Anderson, MBA, CBA, Director, Small Business Development Center , Helena, MT [more testimonials]
- "Thank you very much for all of your hard work. We are very pleased with the final result of the Marketing Plan that was prepared for us. Frank Goley with ABC Business Consulting was extremely prompt to answer all of our questions even after business hours. Now that is customer service! Again I want to say thank you for a job well done, and you can use us as a reference for any future clients. We will definitely look to utilize ABC Business Consulting services in the future as we build our company. Thanks!" -- Doug Walker, EMT-P, President, MPACT [more testimonials]
- "Thank you Frank Goley for sharing such an interesting article on Real Time Search and Social Media Convergence with links to search engine optimization tactics and suggesting strategies and techniques to support our business’s marketing goals." -- Christiane Lavanoux, I Game Attitude LLC co-Founder and co-President / Certified Life Coach [more testimonials]
- “Frank Goley with ABC Business Consulting has done a fantastic job in creating a stunning website for my company, Simple Energy Works. Not only is the design inviting, but I am really excited about the sales process strategy and design integrated into the website, which with finesse calls website visitors to take action. This is something that my previous website failed to do well. Frank’s website designers also really did a bang up job in designing my social media properties and created a website within a Facebook Fanpage that is just incredible!” – Randy Velker, Owner, Simple Energy Works [more testimonials]
- "I was very pleased with my business plan. Frank Goley was there for me every step of the process and willing to help me with anything. Besides being very patient with me, they were also very quick to respond. ABC Business Consulting made my idea come to life. I will definitely do business with them again." -- Anthony Alvarez, Restaurateur [more testimonials]
- "Over the past few months I have hired Frank Goley to write many articles and blog posts for my company and have been more than satisfied with his work. Frank is a fast study, always delivers the project on time and very easy to work with. If you need a top writer for any topic, I highly recommend Frank Goley for the job.” -- Vince Martinez, Partner FYI Media Services, CEO 123 Web Connect [more testimonials]
- "Working with Frank Goley made me realize all the missing gaps that existed in my mind about the business I wanted to create. He is very thorough, knowledgeable, patient and understanding. If you want to create a final product that covers all of your bases and does not leave out any detail, you must work with Frank. Most people writing business plans have all the information in their minds, but don't have a way to get it out. Frank uses a methodical approach to gathering information from you to complete the plan." -- Level 4 Business Plan Customer [more testimonials]
- "At the beginning I thought I knew everything about developing a business plan for small and medium size businesses, but when I found ABC Business Consulting to help me prepare this plan, it was a totally different learning experience for me, as this firm showed me that it required a professional staff like ABC Business Consulting to put this plan together with me. I have learned a lot by exchanging ideas and information with ABC and developing my business skills. I thank Frank from ABC Business Consulting for all his help, advice and finally his patience with me as they are very quick in response and completed my Business Plan in time. Well done and great job! I highly recommend ABC Business Consulting and their services." -- Ali Al-Jazairi, Yas Marine (Business Plan Level IV Client) [more testimonials]
- "We really needed help with our business plan writing. We actually did not think Frank Goley was going to have time to respond to our request but he did. Although our business plan was in its initial draft version, Frank was honest to point out that the business plan needed a lot of work. At a high level, Frank suggested the following to be considered: Correct formatting Follow the SBA guidelines Strong marketing research and analysis We certainly appreciate Frank for contributing his time and effort to help us with the most important stage of our business formation – writing the business plan. Thanks again for all the help." -- BB [more testimonials]
- “Frank, thank you for a very good program and presentation. The Evansville Executive Forum enjoyed your talk, and it provoked a lot of conversation about their use or none use of business plans. Again, thank you. -- Jack Barner, University of Evansville, Vice President for Institutional Advancement [more testimonials]
- "After locating Frank Goley on LinkedIn, I recruited Frank to speak at SMPS Virginia's 2011 Planning Workshop. Frank was one of the most popular speakers/experts (out of eight total speakers). Clearly a leader in his field, Frank's professionalism and expertise was matched with a great presentation style. I would definitely recommend Frank to present to your organization!" -- Tracey Gould, Board Member/Vice President/President-Elect for Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) (Virginia) and Director of Marketing, Baskervill. [more testimonials]
- "I own a premiere event planning and marketing company based in New York City. I've had the pleasure to work with Frank Goley on many projects that I have for my many businesses. He is fast, reliable and very good at what he does. Because I own several companies and websites, I always need excellent content, articles, sales letters, etc. I’ve worked with a ton of writers over the years, but Frank is by far the best!!! I definitely recommend Frank to any business." -- Mario Stewart, President, EMRG Media [more testimonials]
- “Not only is the frontend of my website great, but I am even more amazed with the backend WordPress customization and CMS. Frank’s web developer customized the WordPress platform into an easy to use tool for me to manage content, add content, send newsletters, and so much more. Frank installed a WP plugin that helps make Search Engine Optimization a snap for me in the future as I create more content, and added another plugin to help the overall performance of the website. It isn’t just the plugins that were installed, but more importantly, how Frank’s web developer customized the plugins and the WP platform for my particular need and use. Really fantastic!” – Randy Velker, Owner, Simple Energy Works [more testimonials]
- “Frank Goley is knowledgeable and dependable. When working on a project he sees everything through to the end and makes sure that the customer is happy with the results. Frank provides each customer and vendor with a personal level of support.” -- Dave Wallace, IAS Corp / Build My Product [more testimonials]
- "I am extremely impressed with the vast amount of knowledge and resources available through Frank Goley and the team at ABC Business Consulting. In particular, the web site information available regarding business turnaround strategies is exceptional and clearly identifies the challenges facing those experiencing a distress situation. This is an excellent resource!" –Vincent J. Palombo, Assistant Professor of Management, Chancellor University. [more testimonials]
- “After spending some time on the ABC Business Consulting website, I immediately was impressed with the vast array of information and resources that is available, especially the wide range of E-Books which Frank Goley makes available for FREE. Frank is a professional consultant who I highly recommend.” -- Arthur Rego, President, AER Enterprises (Bermuda) [more testimonials]
- "We started with an idea that we felt would better the citizens of the surrounding communities. So we began to get acquainted with the local entrepreneurs, to find out how they started, and how their vision and dream became the success that it is today. Everyone’s success story started out the same way, they had an excellent business plan. So we started working on our business plan, and after months of trying to develop it, we knew we were in over our head. We turned to the internet and spoke with company after company about developing our business plan with the same outcome: a lot of money! ABC Business Consulting not only offered reasonable pricing, but also Frank took the time to examine and explain every aspect of our up and coming business to make sure we understood what we were ... [more testimonials]
- "I would like to thank you Mr. Goley for making the extra effort with my business plan. The world of business is cut throat and the slightest misstep by an inexperienced entrepreneur can lead to a good idea becoming a waste of time and energy. Mr. Goley has the expertise and knowledge that allows for your great idea to become a great business. He told me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted, as well as, pointing me in the right direction for my future business endeavors." -- Foster Fox, Entrepreneur [more testimonials]
- "The ABC Business Consulting Group has created a great master list and guide to creating a full business plan. The guide includes not only section headings for a business plan, but they have also created a great series of guiding questions around each one of these subsections. My recommendation is spend the US$20 and download a copy and keep as a planning companion." -- Mark Robotham, Growth Management Consulting Ltd [more testimonials]
- "One of the keys to succeeding in the art of social media placement is good copy. Good copy is a combination of affordability, creativity, and timeliness. Frank Goley delivers all three without fanfare or fuss." -- Allan Matthews, Owner, FYI Media Services [more testimonials]
- “How do you align your resources, your team, your partners, and your vision for success if you don’t have a common goal or a roadmap to reach it? Of course you have a business plan, but odds are it died a long time ago, relegated to a dusty drawer. If your business plan is not a living, breathing, and valued document; the daunting task of aligning your business is made all the more difficult by the vast array of conflicting agendas in your organization. Frank Goley brings a simple and straightforward approach to building and maintaining an active business plan - that roadmap for success- upon which your organization can align its efforts. He is an engaging speaker / presenter / consultant who has also written an excellent guide which can help any organization navigate the process of ... [more testimonials]
- "Thanks Frank for sharing SOLID & USEFUL content. I learned stuff from your site!" -- John Milton Fogg, Author, The Greatest Networker [more testimonials]
- "Hello Frank, Thank you for reminding us of how essential credibility is and how an intelligent use of Testimonials can do wonders in promoting our business. The more visible we become through multiple marketing pipelines that we implement on an ongoing basis, the more business we will generate." -- To your continued success, Christiane Lavanoux, I Game Attitude LLC co-Founder and co-President / Certified Life Coach [more testimonials]
Blog
Business Finance in a Recession- Part 3: Business Funding AlternativesNovember 2, 2009 by Frank Goley, Business Consultant
Date: November 1, 2009 Author: ABC Business Consulting, Chief Business Consultant Subject: Business Finance in a Recession- Part 3: Business Funding Alternatives In the previous two blogs on Business Finance, I explored two principal means of funding a company during a Recession: Small, Community Bank Finance and Bootstrapping. Let’s look at some more real-world, what is working right now finance alternatives for your Business. Strategic Relationship Finance Who would ever think to go to Whole Foods Market for business Finance? Well, Mr. Korson and Rogers did and received a Local Producer Loan (www.wholefoodsmarket.com/values/local-loans-apply.php) , as documented by Sara Wilson of Entrepreneur Magazine (May 2009, “Loans for Local Producers”). Even though the finance offered is typically for existing companies, the owners of Coracao Confections were able to secure start-up finance. This seed finance was critical as the entrepreneurs were declined finance by friends, family, banks, community based lenders and angel investors. A $20,000 seed loan was secured, with projected year-end sales at $200,000. Not bad! What was one of the keys for their success in securing finance through Whole Foods? Building a relationship of Trust and being Honest and dependable. In tough finance environments, it mostly boils down to relationships and the strength of the relationships. Look for and explore industry specific Strategic Relationships which you can parlay into funding. For more information on Strategic Alliances, Strategic Relationship Finance and Joint Venture Finance, as well as, Vendor and Supplier Funding, among other Finance Strategies and Sources for your Business, please see the ABC Articles on Business Finance. The Receivables Exchange You can sell your Account Receivables online in an Auction Based Environment if you have more than $1.5 million in yearly sales. Receivables finance and factoring can be expensive, but as bootstrapping, short-term finance instrument, it can be just the ticket. It is flexible and quick, something growing companies often require. Our Business Finance article goes more in-depth about Receivables Finance and Factoring. Check out Factoring Associations for a long list of Invoice and Receivables funders. Reference: “A Bright Spot in the Credit Crunch”, Inc. Magazine, April 2009. Also see: www.inc.com/keyword/apr09. On Deck Capital: Non-bank lender backed by Venture Capital Firms and a Hedge Fund. Loans are based on a Company’s Cash Flow instead of assets or credit score. On Deck analyzes the last 6 months of a Company’s Sales history and banking statements. Makes a loan decision in two days. Requirements: Been in Business more than one year. Bringing in at least $3000 in credit card sales per month, or if don’t accept credit cards, been in business at least two years with an average daily bank balance of at least $3000. Loan Details: Small size: average of $30,000. Repay in a year.Interest rates of 18-36%. Origination Fee of 1-2%. $25 Processing Fee. $50 penalty for late payment. Advantages: Expensive rates, yet still less costly than a Merchant Cash Advance, which can charge as much as 100% interest.Automatic daily deductions from a bank account to make loan payments allow businesses to better budget. Disadvantages: High interest rates and costs. Ties up business capital with the daily payment deductions.Good Fit:This type of loan is a good fit as an alternative to Merchant Credit Card Advances, for short term liquidity and until you qualify for more competitive finance. Another advantage to this type of business finance is it keeps you focused on the most important Business financial: Cash Flow! Reference: Inc. Magazine, May 2009, “Loans You Pay Every Day” by Ryan McCarthy. Microloans Micro loans can be a great place to secure seed finance and to find the right Angel Investor. www.Kiva.org started out as an international micro lender but now is adding U.S. businesses to its loan recipients. Kiva raises about $1 million per week, mainly from tiny $25 loans. Lenders have experienced a 98% payback rate- wow that is impressive! Now someone, in say Average funding time: 56 hours Loan frequency: every 31 seconds What I like about Kiva is the bringing together of small angel investors, with a social media type networking platform. This form of Micro lending is sure to grow exponentially, as will Micro lending as an Industry. Take some time to learn more about Micro lending- you may find it a great fit. Reference: Entrepreneur Magazine, July 2009, “Sharing the Micro Wealth” by Jennie Dorris. Note: This article has a great step by step breakdown on how Kiva loans work. Dealing with Investors Since I have mentioned Angel Investors a couple times in this blog, it would be a good time to provide some advice on securing an Angel. Below are some tips from Entrepreneur Magazine’s Tom Nawrocki (June 2009, “Dos and Don’ts of Getting an Investor”) when looking for an Investor. Also, we have extensive information on Business Investment and Angel Investors in ABC’s Finance Articles. Do’s: Build a personal repoire. Get referrals from Accountants and Attorneys. Check out an Investor through a business that has received investment from the Angel. Have a solid follow on finance/ funding strategy so the Angel’s risk is reduced. Ask employees to invest. Don’ts: Unrealistic financial projections. Don’t worry about being small; most Angel Investors fund companies worth less than $1 million. Fail to show your equity capital invested in your business. Don’t assume an Investor will be an Advisor. A choice you will have to make is to secure an Angel Investor that will also serve as an Advisor to your business or just an investment vehicle. In my opinion, bringing in an Angel Investor who has valuable experience in your business, industry or niche is a must, but understand, this type of Angel will demand more equity. Also understand that “uninterested” investors can become time consuming to manage, potentially distracting you from the main goal of growing your business. Combining Bootstrap Finance with Angel Investment can be a great combination to successfully grow a company.We are interested in hearing from you! Your Feedback is welcome!  Posted in Business Finance. Comment |
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