IncPlan.net works with Start-Ups from all over the globe. We find it exciting to work with people who are pursuing their dreams with energy and success. So to encourage Start-Ups to succeed we started Start-Up Questions of the Week which features questions asked by real Entrepreneurs answered by our Start-Up Experts. Do you have a question about your business or Start-Up idea? Post your questions to IncPlan’s Facebook Wall or Email us. If we answer your question we will send you $20 via paypal. Yes, It really is that simple. Get paid to get your question answered!
How does “crowdsourcing” work for raising seed capital for a small business?
Crowdsourcing for investment can be a good way to launch capital funding for your company if it is done correctly. Crowdsourcing is an old model for problem solving but has only recently been used to help companies deal with raising money for investment. Crowdsourcing works by soliciting help from a large group of people.  This has long been effective for sharing cooking recipes, workout routines, troubleshooting computer problems, etc.  Now companies do not need to find one or two big investors to get started; it possible to get seed capital from the entire web community.  Companies like Kickstarter and Indiegogo specialize in raising money for small start-ups.  They have helped raise millions of dollars for promising business ideas. If you have a unique product or service, with a compelling story behind it, crowdsourcing may be a great first step in raising capital!
What is the best way for me to “Americanize” my eCommerce business?
The best way to Americanize your company is to establish a company and address in the United States. Â Potential customers are often more inclined to deal with American companies because America is seen as a place of innovation. Â America also has an advanced body of civil law that makes customers feel confident that they will not be defrauded. Â In fact, many merchant service companies will not do business with companies that do not have a bank account established in the United States.
How worthwhile is it for me to join the National Federation of Small Business?
The National Federation of Small Business is a leading non-partisan lobbying group for small and independent businesses.  The organization uses the pooled resources of its members to promote and protect the consensus interests of small businesses across the country.  Many business owners are interested in  joining the organization because it provides good networking opportunities and information about how to grow a successful business. Members of the organization find that information provided by the NFSB has more economic value than the cost of joining the organization ($180 online.)  The only reason not to join for a  small business owner is that he or she may think that they are too busy  to make the investment worthwhile.  However, even one or two bits of information gained may alter profitably their way of doing business.  Realizing that fact makes the usefulness of membership more of a “no brainer.”
