Capital Solutions Bancorp Blog

Get That Cash Flow Flowing!

Super — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:45:57 -0400

Don't let news of the economy's current state compel you to believe that it's impossible to keep the cash flow flowing. It just means you need to watch your cash flow very closely and be stringent in forecasting your cash flow. Here are tips for exercising your cash flow so it stays in great shape.

Struggling Banks Cut Business Loans

Capital_Solutions_Bancorp — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:01:48 -0400

Businesses looking for financing to grow and hire more employees won't likely find it in a bank -- at least, not for a long time. The New York Times reports that banks approve fewer loans while charging higher rates.

Take a Mental Health Day or Week

Capital_Solutions_Bancorp — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:29:08 -0400

"Mental health day," a phrase first coined in 1971, finally gets the recognition it deserves. Merriam-Webster includes this along with about 100 words in its 11th edition of its Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary hitting the shelves this September. Mental health day is "a day that an employee takes off from work in order to relieve stress or renew vitality."

Something Americans don't use much as they're fickle about using their vacation for rest and renewal. The high cost of gas and groceries compels many to skip vacation to avoid spending money.

Business Owners Stick with Company

Capital_Solutions_Bancorp — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:01:32 -0400

You own your own business and a job offer comes along with more security, better benefits, and a big salary bump. Would you take it? According to the Wall Street Journal, almost 60% of business owners say they won't quit for better salaries.

Common Questions When You Ask for Working Capital

Capital_Solutions_Bancorp — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:55:45 -0400

Ben Yoskovitz lists the 10 common questions investors will ask. Whether you're a startup or needing working capital to grow your business, knowing the answers to these questions will help you stay focused and be prepared to talk with a financial institution. However, we rephrased the questions for the company that needs working capital -- not startups:

Pitching to Investors and Venture Capitalists

Capital_Solutions_Bancorp — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:19:22 -0400

Instigator Blog provides five simple and powerful tips for making the most out of pitching to investors for a startup. These tips also apply to seasoned businesses looking to raise working capital.

Here are his five tips with my notes.

Staff Companies Boost Revenues Despite Rate Cuts

Capital_Solutions_Bancorp — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:39:12 -0400

This story from Crain's Detroit Business shows how companies find other ways to succeed during difficult times. If your company provides a service and the economy forces a rate cut, what do you do? Reliance One doubled its sales in 2007 and expects to up them by 56 percent this year.

It's Not Just about the Money for Women Business Owners

Capital_Solutions_Bancorp — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:16:59 -0400

Margaret Heffernan's How She Does It shows that successful women entrepreneurs have one thing in common: money isn't the main driver for running their business. Many do it for the passion. However, this doesn't mean they shun spreadsheets and ignore the numbers. They do the opposite -- women owners know their numbers as well as any other executive.

Economy Pushes Businesses toward Nontraditional Loans

Capital_Solutions_Bancorp — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:46:19 -0400

This Dallas Morning News article (may require free registration) confirms the trend that many businesses look beyond banks for loans. The article features a business that wants to expand its inventory after four years of steady business. The owner says that he tried going to banks, but they don't pay attention to a business' success.

Medical Staff Occupational Outlook for 2008 - 2009

Capital_Solutions_Bancorp — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:44:34 -0400

Well, here's some good news for a change from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition on the medical profession.