Every business has confidential and proprietary knowledge that must be managed properly. This includes internal business procedures, customer lists, research and development records, inventions, product development plans and marketing plans. Access to this type of knowledge should be controlled to protect the interests of the company. Carefully monitored company policies and procedures are useful in protecting company assets.

Confidentiality Document. An important method of protecting sensitive data involves the diligent use of a written agreement, sometimes referred to as a Confidentiality or Proprietary Information Agreement. These documents are signed by every person who has access to any confidential information of the company. People who may access this type of data include: employees, contractors, vendors, advisors, investors, board members and prospective customers. Establish a company policy that requires individuals to sign this agreement before any confidential data is disclosed.

Assignment Requirement. Additionally, employees, contractors and similar personnel should sign a written agreement to disclose all innovations, creations and related information developed as part of their employment or contractual obligation with the company. This document also requires those individuals to assign their Intellectual Property rights in any innovation to the company. The requirement to assign innovations can be included in an employment contract, assignment document, or the Confidentiality document mentioned above.

Control Access. Another method of protecting sensitive data includes controlling access to that data. For example, only those employees, contractors, advisors, or other individuals that need access to this sensitive information are given appropriate access. Be careful to keep confidential items away from public areas of the company or areas that non-employees visit regularly.

Many sleepless nights information overload – I can remember when I first turned on the computer and started my search to learn more about starting an online business. Many nights staying up to 3 or 4 in the morning wondering if I had just uncovered the next best product to sell or the next best marketing program to help me generate leads and eventually drive more traffic to this new business. I had lost many nights of sleep because every click of the mouse uncovered another product or opportunity and I began to get overloaded with information to the point of nausea.

Searching for the right product to get started – I was looking for the perfect business opportunity searching page after page reading and hoping that this was the product to help me get started. Being a single parent with little to no extra time many companies claimed their product was the best opportunity to secure a solid financial future for me and my family (two daughter’s). That their product would enable me to spend more time with my daughter’s and change my life forever. I began to get frustrated and lost in my search.

What I learned during my late night searches and what I can share with all of the other online business opportunity seekers – I had to reflect back to my previous career as a PGA professional to find answers to my questions. When searching for an online business product or marketing program it’s like buying golf clubs for the first time. They have so many club brands available and sell golf clubs at so many locations that the question is not what are the best golf clubs or where to buy the golf clubs. As in golf, the online business opportunity is similar because their are so many online MLM products offered and so many distributors to buy them from it can be extremely confusing. Everyone claims to have the best marketing program to market the products you eventually develop a sense of insanity. Ask yourself one question. Does someone really just buy a product or do they buy a product from someone they know and trust? Brand yourself and others will buy any and all the products you have to offer. I realized this when members of the golf club would spend a little more money and purchase the clubs from me instead of a wholesale outlet. The reason is they had developed a relationship with me and trusted me. I had branded myself and had the knowledge and experience to assist them throughout their purchase of their new clubs. Many marketing programs offered do not allow you to brand yourself but someone else. Make sure you buy a marketing program that allows you to brand yourself. Partner up with someone that you can relate to thus improving your chances of success in developing your online business. Best of luck!

Are you a party-lover? Do you ever wish you were the one who chose the colors and designs of centerpieces and table cloth? Did you ever think you had a better idea for arranging the event program or doing the invitations? If yes, then it’s time to bring out the party planner in you and start your party planning business. If you think you are skilled in communication, planning, budgeting and organizing, then party planning is your craft. It is now time to get out of the huge pile of paper works and to stay away from your difficult boss.

Start your party planning business as an enterprise and as a form of bringing out the creativity and management skills in you. All you need to do is to hone that keen and detail-oriented person in you. As a party planner, you must oversee all aspects of an event or a party. You need to suggest themes, estimate the budget, send invites, scout locations, pick entertainment and decorations, order supplies, negotiate with vendors, and do the best that you can just to satisfy the client and their guests. Your party planning business does not end with that long list of tasks. During the party, your presence is required to make sure everything falls into place and everyone is having a great time.

A good party planner is expected to know more about holding a party. The more you know the more chances for you to create innovative parties to give your clients a taste of something unique. Running a party planning business requires a knowledge of food and beverages, locations, invitation etiquette, entertainment, gift bags, vendors and people skills. Bands, musicians, disc jockeys are just a few of the many people you can hire for the entertainment options. Card tournaments, bridal shower games, sports activities, auctions and karaoke events are just a few of the many fun activities you can incorporate into a party.

What is more, a planner should a have a good working relationship with vendors. You must be good in evaluating whose products and services are more beneficial for you. Every good planner should have a good list of bartenders, florists, chefs, linen suppliers, entertainers, location vendors and more. The more vendors you know the more chances for you to get the best offers. This also goes along with your ability to relate to other people. A party planner is expected to build some networking to be active in organizations which can help you start and grow your party planning business.