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After some further discussion it was discovered that she had spent the last decade as an audiologist and had a master’s degree in the field. Cliff Robbins, the SBDC counselor, showed her how to draft a business plan to sell her cookies. Nancy returned a few weeks later with the first draft of her business plan. Cliff and Nancy reviewed and critiqued it. But Cliff asked her why she didn’t want to start her own business helping people hear better. Three months later Nancy came in with a draft of a business plan; but this time, it was aimed at opening a new hearing healthcare center in Fall River. In September of 2003 Nancy opened for business. She borrowed some money on her home equity line, purchased the necessary equipment, rented office space in a commercial building with good accessibility and visibility and she was off and running. More importantly, Nancy understands that the most basic purpose of any business is to create a customer. Although she is professionally trained in hearing care, she is a born marketer. She joined the Chamber of Commerce and BNI and began networking. She held a seminar at a local restaurant and got great attendance because she offered a free lunch! She called on local physicians and asked for patient referrals. FAST FORWARD…Nancy recently came in to the SBDC office to review her 2004 financial statements. She had made a healthy profit, cash flow was good, and the balance sheet was even stronger. That’s excellent for her first full year in business. And, she just opened a second center in Swansea. Nancy has high goals for 2005. Cliff bets that she achieves them! About Us |
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Nancy Duncan came to the
MSBDC Southeast Regional Office in October of 2002 seeking some assistance
to start a new business. She wanted to sell her delicious cookies.