Owning a business requires a vision balanced with attention to detail. You need to be a generalist who understands the multiple aspects of running a business, as well as the ability to step back and see the big picture and to reach into the future.
The business environment is a complex place to be. Whether you wish to work as a consultant or freelancer, establish a corporation, or set up an operation that meets a need for very particular type of customer, there is a tremendous amount of information that you need to know and to apply.
This three-day course provides essential learning for new business owners, whether the business is just in the idea stage or you have already begun and need to fill in the gaps.
You will spend the first part of the day getting to know participants and discussing what will take place during the workshop. Students will also have an opportunity to identify their personal learning objectives.
To start, a business owner should define what their business is (and is not). This session will give participants some ways to help them define their business’ purpose and structure. They will also consider their role as an owner and what that really means.
Next, participants will look at some different types of organizational structures.
In this session, participants will learn what operations management is all about and the different categories that it applies to.
Having a good handle on your numbers is a key part to any business’ success. This session will introduce participants to basic accounting terminology, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and key financial reports.
Another crucial part of a business is knowing when and how to hire help. This session will provide a six-step framework for hiring and recruiting.
In this session, participants will look at different aspects of product management, including inventory management, the value chain, outsourcing, and quality control.
Next, participants will learn the basics of branding. Topics will include positioning statements, brand names, slogans, and visual identities.
This session will explore the six stages of the marketing cycle, as well as the five P’s of a solid marketing plan.
In this session, participants will learn about building their sales force and the sales cycle.
Once a business has gotten your feet on the ground, owners may want to start taking a look at the future. This session will introduce participants to strategic planning.
In this session, participants will learn how to set achievable goals with the SPIRIT model.
Another aspect of planning for the future is considering who will fill the shoes of the key people in a company. This session will explore what succession planning is (and is not).
The final piece of the planning puzzle is budgeting. This session will give participants techniques for building and sticking to a budget.
Another thing to consider is the ethical principles of a business. This session will explore why codes of ethics are important. We will also share some sample codes of ethics.
Next, participants will learn about the six critical elements of customer service, as well as how to develop and maintain customer relationships.
In this session, participants will consider why lifelong learning is important for an organization’s success.
The final session of this course will explore the differences between leading and managing. They will also learn about Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard’s the Situational Leadership II® model, as well as techniques for managing performance.
At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.
