Information needed for business plan

Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Oct 12, 2009, 09:50:

This is really BS Marly, I thought you agreed to take the Dinero on my Buseta.. You just about promised.. You could make an easy 20-30 mil pesos diario.. Now I need to look for someone else.

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 10:13:

jaja no I need to make at least 50mil, min!

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Grimace says on Oct 12, 2009, 10:20:

I would do that for you Paisa if you can come to Medellin. je je I can pass some time like that.

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 10:22:

Im doing more research here. Does anyone recommend a business orientated attorney who speaks English in Bogota or Barranaquilla? How about an attorney who understands how to aquire visas for employees....gracias

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El Expatriado says on Oct 12, 2009, 10:42:

20-30 , 50 mil pesos diario?¿ Yo gasto mas por interiores para mi novia. Ja..Ja.Ja.Ja.

PBH es un nombre muy bueno para esta sitio. Lleno de Tacaños!

El abagado va a costarte 2 años de su profitas!

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 10:49:

ty Brian, found some good info on the hoops to get through....my biggest concern is securing visas for employees...Im going 100% legit on this. Good news between my first post and this, my finanaces clarified to start and operate well into the profit timeline.

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dguittar says on Oct 12, 2009, 10:53:

1- Estimated revenues by month
2- Fixed expenses - anything you need to spend to open - amortize this cost over 3 years/ (divide by 36 mo,my number) and subtract from 1
3- Operating expenses - anything you spend to stay open, and this includes your salary, insurance, taxes etc..
4- COGS- cost of goods sold
5- Monthly profit estimates
6- Total up for annual numbers. (1-2-3-4=5)

Frequently "grand opening" expenses and advertising are lumped into 2, before you open. If you are going to base your business on "other people" can you also cover for them. Do you have contracts to hold these highly talented employees? Is it going to be a corporation? (Paperwork needed) If your idea is so unique, will another business, or one of your ex employees impact anything?

You seem like you have a good start. Start over, and write it all down. Even if you do not need any money, go talk to a banker and share your business plan. They love to shoot down plans. Find a retired businessman that might help you setting up your bookkeeping correctly, from the beginning. Maybe some tax tips as well.

" but also allows for free training and assistance for these companies that run on a Colombian standard." ???
"Nothing to fear, but fear itself" and maybe losing all your money. Have fun, Work hard.

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pilotguy says on Oct 12, 2009, 11:00:

Marlydog, not sure what level of business experience you have.. If is extensive, you probably do not need a lot of help. If you are not experienced in doing biz in Colombia, you are in for a whole new experience. Forget logic, forget everything you think you know.
I have done biz consulting for years in the u.s., I am retired and invest in r.e. and cattle at the moment.
If you want some basic advice, p.m, me. But, extensive advice will cost you. Best for you is to partner up with a person who has a great deal of biz experience here and there. my thoughts.... joe

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esanch36 says on Oct 12, 2009, 12:46:

It is impossible to be 100% legit & legal in colombia and run a business. Your competors will not be playing fare.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 12, 2009, 13:06:

I think you did your research assbackwards....learn how business is conducted here along the coast first, then devise your strategy. Like Pilotguy says, you are in for one rude awakening here in the coast. Good Luck.

You will also need a Visa which allows you to run or own a business. If you havent done your homework on that yet, good luck.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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theflatline says on Oct 12, 2009, 13:22:

Miguel,

He is in for one rude awakening in Colombia period.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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nicholasp313 says on Oct 12, 2009, 13:29:

"educated, polite, and respectful Colombians are the finest people on this planet"

That is racist.

"learn how business is conducted here along the coast first, then devise your strategy."

Yup... Or your competitors will blow you out of the water.

Encourage virtue in whatever heart it may have been driven into secrecy and sorrow by the shame and terror of the world.

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barrumundi says on Oct 12, 2009, 14:21:

Good luck marlydog1812!

Just curious.......why do you need two yanks and a pom? One Aussie can easily do the work of two yanks and a pom!

http://poorbuthappy.com/yourthing/post/uploading-photos-for-dummies/

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njc (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 12, 2009, 14:41:

Robert Jorge says on Oct 12, 2009, 14:44:

Nicholasp313: there is nothing racist about the statement you quoted. If you want to argue that it is, please tell me what race are Colombians. I thought there were lots of races here, from black to white, Indio to Asian, mixtures, etc.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 15:03:

For those who are positive thanks for your support. I guess I was a little vague. I need info on how to navigate the legal aspects of starting a biz here. I understand the interworkings of how to run a business and Im a top professional in my field, which the business revolves around.

Clavo not sure about your comment about me needing a visa. Im here on a work visa and have a cedula. Read peoples words a little more clearly before you get negative. Flat u send me a cool PM and then a cute little remark to your boy
I always thought you two were two smart cool guys, but it looks like your a couple of Dbags like the rest of em

This afternoon I found a consultant that works with my current company to help me navigate through it.

lates

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theflatline says on Oct 12, 2009, 15:10:

Marly,


Clavo and I are hardly "boys". If you read threads you might notice that we argue quite a bit because of opposing view points about the country.

Not a dbag at all, but a realist about Colombia when doing business. Many moons ago when I was top professional in my field and moved to Colombia and was a technical consultant there it was rough going because a Colombian will smile at you, and do the exact opposite of what you told them to do.

I sent you that email because it really is Colombian who knows the scene and is honest. Which they are few and far between.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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dguittar says on Oct 12, 2009, 15:23:

If you need legal help, (you do) get a good attorney. He only needs to be honest with you. Attorneys are not generally considered honest, but they are very helpful. Are you sure you really want Colombians in your company? All of these super businessmen know everything, but is it true.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 12, 2009, 15:24:

Wasnt bullshitting you, Einstein. A Work Visa allows you to work for a company as an employee. It does NOT allow you to own, manage, (or draw a salary from) your own business. Better look it up before they get wind of it and cancel you work visa. Better read peoples words a little more clearly before you get negative. You are gonna be eaten alive here on the coast, Dbag, if you dont. Better get a consultant who knows about your work visa...that is step 1, but then i have told you too much as it is........jajajaj

wow, two faced people on PBH? can you believe it? i cant.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 12, 2009, 15:39:

I never knew you were a douchebag MC. And this whole time I thought you were a colostomy bag.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 12, 2009, 15:47:

Newer generation......jajajajaj....dbag is old skool....i guess if i had told him what he wanted to hear, ie, he is doing everything perfectly, etc then we would be newest bestest friends, maybe?....

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 16:08:

Clavo thanks for educating me. Yes youre correct, I planned on investing a large sum of money, pulling multiple people from their jobs, contract 100s of clients and not check if my own work visa for the company I work at, is in jeopardy.
Thanks man you saved me!!

As of 4 today Ive employed a corporate immigration consultant out of Bogota, thanks for pointing me that way...

As of now you are no longer a dbag!
You have downgraded to tool

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 12, 2009, 16:14:

You are most certainly welcome. =) The point is if you are here on a work visa, how are you going to own, operate your own business legally. So you are saying that this will not be your company, ie, legally in your name? or are you doing this as an employee for your company? Your post is not very clear.

"but Im short on knowledge about doing business in Colombia."

"Im already have a renewable yearly visa so I have no worries."

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 16:17:

So youre saying I cant hold a job for another company, which is the current visa I have and also own my own business?

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 16:27:

Ty Flat got the PM, sorry about my outlash at you

Clavo I hear what your saying in me being vague, us bikers need to stick together...peace

So Im currently on a year work visa for my employer
I will keep my job and also have a business at the same time
When I talked to the immigration consultant she was like, wow thats a great idea, we will talk more about it this week.
So Ill clarify how that would work.

Hasta

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 12, 2009, 16:27:

Exactly. If you have a work visa, you are allowed to work as an employee for the company specified on the work visa. If you want to open your own company (and i am speaking on how to do it legally) then you need either an investors visa (min 100k invested in Colombia) or a Socio (partnership) or Proprietario (sole owner) visa of a colombia company. If you open a foreign (ie US) company and you open branches here in colombia you will need the Business Visa (Type NE). i am not trying to rain on your parade or be a dickhead, but there are restrictions to a work visa which it appears you are not aware of. Hence, my comments.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 12, 2009, 16:28:

and you can only have one visa at a time. You can always try to change visa types, but doing that can be a nightmare. Especially now since MRE is revising all their rules and policies on Visas.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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C5vzla (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 12, 2009, 16:33:

Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 12, 2009, 16:41:

if you are in Colombia now, PM me your cell and we can talk tomorrow. if the immigration consultant was a DAS employee or just your companies visa person, beware. Only the MRE has responsiblity over issuance of Visas. You need to go to the source for your information. Identifying who the right people are for a specific issue is part of the fun (?) doing business here.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 17:07:

yosserherr thats some pretty heavy rain. Ill talk to my contact tomorrow...ty!

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 17:26:

haha Clavo the worm has turned. Look who the dbag or tool is now!! Ive been working full time on this and Im going to keep
going as I think Im going to have to jump an obstacle. Could you please describe what partnership, sole ownership, type NE visa are. Dont got 100 large....what if I put the company in a Colombian name?

humbly yours
MD

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 12, 2009, 17:54:

marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 17:56:

Clavo I just saw a recent post about the sole ownership, could you explain that specifically?
Im more then willing to push back my launch till June, when I can leave my job and go that way.
I dont want to quit my job, I love it, but I believe in this project. I could trust a Colombian partner to put it his name, but I would rather not.

thanks man

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 12, 2009, 17:58:

MD.....i like that...humbly yours....send me your cell or fijo and i will contact you tomorrow. i am in ctg. Much easier that way, as there are a few options you have. Each with very specific advantages and disadvantages. Then based on a few questions, i can suggest which way i would go. But, i have typed up this info so many times and like Gator, i am scaling back on this topic. If you put it in a colombian persons name, you would not have to deal with a visa at all. but you would not be on any paperwork to keep it legal and to keep you out of trouble. Nor would you be able to work there, draw a salary or be compensated in any manner. That is, legally speaking. Seems to me you just need to change your visa when the appropriate time comes.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 12, 2009, 18:26:

100% legal is possible but very stupid.

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 18:31:

Yes Id like that....Ill pm my cell ty

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 12, 2009, 18:46:

Robert Jorge says on Oct 12, 2009, 18:52:

Because that's the way things work in Colombia. You have to be blind and naive to disagree.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 12, 2009, 18:57:

Robert Jorge says on Oct 12, 2009, 19:02:

Nope, because I learn from other's mistakes. I wish you luck, I don't want to come across as a naysayer, but doing business in Colombia, especially as an extranjero, is extremely difficult.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 12, 2009, 19:04:

Robert Jorge says on Oct 12, 2009, 19:15:

Well good for you!

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 12, 2009, 19:19:

It all depends on the type of business one has. There are ways to "cheat" but in some instances it is better not to. ie, with your visa, because if they cancel your visa for violations or noncompliance, then you are shit out of luck. Then try getting another one approved. I comply with Colombian laws. All of them. I am a guest here in Colombia, and i dont shit where i sleep. =)

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 12, 2009, 19:26:

I have a business too. I don't cheat either. However, it's in the US. My business would do quite well here in Colombia I am sure IF Colombia was business friendly. Something about having to pay 78.7% tax on profit, staggering value added tax, a ridiculous set of employee / employer laws and rules, and importation costs - it doesn't make sense. But that's just me I guess.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 23:13:

Thank you all for your comments. Im looking forward to talking to you tomorrow Clavo, Im looking forward to presenting my plan to you soon for some input. Flatline, thanks for pointing me to your guy he sounds like gold and exactly what I need, Ill also let you take a crack at my plan to get your opinion. This is exactly what I wanted with my past as vague and confusing as it was. I feel confident I can work with the visa issue, my main obstacle. Funny how the two guys I got snippy with had the best and helpful info. Thanks for not giving up on me guys. Ive worked about 15 hours straight on this and got so much done. When I get the business info I will be in great shape. Im looking forward for my unveiling and the PBH abuse I will take. I will unveil the day before opening...the great thing about my product is that my general manager has a company that we will consolidate. We will get all his clients and be at our nut in 60 days. After that it pours in and that should happen quick. The numbers are excellent and I can have quite the business for quite awhile. Or I could totally wrong and it fail and I lose 20 or so grand...I wont starve and I will have tried to live the dream.

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 23:21:

I forgot to add,I meant the money will pour in, as our two marketing directors are connected completely to our little big town. Other clients will jump very quick due to them. I feel I can recup my investment quickly and have a nice second income, which will be way beyond my already decent income from my full time job. I see a finca in my future. Im very optimistic ready to take on the Colombian business jungle. Very excited!

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 12, 2009, 23:37:

Thank you dguittar for your suggestions, I ran through your list and I love the numbers.
Yes I need Colombians as they are the lifeblood of the biz. I would take a bullet for all 4 of them and ditto. They will jumpstart the biz to profit in 60 day if according to plan, without them Im in the dumpster and Im sleeping right now.

Pilot guy thanks for your advice about the logic. I can only imagine the lack of logic Im in for. Ive lived in Latin America for three years and understand the concept. Should be lovely.

Robert Jorge, thanks for sticking up for about the racist comment. I think he was trying to refer to the fact that I was saying other then elite people are fine people. My comment may have came out a little wrong but I think saying its racist is stretching it.

Barrumdi, The English is coming and I have no problem with an Aussie if the right one qualifies. When I finalize my two expats positions I will post the opportunites here and give PBHs first cracks at them.

Thanks all four for your help and will give you a copy of the plan when the time comes...

try to get some shut eye now , going to be a busy, but great day....adios

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