REPOST: How a Business Coach Can Help Your Business Grow

Why does a businessman need a business coach? This article from Business2Community.com enumerates five good reasons why.

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Just as you might hire a personal trainer to ramp up your fitness routine, a business coach can be a terrific choice for an entrepreneur or executive looking to ramp up their business. Whether you are just getting started or feel as though your business is at a place where it could benefit from a fresh burst of energy and ideas, a coach can help you grow and transform your business in exciting new directions.

Redefine your goals

A great business coach will work with you to develop tools for assessing existing goals and creating new ones as well as defining the steps you must take to meet those goals. Whether you are at the start of your career or an industry veteran, a business coach can spark innovative ways of looking ahead to your short and long-term future and help you make concrete plans that will take you and your business to the next level.

Maximise your resources
A business coach can bring a fresh eye to your current resources and examine how you can make better use of them. Those resources may include everything from employees to access to funds and more. You may be too close to your business to adequately assess the potential, but a business coach will work with you to fully understand the scope of that potential and how you can access it.

Develop your leadership abilities

Strong leadership is key for success in business, and if you are struggling in this area or would just like to improve on an existing strength, a business coach can work with you to develop these improvement strategies. Strong leadership means a strong, growing business.

Provide a personalised approach

You can read dozens of business books and attend any number of seminars, and those can be valuable resources, but none of them can provide the specific attention tailored to your business and your needs that a business coach can. A coach can work with you to identify the specific impediments to growth faced by your business and discuss how to overcome then.

Whether you need to change your marketing approach, increase revenue, arrange for further training for yourself or your employees or take some other action, your coach can help you develop a plan.

Keeps you accountable

Making a plan is only a small part of what must be done to transform and grow a business. A business coach helps you stay on track, assess progress and the effectiveness of your work so far, and make adjustments as needed. Regular meetings can help to ensure that you get the feedback that you need.

The role of a business coach combines aspects of a mentor, a teacher and even a therapist, but the unique partnership between you and your coach is on a more equal footing than any of those relationships.

A strong business coach means a strong business, and you can benefit from this input at any stage of your career.

Follow this Tony Hartman Facebook page to learn more about business startegies as well as techniques on how to survive the industry.

A guide to measuring ROI

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Calculating return on investment is essential in measuring the progress of a business. For most companies, it serves as a metric that could indicate the success of its business operations, whether it is for a particular event, campaign, or marketing strategy.

Moreover, in a larger scale, being aware of ROI lets entrepreneurs know whether their company is getting the intended results, and this allows them to navigate effectively the future of their ventures.

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Typically, ROI is calculated by deducting the gain from investment from the cost of investment, and then dividing the resulting figure again to the cost of investment. ROIs are frequently expressed in ratio or percentage. For example, if you launch a multimedia campaign for a product worth $10,000, and the profits gained is $5,000, your ROI for that particular campaign is 20 percent.

The metrics for measuring ROI, however, varies in different industries and business operations.

Some entrepreneurs, for instance, use the “cash flow method” to compute their respective ROIs. In a Business Insider article, business expert and author Fred Wilson explains that returns may also depend on the type of business, which mostly has a finite life like restaurants.

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Other companies, meanwhile, create their own formulas due to the complexity of its business. Technology-based firms, for example, base the computation of their ROIs in terms of cost of savings. The same practice goes for other firms like marketing and ad agencies which compute their returns based on factors such as brand awareness or recall.

When computing for ROI, it is also important to determine the different factors that affect one’s business. A positive ROI does not necessarily indicate a successful business.

Tony Hartman of Denver is a finance expert. Get more financial insights by subscribing to this Google+ page.

Personal loans: Understanding their inherent dangers

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Having cash on hand is very different from having invested funds. While this seems obvious at the get-go, many individuals and business owners still confuse the two when looking for and dealing with their finances. This becomes especially troublesome when the individual is engaged in a real estate investment that requires a huge sum of cash up front. Instead of liquidating invested funds (which would be quite a hassle and generally takes a lot of time), the businessman may feel inclined to apply for personal loans. These loans normally are faster and more convenient to file. However, it should also be emphasized that personal loans have their fair share of considerations as well.

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The most important concept to understand is that personal loans are short-term. While there is nothing bad or good about that, first-time applicants become flustered when they find out that their monthly payments are relatively large. Typically, these types of loans also have higher interest rates. These were imposed to ward off risky applications but also are a source of much frustration for first-time borrowers. A common complaint most financial advisors and institutions hear regarding this type of loan is that there is not enough "cash" to pay the monthly due. In a vicious cycle, the client does not end up paying and is fined with a higher fee, which makes the borrower even less willing to pay the loan.

In itself, personal loans are a good financing option. They offer quick and easy funds for a business owner with invested assets. What is encouraged and recommended each and every time is that the businessman is capable of paying the loan in only a few months. Discussing regular payments received with a trusted financial advisor can create a more thorough and comprehensive loan plan.

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Keep up to date with the latest news in business finance by following this Google+ page for finance expert Tony Hartman of Denver, Colorado.

REPOST: Why Real-Estate Agents Should Consider Insurance

This article from The Wall Street Journal shares the real-estate agents’ answer to a malpractice insurance case.

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When real-estate agents Fran Day and Tom O'Neill agreed to help a couple sell their home in upscale rural Pennsylvania, they didn't expect a seven-year legal battle that went all the way to the state's highest court.

But that's what happened after the buyer sued the agents for not informing her that the stately house she bought had been the scene of a grisly murder-suicide a year and a half earlier.

"[T]he cost of litigating this was substantial," said attorney Timothy J. Bloh, who represented the Re/Max agents. Fortunately for his clients, who ultimately won the case, they had an insurance policy that paid for most of the legal bills, he said.

Ms. Day and Mr. O'Neill didn't respond to requests for comments.

Professional liability insurance in the real-estate world—known as errors and omissions coverage or E&O—is akin to medical malpractice insurance for doctors. Helping a client sell a home may not require the precision of brain surgery, but even simple property deals come with pitfalls that can land the most scrupulous real-estate professional in court. An E&O policy offers agents and brokers protection against the costs of getting sued for a mistake made in the course of doing their job.

As the name suggests, E&O policies don't cover claims of outright fraud. Typically, they come in handy when a disgruntled buyer sues an agent or broker for failing to disclose a defect in a property, for misleading the purchaser about what they're buying, or for a breach of contract.

Undisclosed termite infestations, mold contamination, or hidden water damage are typical sources of litigation. Boundary disputes are another flash point. With those, the property could be in fine shape, but the buyer alleges that the square footage of the home or surrounding property is smaller than advertised. Brokers and agents also get sued for failing to disclose that a property is encumbered by a lien, entangling the property in the old owner's debts.

Real-estate industry groups strongly encourage their members to get coverage—by buying a policy individually or through their broker.

If an agent is covered, the insurer assumes the bulk of the legal costs, typically up to $1 million with a deductible. When an agent is targeted with a claim, the insurer hires an attorney and takes the lead in crafting a defense strategy or negotiating a settlement.

Agents whose annual revenues fall below $500,000 can buy policies with annual premiums starting around $600. But if they handle more business or operate in more expensive areas like California, premiums can run in the thousands.

A lack of information about E&O insurance—and differences in local laws and market conditions—makes it hard to compare policies and know what to look for in the fine print. So shopping around for a policy can be a tricky endeavor, especially for independent professionals or brokerages operating on tight margins.

About a dozen states, mostly in the Midwest and South, require agents and brokers to carry basic policies. Elsewhere, coverage is optional. Many agents and brokers go uninsured, despite the advice of trade associations. Somewhere between one-third and one-half of agents and brokers are covered by E&O policies, according to internal market data from Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., a top underwriter of E&O insurance for real-estate professionals.

Eric Myers, a vice president at Schinnerer, says 90% of their customers never see a claim filed against them. But insurance, he says, is about hedging against a small but dangerous risk. "If you're going to court, it can get expensive pretty fast," he said.

Mike W. Smith, president of Axis Insurance Services LLC, an insurance brokerage in New Jersey, said agents inquiring about a policy are often skeptical that it will pay off. Many of them, he says, assume that only sloppy professionals have to worry about getting sued.

"I find it interesting that people won't build a deck or a hire a contractor without an insurance certificate," he said, "but they'll sell a million-dollar house without thinking they need insurance."

Some agents fear that potential plaintiffs might be lured by the thought of a pile of insurance money being recovered. "There are few that feel that if they have insurance, they're more of a target," said June Barlow, vice president and general counsel of the California Association of Realtors.

Marc W. Brown, a Buffalo lawyer who defends insurers against E&O claims, advises agents to take a less complacent view of their legal exposure.

"Why risk your entire reputation? It's not worth it," he said. "There are too many people out there in a litigious society who are going to sue you."

Tony Hartman is a senior managing partner at Mark Private Capital LLC, a private equity firm that specializes in bridge financing for business and real estate projects. To know more about him, follow this Twitter page.

Building a portfolio by investing in real estate

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When building an investment portfolio, one of the better commodities to consider is real estate. While still affected by the global futures market, real estate is able to remain relatively independent from the fluctuations and remains a safer option. This is especially important for first-time investors or people who do not want to claim a risky portfolio option.

There are general recommendations for investing in real estate, and here are a couple of them:

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First is to remember that the primary residence is generally not a good investment. Unless the home owner lives in an appreciating area and is willing to move once the market value is high, the primary residence is not something that earns a lot of profit. It’s a simple case of supply and demand. Even if the demand is high, there will be less profit if supply is short. That is why most real estate advisors suggest looking at industry trends and investing in developing areas. Factors to consider are job growth in the area, GDP growth, and economic development.

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Second is to consider the real estate investment trust (REIT), which is defined as “a security that is sold like a stock on the major exchanges and invests in real estate directly, either through properties or mortgages.” In general, REITs are seen as a safe option for the average investor to test the waters. However, these, more than other types of real estate investments, are dependent on the volatility of the stock market. Given the recent recession, investors may become disheartened by the low returns and may pull out too early. Investors should consult with a real estate advisor and do heavy research before considering a REIT.

There will never be a good time to invest in real estate, as this type of commodity will always be around. Thus, many recommend entering the competitive arena of investment through real estate.

Tony Hartman, a Denver-based investor, has helped many people with their business and real estate decisions. As a senior managing partner at Mark Private Capital LLC, he is on a mission to educate the public about safe investments. For more information about him, view his LinkedIn page.

A look at the advantages of bridge loans

In the world of finance and investment, bridge loan comes into mind when a person or a company wants a temporary loan to “bridge the gap” between times when financing is needed. It is a short-term loan that allows users to meet current obligations by providing immediate cash flow.

Viewed as a loan anticipation plan, bridge loans are gaining in popularity these days because of its many benefits compared to other types of loans, such payday loans and advanced fee loans.

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For one’s enlightenment, here are some of its advantages:

Strictly short-term. Borrowers typically opt for bridge loans due to its short term structure. It provides people and companies the funding they need until they are able to obtain long-term financing from capital markets or takeout. Although interest rates tend to be higher, bridge loans are often manageable for most organizations since it is designed to be repaid in full by the time long-term form of financing is secured.

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Flexible repayment options.Depending on the contract, most lenders provide borrowers the opportunity to choose a repayment option that is suitable for their ability to pay on time.

Time saver. Those buying a home but haven’t sold their existing home yet can directly put a home on the market without restrictions, which does not require monthly payments for a few months.

Like any other types of loans, a bridge loan involves high stakes for borrowers and lenders. Those planning to acquire this type of loan must have an understanding of the right timing, structure, terms, and range of outcomes under a bridge loan commitment.

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Tony Hartman, a Denver, Colorado-based finance expert, is the senior managing partner at Mark Private Capital LLC, a company that specializes in bridge financing for business and real estate opportunities. Learn more about him by visiting this Google+ page .

Looking for the next big thing: Tips for investing in tech startups

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 What do Facebook, GoPro, and Dropbox have in common? Apart from being recognizable names in their respective domains, all three companies started as small tech startups. Investing in the next big thing in tech is very risky, but the rewards are an irresistible allure especially for new investors: five to 100 times the initial investment.

First-time investors ready to dip their toes into the often-muddy waters of tech startups might find these tips useful:

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1. Evaluating the risks. Startups returns could be huge if they succeed, but if they don’t, investors might not even get their initial investment back. Investors should evaluate their risk tolerance, financial capacity, and their investment style before committing to investing in a tech startup. For example, a conservative investor with limited capital should steer clear of this type of asset.

2. Sticking to the familiar. New investors in tech startups might want to consider choosing a company in an industry they’ve worked in. Being familiar with a startup's industry will enable an investor to see past the hype and make an informed judgment based on experience and operational knowledge. Those who still want to invest in a tech startup that’s outside their realm of experience should find co-investors with the experience and knowledge needed to assess.

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Another way to minimize risk when investing in tech startups is by investing in more than one. Studies suggest that 10 to 20 holdings are enough to statistically decrease the risk of loss.

Tony Hartman, a Denver, Colorado-based business coach, is a respected authority on real estate investment and collateral-backed lending. For more discussions on early-stage startup investing, visit this blog.

Equity-based crowdfunding: A solution for startups and small business owners?

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Crowdfunding is the practice of collecting small amounts of capital from individuals to finance a business or project through websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. In its infancy, crowdfunding was mainly used by non-profit organizations, artists, and individuals looking to finance a project or a cause and offering rewards, like a free t-shirt or a mention on a film's ending credits.

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In 2012, President Barack Obama signed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act into law to help revitalize the economy. In particular, the Title III of the JOBS Act allows unlisted small businesses to advertise and solicit funding from individual investors, making it easier for them to raise capital through equity crowdfunding. Through this, individuals can invest small amounts of capital in a startup in return for shares.

 For many startups and small businesses, the idea sounds promising, but not good enough just yet.

As of now, the act limits the amount a non-accredited investor can invest: non-accredited investors with an annual income of below $100,000 can invest a maximum of five percent of their income or net worth, while those with an annual income of above $100,000 can invest a maximum of 10 percent. Startups are limited to raising a maximum of $1 million a year from non-accredited investors. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., has proposed a bill to raise the amount of capital a startup can raise from $1 million to up to $5 million.

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The JOBS Act is still a large step in the right direction. Equity-based crowdfunding may be new, but its impact is already being felt. It is opening the world of investing to a broader range of investors and providing small businesses with market exposure and easier access to capital.

 Real estate equity-based crowdfunding is one of its biggest sectors. With this type of equity-based crowdfunding, investors can pool their efforts by purchasing shares in a house, apartment building, or any other type of real estate.

  Tony Hartman of Denver is a financier and business coach with several years of experience in the real estate industry. For more discussions on property investment, visit this blog.

Tips for becoming a better investor

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Like many things in life, success in investing lies in sticking to and mastering the fundamentals. However, it can be tempting to look for faster ways to earn big and neglect many of the basic tasks. For beginner investors who want to improve, here are some of the tasks that should never be neglected:

- Saving up. This should be the starting point for anyone who’s aiming for financial independence. Unfortunately, many neglect to put away money for savings. While saving can be hard, it is a necessary task and everyone should make an effort to put away a significant part of their earnings into their savings.

- Investing in stocks. While many successful investors have found a gold mine in stocks, a few novice ones believe in the potential of stocks and mutual funds as long term investments.

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- Learning to manage the account. Learning to build a diversified portfolio of stocks and low-cost mutual funds on one’s own allows one to accumulate more wealth due to lower costs.

- Diversify. It makes sense to spread one’s assets to a few stocks because some investments can fail.

- Look at the long term. Many beginner investors may get tempted by schemes that promise to get them rich quickly. If something sounds too good to be true, then it might be best to steer clear from it.

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Tony Hartman of Denver is the senior managing partner of Mark Capital LLC. For more resources on investing, visit this: Google+ page.

The rising demand for multi-family housing

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The housing market is in recovery although not in the way desired by many. Instead of being characterized by improvements in all housing types, the recovery seems to affect some developments more than others and some types are still stuck in recession levels. Among the surprising trends found in this housing recovery is the strong demand for multi-family housing.

Currently, buildings with five or more housing units comprise up to 35 percent of the total housing units constructed in 2014. The usual figures amount to about 25 percent. This may come as a surprise to many real estate investors, so understanding why multi-family housing is more popular now is crucial to predicting whether this trend will stay for long. 

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In understanding the popularity of multi-family housing, investors can analyze demographics and changes in the lifestyles of consumers. Part of the reason this housing type has become more in demand lately is the rise in number of young adults who are most likely to live in apartments. Their preference for apartments can be linked to the popular choice of lifestyle -– many young adults now shun car-ownership in favor of living somewhere they can simply walk to work.

Given these factors, it would be safe to say that this high demand for multi-family housing won't be around for long. As these young adults age, settle down, and start their own families, many are likely to see the benefits of moving to a single-family unit later on.

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Tony Hartman of Denver is a real estate investor who is well-versed in residential and commercial properties. For more news on the housing market recovery, visit this: Twitter page.

Profile of an effective business coach

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Businessman. Financier. Investor.

These are the many hats that Tony Hartman of Denver wear. But more than these capacities, the business maven plays an important role that helps companies build their legacy: being a business coach. As a financial guy, Mr. Hartman has what it takes to be a sought-after business coach. He consistently teaches companies on how to deliver anticipated targets, identify key areas of business issues, and focus on short- and long-term finance strategies.

Distressed companies depend on Mr. Hartman to manage their properties and turn them around into more thriving assets. To those in the real estate sector, he sets the stage for them to make prudent mortgage and real estate decisions. An effective communicator, he has a proven track-record in imparting excellent knowledge and skills to help others maximize earnings and find opportunities.

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To date, Mr. Hartman serves as a managing partner at Mark Private Capital, a privately held company that specializes in bridge financing for business and real estate companies. While it builds a portfolio of opportunities to explore value in real estate platforms, the company allows investors get the returns they deserve. Mark Private Capital’s niche is focused on smaller public and private market capitalization organizations and special situation investments.

Backed by experience and education in financial analysis with emphasis on risk management, Mr. Hartman continues to value his commitment in educating other to fulfill goals and deliver the American dream of businessmen.

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Read more about the services provided by Tony Hartman of Denver by visiting this website.

What makes a good investor?

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To be an investor is a dream of many, but not all are cut out to be a successful one. While there is no denying that patience, discipline, and resources are among factors that make a good investor, being effective also demands components such as much needed know-how, being realistic about expectations, and a solid investing experience.

This makes veteran investors, like Tony Hartman of Denver, rise above their counterparts. Experienced investors are successful because they are independent and long-term thinkers. They also have emotional stability and a lot of common sense, just to name a few.

Would-be investors should take note of three basic requirements that distinguishes a mediocre investor from an exceptional one. The first requirement is the practice of discipline. The second is the application of a well-planned framework to make sound decisions. The third is the sagacity to understand challenging situations, like how business grows and fails.

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A veteran real estate investor, Tony Hartman of Denver is experienced in both residential and commercial properties. This makes him an authority in building a well-founded portfolio, unlocking value in real estate properties, and providing superior returns to businesses, among others. Mr. Hartman is a managing partner at Mark Private Capital, a private equity firm focusing on bridge financing.

With the help of effective investors and financing ideas, entrepreneurs are more likely to make a mark in the business sector. And these words from Fred Wilson, a venture capitalist, are just apt: “Being an entrepreneur is hard. Having supportive and caring investors help.”

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Tony Hartman of Denver helps individuals and companies understand investment risks. For related discussions on investments, go to this website.