tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54948752197220468052012-01-03T15:03:57.042-08:00Attractionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116447272127269213noreply@blogger.comBlogger21100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494875219722046805.post-5458688930052138202009-07-20T11:05:00.001-07:002010-02-06T21:08:54.899-08:00So...You want to start a business? At Attraction Industries we often meet individuals that are looking to turn their unique idea into a profitable business. Many times in our initial consultation, we discover these entrepreneurs putting the cart before the horse by trying to hire us to complete there project, without first having laid the proper foundation to build upon. My hope is to educate the reader on a few thoughts to consider before a serious start-up commitment is made.<br /><br /><div>Step one in creating your new business or revamping an existing venture should ALWAYS begin with a proper business plan. Often times the questions posed in a business plan will cause you to critically think your project through, from infrastructure to ad campaign. You might discover that you are not totally prepared to begin your project without considering some elementary aspects of your new venture. <div><br /></div><div>Some things to consider are demographics. Who is your target market? What is your realistic working budget? What is a realistic ROI (return on investment). What type of advertising campaign will be the most effective? These are just a few of the necessary questions that your business plan will address. The next step you may want to consider is infrastructure. This is an often overlooked aspect. Is your new venture going to be a sole-proprietorship, or a corporation? Depending on which option you choose could be one of the biggest decisions you will make. A few things to consider when making your choices; tax liability, asset protection, and future growth. As always, our company advises that you make these decisions with the help and planning of your legal, tax, and design teams.<br /><br />After the above issues are addressed, it may be time to consider IP (intellectual property). What exactly is IP? This is a question we are often posed with from our potential clients. Some of the things that help fuel the longevity of your new company all fall under IP. Things like patents, copyrights, domain names, and trademarks are often overlooked unless a business plan is evoked, and you take the time to consider what you need to protect your company's name. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some questions we hear - "Well, I bought the URL, so that means I'm protected from somebody using my name, right?". If you think acquiring a URL will give you the protection you need, you may be in for a rude awakening. In all actuality, the USPTO (United States Patent &amp; Trademark Office) is the best place to start as a source for securing some of the essential IP.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are many steps to consider before you apply for your mark. For instance, you should find out whether there are pre-regestered marks in existence as well as what classification best fits your new venture. Will you file under 1(a) or 1(b)? Do you have an acceptable specimin? These are just a few of the questions that you should address before the application is even started. Keep in mind that once you submit your application to the USPTO there are NO REFUNDS. EVER. Even if your mark is denied. You should spend the time needed to consider the pros and cons before you file that application. Your trademark may also take up to 18 months to complete. If you even get it....To top it off, you only get 1hr to complete the application. Joy.<br /><br />As you can see, there is a lot to consider before you pursue that new business idea that has been keeping you awake at night. However, once the decision is made, the risk levels addressed, the above items are put in place, your new business plan polished, your infrastructure is sound, and your IP is taken into account. You may find yourself on the way to becoming this year's record-breaking start up.</div><div><br />I wish you the best on your new venture. If you have any questions, you can visit us at our office, call, or shoot over an email. We will be glad to help with your next project! Stay tuned for next weeks post where we will dig a bit deeper into the IP aspect of your new business.<br /><br />-Glen Gillette, CFO<br />Attraction Industries</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5494875219722046805-545868893005213820?l=attractionindustries.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Attractionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116447272127269213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5494875219722046805.post-52823696267116039812008-04-15T11:07:00.000-07:002008-04-17T13:08:13.610-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__CanxPJ-cgQ/SAeSz2EunGI/AAAAAAAAADQ/ASn56sgGkBg/s1600-h/rockband-pencils.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__CanxPJ-cgQ/SAeSz2EunGI/AAAAAAAAADQ/ASn56sgGkBg/s400/rockband-pencils.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190278514954116194" border="0" /></a><br />hey everyone, Dayne here. This piece is for a banner/poster to be presented in local bars and clubs... It was drawn up in Alias® Sketchbook Pro 2.0, with a Wacom ® Tablet. I'll post up the final in a couple of days...<br /><br />- Dayne<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5494875219722046805-5282369626711603981?l=attractionindustries.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Attractionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116447272127269213noreply@blogger.com4