Investing and Global Finance News

Monthly Archives: September 2012

Paul Vento on Launching a Business or Franchise

In these turbulent economic times, successful businesses stand out like a sore thumb. Creative, ambitious observers feel that they too could have launches such an attractive franchise, if only they had put their minds to it.

However, it takes more than just a good idea to build any business; it requires, patience, research, good people skills and leadership. Paul Vento, a small business entrepreneur and owner of Transworld Business Advisors, recently offered some advice to those looking to take the leap.

“Have a list of really good question that help you vet the specific franchising opportunity you are looking into,” he suggests. “You want to find out up front whether this franchise is right for you and what you are looking to achieve.” He adds, “If you think you know everything, then why are you entering into this business? To be successful in any venture, you need to ask the right questions before going into it and then be prepared to listen to answers.”

He continues, explaining that a successful entrepreneur knows his or her strengths and uses them to find a suitable niche.

Finally, “Your success is a direct outcome of your drive, your passion, and your commitment. It is not that of the franchise itself. It is ultimately you,” Vento says.

Oil Prices Drop as Stock Markets Falter

Oil prices dropped below $91 per barrel this week, mirroring the falling stock markets as economic outlook takes a turn for the worst. According to BusinessWeek, “Benchmark crude was down 59 cents to $90.78 a barrel by midmorning London time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract dropped 56 cents to… Continue Reading

A Successful Entrepreneur

Carroll County Times’ Mark Luterman recently wrote an article discussing the most successful entrepreneurs in today’s economy. He explained that the best business owners thrive because “they see challenges as opportunities.” Most entrepreneurs do not, however, and their responses are often detrimental to their businesses. Luterman offers three tips: When you’re mentally paralyzed with fear,… Continue Reading

How to Manage Business Adrenaline

USA Today’s Rhonda Abrams recently discussed a common problem among small business owners- the addiction to business adrenaline. Of course, the ability to handle crisis situations and challenges is a must when it comes to management, but Abrams claims the thrill may actually push entrepreneurs to create their own obstacles. She lists a few ways… Continue Reading

Christine Lagarde at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, has warned about the United States’ fiscal conditions numerous times. Her most recent discussion took place at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Russia, where she explained that the nation’s tax increases and spending cuts are likely to have significant negative impact on the global economy.… Continue Reading

Inger Rood Among Honorees at Breakfast Event

Recently, twenty impressive women including Inger Rood were honored at an awards breakfast on September 6th at the University of North Florida University Center. They were the Northeast Florida 2012 Women of Influence honorees and were recognized for their achievement in business and their involvement over the past year with the Northeast Florida community. The… Continue Reading

Investing in a Post-QE3 Economy

Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Friday discussing the intentions of the Fed to help the faltering US economy. Still undecided about another round of quantitative easing, Bernanke did not announce bond buying by the Fed to stimulate the economy, nor did he rule it out. Labeled… Continue Reading

Top Ten Largest Economies by PPP GDP

Emerging economies and numerous crises have shaken most, if not all of, the world’s economies today. Evaluation of size and growth varies greatly amongst analysts, while GDP is measured with two different approaches- nominal GDP and purchasing power parity or PPP GDP. The latter considers the dollar’s buying capabilities in different countries, thereby providing a… Continue Reading