Monday, August 28, 2006

32 Steps to Starting a New Business or Non-Profit


Background work
1. assess your strengths and weaknesses
2. establish business and personal goals
3. assess your financial resources
4. identify the financial risks
5. determine the start-up costs
6. decide on your business location
7. do market research
8. identify your customers
9. identify your competitors
10. develop a marketing plan
Business transactions
1. select a lawyer
2. choose a form of organization (proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, for example)
3. create your business (register your name, incorporate the business, etc.)
4. select an accountant
5. prepare a business plan
6. select a banker
7. set up a business checking account
8. apply for business loans (if applicable)
9. establish a line of credit
10. develop the mission
11. obtain business insurance
First steps
1. get business cards
2. review local business codes
3. obtain a lease
4. line up suppliers (if applicable)
5. get furniture and equipment
6. obtain a business license or permit (if applicable)
7. get a federal employer identification number
8. get a state employer i.d. number (if applicable)
9. send for federal and state tax forms
10. join a professional organization
11. set starting date

Sunday, August 13, 2006

The Best Coffee and the Best Way to Drink it!!!


Shane Scott Coffee Co's beans are roasted to satisfy your individual taste. The founders of Shane Scott Coffee Co. recommend using one level tablespoon of grounded Shane Scott coffee for three ounces of hot water. However, the coffee’s strength depends on the amount of coffee to water ratio. You ultimately determine the brewing amounts that satisfy your taste.

It is important to remember to use fresh coffee bean. Making a fresh brew of coffee requires the proper equipment, clean water and beans of the highest quality. Using Shane Scott coffee, 100% single-bean Colombian gourmet coffee, will assure you a bitter-less, smooth cup, fresh cup of coffee with no aftertaste.

The Equipment
There are many different ways to brew coffee. The better ways include:
French Press Percolator, Drip-filter type, Espresso & Cappuccino
Coffee makers and other utensils must be clean. It is important to wash the coffee maker thoroughly after every use to prevent the accumulation of residues that will alter the flavor and aroma of the brew. For best results always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The Water
Water is an important ingredient. You want to start with cold pure water, preferably filtered, if possible. Heat the water to almost the boiling point, but it should not boil. This is the optimum water temperature to fully extract the substances that give coffee its characteristic aroma and delicious flavor.

Your Coffee
The quality of the coffee bean depends largely on : 1) the soil conditions and altitude where the coffee trees grow, 2) The appropriate amount of rainfall, 3) the care and handling of the coffee from the moment of harvesting ,& 4) beginning of the roasting process to the end
Because the demand for freshness, aroma, and flavor Shane Scott is determined to provide the highest quality roasted beans on the market today, the roasting process is a crucial phase in the final product. Roasting the beans for too long at high temperatures (what’s called "dark roasting") will result in a flavor that masks the natural flavor of the bean. A light roast uses less heat. This method does not injure the bean and reveals its full flavor. Do you expect to get a great cup of coffee if you use a low-grade cheap coffee? Of course, taste is a matter of individual preference. A high quality coffee like Shane Scott is processed to meet the requirements of most demanding and discriminating tastes.

with so many post about topics that will help in the nonprofit sector, this one will become a life savor to anyone who has to work long, long hours.