Archive for February, 2012

Great Business Standards

February 21st, 2012

Great Business Standards PhotoIf you are a business owner, you probably follow certain standards within your business. I’m talking about those “rules” you set up and follow your business etiquette.

For example, my standards include:

  • not working on Fridays, evenings or weekends
  • not answering my business phone after hours
  • working only with clients I’m compatible with

For me, having my own business is a freedom and a privilege that I was unable to experience in the corporate world. As a business owner, I feel entitled to make my own decisions about how my business should be run. After all, I’m the boss!

Your business should be run the way you see fit. If you have employees, you can of course (if you wish) take their needs into consideration as well. If, on the other hand, you are a sole proprietor like me, having strong standards can go a long way towards keeping you happy and satisfied in your career.

What is important to you? If you haven’t already done so, think hard about this. Make a list of the important things in your life, and base your business standards around them. If maintaining a good balance between your business and personal life is important, create a standard that allows you to stop working at a reasonable hour each day in order to spend time with your family. If going grocery shopping on Wednesday mornings is what you prefer to do, work that into your schedule.

I think you get the gist of what I’m trying to say. Create a solid set of business standards today. Then stick to them. Remember, you’re in control of your business and your life.

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american internal corporate management standards

Bridge Loan

February 18th, 2012

Bridge Loan PhotoA bridge loan, which can also be called a hard money loan, is a short-term loan that is used until a person or company can secure permanent financing. Basically, they “bridge” the gap between today’s need for immediate cash to pay bills and the final closing of a pending investment deal or long-term financing package.

Bridge loans are usually offered for terms of 12-36 months and many can be refinanced into low cost, long-term financing through a lender. Bridge loans are not only for shorter terms, but are also needed to close quickly, so the borrower can take advantage of the opportunity to arrange for a longer term loan when they are ready. Speed is also an important factor in financing a bridge loan because the borrower may be trying to restructure debt or avoid claming bankruptcy.

Some borrowers look for a bridge loan to span the gap between the two transactions of buying a new home and selling the old one. However, most bridge loans are used in purchasing or refinancing commercial real estate.  There are mortgage bridge loans and commercial bridge loans for various income properties including; apartments, industrial buildings, retail, hotels, healthcare, and mixed use.