Community Leader, Consultant, Trainer, and Facilitator
Founder of
Plaza Design
Experience/Expertise
Founder/owner of Plaza Design, 24 years of retail experience starting with $1000 investment, built three retail stores and created 35 direct jobs; Workshop leader at Los Angeles and New York International Gift Shows with themes including “Employees Are Your Greatest Resource”, “Surviving Buying Mistakes”, “Retailer’s Guide to Boosting Business”; Business Plan developer for furniture manufacturer and lingerie stores; Consultant to small business owners; Founder and trainer with Cascadia Leadership Training Center; Founder and Co-Director of Options, non-profit center and facilitator of Job Search and Self-Employment Workshops; consultant to non-profits, State and Federal agencies; former President of Humboldt-Del Norte Community Health Alliance; Talk Show Host for KHSU’s Thursday Night Talk.
What I look for in a business plan
Clarity of vision, commitment and a specific plan of action. Ideally the entrepreneur has a deep interest or passion for the business concept. Even in the best of times, business takes energy so the founder needs to be willing to work through the highs and lows. A clear vision is the first step to success. An outline of steps to make the dream a reality is a basic necessity. Some questions to consider…What is exciting and unusual about your concept? How does it serve the community’s needs? What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the business? What are your personal resources (talents, finances, circle of supporters)? What does your customer or client look like (place of employment, age, interests, needs)? What have you learned by visiting similar businesses and talking to other business owners? What is your greatest fear? Your greatest hope? How do you feel about these two extremes?