Good morning! It's new years eve to a new decade! What have you resolved?

Takin down n packing Christmas stuff before heading into work for a few hours..I was hoping it'd snow n ice so they would close the base :/

My schedule shifted today and I have the am free today and Tom. What's not cool about that is I have to go to work in the afternoon instead

It's a beautiful day outside, got surfing vids on the widescreen, jammin out around the house, and loving the people in my life!

Up early for another three half day work week, then four more days off..this is actually feeling a bit like rest and relaxation!

I'm sittin here thinkin of the people I love, made an impact in my growth, and those I've crossed paths w/ and wishing u a merry christmas!

"Knowledge of what is possible is the source of happiness." - George Santayana

Well this just tops off an awful day

"if you want your dreams to come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up" -J.m. Power

Contemplating life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and using Dragon to dictate it

COMPLETELY avoiding working on an important project and updating my social media status..

What's in Cajun potato salad

The fights last night were good..sanchez's face was turned into hamburger meat

2MC = margaritas, mma, n chili at our place tonight!

Just finished up the semester...such an amazing feeling!!

Came home and collapsed in the bed...finally conscious again, ready for the weekend and chrismas lisghts, and Penn vs sanchez!

Wow whattaday..nosc sailor of the year board, then received award for region reserve sailr of the qtr,then raced to class to take a final

Wow whattaday....sailor of the year board, received award for regional reserve sailor of the wye, then raced over to class to take a final.

36 hr notice for sailor of the year board..any ideas about what I should crash study??

got a bunch of Christmas decorations up! Pleased with my work...still not done tho

Every passing moment is a chance to turn it all around.

Broke out the christmas decorations and realized we need more! :)

Moving in slo mo this am

Round trip to Raleigh from Memphis = 1,682 miles

Bye bye Raleigh! Already in Nashville

In raleigh at marbles kids museum..third place after this!!

t-minus 3 days and counting until we reach Raleigh, NC!

T-minus 3 days and counting for #raleigh #nc ! I'm excited!

T-minus 3 days and counting until we reach Raleigh North Carolina ! #raleigh #nc

Mid-term in LSS sucked and I am glad it over..took Shyla to play and we got to see YNSN Penn's new baby!

Pandora..Dave Matthews channel = win.

School this weekend...midterm tomorrow on full and fractional design of experiments, nonlinear regression, and chi square analysis

Exhausted..feel like something's off...maybe hibernation mode kicking in from the cold weather

3rd times a charm

Wondering if I can restructure my Mondays so they aren't so jammed packed with meetings and deadlines

Reluctantly studying...one more hour max

excited for the fights tonight!

Afternoon Margaritas, Senor!

What a beautiful day off

So excited..for a real day OFF! After 16 days straight. Let thee day o' rest commence

Today was action packed!

Struggling to focus in class

Sacrificing now to reap the opportunities in the future

Excited for Thursday!

At sidecar...1st place I've been here in tenn that they allow smoking inside..and damn are these people smoking

"On the one hand is the global scientific consensus, and on the other — given equal weight – are the crackpot theories of industry-financed deniers." -Al Gore, on fighting the forces of human habit

feeling suggestively cerebral.

My head is spinning..ne1 else familiar with 1-sample t-tests w/ a two-sided test for a given target value with a sample of population data?

So exasperated With people..

Chillin at home with the fam..just tore up a bowl of noodles!!

Winding down..pt..rolled out command-wide training..fixed my enlistment extension..bought flowers for mom w/ Shyla..whattaday

Maxin and relaxin with the family

Wow! The sky cleared up today! We are taking Shyla to the zoo today

I love days off

Disenchanted yet optimistic

For the twitterers..check my photos of #hawaii its #sic http://ping.fm/iCbUV

put down nasty PT session,shoppin w/ La,SPICY cuke salad(Laos style), 2 incredible hulks,& Statistics hw,& still..not adapted 2 TN time

Ahh..PT is good for you, good for MEE!!

its 0217...what am I still doing up?!? having a hard time adjusting back to TN time

back at home in millington .. Taking a couple more days for studies and recouperating from vacation. lol

Watching a hawaiian sunset from the airport before takeoff...it was a good run..we'll be back :)

The big island (Hilo side) is soo nice..back on Oahu for shopping, pedicures, and the beach

Just landed on the big island!

A couple of Kauai teas in already

Plans changed...kauai for an extra day...In luxury

From Kauai to the big island this morning

On the way to Kauai this morning!

Drill wknd - check. School - check. Last minute work stuff - check. Just gotta pack and a wakeup before we are 'leavin, on a jet plane..'

Up for Sunday class... One more wakeup and we will be landing in paradise

Headbangin'

This little sabbatical rocks. I feel reborn, and it's only the first day off!!

Chilling with Shula while mom is at the gym..study time for me tonight!

Whoa...feels like San Diego in Tennessee!!!

After a final today and a loooong afternoon nap I'm relaxin' into a deep slumber..only 3 days until sabbatical!

Just finished studying statistical analysis using various lean six sigma tools and techniques...my head is swimming

Share with me - what are the greatest things about your iPhone?

Updating from ping via the iPhone.not quite what I was hoping for

Got just about everything booked for Hawaii trip - warm blue water, rainbows, and palm trees here we come!

attempting to find the will to go into the office for a couple hours

wtf facebook

no alarm clock tomorrow morning!

I'm bringing home a baby bumblebeee, wont my mommy be so proud of me!

Had a good weekend, got a 104 on my midterm! Just gettin' started w/ the Tiger Team, and studying to take another exam today!

excited...SOQ board went well, class wasn't too long, and got 3 hrs of studying in, with time to spare! (for the monkey and her kisses!)

chilling out watching goodfellas before studying for a mid-term!

Studyin'..well at least intent on studying! 2 exams coming up this weekend.

I was nominated, though not voted in, for Secretary of the Mid-South FCPOA..won't stop me from still being a leader in the mess!

The President's discussion with the future of America: http://ping.fm/sbYDC

Great minds talk about ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds talk about other people. -Elanor Roosevelt

La and I rocked a mock PRT tonight at 7:30pm! Hooah. lol

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. -Napoleon Hill

I haven't been this interested in my college coursework since psychology!

Finally, an end in sight..I start classes again tomorrow morning!

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -Maya Angelou

"Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely." ~ Henry Ford

"Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm." ~ Sir Winston Churchill

For all those whose cares've been our concern,the work goes on,the cause endures, the hope still lives n the dream shall nvr die-Ted Kennedy

"Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success." -Dr. Joyce Brothers

bodhisattva - someone who is awake, mindful, n motivated to help others wake up, be mindful, n be happy

I was already working at 0630 this morning - well, supporting someone in advancing in their career - is that really work, or just passion?

'If you form and hold your intent strongly enough, it becomes true' -Srikumar Rao

Get connected with the world.

It feels SO GOOD to have a couple days off!!

first day of being a bacheolr with shyla was chill..hopefully it keeps up! she rox

Getting hyped up for a week of just Shyla and me!!

It's Friday - it feels so good to be home with the fam!

No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it. -Albert Einstein

its actually chilly this morning! is summer ending?!?

long day of moving all kinds of stuff. excited about the outcome from tomorrow!

The secret to cheap health insurance: Learn how to RELAX.

The patron is settin' in and UFC 101 is underway

Taking some much needed r&r with the fam, watchin' the fights tonight!

spent the day with shyla getting over being sick...cut the crap out of my finger hanging artwork :(

how can I make a positive impact in someone's life today?

wow we startin tearin our food up yesterday..forgot to take a pic of my pho

Just finished up cleaning out our storage and outdoor living room. Waiting on some wontons and fried rice! Millington, TN baby! lol

For whatever reason I was up at 440 am. Getting to watch the sun rise into a gentle sky.

Slept in till 0715! Staying home with Shyla this morning, dancing and drinking juice and watching blues clues!

what an amazing thunderstorm last night in tennessee we were all cuddled in bed!

cut the grass..check. Rake front yard..check. Eat huge bowl of pho, next!

up early to do Yoga and go for a 3-mile run with Shyla and La! AND got to play on the playground!

Taking half-day from work, eating some good food, and having a relaxing weekend.

had a mindful morning watching the earth come alive as the sun rose!

1. workout in the am, 2. running @ lunch, 3. wargame 4 navy research, 4. bomb asian salad dinner, 5. playground w/ Shyla and La! whattaday.

getting ready to play wargames with a #navy research firm!

With the concentration of insight on inpermenance, everything is possible. #quotes

Ahh, slept in this morning. Getting ready to have breakfast in our new outdoor living area, with PERFECT weather!

Failure defeats losers, failure inspires winners. – Robert T. Kiyosaki

Finished up the outdoor living area! Check it: http://ping.fm/c7uLn

Getting ready to set up a new outdoor living area today..pics to follow!

Didnt get picked up 4 chief this year. A bit sad, though considering Ive only 7 years active/reserve combined Im fortunate to be up for it!

a soothing thunderstorm outside..I don't want to get out of bed

Still warming up to the idea of buying a four-door truck. Versatile, for sure. Speed and visually appealing, no.

"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." -Winston Churchill

What an amazing day. Tons of things accomplished, broke through 2 new heights, & supporting an awesome crew. Now - on with Chief's results!!

First day of Chief's and Board Eligible's PT, and there is a thunderstorm going on!

I'm just in shock over the mir-lesnar fight...ugh

mike bisping just got KNOCKED out by hendo!

first fight belcher and akihama - akihama by split decision

UFC100 just kicked off!! some probs with the feed its all good now

getting hyped up for #ufc 100 !

Just finished up a 5k charity run with La and Shyla! Feelin' good, ready to start the day!

just a quick update..busy and great!

Perfect 4th of July burger, lol: http://ping.fm/gqBai

celebrate our freedom (fortunately we don't live in iran) and remember freedom isn't free

Okk.....gettin' the day started, starting with finding my #300zx 's title. NO idea where it is!

From Ted McGrath - There is no such thing as failure only feedback.

my body keeps saying 'get up!' even at 0730 on a day off

get rid of old things taking energy from the past to make room for abundance now/future. -Jack Canfield

"Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle." You put it in a teapot and it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend." -Bruce Lee

The highest context of human existence is to remember God, choose love, and create Value.

My friend's band submitted their demo - show love and support! (pleez RT!) http://ping.fm/flors

Still in search of the perfect vacation..ITT has a deal with a resort at Moorea in French Polynesia! http://ping.fm/0BAhS

How do you reconcile with a stone wall?

massage and bodywrap=AWESOME. just scarfed some mexi-food and margaritas..aaahhh

still on the road...I'm getting a massage and body wrap with hot/cold stones tomorrow..that will rock

taking the day off...driving to carbondale, st. louis, then back. hmm maybe not a day off after all

Here is why I rarely go into Memphis, 2 neighborhoods there made list of 25 worst in US: http://ping.fm/iQyr3

Yesterday-great success, today-recovery from success, tomorrow-report on success, Friday-enjoy success!

day one of gao review in the books. nrc ig rocks!

Just finished up reviewing everything for GAO visit to Navy Recruiting Command..I will be happy when Tuesday afternoon is here!

starting my sunday playing with the baby..gettin' ready to shower, wash the car, haircut, then work

enjoyed the fights tonight! Then joe rogan's comedy sp. was hilarious!

I am still researching vacations..found an 18-day New Zealand "Adrenaline trip: http://ping.fm/qwvtS

cut the run to 3.5 mi. the baby wanted to go with, and it is so HOT here in west tennessee

out for a 6 mile run...wish i wasn't so hot and balmy here in millington, tn!

Cold Corona, sweltering hot day..those cerveca people KNEW what they were doing!

restless sleep..it will an easy day today though, so looking fwd to winding down

crazy week! about to head back to work..getting reasy for govt acct. office presentation

AWESOME and easy tool to determine your financial health FREE from CNN money: http://ping.fm/KtOHY

hanging out listening to the rain and thunder...power is out

mmmm...curry noodles! spicy minty goodness!

the challenges of being a great leader are ever-changing..lets make today a day of mentoring

as the sun rose I ran to the beat...it was beautiful

going to get some eat well sushi bar madness!!

Having trouble budgeting? Check this out: http://ping.fm/wufUZ

Today was a great day in #Tennessee!

Jens Pulver just got OWNED...it was sad.

maxing the relaxing on a balmy sunday! Probably going to go to the exchange soon.

It's a shame the #navy is discontinuing all the business courses on nko! Check out the admin msg: http://ping.fm/aHnwv

If you are a business owner, here is 7 simple "deadly sins" for your business: http://ping.fm/sOKDp

Since when did sleeping in mean getting up at 730am?? :)

DEP Olympics was AWESOME! Got to lead 20 future sailors in challenging themselves and getting a glimpse at what boot camp is like!

getting ready for dep olympics and hoping to make it to a command picnic...then HOME

Rockin' and rollin'! Ramping up for GAO inspection, getting great reviews, setting up for school, and shifting mindset for Chief!

Thinking about whether or not its a good idea to keep running outside, ozone level is high n my sinuses are jacked up

Working on a young sailor's eval...attempting to toe the line b/w truly recognizing them for hard work and not setting the bar too high

Listening to chillout.fm

It's just me and the baby this afternoon..what should we do?

This dude is sick, he rocks it! Watch a guy rippin' it: http://ping.fm/dX5DF

Listening/watching some #funk check it: http://ping.fm/TLftX

Checking out the new video of my daughter! Click: http://ping.fm/z7WdA

Scratch plans for patio setup today :(

Lazy morning hanging out with Shyla and having a cup of coffee before creating an amazing outdoor living area! Will u/l photos later today!

This week has been in 'ludicrous' speed!

Take advantage of your chance to own The YES movie before it lands a major distribution deal! http://ping.fm/W999p

What an interesting day, though I eaassseed back into work mode, being handed control of a dept. with a backlog is certainly challenging!

home from Illinois and exciting about the opportunities emerging this week!

on the road home!

morning pancakes, the mall, curry noodles, carnival and ufc 98! no wonder I'm tired!

gettin' ready for ufc main event!

in quad cities for the weekend shyla is talking to everyone so much!

It's an early work day, an appreciation luncheon, then we are off to Illinois!

Are you an entrepreneur? Or want to be? Check out my friend Louis' movie: http://ping.fm/xsvrC

With Love and support (tough at times!) I am finally moving forward today in the direction of finishing my degree..1 step at a time - FWD!

Off to the deep dream world..this week holds tremendous accomplishments and opportunities.

Taking Elise (my car) out for a spin, gettin' a haircut, and doing some shopping

My friend Louis' new movie about following your dreams, and becoming successful! http://ping.fm/S1e1n

What is more concerning - Unanswered questions, or unquestioned answers?

To get results, expect nothing less than success, identify the goal, create the plan, and set a deadline. (from Harvard Business School)

Wow..ever calculate how many total pounds you lifted at the gym? This a.m. I moved 28,860 lbs., or 14.43 tons! No wonder my back is sore!

I've found an almost balanced daily cycle:up at 430am for running/gym, changing the world w/ Navy IGs, home w/ the fam, then bed by 10pm

I've transitioned into an awesome process improvement project with the Navy's Recruiting Inspector General's Office.

Every day presents the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone's life. I hope by sharing this I have made one in yours!

such a beautiful sunday! knocked the cobwebs off the car gave it a wash and opened it up on 385 in millington, tn!

This weekend has started out great! Got off work early, went to a cookout, played with the baby, and ate at Get Well sushi buffet!

Spending some time with the baby (who is singing right now) before heading to work...and wow today is beautiful!

In the sea of life, I take a deep breath of the sweet salty air...I am again filled with the joy of living.

Up and off to the gym to begin another exciting day! Take a deep breath, notice the beauty surrounding, and imagine others well

La is attempting to get me to iron my uniform...damnit

http://ping.fm/tDuOL - Photo Album from our beach trip last weekend! Enjoy

Enjoying some much needed rest and relaxation after a really challenging week! Though I do have to complete some work this wknd! :/

huge two week project with the navy...it's taking up all my social networking time! :)

After going through "Ocean Withdrawal" we are headed to Pensacola, FL for the weekend! YES!!!

working on convincing La to go on a 3 day road trip to Pensacola, FL

http://ping.fm/Hvuu9 - My daughter playing outside!

FINALLY got my resume all updated!

http://ping.fm/qmGBZ - My friend Louis' new movie for entrepreneurs! Check out the trailer

Working on a Professional HR Certification

My Chief's Package is coming together! Just waitin' on college transcripts

Put up some new photos on Facebook: http://ping.fm/0nF8M

Working with the Navy today and wondering why my last 3 updates via ping didn't go through!

If you live near NYC, PLEASE contact me I'll get you free VIP tix screening my friend Louis' new movie!More info: http://ping.fm/6OL3E

running around getting chiefs package together

Sign up to watch my friend Louis interview America's youngest successful entrepreneurs: http://ping.fm/bqyqm Please repost!

Going through my military records to put my Chief's package together for the upcoming board!

Testing out ping.fm..hangin' with the fam about to eat some cinnamon rolls!

The Young Entrepreneur Society Movie

My good friend Louis Lautman just put his inspiring feature film, "The Young Entrepreneur Society". Every business owner, dreamer, stay-at-home-mom, and anyone thinking that they want to make a move to start their own business has to check this out. http://www.theyesmovie.com

Louis is a personal friend and his determination to get out there and inspire us to dream, believe, and make a positive difference in the world is unparalleled! Louis has pledged to support the non-profit that I so deeply believe in, Difference Makers International: http://www.blueribbons.org

-John V

How An Investor Looks at a Business Plan.

Sharing your business plan with an investor or group of investors? Potential investors will be either interested to learn more, or tuned out, in about 5 minutes!

Here are the areas of your plan they are going to hone in on. Consider each of these as elevator pitches - you only have 30 seconds to a minute to "hook" them:

1. The characteristics of: a)your industry & b)your particular company.

What other publicly held similar companies are there?
Is there a larger company that is extremely successful?
Is your company a passing fad? (important to determine longevity or exit strategy)

2. What are the terms of the investment deal.

How much of the company is being sold and for what price?
What is the form of debt or equity being requested?
How will the funds be used?

3. Who is running the company and what is their background and experience. (The most important aspect of your business plan!)
What is their track record?
How much balance and experience does the management team possess?
How long have they worked together or known each other?
Who are the financial people or companies, and what are their credentials?

4. Review the bottom line with special emphasis on realistic numbers.
Earnings or potential earnings are reviewed to determine company's valuation.
Sensitivity analysis, or 'what if' analysis to see how the business model adjusts to changing prices, expenses and competition.

5. How strong does the marketing plan look and cost.
Is the product or service in demand now or will it be in the near future?
What is the Unique Selling Proposition for the product? (tagline, motto, branding)
What other company or companies are already in this space that could overrun or outspend this business?
Can the customer be easily identified and targeted successfully?


ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS THAT INVESTORS ARE LOOKING TO ANSWER WITH THE BUSINESS PLAN:

1.How much will I make?
2.How much can I lose? (including loan guarantees, opportunity cost, and non-financial considerations)
3.What is unique, innovative or technologically different?
4.What is the perceived value of your product versus what your product actually does?
5.Why will everyone need your product or service?
6.What will happen to your customers if they don't buy your product or service?
7.Who says this is a good investment?

A solid business plan, actually several versions, are going to greatly increase your odds of convincing investors that your business idea or operation is bankable. Remember, you can hook an investor with emotions, and perhaps a great pitch, however, in the end the investor just wants to make money. And it's your job, from attracting the right partners to run the business, to writing the business plan, to putting together your pitch, to convince the investors sitting across from you that your business is 'the one'!

About the contributor: John Vallas has won several prestigous business plan writing awards, been featured in a multitude of business publications, and currently authoring a book on how to write business plans, with a straightforward and no frills approach. John's philosophy is to keep it simple, readable, and clear as to what the intention of the business is, and who is involved. John currently resides in Memphis, TN with the mother of his 19-month old daughter, Shyla.