Access to credit was the last thing on my mind when I started my business.

In 1990, I was well capitalized, and no one in my circle of friends advised me about applying for credit as part of my business safety net.

However, as I began building my business network, associates helped me understand how valuable other people’s money would be to continue my firm’s longevity. Their advice has proven favorable.

Let me share three financing methods to keep you afloat or help invest in necessities that serve you in the long run.

1. Apply for a business line of credit.

Information about banking products often occurs during extended conversations, so I encourage you to speak with a representative at your local bank branch.

My bank’s rep convinced me to apply for a business line of credit after reviewing my accounts. There was no application or yearly fee, and if money was needed for capital expenditures, I could simply write a check to cover the cost, paying the principle and low percentage back over time.

I took her advice and now access the funds as needed. Financial institutions are more willing to set up these terms for account holders seemingly when you don’t need the money right away.

Talk to your bank’s rep to learn what’s required to open a line of credit, the current rate, and the highest amount you can secure. Set it up now so that funds are in place when an opportunity arrives.

2. Open a credit union checking account.

Why stop at establishing a bank relationship when credit unions also provide alternative methods to fund growth and expansion?

Most credit unions maintain a Web site presence, so unless you’ve already opened an account, visit local institutions online before visiting in person to learn what’s available.

I opened a business checking account years ago with my local branch, which provided me with many no-fee services that were fee based at my bank. That leverage kept money in my pocket, and each year I meet with a service representative to learn about new business instruments.

No longer do I enter my credit union to only make deposits and withdrawals. My visit also includes eye contact and a quick greeting with representatives I know in order to strengthen my access to credit union cash.

3. Learn what’s new through your accountant or financial planner.

Who’s more knowledgeable about finances than people who work in that arena every day? I count on my finance gurus to keep me apprised about investments and money-borrowing opportunities that I wouldn’t learn about through other sources.

For example, my financial planner advises me about setting up and funding my retirement account, and she also helped me to secure a lower-cost mortgage by asking about my present circumstances.

Her assistance helped me realize the value of her industry reach along with its benefits. If I need help with business funding sources or want to refer a friend, my planner is one person I can depend on, and the same is true for my accountant.

Put locating business financing months or years before you need it in the “think big” category. It’s a foundation that strengthens your business when least expected.

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This post is a sample of the financial seminars and other business subjects, which you’ll find listed on the Topics page, that I customize for presentation at conferences and business meetings.

Contact my representative through this link to bring me to your next event, or call (973) 279-2799. Attendees will thank you for my presentation.

© 2008-2009 Shirley George Frazier. All rights reserved. Shirley George Frazier is a popular professional speaker who delivers insightful information on stage to business, college, consumer, and trade show audiences. She's author of several books, including The Smart Students' Guide Series and Marketing Strategies for the Home-Based Business: Solutions You Can Use Today. Visit ShirleySpeaks.com to learn how to bring Shirley to your next event.

Web Sites: How to Create, Promote, and Profit Online

by Shirley George Frazier
80 pages
ISBN 0-9653408-9-9

Do you hear that? It’s the sound of my hands applauding you for deciding to launch and maintain a Web site.

The process seems daunting, but I assure you that it’s much easier today than it was when I developed my first site in 1997.

Back then everything was more expensive, even the cost to register a domain name. Now the process is easier even though you may need someone to help you with some of the steps.

I remember creating my Web site with Microsoft FrontPage, a software program that made my jump onto the Internet quick and easy. My five-page Web site made money the first month.

Now that I’ve experienced lots of triumphs and challenges, I’m happy to share my knowledge with you in this book.

You’re about to learn, in a simplified format, how to:

• Create your site
• Connect with customers
• Appear high in search engine ranking
• Consider online advertising
• Make the most of social media
• Collect payments online
• Understand Internet-based words and phrases

Best of all, this book will put you at east with Web strategies, advertising, networking, and marketing.

Let’s get started. Your ability to make money on the Web starts now.

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Copies of Web Sites: How to Create, Promote, and Profit Online will be autographed for and distributed to each attendee when I speak at your event, and I’ll make sure everyone thanks you for their book.

Call (973) 279-2799 or Email my management team today.

© 2008-2009 Shirley George Frazier. All rights reserved. Shirley George Frazier is a popular professional speaker who delivers insightful information on stage to business, college, consumer, and trade show audiences. She's author of several books, including The Smart Students' Guide Series and Marketing Strategies for the Home-Based Business: Solutions You Can Use Today. Visit ShirleySpeaks.com to learn how to bring Shirley to your next event.