Memahami 9 Aspek Penting Sebelum Memulai Usaha

21 November, 2007 05:40:00 wirausahacom
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Memulai bisnis bagi kebanyakan orang bukanlah hal yang mudah. Hal yang klasik, banyak pertimbangan di sana sini sehingga tak jarang membuat orang urung memulai bisnis. Semestinya memulai bisnis tidak menjadi salah satu sumber ketakutan bagi setiap orang. Untuk menghilangkan ketakutan dalam memulai bisnis, seseorang bisa membuat persiapan bisnis yang matang sehingga dapat menjalaninya dengan optimistis.

Salah satu seminar Gerald Abraham salah seorang penasehat bisnis pada sebuah firma hukum, juga pemilik dan direktur sebuah konsultan keuangan di tahun 2006, berisi tentang menjadi sukses dengan memahami 9 aspek penting sebelum memulai usaha.
1. Memahami konsep produk atau jasa secara baik
Sebelum memulai suatu usaha maka hal yang terpenting adalah pemahaman kita akan konsep produk atau jasa yang akan menjadi bisnis inti. Kita perlu memahami bukan hanya secara teknis produksi tetapi juga pasar dan prospek mulai daripada lingkungan yang terkecil kepada lingkungan yang terbesar. Dalam topik ini dibahas secara menyeluruh aspek-aspek yang penting dalam melakukan analisa atas kelayakan dan prospek produk termasuk produk-produk yang sama sekali baru dengan melihat sisi human behavior, kebutuhan pasar dan lainnya.
2. Membuat visi dan misi bisnis
Setiap orang yang mau memulai bisnis harus mengetahui visi dan misi yang akan menjadi panduan seseorang untuk tetap fokus kepada tujuan bisnis dan organisasi yang awal. Seringkali suatu usaha pada saat mulai berkembang pada tahap berikutnya mengalami kegagalan karena organisasi tersebut tidak memfokuskan diri kepada peningkatan kemajuan bisnis awal tetapi terlalu banyak mencoba mengembangkan bidang usaha lain yang baru. Dalam topik ini setiap orang akan belajar bagaimana membuat visi dan misi dalam kaitannya dengan latar belakang pribadi dan pengetahuan usaha yang akan anda rintis.
3. Perlunya winning, positive dan learning attitude untuk menjadi sukses
Sikap mental merupakan kunci keberhasilan atas usaha anda selain daripada pemahaman usaha anda. there is no over night success sesuatu yang harus dicamkan daripada setiap calon “entrepreneur” karena dibutuhkan waktu, sikap tidak menyerah, proses belajar secara kesinambunga, dan melihat permasalahan secara positif yang tidak membuat anda menjadi patah semangat namun melihat setiap peluang dan belajar atas setiap kegagalan.Anda akan belajar untuk mengembangkan sikap-sikap diatas untuk menjadi “bisnis entrepreneur” yang sukses.
4. Membuat perencanaan dan strategi bisnis yang efektif akan menghindari usaha daripada risiko bisnis dan keuangan.
Secara statistik hampir seluruh kegagalan bisnis kecil dan menengah disebabkan karena tidak adanya atau kurang efektifnya perencanaan bisnis yang anda buat. Asumsi-asumsi seperti kapasitas produksi, tingkat utilisasi produksi, proyeksi kenaikan harga dan biaya dan aspek lainnya dalam perencanaan bisnis haruslah menggambarkan secara akurat realitas pasar atau praktek yang ada dalam suatu industri. Sistematika perhitungan dan proyeksi pendapatan dan biaya harus dibuat secara tepat sehingga membantu setiap calon pengusaha untuk menghitung secara akurat kebutuhan modal investasi dan modal kerja termasuk struktur biaya untuk persiapan awal, tahap percobaan, produksi secara komersial, inventori, distribusi, pemasaran, administrasi, sumber daya manusia dan juga komponen pendapatan usaha yang terdiri dari pendapatan inti dan tambahan. Pemahaman yang baik atas hal ini juga akan membantu calon entrepreneur untuk dapat mengindentifikasi potensi resiko bisnis, manajemen dan keuangan dan membuat langkah-langkah pengendalian untuk dapat menghindari setiap resiko tersebut.
5. Pengetahuan dasar manajemen, organisasi dan sistem akan menghindari usaha daripada risiko manajemen.
Setiap usaha dari yang paling kecil sekalipun membutuhkan manajemen yang baik untuk memastikan proses pemasaran, produksi, distribusi dan penjualan berlangsung dengan baik. Sistem manajemen yang buruk akan mengakibatkan adanya biaya yang tidak perlu seperti bahan baku yang terbuang, pekerja yang tidak produktif karena pengawasan yang tidak efektif dan deskripsi pekerjaan yang tidak jelas, koordinasi dan komunikasi antar pegawai yang tidak efektif sehingga banyak keputusan yang terlambat, perekrutan pegawai yang tidak efektif sehingga banyak pegawai yang keluar masuk dan membuang banyak waktu dan biaya, pelatihan yang tidak baik sehingga produktivitas pegawai yang rendah dan masih banyak lagi permasalahan organisasi. Dalam topik ini kami akan memberikan pengetahuan dasar dan aspek-aspek yang sangat penting yang harus dipelajari oleh calon bisnis entrepreneur untuk menghindari resiko manajemen yang dapat menyebabkan kegagalan usaha.
6. Optimalisasi sumber daya manusia maka 50% usaha Anda sudah berhasil.
Sumber Daya Manusia atau SDM merupakan salah satu kunci keberhasilan usaha yang sangat penting. Banyak pakar yang menyadari bahwasanya untuk memulai usaha seringkali apabila kita merekrut pegawai yang tepat dan berpotensi sangat baik dapat menutup kelemahan manajemen, organisasi dan sistim dalam jangka pendek. Dengan SDM yang tepat maka kita sudah setengah jalan untuk menjadi sukses. Topik ini akan membantu kita untuk memahami kriteria pegawai yang baik dan sesuai dengan kebutuhan usaha, manajemen SDM secara umum termasuk sistim penilaian kinerja pegawai sehingga setiap pegawai akan merasa puas dan juga bagaimana memotivasi pegawai baik secara psikologi umum maupun dengan sistim insentif untuk mengoptimalkan kinerja pegawai.
7. Mengapa kreativitas, kepemimpinan dan proses pembuatan keputusan sangat penting?
Dalam memulai usaha umumnya setiap calon entrepreneur akan mengalami banyak permasalahan dan krisis. Banyak kegagalan terjadi karena kurangnya kreativitas, kepemimpinan dan pembuatan keputusan yang tepat untuk mencari solusi yang baik. Kreativitas seperti “thinking outbox” atau kemampuan melakukan analisa permasalahan di luar pemahaman yang sudah ada dan mencari alternatif solusi yang kreatif akan sangat membantu usaha anda untuk berhasil. Kreativitas juga akan sangat membantu anda untuk menyesuaikan produk-produk anda agar dapat diterima oleh pasar dan juga melihat berbagai peluang dalam membangun usaha anda. Kepemimpinan sangat penting dalamkrisis untuk membuat setiap pegawai dan semua orang yang terlibat dalam usaha anda percaya bahwasanya anda tidak panik, menjadi tempat last resort solusi atas semua permasalahan dan menjadi panutan. Proses Pembuatan Keputusan akan membantu anda dalam mencari alternatif solusi dan memilih yang terbaik untuk usaha dan organisasi anda. Dalam topik ini anda akan mendapatkan cara-cara mengembangkan kreativitas usaha anda, ciri-ciri kepemimpinan yang cocok dengan latar belakang pribadi anda dan bagaimana proses yang benar dalam membuat keputusan dalam setiap permasalahan.
8. Pengetahuan dasar pengelolaan keuangan dan pembiayaan
Pemahaman atas aspek ini adalah sangat penting dalam perkembangan usaha anda. Seringkali produksi terganggu karena pengelolaan keuangan yang tidak baik seperti kekurangan dana untuk pembelian bahan baku, alat-alat produksi dan lainnya. Dalamtopik ini akan dibahas pengetahuan dasar atas cash flow atau arus kas yang seperti darah dalam tubuh manusia, biaya pendanaan, pembiayaan modal kerja dan investasi, struktur modal, aset perusahaan, penyertaan modal dan lainnya.
9. Pemasaran, pelayanan dan product brand
Pemasaran merupakan ujung tombak keberhasilan penjualan produk atau jasa. Sebaik apapun produk atau jasa tanpa pemasaran yang baik maka akan sangat sukar untuk meningkat penjualan dan keuntungan usaha. Di lain pihak tanpa pelayanan yang baik kepada pelanggan maka akan sangat sukar suatu usaha untuk memperoleh pelanggan yang loyal yang merupakan kunci perkembangan usaha. Dengan pelanggan yang loyal maka pekerjaan pemasaran akan lebih mudah karena pelayanan yang baik akan menciptakan product brand yang baik kepada calon pelanggan baru. Dalam topik ini akan dibahas secera menyeluruh semua aspek penting dalam membuat strategi pemasaran, identifikasi pelayanan yang dibutuhkan pelanggan dan bagaimana menciptakan product brand dan efeknya kepada keberhasilan usaha.
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Wealth Management Advice in This Economic Recession

There's a lot of noise in the media on different ideas on how to manage money.The reality is there are different factors in wealth management.What works for one person doesn't necessary is going to work for the next.That's why if people are looking for the media for advice in wealth management they are looking in the wrong place.
People need to have a personal consultant who understands an individuals problem or goal in having their money in all the right places.Money doesn't disappear it just moves to a better market.Several of the wealthiest people have lost their fortune due to bad choices and investments.The way to avoid big financial looses is to have a personal plan of action that is the perfect fit for an individual.This can be the difference from transforming debt into wealth.

Middle and Lower class people have more debt than they can handle.A good example is the spending on products for instant gratification rather than how can I save or invest to purchase that in the future. Bad economic education has been the reason for several Bankruptcy cases.

Becoming financially educated can have a real impact in peoples life and bank account.The more people realize how to manage their money the less bad choices they will make in the future.A personal consultant will help you in financial and wealth management to better yourself and your assets.A good solid plan is recommended to become a better investor,Look back and see what has worked for you and what hasn't.Of course avoid what's not working and customize or have a consultant customize a solid plan especially for you.

It gets even better,what if your personal consultant helped you in wealth management and you trusted him/her for future advice.After some time in being financially advised you become comfortable and want to help others on what you have learned.Yes there's such a place.

To further educate yourself in wealth management visit website:

http://www.lifechangingmarketing.com

My name is Carlos Anastacio and I'm an Internet Network Marketer who enjoys sharing marketing tools to help others build long term success in any business .The information I provide has been tested and it's proven to help anyone in Internet/Network Marketing.This is not a free ride whatsoever, but a true path for anyone to brand themselves and stand out from everyone else trying to pitch you their opportunity. Only you are responsible for your success, and as long you have the training,knowledge and commitment to have success, you will then be one step ahead of those people that are jumping from one opportunity to another trying to find answers all in the wrong places.

Knowledge is more powerful and valuable than any Breakthrough product or ground floor opportunity.http://EzineArticles.com Read More ..

Wealth Management Advice in This Economic Recession

There's a lot of noise in the media on different ideas on how to manage money.The reality is there are different factors in wealth management.What works for one person doesn't necessary is going to work for the next.That's why if people are looking for the media for advice in wealth management they are looking in the wrong place.
People need to have a personal consultant who understands an individuals problem or goal in having their money in all the right places.Money doesn't disappear it just moves to a better market.Several of the wealthiest people have lost their fortune due to bad choices and investments.The way to avoid big financial looses is to have a personal plan of action that is the perfect fit for an individual.This can be the difference from transforming debt into wealth.

Middle and Lower class people have more debt than they can handle.A good example is the spending on products for instant gratification rather than how can I save or invest to purchase that in the future. Bad economic education has been the reason for several Bankruptcy cases.

Becoming financially educated can have a real impact in peoples life and bank account.The more people realize how to manage their money the less bad choices they will make in the future.A personal consultant will help you in financial and wealth management to better yourself and your assets.A good solid plan is recommended to become a better investor,Look back and see what has worked for you and what hasn't.Of course avoid what's not working and customize or have a consultant customize a solid plan especially for you.

It gets even better,what if your personal consultant helped you in wealth management and you trusted him/her for future advice.After some time in being financially advised you become comfortable and want to help others on what you have learned.Yes there's such a place.

To further educate yourself in wealth management visit website:

http://www.lifechangingmarketing.com

My name is Carlos Anastacio and I'm an Internet Network Marketer who enjoys sharing marketing tools to help others build long term success in any business .The information I provide has been tested and it's proven to help anyone in Internet/Network Marketing.This is not a free ride whatsoever, but a true path for anyone to brand themselves and stand out from everyone else trying to pitch you their opportunity. Only you are responsible for your success, and as long you have the training,knowledge and commitment to have success, you will then be one step ahead of those people that are jumping from one opportunity to another trying to find answers all in the wrong places.

Knowledge is more powerful and valuable than any Breakthrough product or ground floor opportunity.http://EzineArticles.com Read More ..

The Best Recession Proof Home Business For Economic Hard Times

Is there really any such thing as a "recession proof" business? Can you earn a good living--even during an economic meltdown? The good news is, yes you can. In fact, many people are making a high six-figure income from it. What is this business? It's Internet Marketing. The hottest trend in the home business landscape. Think about it. We are currently experiencing a financial tsunami. Entire industries are being wiped out. Working in the localized job market is no longer viable in today's rapidly shifting economic times. Many families are really beginning to feel the crunch--And it's predicted to only get worse!
However, this in only "one side of the coin." Not everyone is suffering in this recession (others would say depression). Even in the Depression back in the '30's, there were the rich, as well as the poor. There is a whole different world out there. It's called the Internet. Many people are discovering the ease and fulfillment of an Internet based marketing business. With the Internet based home business, you can work from the comfort and security of your home. You do not need to sacrifice a sizable portion of your income on fuel, or a wardrobe, or other hidden costs involved in commuting to work.

Furthermore, you don't have to put up with disagreeable bosses or fellow employees. Nor do you need to waste a sizeable portion of your valuable time on these issues. Thus, the time you need to develop and maintain your business is much more streamlined and efficient. This in turn leads to less stress and more fulfillment. This inevitably leads to success. Financial as well as personal. This way, you are in charge of your destiny. You are no longer being driven by "circumstances beyond your control". The best part is, by getting involved in the Internet marketing business, you are tapping into a much broader economic base. One that is not dependent upon ever changing local markets, job strikes, and other unpredictable factors. The best way to stay ahead of the game, in these uncertain times, is to embrace this new pardigm shift. Tapping into markets that are statewide. Nationwide. Even Worldwide.

This way, if a certain area is suffering economically, you simply direct your efforts to another region or sector. The only other alternative is to face taking a potential financial hit. The economic upheaval is beginning to rumble and this could be the "big one". A "10" on the economic Richter scale! Why risk it? Begin to put in place a financial plan of safety, now, before it is too late. The good news is that it's never been easier to get involved with Internet marketing. There are thousands, even millions, of goods and services to market. With numbers growing daily. This trend is expected to create a new, middle to upper-middle, class for those who can make the change.

Those who can't will be forced to continue to eek out a living in the archaic method of working several dead-end jobs to get by. This paradigm shift will continue to broaden and create real class differences between the "haves" and the "have nots" in the coming months and years. Make sure you're on high ground when this tsunami hits. Don't let it wipe you out. Take action now before the herd does. And discover what the other half already knows about the exciting world of internet marketing!http://ezinearticles.com/ Read More ..

Why a Multilingual Writing Service is of Considerable Importance to Today's Marketing Firms

The rise of online communication, an ever growing global financial beak down, and expanding global competition have all forced companies to change their approach to everything from off shore distribution, to hiring practices and most importantly confronting the issue of across border communication. In today's global economic market it is imperative for a business of any substance to understand and have a multilingual approach to business communications and web content.
New world power shifts global communication trends

There are many start-up businesses ready to lead the charge to adopt multilingual writing services as increasing Chinese, Arabic and Hispanic internet user's log-on. Traditionally English has been the chosen language for global commerce, for a long time now it was up to companies across the globe to provide English speaking and writing services or risk losing lucrative business leads and contracts. Now the business growth focus is no longer on English speaking countries. Countries like China, Russia and India are financially expanding and whose population speaks English as a secondary language. Also, these new world economies have established themselves and now wanting global partners to come to them and part of this means learning to communicate their native languages.

The U.S. people and companies especially have struggled with understanding the new rules of international commerce and the advantages of a multilingual approach. With new, expanding markets opening up all over the world almost daily the U.S. and its once mighty dollar are not so attractive, or worth going for, as they once were. At this moment China's economic future growth focus is on Africa and it's easy to exploit resources. Between the continent of Africa and the sub-continent, that now is China, a diverse and wildly different mix of languages are crossing paths creating flat communication channels that traditions and customs are side-stepped to make way for economic and industrial plans and expansive conversations. Again, history has shown that if any party, worldwide, allows the globally familiar economic language of English to guide financial planning and discussions, things will run more smoothly. China's approach though is changing that presumption and approach.

Two worlds collide

China's vast amount of economic and diplomatic assistance for the emerging markets in Africa has brought along a change and approach to business conversation. Multilingual writing services and automated online translation programs are just two tools that have made it much easier for diverse people and groups to communicate. China's approach is forcing markets and service industries to cater to the large Chinese population in each individual person's first language. China's population alone has more than 5 major languages each holding customs and traditions that can only be understood by the native speaker.

At one time the internet and online communication was a disaster to language diversity. Not too long ago users were limited to how many languages were available and understood widely enough for people across continents and oceans to express complex business ideas and solutions. English, Italian and Spanish: only a few languages were chosen early on in the internet's history to be the focus of business conversations internationally. Slowly, as markets emerged, Russian, Mandarin and Hindi began to be used. These languages were used mainly because they were the native languages of a huge and densely populated group or country. That approach still took lots of work; imagine someone in Mainland, USA trying to trade with someone in St. Petersburg, Russia, both sides would have to of had a physical person as a translator. That was then, today, companies especially in the field of multilingual writing services have made diverse international business conversation easier than ever. Multilingual writing services allow any original web content to be created in most major languages. In this business environment ideas and innovations are allowed to be shared faster and are better understood than at any other time in history.

The human touch

The ability for businesses and industry to communicate openly does not always lead to marketing and sales success. Take the recent United States housing market crash. International buyers were told, mostly through unrefined automated translation programs, about complex financial ideas and U.S. home ownership laws. Automated translator programs sometimes miss the use and diction subtleties of individual languages and help contribute to a lack of understanding, worldwide, as to how dangerous and volatile the market could get.

One way for companies to avoid this pit fall in the future is to opt for a 'human only' content creation and translation policy from multilingual writing service providers - particularly if they are constantly updated internet communications in multiple languages. In some cases writer and translators from these companies are native speakers and have studied in great linguistics, literature and marketing communications in great detail. Today, the difference between great financial gain and bust can hinge on the meaning of one word and how it relates to laws, taxes and governmental over sight. Any company that takes the importance of quality content to heart has the best chance to outmaneuver competitor that are taking a lower quality approach.//ezinearticles.com/ Read More ..

Performance Management Assists Lean Manufacturing By Jesper Ruben Hansen

This is a short introduction to how performance management can support the implementation and succes with lean manufacturing.
The 5th principle of the 5 lean principles, is the concept of continuous improvements.
But how do we handle this in a structured and controlled manner?

One of the most important tools to drive continous improvements is performance management.
In many organizations, working with performance management is natural, while this can be very difficult, and even scary for others.

When working with goals in a lean organization it is essential to involve the employees in the proces.

Also visualization of goals should be given attention together with a process for frequent meetings and follow up on goals.

But how do you define goals, that are effective and drive improvements?

First of all we need to define what we want to measure, but more importantly take into consideration on what level in the organization the goal shall be implemented.

On the executive level, goals should be related to the strategy of the company, but when we move down in the organization we need to diversify the goals to achieve ownership.
For example net operating margin, can be a relevant goal on executive level, while it doesn't make much sense on the shop floor.
So we need to define goals that will support the top-level goals, but can be influenced and are relevant by teams elsewhere in the
organization.

When implementing performance management in a lean organization we often need to define goals that are very close to the primary
core processes of the company.

In general we can use the SMART model when defining goals.
So what makes a goal SMART?

S = Specific

M = Measurable

A = Accepted

R = Realistic

T = Time

Specific, means that the goal must be defined accurately and simple enough to make sure that everyone understands what we measure.
Measurable, means that we need to define goals that can be quantified and expressed in a simple number
Accepted, means that you need to build acceptance of the relevancy of the goal in the team
Realistic, means that the target should be set at a reasonable level, while still stretched to drive improvement
Time, means that it must be clear, and part of the definition of the goal, when we expect the target to be reached.

If you use the SMART check-list when defining goals you should be in pretty good shape.

When you start the process of using goals in the daily management process on the shop floor, management must be prepared to
work closely with the team to ensure that goals are measured and that corrective and preventive actions are defined and implemented.
This process is best driven by stand up meetings, preferably every day.
When implemented correctly, performance management can be an extremely effective way to get ahead of your competition.

You can find tools on the net to facilitate the process, check out this place with Lean games and tools

Jesper R. Hansen, co-owner and consultant with the company thy:innovation which is also the owner and operator of leanshopping.//ezinearticles.com/ Read More ..

Common Sense Ways of Surviving Today's Economy

Today's current economic meltdown is coming as a shock to two generations of Americans who have never seen a recession before. Not only is the news on the economic front unsettling, they, like the majority of Americans, don't have a clue as to the steps they should be taking to help make ends meet.
Most of the following suggestions are things you can start doing to help you keep your lives as balanced as possible.

1- First and most important, set up and start following a family household budget. Your budget should include all your major expenses (mortgage, car payments, credit card payments, etc).

It also has to include things like groceries, insurance payments, phone expenses, utilities, cable TV and eating out. In other words, all your expenses for living in your home. Only after you've subtracted all your expenses from your take home pay can you begin to understand how important a good budget really is.

2- For one week keep track of every penny you spend during the day. The vast majority of Americans haven't a clue as to how much real money actually flows through their hands every month or how much control over their money they really have. The amount that people spend on a daily basis tend to be small and it's easy to lose track of how much everything costs. But to paraphrase Benjamin Franklin: "Small pennies add up to large pounds".

If you are honest with keeping track of every penny you spend daily you will be amazed at what the total amounts to. Getting control of the spending you do without thinking can add up to a considerable amount of cash.

3- Start your own campaign to use energy and resources more wisely. It's no longer about being green - now it's all about saving money! You can take a huge bite out of your electric bill by changing the way you use your air conditioner without really changing your lifestyle. Begin by contacting your electrical supplier and signing up for their "interruptible" service plan.

You can save lots on your electricity by simply letting the power company take your air conditioner off-line for about 10 minutes/hour whenever their demand reaches a certain level. Chances are you will never notice any difference in comfort level - only in your electric bill! Install the energy saving light bulbs where ever you use lamps the most. They not only will last longer but the cost/per kilowatt hour is significantly less.

4- Buy and install flow restrictor shower heads in all of your showers. The average shower uses about 10 gallons of water/minute. The flow restrictor reduces that rate to less than 5 gallons/minute with no noticeable reduction in the quality of the shower. Talk to your hardware person about the best type to get and the ease of installation.

5- This is a tough one that you've probably already started on. You have to go over your budget (see Step 1 above) and determine which of your non-essential activities you can either cut down on or eliminate.

These include things like health club memberships, facials, massages, manicures, hairstyling, kids athletics, golf memberships and all the other things that quietly take your money.
You might be shocked at how much you can save by changing the way you decide to recreate.

6- Now the biggie. You have to do everything possible to eliminate credit card debt as fast as possible. The average family has way too much and most people never fully realize how much it actually costs to use credit instead of paying cash.

Start looking at the amount of interest you are paying every month and imagine what you could be doing with that money if you weren't paying it to your credit card company. How much gas or how many groceries would that amount buy for your family? Begin looking at those interest payments as the penalty your family is paying for the "convenience" of using your credit cards.

7-The thing your Grandmother clipped and used regularly to save money is making a big comeback. Coupons are here again and you don't even have to clip them! You simply go to a site like http://www.CoolSavings.com/couponsite , find the coupons you're interested in, print them out and take them with you when you go shopping.

How much you save will depend on you. But if it worked for Grandma there's no reason it won't work for you, too. These are just the beginning of things you can start doing to help you cope in our changing world. Starting with these simple ideas will lead to more things that will save you money. And keep in mind what good ole' Ben said.http://ezinearticles.com/ Read More ..