My BBB Rating... A+!

Since founding my company in 1997, I have not received a single Better Business Bureau complaint... from clients or students of my program.

Of course this does not mean I have never encountered a problem or concern along the way. What it does mean is that I strive to always do the right thing in resolving any dispute.

My "no results, no charge" arrangement with clients naturally keeps complaints to a minimum. After all, who can complain about a service they don't have to pay for? I try to reflect this same attitude in my Business Plan System with my "no risk" 30 day full refund offer. Should a purchaser of my program decide for any reason it is not right for them, they can return the material for a complete refund of their $187.00 purchase price.

I am very proud of my "A+" BBB rating and I encourage you to click on the link below to see for yourself. Enter your zip code then click on the "Check Out A Business or Charity" button and enter my company information: Scott F Soape & Associates, LLC, Georgetown, TX.

www.bbb.org

Scott F. Soape

Keep Spreading the Word

Referrals from many different sources are a great way to ensure a constant stream of pre-qualified clients. Setting up a program to regularly remind your referral sources of your service will keep these leads flowing. My complete Business Plan System identifies several possibilities for great referral sources. Personally, I love to get out and visit with my referral sources one-on-one. I will either just drop in for a quick visit and leave a brochure or schedule an appointment for a short talk or lunch. If you prefer, you can simply mail a note, brochure or flyer. A brief email is also appropriate. I have also used the Internet business networking site www.LinkedIn.com to cultivate referrals with some success. Whatever method you choose, just be sure to follow through and keep spreading the word. The referrals are sure to follow! Scott F. Soape

Getting Started

I recently had a question from a new student asking about my recommendation to use a P.O. Box for a business address. Of course, as with many new start-up businesses, his concern was to keep expenses as low as possible until the revenues began arriving. My recommendation is to use a P.O. Box for an address, unless you are already set up with a regular office. This promotes an image of a REAL business... which can be important when you are trying to build trust with new or prospective clients (and creditors). However, everyone is on a different budget and, if you want to cut costs, you may certainly use your home address as you are getting started. Don't print too many business cards at first and, when your income allows, you can switch to a P.O. Box and print more cards. One of the great things about this profession is the ability to start up on a shoe-string budget and grow your business as fees are earned! Scott F. Soape

Avoid Default Judgments

Many times, a creditor's attorney will file a lawsuit simply in hopes of receiving a Default Judgment against a debtor business with NO intention to actually take a case to trial.

If the defendant (debtor business) fails to file an answer to the lawsuit by or before the answer date deadline, the court is likely to award a Default Judgment to the creditor for the full amount claimed, plus attorney's fees (up to 1/3 the amount of the debt), court costs and possibly back AND future interest on the debt. Once a Default Judgment is issued, the creditor's attorney will have additional legal tools available to hunt for and attach to assets of the debtor business.

This situation should be avoided if at all possible.

Even if a debtor business does not retain your services, you should encourage them to file an answer to the lawsuit. There is a chance this will be all it takes to keep a creditor at bay and the lawsuit could be dismissed by the plaintiff without further effort on the debtor business's part.

Scott F. Soape

"Typical" Clients

I am occasionally asked: "what type of businesses are your typical clients?" by students. Below is just a partial list of companies I have assisted over the years...

Painting Contractor
Law Firm
Event Coordinator / Catering Company
Logging Company
Maid Service
Machine Shop
Furniture Store
Heating & Air Conditioning Company
Software Developer
Moving & Storage Company
Computer Store
Cigar Shop
Nursery / Landscape Business
Swimming Pool Company
Beauty Supply Business

Transmission Repair Shop

Trucking Corporation
Gutter Installer
Temporary Employment Agency
Magazine Distributor
Oil Field Supply Company
Automobile Collision Repair Shop

The point is, there are really no "typical" clients in this profession. All types of businesses encounter financial disputes at one time or another. There are ALWAYS cases to work and these situations develop all over the country on a daily basis... and my complete commercial debt resolution Business Plan System shows you how & where to find them.

Scott F. Soape

Payment Plan Calculations

Although they typically result in the best discounts, many businesses will not be in a position to make lump-sum payments to settle their problem debts. You will need to negotiate payment plans for these clients.

I always try to start negotiations with payment plans for the longest time period possible and at a 0% interest rate. However, many creditors will require some sort of interest rate if they are going to deal with extended payments. Using one of the many online calculators makes these offers simple. Here are just a few...

http://www.bankrate.com/

www.Calculator.com

www.moneychimp.com/calculator

You may need to click further to reach the "loan" calculator (auto, mortgage, etc.) on these sites. Just plug in the total amount of the settlement offer, the interest rate and the number of months (or years) and you can quickly calculate the monthly payment to complete your offer.

Of course, my complete Business Plan System provides all the information you need to negotiate ANY type of settlement.

Scott F. Soape

A Couple More Student Comments

I continue to receive positive feedback on my commercial debt resolution Business Plan System. Below are just a couple I recently received...


"Scott, I just wanted to take a moment to tell you I love the course and see its potential." Carlos P., California

"Hi Scott, Received your Business Plan System today. Good stuff!" David F., Minnesota


As always, I welcome any questions or concerns from anyone considering investing in my program. Please fee free to call or email me.

Scott F. Soape