When a business creates an investment portfolio, it is usually to make as much money as possible. While this is a legitimate goal, it is a very vague and large goal. Before investing company money in a new portfolio or making changes to an existing one, you need to have financial market knowledge, a clear list of attainable goals and the realization of the risks that may hamper those established goals.

Before jumping in and playing around with numbers, ask yourself how much money your company has to use for your investment portfolio. What are you looking to achieve by making financial changes? Once you have that information, you can build from there by:

1. Writing down your business financial goals.

2. Acquiring aid from a financial investment portfolio consultant.

3. Learning investment portfolio tactics through training and software programs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Define your investment portfolio goals

Before you can even begin to consider getting help with investment portfolio building or diversifying, you must first decide what you want your end result to be. Investment portfolio information is abundant on the Internet, and boosting your knowledge about some common investment strategies, the downsides and new markets can help you narrow down what you want to achieve.

I recommend: MsMoney.com offers a goal formulation worksheet to help you list your short and long term goals and prioritize them accordingly. Smart Money has a portfolio tracker and asset tracker for use when determining how to allocate your funds.

Seek investment portfolio advice through an investment portfolio consultant

An investment portfolio consultant can help you and your business reach your financial goals by providing advice and guidance. Based on the information you give them, they can formulate an investment strategy for your business' portfolio, whether big or small.

I recommend: Fidelity Investments offers a portfolio advisory service that will manage your investments for your business, or if you prefer to be involved, you can also just use them for advice and information. If you aren't sure about hiring an investment portfolio consultant, Camarda Financial Advisors offers a free portfolio plan so that you can look before you decide.

Take advantage of investment portfolio training as well as investment portfolio software

If you are going to invest your business' money, you need to have a good amount of background knowledge. If you are new to the investment area or have been out of it for awhile, it's a good idea to get some training. If being in a classroom setting is not for you, consider investing in some portfolio management software.

I recommend: Skillbox offers classes on investment analysis with emphasis on portfolio management. You will learn the basics of risk and return, stocks and bonds and also how diversification can benefit your business. Hagel Technologies offers an investment portfolio software package that helps you monitor your investments and analyze their performance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Spend a bit of time each day researching and reading through free investments sites. The knowledge you gain from what you read can help you grow your portfolio value.