Make sure you can lay claim to the following 5 to jumpstart your growth!

1.A clearly defined mission statement, vision and core values that have been adopted by management and embraced by your employees.

2.  A proven business model or format that will serve as a basis or as the architectural plan for the growth strategy selected.  This business model needs to have been tested, refined and operated successfully.

3.  Proven methods of operations and proprietary process and systems that can be put up in wiritng in a comprehensive operations manual-one that cannot be easily duplicated by competitors.

4.  Comprehensive training programs for employees.  These programs should integrate the latest education and training technologies and take place at the outset of employment, as well as on an ongoing basis.

5.  A commitment to, and genuine understanding of your customers.  A company positioned for growth has taken the time to understand the short-term as well as the long-term needs and wants of it customers, then modified its organization and products to meet those needs and wants.

5 Tips for Finding the Right Banking Partner

1. Understand the basics. Large or small, banks are interested in the same fundamentals—such as cash flow, collateral and the viability of your business.

2. Sell the bank on your company. Provide solid information on its financial history, your business plan, and information about the kinds of loans you need and the terms you want.

3. Look for a good fit. Let prospects know what kind of a relationship you want with a bank.

4. Ask the right questions. Find out where decision making takes place, how many people you will have to deal with, and if the bank is open to meeting with you and your advisors fairly regularly.