About Consuelo Herrera, International Accountant and Fraud Examiner Expertise I can answer all type of questions concerning small businesses, especially those dealing with business decision-making, tax-saving considerations, tax-saving strategies, financing, writing business plans, accounting matters, budgeting, etc. I would love to provide people suggestions on how to prevent and detect fraud so that owners start by being proactive in protecting their wealth since the very beginning of their entrepreneurial affairs. I can answer questions to both English and Spanish population. I am very committed to keep my standards up today so I know many resources where I can direct those seeking advice.
Experience As financial consultant I have advised all type of private companies in two countries and I have seen their growth and success over time. I worked for more than ten years in one of the largest banks in Colombia where I occupied different positions of increasing responsibility: head of the credit department, head of the international trade dept, analyst of the strategic planning dept. Working for a US CPA firm I was in charge of different engagements for start-up businesses, etc.
Organizations AICPA (American Association of Certified Public Accountants), ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners), ACFEI (American College of Forensic Examiners, USF Alumni.
Education/Credentials Bachelors of Sciences in Business Administration – Accounting
University of South Florida USF – Tampa Florida
Catholic University – Colombia
Title earned: Specialist in Tax and Customs
Central Foundation University – Colombia
Title earned: Certified Public Accountant.
On August, 2006 I passed all four sections of the Certified Fraud Exam which tests for proficiency in the following areas: Criminology and Ethics, Financial Transactions, Legal Elements of Fraud, and Fraud Investigation.
Awards and Honors As employee of Forensic Technology Inc. a Canadian company with locations and sites worldwide, I was the winner of the 2005 President's award in the category of Cost Savings through Efficiency or Innovation granted in January 2006 in Montreal, Canada.
Past/Present Clients I have provided advice to all kind of companies: manufacturing, service, consulting, non for profit organizations, etc.
Expert: Consuelo Herrera, International Accountant and Fraud Examiner - 10/6/2009
Question How can I start a buisness picking up junk vehicles giving a portion of profits to a charity and offering customers a tax credit I NEED A BUISNESS PLAN PLEASE I really think this would be a great way to help others and my family at the same time I have been in the automotive Buisness for 25 years 15 in management now the buisness I worked for went under looking for a way to support 4 kids
kv7g2 thank you in advance Mike
Answer Dear Mike,
Thank you for contacting me.
Your idea seems feasible and you very proactive by looking for a business plan first and foremost. The easiest way to prepare a sound business plan is by following the guidelines given by the Small Business Administration as follows:
Five important tips before you start!
1. The business plan should tell a compelling story about your business, explaining who, what, when, where, how and why.
2. Your plan should be focused and clear. It is not about the number of pages or style of the cover.
3. The plan should define specific business objectives and goals with general parameters to guide the organization.
4. Writing a business plan should force logic and discipline into a business.
5. A good business plan is a living document. It should be updated regularly.
Instructions: This template is designed to help you build a business plan. Review and complete each section of the template. At the end of the program you will be able to generate and save a formatted business plan which can later be further modified or presented as a final product. Completing this plan is a first step to building a successful business.
The link below leads you to a free online course that will help you prepare your business plan according to your goals and the knowledge that you have after being in the automotive industry for 25 years.
As part of your homework, the marketing part is crucial. There are tools that will give you a perspective of how viable your idea is. For example, try offering your services in the Craiglist and similar networks visited by many.
In addition maximize the power of word of mouth. Tell your friends, relatives, your church members, etc. Ask for referrals to every person you know. It sounds a little too much but eventually it works out very well. I always ask God for guidance when I take over any project because I consider Him to be the true Source and Provider. My help always comes from the Lord, Jesus Christ.
