March 2009

EDITORIAL

Last month, we asked how our SCORE BizSucess Newsletter could best serve your needs.  You said, "Give us the real-world advice we need to survive in these troubled economic times." So, we'll focus on those skills you can put to work, right now, to make you a winner.  But, in this short newsletter, we can only scratch the surface. 

Small business owners are facing challenges on many fronts, including lower consumer spending and tightening credit.  Economic pressures have hit your business and customers alike.   Many small business owners have difficulty accessing capital, as well as collecting payments from deliquent customer.  But, by acting quickly and decisively to protect your business today, you can make it through this recession and emerge with an even stronger, more profitable business in the future. 

SCORE CEO Ken Yancy says, "Don't wait and don't panic.  Now is the time to meet with a SCORE mentor to make plans to tighten credit policies, cut expenses and look at holding cash in your accounts."

SCORE and Capital One Banks have teamed up to offer small business owners "Surviving the Tough Times", a series of free seminar and networking events held all across the Houston area. 

Experienced SCORE mentors are ready to help you not only survive the recession, but to be positoned for growth when the economy turns around.  Among them, you'll find experts in every area of business... strategic planning, finance, management, merchandising, sales, marketing, advertising, human resources and much more.  

And since we are funded by the federal government, our services are offered at no cost to you. 

The unbiased advice of your SCORE counselor can be trusted because we're never in the business of "selling" you anything.  Our only reason for existence is to help small business owners just like you.  

Above all, in times like these, attitude is everything.  Don't get discouraged.  Keep your chin up, work hard and work smart.  As one observer put it, "Contrary to reports, the future has not been cancelled."

Bob Presley, Editor 

Featured articles

Five Recession Pitfalls to Avoid

Today, entrepreneurs face challenges on many fronts, including lower consumer spending, rising unemployment and tightening credit.  Leading economists, the news media and government leaders all agree that these are tough times, and that the economy is likely to get worse before it gets better.  In times like these, only the smart survive.  To stay ahead of the competition, here are five recession pitfalls to avoid: Read the article

Might Residential Properties Soon Be a Bargain?

By Bill Dean, SCORE Business Counselor

There were real estate bargains to be had in every neighborhood.  It was the 1980's, and Houston was enduring the oil bust.  Real estate prices dropped like a rock. In retrospect, don't you wish you'd had the foresight to scoop up some of those bargains?  If the current mortgage crisis persists and worsens, such a residential real estate bargain basement might be looming in the future.  If you're considering an investment in residential rental properties, allow me to help with a few suggestions. Read the article

$730 Million in New SBA Funding Aimed at Freeing Up Credit for Small Business Owners 

A news release from the U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced $730 Million in new funding to the SBA, allowing the agency to help more small business owners affected by the current credit crunch.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that was just passed by congress contains a package of loan fee reductions, higher guarantees, new SBA programs, secondary market incentives, and enhancements to current SBA programs aimed at unlocking credit markets and kick-starting economic recovery for the nation's small business sector. Read the News Release

SCORE Counselor Spotlight

ALLEN SHAPIRO, SCORE Business Counselor

Allen Shapiro is a highly experienced retail business executive who has spent the past 10-plus years educating, consulting and mentoring business owners on how to expand markets and achieve overall business growth.

Mr. Shapiro brings to SCORE an extensive background of hands-on retailing experience.  As Vice President, Divisional Merchandising Manager and Buyer for the Stage Stores (well known in Houston as Palais Royal and Beall's), he was part of an executive team instrumental in the company's substantial growth from 10 to over 600 stores. Allen managed buyers in Ladies Accessories, Ladies Wear, Ladies Outerwear, Junior World, Furs and Children's Wear. 

Prior to his management position with Palais Royal and Beall's, Allen  held various merchandising management positions at Allied Stores, Federated, and Macy's.

Upon retiring from Stage Stores in the 1997, Mr. Shapiro served as a full-time management consultant to City of Houston Housing and Community Development, producing and editing educational "Town Hall Forum" programs presented at multi-service centers and televised on the Municipal Channel.

Allen later served the Houston Better Business Bureau in Corporate Relations and Development, creating methodology to educate underserved business owner's issues and difficulties, as well as established business owners ready to expand, but with a need for help with their growth plans.  

Mr. Shapiro has been a member of SCORE since 2000, serving in many capacities... including Chairman of the Houston Chapter. His many successful SCORE clients have included a handbag manufacturer in Italy, a women's clothing manufacturer, women's millinery and fine jewelry.   

Allen Shapiro's business experience and expertise can become a valuable resource to your small business... free of charge.  For your own personal, private counseling appointment, call the SCORE Business Information Center at 713-773-6565.