Rochelle Robinson | BizChelle

5 Tips for Writing a Successful Business Plan

Rochelle Robinson — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:01:16 PST

A business plan is critical to the success of a sustainable business. It’s essential to develop a realistic, comprehensive plan to understand your business and determine how to reach success. A business plan is often referred to as the road map for your business by helping you determine the operations, marketing, and financial needs to

The Best Time to Start a Company

Rochelle Robinson — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:07:14 PST

Over the years, I’ve met a lot of people that declare now is just not the right time to start a business. Some have real life challenges that make it impossible but I’ve discovered that most are holding off due to fear of the unknown and/or possible failure. I’m a firm believer in starting a

The Hungry Academy Wants You! Application Deadline 01/09

Rochelle Robinson — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:43:40 PST

Do you have what it takes to be an amazing developer? It’s time to find out. Whether you’re already a programmer or want to become one, The Hungry Academy is in search of people passionate about solving challenging engineering problems. If you have the heart and mind they’ll teach you the skills and techniques. In this

SuperGuide to 2012 Conferences: Social Media,Tech & Marketing

Rochelle Robinson — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:39:03 PST

For the past five years, Socialmedia.biz has assembled a calendar of the best social media, technology, marketing and news media conferences for the upcoming year. The list features a monthly breakdown of events across the country focused on those of interest to folks in the tech, marketing and media sectors AND great events for everyone

SBA Names Winners in Small Business Mobile Apps Challenge

Rochelle Robinson — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:10:36 PST

If you’ve been following me on Facebook or Twitter you should have seen a post from DC Small Biz about the SBA’s Apps for Entrepreneurs Contest. Well the winners have been announced! The Apps for Entrepreneurs Competition was an initiative of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help make Federal government programs and information

Virginia Business Owner Gives Employees $1 Million Bonus

Rochelle Robinson — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:22:54 PST

A local business owner found a unique way to give back to his employees, thanking them for their hard work and dedication. The owner of Paramount Builders, in Virginia Beach, presented his employees with a Christmas bonus of $1 million. About Paramount Builders The mission of Paramount Builders is to improve our community one home

Amazon’s Price Check App Frustrates Small Businesses

Rochelle Robinson — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:12:59 PST

You’re visiting a local retailer and see a product you want, but your smart phone app let’s you know it’s available online at Amazon for 5 percent less. You jump in your car, go home and purchase it from Amazon. That scenario is making small business advocates and even lawmakers fume as holiday shopping heats

The New Entrepreneur: NYC Man Earns $55,000 A Year Peddling Candy On Subway

Rochelle Robinson — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:10:41 PST

I love the fact that entrepreneurship comes in a variety of ways and doesn’t always appear the way you think it would. Check out this article at AOL’s job site on Alex “Tracks” McFarland and his innovative business venture. Alex “Tracks” McFarland started selling candy on the subway at age 11, and is the subject

Entrepreneur Magazine Reveals 10 Leading Business Sectors For 2012

Rochelle Robinson — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:45:51 PST

As the approach of 2012 inspires entrepreneurs to launch new ventures and start the next chapter in their business plans, Entrepreneur magazine reveals 10 emerging markets and business opportunities ready to be seized. At a time of high market saturation, these sectors offer opportunities still on the upward trend for business owners looking to make

FCC Launches the Small Biz Cyber Planner

Rochelle Robinson — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:47:46 PST

The FCC is launching the Small Biz Cyber Planner, an online resource to help small businesses create customized cybersecurity plans. This is the result of an unprecedented public-private partnership between government experts and private IT and security companies, including DHS, NCSA, NIST, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The Chertoff Group, Symantec, Sophos, Visa, Microsoft, HP,