"Introduce yourself" venues are always difficult for me. Probably most important is that I am middle-aged father of four. I have been married for almost 24 years.

I was in pastoral ministry for nearly a decade and almost lost my mind. I love to teach and the classroom is where I feel most at home.

My dream from an early age was to be an educator and writer. My family responsibilities made this impossible for several years. Finally, I decided if it were ever going to happen I had to do something. So, I completed two masters degrees in my early 30s. Desiring to gain the credentials to teach at the university level and to augmented the writing I wanted to do, I knew a Ph.D. was required. I put it off until my 38th birthday when my gift to myself was the completion and submission of my application to a Ph.D. program. I graduated with a Ph.D. in 2006.

My joy is to coach people into becoming what they want to be. I would rather work with a person's assets than focus on their liabilities.

As for hobbies, I enjoy trading on ebay through my online bookstore. And, I enjoy teaching and working on a couple of business ventures I am developing as outlets for my writing.

Business > Small & Home Business Small business tips: Business plans 101

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Why write a business plan? One reason for writing a business plan is they provide the plan for the business. Business plans are like a map. A good business plan helps a business owner plot a chart for how to move from point A to point B. Otherwise, the business owner may flounder needlessly in mediocrity when success was within reach of a good business strategy.

A second reason for writing a business plan is they assist in planning. A good business plan can help a business owner remain focused on the goals of the business and to avoid pitfalls that might come from pursuing ventures outs...

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