It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and it not to strike than have an opportunity arise and not be prepared, according to the head of a leading communication and image consultancy firm.

Bermudian June James, who runs CoachQuest International in Virginia, is heading back home to speak to the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) about planning.

On June 2 she will speak at the 5th Annual Gala Tribute to Small Businesses about how to take a business forward into the next decade.

"Focus, follow through and faith -- that is what it takes,'' said Mrs. James from Virginia yesterday. "You have to have more than a business plan, you have to think about the next step.'' William Spriggs, who is organising the event, said: "Local entrepreneurs would do well to come catch an idea or two from the talk.'' He said the evening gala was important as entrepreneurs are a source of life blood for Bermuda's economy which "provides products, services and most importantly jobs''.

He urged entrepreneurs and small business men and women to join them during the evening event in which Mrs. James would give advice on how to take new businesses and keep them successful.

Mrs. James said: "As we begin to look towards the future, as small business owners continue to be true leaders in Bermuda, we must plan and call on this different kind of spirit -- the spirit that makes Bermuda a great country -- the spirit of an inspired future!'' Mrs. James is well-known in Bermuda for her and her husband, Kevin's business, Creative Computer Services Ltd., which they ran for more than ten years before moving to the United States.

Now she is the CEO of her own international company and travels the world delivering training seminars and in-house programmes to corporations, associations and individual staff members.

Most of her work comes from high tech companies looking to make sense of the informal/formal dress down or up issues in the workplace.

In June she will speak to over 200 entrepreneurs and small business managers gathered at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess for the annual dinner as the keynote speaker.

"I am delighted to be speaking this year,'' she said. "My goal for the evening is to first congratulate all entrepreneurs/small business owners fro distinguishing themselves from others who merely dream, by planning their work and working their plan, they own their own successful businesses, which in itself is a major accomplishment.

"I intend to inspire owners to go one step further when developing what we refer to as our "absolute business prerequisite'', the business plan. I will challenge them to use an additionally powerful planning process which will take them to the next level in their business success. In think we have all heard the saying "it is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to be have an opportunity and not be prepared''! "This is the key to planning for small business success. Planning creates motivation. Planning creates inspiration. Proper planing creates a spirit with unstoppable momentum.'' For more information about the evening, e-mail cstines ybdagov.bm or call 292 5570.

June James