Short-term_funding_The_Grind_roasteryTable_of_contentsExecutive

Short-term funding: The Grind roastery

Table of contents

Executive Summary

Information about the Industry

Marketing Plan

Competitor Analysis

3 Year Income Statement

Assumptions

3 Year Proposed Funding Schedule

Break-Even Analysis

Expanding Internationally

Disadvantages and Advantages of Debt Financing

Venture Capital

Academic and Business References

Within my presentation, I will be reviewing my marketing plan along with an analysis of my competitors and why I feel I would be successful. I will review a 3 year plan with you with the hopes you can invest in my start up business.

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Executive summary

All coffee is different. From the region, to the farm, to the roaster, to the brewer, all coffee is different. The key is to inform and educate ourselves on these variables and make small decisions in order to ensure excellency in flavor and consistency.

39% of younger consumers drink gourmet coffee – suggesting new opportunities for coffee companies.

40% of daily consumers are drinking coffee prepared out-of-home, reflecting a continuing trend in behavior as lifestyles become increasingly mobile. (Infographic: National Coffee Drinking Trends 2017).

The Grind Roaster provides the highest quality coffees, teas, sourced from the 13 nations in the world and crafted in unique and exciting ways. The company creates new coffee and tea recipes and improves upon existing ones to create that novelty that 62% of consumers love. There is a growing public awareness of organic products and a responsible sourcing and that is what The Grind Roaster looks to target: the needs, cares and concerns of both modern-day coffee lovers. The Grind realizes that it is not just the modern-day coffee drinkers, but also those that can just appreciate a good “cup of joe.” The Grind will offer low cost cups of pick-me-up. The company will offer coffee, tea and desserts; all created by company owners and associates. The company is seizing the moments of coffee needs and will use that to capture customers. “The average U.S. coffee drinker consumes 2.7 cups per day, with the average size of a coffee cup measuring 9 ounces. In total, approximately 150 million Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee per day -- or more than 140 billion cups per year” (Saad, 2015). The retail value of the U.S. coffee market is estimated to be $48 billion, according to the National Coffee Association (NCA). All coffee is different. From the region, to the farm, to the roaster, to the brewer, all coffee is different. The key is to inform and educate ourselves on these variables and make small decisions in order to ensure excellency in flavor and consistency.

“39% of younger consumers drink gourmet coffee – suggesting new opportunities for coffee companies.

40% of daily consumers are drinking coffee prepared out-of-home, reflecting a continuing trend in behavior as lifestyles become increasingly mobile” (Infographic: National Coffee Drinking Trends 2017).

I have been in management for many years and my loyalty and integrity is very high for my own expectations. I am committed to make this business work and I am searching for an investor that would believe and trust in my ability to make this business work. I am looking for $500k to help me get started in this project.

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Industry Information

Frequency of Daily Coffee Consumption

This refers to consumers who reported having consumed a coffee beverage within the past day:

Ages 13-18: 37 percent, up 6 percent from last year

Ages 18-24: 50 percent, up 2 percent from last year

Ages 25-39: 63 percent, up 3 percent from last year

Ages 40-59: 64 percent, up 11 percent from last year

Ages 60+: 68 percent, up 4 percent from last year

Daily ‘Gourmet’ Consumption Daily consumption of ‘gourmet’ coffee beverages generally saw much higher rates of increase in 2017:

Ages 13-18: 29 percent

Ages 18-24: 39 percent, up 3 percent from last year

Ages 25-39: 50 percent, up 9 percent from last year

Ages 40-59: 39 percent, up 15 percent from last year

Ages 60+: 34 percent, up 10 percent from last year (11 percent); and nitrogen-infused (3 percent).

Coffee is one of the most consumed commodities in the world; loved by billions worldwide. It is attributed to maintaining production levels of all workers globally. Coffee is also the second-most-traded commodity. Consumption is chiefly seen in industrialized nations, however, its production in less developed nations. The coffee supply chain consists of growth, harvest, import/export, roasting, distribution, and retail. It is the top agricultural export for twelve countries and over 25 million small producers rely on coffee for a living. According to The National Coffee Association, experts measured all the ways that coffee contributes to the U.S economy:

“The total economic impact of the coffee industry in the United States in 2015 was $225.2 billion

Coffee-related economic activity comprises approximately 1.6% of the total U.S. gross domestic product

Consumers spent $74.2 billion on coffee in 2015

The coffee industry is responsible for 1,694,710 jobs in the US economy

The coffee industry generates nearly $28 billion in taxes (including ancillary goods)” ("National Coffee Association", n.d.).

The above information was gathered from Brown, N. (2017). Daily Coffee News. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2017/03/27/2017-us-coffee-drinking-trends-include-more-gourmet-more-youth/

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Marketing Plan

Marketing Objectives

Competition

Trends: Pricing:

Distribution: Offerings

Promotions

Logo Placement

The marketing plan will emphasize the company’s commitment to bringing a less expensive and flavorsome cup of coffee to customers. This plan will cover the target market, competition within the market and any trends, both current and foreseeable. It will also cover pricing, distribution, offerings and promotions.

Marketing Objectives: Establish the company as a leading coffee retail sales chain in Monmouth County, NJ. The most recent census totaled 625,846 residents inside the county ("U.s. Census Bureau", 2016). Target consumers consist of coffee and tea drinkers of all ages and races.

Competition: Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks are the main competitors, however both lack the “hometown appeal.” The Grind Roaster will focus on locally owned and ran and emphasize this quality.

Trends: The Grind Roaster will be located in a commercial area with a hospital across the street, a high school and middle school close by and a train station that travels the Jersey Shore Coastline and enters into New York City. These are advantages that would not only attract the professionals who are in need of coffee, but also attract those that want a safe place to hang out with friends after school and be able to do homework.

Pricing: The high expense of sourcing will be offset by creating a lean enterprise that systematically reduces and eliminates waste. The higher cost will be justified to the consumer by emphasizing the quality of the product, and its minimal impact on the environment.

Distribution: The product will be supplied from physical retail locations similar to Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. Coffee drive-up kiosks will also be used to increase availability in high population areas. Customers will also be able to purchase coffee grounds and teas from the company’s online website.

Offerings: The Grind Roasters will offer a rewards program that uses a business card that gets punched for each coffee you purchase. After 10 coffees, you get the eleventh one free.

Promotions: The company will employ online and radio promotions. The radio promotions will be short and evoke a feeling of community. Online promotions will be used via social media venues. Word of mouth for local businesses is huge!

Brand Recognition is key to any business. Th Grind Roaster will include a logo placement on cups and merchandise.

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Competitor Analysis

Starbucks:

23,000 chain stores globally. Its

High brand recognition

Market share is 39.8%

Offerings include coffee, tea, and other consumables such as breakfast items, sandwiches, and prepackaged goods

Dunkin Donuts:

12,000 locations in 36 countries

Market share is 29.1%

Offerings include donuts, bagels, and other baked goods.

Coffee and other beverage sales account for over 65% of sales

McDonalds:

McDonald’s McCafe chain have more than 1300 operations world-wide

Success credit to McDonald’’s name brand

Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and McDonald’s McCafe all have brand recognition on their side. The Grind Roaster will prioritize brand recognition and logo creation.

As a start-up business we must remember the customers and competition. We must constantly assess how wel or porrly they are doing. We must also assess what the needs of our customers are, constantly.

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3 Year income statement projections

The Grind Roaster			3 Year Income Statement

INCOME		2017	2018	2019	% of TS
SALES
Q1		$455,000	$515,000	$595,000
Q2		$465,000	$570,000	$675,000
Q3		$445,000	$525,000	$660,000
Q4		$455,000	$550,000	$635,000
	Total Sales (TS)	$1,820,000	$2,160,000	$2,565,000

COST OF GOODS
Beginning Inventory		$255,000	$267,000	$268,000
Purchases and Production Costs		$260,000	$255,000	$262,000
Shipping and Delivery		$110,000	$112,000	$115,000
Labor (wages and payroll)		$625,000	$635,000	$636,000
Other		$27,000	$28,000	$28,000
Less Ending Inventory		$95,000	$96,000	$89,000
	Total Cost of Goods Sold	$1,372,000	$1,393,000	$1,398,000

GROSS PROFIT		$448,000	$767,000	$1,167,000

Non-Operating Income
Interest Income
Rental Income
Other
	Total Non-Operating Income

Total INCOME		$448,000	$767,000	$1,167,000

EXPENSES
OPERATING EXPENCES
Accounting and Legal		$18,000	$18,000	$18,000
Advertising		$150,000	$150,000	$150,000
Deprecition		$45,000	$45,000	$45,000
Dues and Subscriptions
Insurance		$12,000	$12,000	$12,000
Interest Expense
Maintenance and Repairs		$8,000	$8,000	$8,000
Office Supplies		$10,000	$10,000	$10,000
Payroll Expenses		$9,500	$9,500	$9,500
Postage
Rent		$26,000	$27,000	$28,000
Research and Development
Salaries and Wages
Taxes and Licenses		$13,000	$13,000	$13,000
Telephone		$3,000	$3,000	$3,000
Travel		10,000	12,000	12,000
Utilities		$15,000	$15,000	$15,000
Web Hosting and Domains		$1,200	$1,200	$1,200
Other
	Total Operating Expenses	$320,700	$323,700	$324,700

NON-REOCURRING EXPENSES
Furniture, Equipment and Software		$80,000	$80,000	$80,000
Gifts		$2,000	$2,000	$2,000
Other
	Total Non-Reocurring Expenses	$82,000	$82,000	$82,000


Total EXPENSES		$402,700	$405,700	$406,700

Net income Before Taxes		$245,300	$553,300	$942,800
Income Tax Expense		$78,917	$238,037	$389,942

NET INCOME		$166,383	$315,263	$552,858

Owner Distributions / Dividends		$83,192	$157,632	$276,429
Adjustment to Retained Earnings		$83,192	$157,632	$276,429

The 3 year income statement projections shows that The Grind Roasters will turn a profit and that expenses remain steady.

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Assumptions

Sales growth will average 25-27% annually

Payroll (25-34% of revenue)

Beginning inventory (10-14% of revenue)

Purchases and production goods (10-14% of revenue)

Advertising (6-8%)

The Grind will focus the assumption of growth with how the average coffee companies initially performed. Production and payroll will be the greatest expenses. Other costly expenses are associated with advertising (to raise awareness), initial startup (location, hiring, machinery/equipment, and inventory acquisition), and any costs that may be driven by promotions and/or special offers. Coffee and tea consumers visit their establishments on average, 6 times weekly. The Grind Roaster knows that if we are able to stay within the price rates or cheaper and stay committed to the community, then we will be able to build or customer base, not only by the value of our work but also from word of mouth from our customers.

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3 year proposed funding schedule

3 Year Proposed Funding Schedule

	Amount	Firm	Amount Approved	Date	Date Received	Fund Application
	$250,000	Founder/Owner	$250,000	1/8/18	1/23/18	Start-up acquisition of store front rent ($26,000) and equipment/furniture ($80,000)
	$500,000	Bank	$500,000	1/9/18	1/24/18	Inventory acquisition ($255,000) and hiring labor ($84,500)
	$325,000	Partner				Capital infusion, utiities and legal services
	$100,000	Partner				Capital infusion (owner equity)
Total Requested	$1,175,000
Total Approved	$750,000
Difference	$425,000

This funding schedule is based on The Grind Roaster’s need for capital. Total requested is $1.175M in funding with $750,00 having been approved and applied.

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Break-even analysis

Breakeven = Fixed costs / (Unit Selling Prices – Variable Costs)

Average unit selling price for cup of coffee across all chains = $2.70

Assumed average unit selling price for The Grind Roaster coffee $2.75

Fixed costs = $1,492,700

Variable costs per unit = $1.65

Breakeven = $1,492,700 / ($2.75 - $1.65) = 1,357,000

The break-even analysis shows that The Grind Roaster must sell over 1 million cups of coffee to make a profit. Please keep in mind that this analysis is based off a regular cup of coffee priced at $2.75 and not on any of the specialty coffees on our menu. A separate break-even analysis was also performed for a Guatemalan medium roast is priced at $3.25 a cup would create a break-even analysis under 1 million.

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Fixed Cost

Variable Cost

Cost Bid Pricing

Price Bid Costing

Formula

International Expansion

Japan: one of largest consumers of coffee and tea in the world

United Kingdom: coffee sales exceed $1B

Italy: tremendous love for coffee and mass consumer per capita

Expanding internationally to outsource labor and reduce manufacturing costs is of interest to The Grind Roaster. The counties selected for expansion represent some of the greatest industrialized coffee drinking countries in the world.

Japan: one of largest consumers of coffee and tea in the world

United Kingdom: coffee sales exceed $1B

Italy: tremendous love for coffee and mass consumer per capita

The factors to be considered are the economic indicators such as status of import/exports, market size, the rate of growth and the country’s economy. U.S. market share and how hard it is to enter into the industry are key factors as well as cultural and legal differences.

Tax rates for each country:

Japan: 30.86%

United Kingdom: 19%

Italy: 27.9%

11

Decision tree

Start-up of $300,000

Location size

Paper Ads

Social Media

Small

Radio Ads

Paper Ads

Social Media

Medium

Advertising Methods

This decision tree is based on $300,000 initial funding. The size of the storefront would definitely be an issue and that will then affect advertising, which in turn will affect sales. Having $200,000 given in 3 years is not sufficient.

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Advantages and disadvantages of debt financing versus selling company stock

Debt Financing

Advantages include:

Owners retain ownership of the firm provides greater degree of financial freedom than equity financing

Less administrative costs

Debt interest is tax deductible.

Disadvantages include:

The firm is obligated to pay back the debt monthly, lenders may impose harsh penalties for late payments, failure to pay can adversely impact a company’s credit score, and it can be hard for newer firms to obtain since they have no established credit.

Selling Company Sock

Advantages:

No New Debt

Shared Risk

Disadvantages:

Loss of Ownership

Loss of Control

Advantages: Retain control over decision making and business relationship ends once you repay loan in full. Amount you pay in interest is tax deductible, which reduces net obligation. It is easier to plan how much capital and interest you will pay back each month.

Disadvantages: Must have good enough credit rating to receive financing. Good financial judgement is needed to make repayments; do not be overly dependent on debt because they could be considered “high risk”. Business assets could be at risk as collateral, including personally.

Common Stock: Investors have a say at meetings and benefit from higher stock prices and dividends. Companies pay the cost of issuance for underwrites the new issue. Maintain credit rating by issuing stock and not taking on debt.

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Venture capital

Business Plan

Proposed meeting

Due diligence

Term Sheet

Venture capital is the financing that investors provide start-up companies that are believed to have long-term growth potential. These investors are usually monetarily rich people or an investment bank. It does not have to be monetary, however, it can also be in some form of expertise. Investors are looking for above-average returns. One downside is that investors often get equity or stock in the company and are able to help make decisions for the company. One can see venture capitals more so for new or emerging companies.

First there is a business plan proposed and meeting, which includes a description of the opportunity at hand and market size; thorough investigation of the management; review of competitive landscape and solutions; financial projections; executive summary and business plan and capitalization table. All of this will be reviewed by the investor. Then a meeting will occur if you fit with the investors preferences. Then there is a due diligence phase that will include a lot of communication, interviews, references, strategy evaluations, just to name a few. Then, a term sheet will be presented by the investor that states the basic terms and conditions of the investment agreement.

I would not advise venture capital for The Grind Roaster. The issue with the start-up company I have presented is that there are so many alternatives. This industry and the product is not truly unique. I further believe that the return will not be as great, right away and the fact that an investor may play a role in how I am dreaming to open and run the company is not cohesive to my business plan and strategy.

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Academic and business references

Bank, E. (n.d.). Chron. Retrieved from http:// smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-issuing-common-stock-vs-long-term-debt-76860.html

Brown, N. (2017). Daily Coffee News. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2017/03/27/2017-us-coffee-drinking-trends-include-more-gourmet-more-youth/

Investopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/venturecapital.asp

Kunigis, a. (n.d.). Business Owner's Playbook. Retrieved from https:// www.thehartford.com/business-playbook/in-depth/debt-financing

National Coffee Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ncausa.org

National Coffee Association. (2017). Retrieved from https://nationalcoffeeblog.org/2017/04/03/infographic-national-coffee-drinking-trends-2017/

Academic and business references

Saad, L. (2015). GALLUP News. Retrieved from http:// news.gallup.com/poll/184388/americans-coffee-consumption-steady-few-cut-back.aspx

Statistica. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/543629/us-coffee-retail-sales /

TradingEconomics. (2018). Retrieved from https:// tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/corporate-tax-rate

TradingEconomics. (2018). Retrieved from https:// tradingeconomics.com/japan/corporate-tax-rate

TradingEconomics. (2018). Retrieved from https:// tradingeconomics.com/italy/corporate-tax-rate

U.S. Census Bureau. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/monmouthcountynewjersey/PST045216

Personality Test

Based upon the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP)

Everybody is curious about their personality, so psychology to the rescue!

Our personality test is similar to the Myers Briggs (MBTI) and the Jung personality tests, and is based upon an open-source set of personality testing items. These items are based upon scientific research and will provide results typical of a five-factor model of personality. The five factors measured by this test are extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and intellect/imagination. Please remember that these are only personality traits or preferences -- they do not predetermine every action you prefer in every situation.

This test consists of just 50 questions and takes about 7 minutes for most people to complete. Answer as many questions as you can to get the most accurate score possible. Your answers are held in strictest confidence and are not shared with anyone. At the end of the test, you will receive a free, comprehensive personality report on these five personality traits and where your answers put you in relationship to each trait.

Personality Test

For each item, simply indicate how much you agree or disagree whether each statement describes you. Think of yourself as you generally are right now (not how you were or how you would like to be). Answer honestly for the most accurate result.

1. I'm not easily bothered by things.

Disagree strongly (not at all me)

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2. I make friends easily.

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3. I do just enough work to get by.

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4. I respect others.

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5. I'm not very interested in abstract ideas.

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6. I dislike myself.

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7. I make plans and stick to them.

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8. I tend to vote for liberal political candidates.

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9. I would describe my experience as somewhat dull.

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10. I regularly insult others.

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11. I have a vivid imagination.

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12. I carry out my plans.

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13. I am the life of the party.

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14. I seldom feel blue or depressed.

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15. I have a sharp tongue.

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16. I don't care much for art.

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17. I don't talk a lot.

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18. I don't often see things through.

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19. I accept people as they are.

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20. I enjoy hearing new ideas.

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21. I often feel blue, sad or depressed.

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22. I often have little to say.

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23. I'm always prepared.

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24. I avoid philosophical discussions.

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25. I have a good word for everyone.

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26. I often waste my time.

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27. I panic easily.

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28. I get back at others.

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29. I believe in the importance of art and music.

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30. I'm skilled in handling social situations.

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31. I rarely get irritated.

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32. I believe others generally have good intentions.

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33. I often shirk my duties.

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34. I often have frequent mood swings.

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35. I like to keep in the background.

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36. I carry any conversation I'm in to a higher level.

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37. I suspect hidden motives in others.

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38. I usually pay attention to details.

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39. I feel comfortable with myself.

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40. I don't enjoy going to art museums.

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Your Personality Test

Results

Extraversion

42

Agreeableness

38

Conscientiousness

42

Neuroticism

14

Openness

38

The personality test that you've just taken is based on the Five Factor Model of personality. Personality psychologists believe this is a pretty good description of the broad traits or general areas that go to make up a person's core personality. Personality isn't set in stone, however, so keep that in mind if you see anything you'd like to alter below. Teenagers and young adults should take the below results with a bit of caution, as their personalities are still under development (personality is generally pretty well formed by one's mid 20's).

What do each of the 5 traits mean?

Extraversion - Energy, enthusiasm, socialable

Agreeableness - Altruism, helping others, affection, friendliness

Conscientiousness - Control, will, constraint, dependability

Neuroticism - Negative emotions, nervousness

Openness to Experience - Originality, culture, open-minded, intellect

Extraversion

This trait reflects a person's preference for certain kinds of social situations, and how they like to behave in such situations. People high in extraversion are energetic and seek out the company of others. People low in extraversion -- what some might call introverts -- tend to be more quiet and reserved.

You scored really high on this trait, suggesting you have a lot of energy and tend to enjoy most social situations.

Agreeableness

This trait reflects how we tend to interact with others, especially in terms of our altrusim and friendliness. People who score higher in agreeableness tend to be more trusting, friendly and cooperative than others. People who score lower tend to be more aggressive and less cooperative.

You scored really high on this trait, suggesting you are a very friendly, cooperative and trusting person.

Conscientiousness

This trait reflects how organized and persistent a person is in pursuing their goals. People who score high on this trait tend to be more methodical, well-organized and dutiful than others. People who score lower tend to be less careful, less focused and more likely to be distracted from tasks.

You scored really high on this trait, suggesting you're a well-organized, focused and methodical person.

Neuroticism

This trait reflects the tendency for a person to experience negative thoughts and feelings. People who score high on this trait tend to be more prone to insecurity and emotional distress. People who score lower tend to be more relaxed, less emotional and less prone to distress.

You scored really low on this trait, suggesting you're less emotional and fairly secure in who you are.

Openness to Experience

This trait reflects a person's open-mindedness, and interest in culture and art. People who score high on this trait tend to be imaginative, creative, and to seek out cultural and educational experiences. People who score lower on this trait tend to be more down-to-earth, less interested in art and more practical in nature.

You scored really high on this trait, suggesting you love art and try to keep open-minded.

Recommendations

You have 4 significant personality traits that we've identified.

If the traits are hurting your life, you may consider seeking out further assistance for them, by consulting a psychologist or other mental health professional.

You have 1 personality trait that you've scored very low on.

Please remember, this is not an official diagnostic test. It is only a general quiz to give you a broad understanding of common personality factors.

Interpersonal Communication Skills Test - Abridged

10 questions, 05 min

1.

People don't get what I am saying.

2.

I find it hard to express my feelings to others.

3.

I get so caught up in what I have to say that I am unaware of the reactions of my listeners.

4.

When I know what someone is going to say, I finish the sentence for him or her.

5.

I find it difficult to express my opinions when others don't share them.

6.

If I don't understand someone's explanation the first time around, I feel stupid asking for clarification.

7.

I try to divert or end conversations that don't interest me.

8.

I find it easy to see things from someone else's point of view.

9.

When I talk to someone, I put myself in his or her shoes.

10.

I am able to resolve problems without losing control of my emotions.

*All answeres were (Somewhat true/false).

Interpersonal Communication Skills Test - Abridged

There's no doubt that communication is an integral part of any relationship, be it familial, friendship, business or romantic. In fact, an absence or breakdown of communication can put even the best relationships in serious jeopardy. Poor communication often leads to feelings of betrayal, distrust, misunderstandings, and even social isolation. Contrary to popular belief, the foundation of solid communication is not making yourself be heard or expressing yourself clearly. While these are elements of good communication, the real core involves understanding where the other person is coming from. Productive communication simply can't exist without both parties expressing ideas and making efforts towards genuine listening. Though this may seem paradoxical, the key to communication is more about listening to the other person then flooding him/her with information about who you are, what you want, and how you feel. Remember, disappointing or not, the ultimate goal of communication is most often compromise.

Overall results

50

According to your score on this test, your communication skills are average, leaving plenty of room for improvement. You scored somewhere in the middle on the communication scale - not picture perfect, but not at the bottom of the barrel either. You already have some skills, and have shown the potential to master the communication process. However, some time and concentrated effort is needed to develop these abilities even further. Communication plays a significant role in the impression you make on others. It also influences your self-esteem, assertiveness, and social adjustment. If you want to reach your full communicating potential, all it takes is a little know-how and effort. Like most things in life, practice makes perfect - and you're already halfway there!

Emotional IQ Test - Abridged

10 questions, 10 min

1.

When I mess up, I say self-depreciating things such as "I am such a loser," "Stupid, stupid, stupid," or "I can't do anything right."

2.

I run into obstacles that keep me from reaching my goals.

3.

Even when I do my best, I feel guilty about the things that were not done perfectly.

4.

I am able to stop thinking about my problems.

5.

I am bored most of the time.

6.

I feel like I worry about things that other people don't even think about.

7.

When someone I care about is sad, I feel sad too.

8.

Some people make me feel bad about myself, no matter what I do.

9.

Everything I try to do ultimately ends in failure.

10.

I am not satisfied with my work unless someone else praises it.

*All answeres were (completely false).

Emotional IQ Test - Abridged

In the late 1990's, emotional intelligence (EIQ) was one of the hottest buzz-phrases in contemporary psychology. In the business world, it became a hot topic, largely due to one author's claim that a high EIQ was one of the best predictors of success in the workplace. In his 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence, Why it Can Matter More than IQ, author Daniel Goleman used an early definition by researcher Peter Salovey which stated that the construct of EIQ includes knowing one's emotions, emotional self-control, motivation and persistence, recognizing emotions of others, and successfully handling relationships. Goleman made some very strong statements in his book, including the suggestion that EIQ is one of the main keys to success in life. He implied that emotional intelligence is at the root of many of life's puzzles. Why are some smart people unsuccessful? Why do certain individuals strike out at others in a violent manner? Why do some excel at managing people while others struggle? He hinted that EIQ was an answer to all these, and many others, of life's questions.

Since the birth of the concept in a 1985 thesis by Wayne Leon Payne, researchers have been working to discover what factors play a part in emotional intelligence. Many conceptions of emotional intelligence are divided into two main parts; aspects related to understanding and dealing with one's own emotions, and those related to understanding the emotions of others and handling social interactions. For many prominent EIQ researchers, including most notably Goleman and Reuven Bar-on, the construct also includes broader traits such as motivation, interpersonal and other personal attributes (this is often called a mixed model). For others, including Peter Salovey and John Meyer and their colleagues, the latest models of EIQ are strictly related to the test-taker's abilities in this area (often called an ability model). Like the classical notion of intelligence, they feel that emotional intelligence is a cognitive ability that can be accurately and concretely defined and measured.

Overall results

80

Your Emotional IQ is excellent ? much higher than average in fact. This means that for the most part, you are able to express your feelings clearly in appropriate situations. You are optimistic and positive, and adapt well to altering circumstances. You are comfortable with yourself, and you know and appreciate your talents and strong points as well as your weaknesses. You are able to motivate yourself, and find the energy and the strength necessary to complete what you need to do to reach your goals. You are one of the resilient people who bounce back after major drawbacks, survive hardship without bitterness, and still manage to empathize with others. These skills will certainly bring you long-term benefits such as stronger relationships, better health and personal happiness.

Depression Test

By Ivan Goldberg, M.D.

~ 2 min to take

Use this brief 18-question online automated quiz to help you determine if you may need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of depression, or for tracking your depression and mood on a regular basis.

Instructions: You can print this scale out or take it online, using it on a weekly basis to track your moods. It also might be used to show your doctor how your symptoms have changed from one visit to the next. This scale is not designed to make a diagnosis of depression or take the place of a professional diagnosis.

Answer each of the 18 items below about how you have felt and behaved during the past week. Be honest for the most accurate result.

I am a year old Female / Male / Other

1. I do things slowly.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

2. My future seems hopeless.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

3. It is hard for me to concentrate on reading.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

4. The pleasure and joy has gone out of my life.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

5. I have difficulty making decisions.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

6. I have lost interest in aspects of life that used to be important to me.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

7. I feel sad, blue, and unhappy.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

8. I am agitated and keep moving around.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

9. I feel fatigued.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

10. It takes great effort for me to do simple things.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

11. I feel that I am a guilty person who deserves to be punished.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

12. I feel like a failure.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

13. I feel lifeless -- more dead than alive.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

14. My sleep has been disturbed -- too little, too much, or broken sleep.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

15. I spend time thinking about HOW I might kill myself.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

16. I feel trapped or caught.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

17. I feel depressed even when good things happen to me.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

18. Without trying to diet, I have lost, or gained, weight.

Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

Results of your

Depression Quiz

You scored a total of 0

No depression

You have answered this self-report questionnaire in such a way as to suggest that you do not likely currently suffer from a depressive disorder. You should not take this as a diagnosis or recommendation for treatment in any way, though. You experience the normal ups and downs of life.

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How Stressed Are You? Stress Test

By Psych Central Staff

~ 1 min to take

In the PAST WEEK, have you felt…

… strained?

… inadequate?

… overextended?

… confident?

… no sense of getting ahead?

… swamped by your responsibilities?

… that the odds were against you?

… that there wasn’t enough time to get to everything?

… like you were rushed?

… like you couldn’t cope?

… like you had a lot on your mind?

… powerless?

* All answers were (NEVER).

Results of your

Stress Test

You scored a total of 28

Stress is Unlikely

People who've scored similar to people experiencing every day, healthy levels of stress. Congratulations! You are living life and apparently coping with stress in a healthy manner.