MSBDC Business Information CDs Description
The CDs are available at all Mississippi SBDCs, Public Libraries,
MSU Extension Service Offices and by clicking on the link below.

All files have been scanned and are virus free.

1a. How do I provide Quality Service (download video 1) (download video 2)

1b. Marketing I, II, and III (download video 1) (download video 2) (download video 3)

1c. Financial Ratios
Advanced finance information for counselors and knowledgeable existing businesses.
by Mike Vanderlip, Associate State Director, MSBDC (download video)

2. Home Based Business (2 CD set) (download video 1) (download video 2)
How to start and run a home based business in Mississippi.
by Beth Duncan, Ph.D., MSU Food and Fiber Center

3. Idea to Market – Guidance for Inventors (download video)
How to evaluate your idea, protect and commercialize your invention.
by Bob Lantrip, Manager of Technical Services, MSBDC State Office

4. Legal Structure (Corporation, LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc.) (download video)
How to determine what type business organization is best for your situation.
by Larry Ward, JSU SBDC

CDs That Have Been Available Since Early 2004

• First Steps (download video)
  Presented by Henry Thomas of Jackson State University and Mike Vanderlip, Associate State Director, MSBDC

  • Henry acts as an SBDC counselor and Mike as a customer considering going into business on his first counseling session. By answering the typical questions Mike asks, Henry conveys the business start up information most first time customers need.
  • The second part of the CD covers the information the potential business owner will need to develop a business plan, etc.
• Developing a Business Plan (download video)
  Presented by Marguerite Wall, Director, Hinds Community College SBDC
  • 25% of all new businesses fail in the first year and 37% the first three years which makes a business plan imperative.
  • Why businesses fail
  • Parts of a business plan
  • Marketing plan
  • Financial plan
• Developing Cash Flow Statements (download video)
  Presented by Mike Vanderlip, Director, University of Mississippi SBDC
  • How to structure and form a 2year statement of cash flows, along with projected income statements and balance sheets.
  • Statement of financial need
  • Financial projections questionnaire
  • Information on MSBDC computer program that generates statement of cash flows, projected income statements and balance sheets, breakeven analysis, sensitivity analysis, and ratio analysis
  • Demonstration of a hypothetical business
• What the Banker Wants (download video)
  Presented by Ronnie Westbrook – Director – East Central Community College SBDC
  • Comprehensive Business Plan
  • History or Description of the Business
  • Information on the Products or Services
  • Legal Structure (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, Chapter S, LLP, and LLC)
  • Management Duties, Experience, and Compensation
  • Labor/Personnel
  • Record Keeping/Accounting
  • Insurance
  • Target Market
  • Summary of Financial Need
• Accounting by the Numbers (download video)
  Presented by Henry Thomas, Director, Jackson State University SBDC
  • The What, Who and How of accounting is explained in detail, covering such topics as:
    • Financial Statements and the elements that comprise them
    • Responsibility
    • Methods, ranging from manual paper and pencil methods, to various automated and software programs
    • Ratio analysis and industry comparison
• Basics Of Exporting (download video)
  Presented by Adam Murray, Counselor, Hinds Community College SBDC/ITC
  • Why Should a business export?
  • Four Basic Approaches to Exporting
  • Barriers to Exporting
  • Preparing to Export
  • Advantages of Using a Freight Forwarder
  • Methods of Pricing
  • Cost Plus Pricing
  • Marginal Cost Pricing
  • Four Methods of Getting Paid
  • Line of Credit
  • Cash Advance
  • Document Collections
  • Open Account with the Buyer
• Basics of Importing (download video)
  Presented by Adam Murray, Counselor, Hinds Community College SBDC/ITC
  • The Role of Customs Harmonized Tariff Classifications – provides duty rates and quotas
  • Documentation Using a Custom House Broker
  • Using a Freight Forwarder
  • Project Methods
  • The International Trade Center
  • Reasons for importing
  • Reasons for NOT importing
  • Methods of payment
• Getting the Most For Your Advertising Dollars (download video)
  Presented by Mike Vanderlip, Director, University of Mississippi SBDC
  • Marketing 4 P’s – product, promotion, place, and price
  • Define a target market
  • Customer service
  • Basic strategies
  • Myths associated with advertising

• Secrets to Saving Your Business (download video)
  Presented by Greg Butler, Director, Jones Community College SBDC

  • There are three stages of distress in small businesses:
    • Tune-Up – Earnings have steadily declined in the last 3 quarters
    • Turn-Around - Business is losing money now
    • Crisis – Business has trouble meeting payroll, etc.