22 November 2008 E-MAIL SEARCH Home Page Newsroom From the Top Business Buzz Marketing Mix Financial Focus Management Matters PR Points Web Wisdom Industry Reports Business Glossary Resources U.S. Gov. Resources     Services > Small Business Services   We help companies of all sizes with their business development needs, but the needs of start-ups or the ideas of a lone entrepreneur require a different focus and often a very different strategy than a large, established enterprise. At Trendlines, we assist small companies with business development on their own scale, at their own pace. As with any business, ideas and technologies count, but with a small business in particular, it's the person (or people) where everything starts. Potential investors or partners will scrutinize the central person(s) very carefully. Small-business entrepreneurs are forward-looking, enthusiastic, and often willing to take risks that the "big boys" won't consider. We think that's right. We work to put that energy before the right people in the right places. Some small companies approach us saying they need everything from a business plan and company profile to business cards and product data sheets and a market trip to Europe and the States. We say let's take a look at where a company wants to go — and plan the best way to get there. Before we move ahead with developing a range of deliverables that might not be appropriately focused or even needed (at this stage), we take a close look at the product, the stage, the need, the opportunity, and the people. We set goals. We work to achieve them. Bridging Gaps Trendlines' Services Marketing consulting Market research, market strategy, marketing plans, business plans, marketing seminars Business development Partner/investor identification, strategic partnering, contract negotiation, sales, trade show participation, representation Financial consulting Equity research, investor presentation, valuations/fairness opinions, capital raises, due diligence, advisory services, industry reports Marketing communications Copywriting, brochures, websites, presentations, newsletters, white papers, press releases Fledgling entrepreneurs and businesses face many challenges, among them the information gap and the contact gap. The information gap: gathering and analyzing market information. Start-ups seek to understand their markets and know the potential for their technologies or products, but when they actually get out there, real life can hold great surprises. The reality often differs from plans. Interest in such a product can be low or similar products may be found. Perhaps the market is looking for such a product but with different features. Before plunging in, the entrepreneur must spend time talking to people in the industry to get first-hand information on the realities of the market. The contact gap: getting the new company in front of the right decision makers or experts. It consists of identifying, qualifying, contacting, and initiating discussions with key players, competitors, potential strategic partners, and industry observers. There is some "art" in getting past the gatekeepers in order to reach the right person in the organization. It's not just about who you know, it's about how you work. At Trendlines, our small business services are personal services. We understand entrepreneurs — whether building a new business or creating one inside an established business. We work to close the gaps and get the business on the right track — right from the start. Working together with the small business, we offer sound professional advice to design and develop strategies and move concepts to close. Recommended Reading These Trendlines' original articles are of particular interest to small businesses A Special Report from Trendlines Capital Markets: Raising Money: Business Funding Sources in Israel To assist companies in their search for funding sources, we have prepared a directory of programs available to Israeli companies at various development stages and across all industry sectors. We provide core information about government funds (including a listing of the government supported technological incubators), international/binational funds, and foundations. This is a 42-page report. It's All in the Players Does your company have people power? On Incubators and Incubating In Israel's stagnant economy of the early 1990s, they seemed an interesting idea. During the high-tech boom of the mid-'90s, they were a wonderful place for investors to invest. And now, Israel's technology incubators are oases of innovative development. Selling Your Business — a Summary   Steve Rhodes, Trendlines managing director, suggests that start-up companies need to take a more businesslike approach to marketing themselves, starting with the most basic tool of all — the executive summary. ©2002–2008 Trendlines International Ltd. All rights reserved. Phone: +972.4.958.3323 | postmaster@trendlines.com Directions | Privacy Policy | Site Map This site contains material copyrighted by third parties. This site is best viewed in Internet Explorer version 5 or higher.