Cultivating an entrepreneurial spiritIn preparing to make a deal, entrepreneurs improve their skills and hone their talents. Whether or not the deal succeeds, entrepreneurs benefit from the deal experience. Decisions determine the outcome of a dealBefore a deal closes, entrepreneurs and investors face a number of critical decisions. The outcome of the deal depends not only on these decisions but also on the way they’re executed. Assessing the future in uncertain timesEconomic indicators may be volatile and unpredictable. But even in the midst of this uncertainty, entrepreneurs still have to plan for their companies’ future success. After the deal: What happens next?An entrepreneur faces a new set of challenges and opportunities when she closes a deal with investors. As successful Dragons' Den participant Barb Stegemann observes, the deal itself is just the beginning. What drives the value of a business?At each stage of a company's business cycle, an entrepreneur needs to know how to maximize value. As Dragon Jim Treliving observes, value may depend on different factors at different stages, but the fundamentals never change. Fast-growth options: Franchising & licensingCompanies need money before they can expand, and money takes time to accumulate. As Dragon Jim Treliving observes, a company may choose a faster path to expansion through franchising or licensing. The case for professional managementEntrepreneurs have to decide when to step back and hand over management of their business to a professional. As Dragon Jim Treliving observes, the right professional managers can add value and take the business to the next level. Why deals come undoneA verbal deal with investors, partners or purchasers may end in disappointment if the business doesn’t live up to their expectations. As Dragon Jim Treliving observes, an entrepreneur needs hard data to keep a deal alive. When cash is hard to come byIn a tight financial market, entrepreneurs have a harder time than ever raising capital. As Dragon Arlene Dickinson observes, the best entrepreneurs know when to persevere in the face of financial challenges. But they also know when to walk away. Marketing: Building value in a brandGrowing companies need a solid operating and sales infrastructure. But according to Dragon Arlene Dickinson, they also need to market themselves before they can build value. Green Business: Fad, trend or legitimate revenue driverThere’s no question that consumers look closely at a company’s green credentials. But as Dragon Arlene Dickinson observes, even the most environmentally conscious business still has to deliver good value at a competitive price. Risky business and the business of riskBusiness is inherently risky, so investors look for entrepreneurs who can manage it properly. Listen to Dragon Robert Herjavec about managing business risk. Bankruptcy: Not a dirty word?Most people regard bankruptcy as failure. Yet it may be the only choice for a business that suffers an irreversible turn in its finances. Listen to learn if there’s opportunity after bankruptcy. Cash is king: Financing in today’s marketIn periods of financial and commercial distress, entrepreneurs who can no longer tap conventional sources of financing may find other financing opportunities. Join Dragon Robert Herjavec in exploring liquidity and financing options for today’s market. 51%: When it makes sense to give up controlEven when new capital is required, entrepreneurs often feel reluctant to relinquish control of their company. But without capital, their business may not succeed. Listen to learn more about the pros and cons of selling control of a growing business. Commercializing R&DEntrepreneurs might invent the next best technology, but unless they find a market for their product or service, they still don’t have a business. Valuation: More than just numbersProper valuation is essential to sell a business or raise private or public capital. Dragon Kevin O’Leary discusses the variables involved in valuation and its impact on completing a deal. Business negotiationSuccessful negotiation requires confidence, persuasiveness and flexibility. As Dragon Arlene Dickinson observes, the key to negotiating a successful deal is thorough preparation. Forecasting: Not a wild guessWith an accurate forecast, an entrepreneur can identify future problems and requirements and address them before they happen. Listen for tips on making accurate forecasts. The education of entrepreneursCanadian entrepreneurs need skills and knowledge to build their business empires. Listen to Dragon Kevin O'Leary talk about the education of an entrepreneur Brand building: More than meets the eyeA solid brand strategy can build shareholder value and attract good employees. As Dragon Arlene Dickinson observes, a strong brand also attracts loyal customers and contributes to the long-term value of a business. Fair is Fair in BusinessDragons' Den host Dianne Buckner joins Dialogue in the Den with questions for KPMG Enterprise from the show's viewers about the terms and conditions relating to the deals and what is fair. Financing Options for EntrepreneursRaising capital in today’s market poses a real challenge even for the most successful CEOs and CFOs. Join Beth Wilson and Peter Hatges of KPMG Enterprise as they discuss financing options available for Entrepreneurs. Business is WarGrooming any business for financing takes time. Listen to Dragon Kevin O'Leary and Chris Van Staveren of KPMG Enterprise to learn what angel investors are looking for and how to prepare in advance. Same business, many opportunitiesWhen a business succeeds, an entrepreneur may decide to expand its marketplace through licensing or franchising. Dragon Jim Treliving joins Colleen Spring Zimmerman, Partner from Borden Ladner Gervais to share their expertise and experience. Who owns your big idea?Just like buildings and technical equipment, intellectual property (IP) has value. Listen to learn about the importance of protecting IP, avoiding infringement and the various caveats entrepreneurs may experience. |