LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Apply the best methods for creating, leading, and managing their own business
• Establish an organizational framework through operations, finance, and leadership
• Set up an effective and efficient system for hiring, retaining, and succession planning
• Start researching and designing their strategic plan
• Describe the essential elements of marketing, sales, and their company brand
• Apply financial and accounting terms correctly

COURSE OVERVIEW & CONTENT:

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.

Who are you and What are you About?

• What is Our Business?
• Pre-Assignment Review
• The Owner’s Role
• Keeping Things Moving

Designing Your Organizational Structure

• Bringing the Idea to Life
• Leveraging Structure
• Looking at the Options
• Who is in Charge?
• Structural Considerations

Introduction to Operations Management

• Defining Operations Management
• Types of Operations
• Practical Application

Understanding Financial Terms

• Accounting Terminology
• General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Key Reports

Getting the Right People in Place

• Six Essential Steps of Hiring
• Making Connections

Getting Your Product Together

• Inventory Management
• Understanding the Value Chain
• Outsourcing Options
• Quality Control

Building a Corporate Brand

• Your Brand
• Brand Names and Slogans
• Developing a Slogan
• Creating a Visual Identity
• Types of Visual Identities
• Working It Out

Marketing Your Product

• Introduction to Marketing
• Stage One: Consumer and Market Analysis
• Stage Two: Analyzing the Competition and Yourself
• Stage Three: Analyzing Distribution Channels
• Stage Four: Creating a Marketing Plan
• Making Connections
• The Final Stages: Implement, Evaluate, Review, and Revise
• Leveraging Social Media

Selling Your Product

• Building Your Sales Force
• The Sales Cycle

Planning for the Future

• Introduction to Strategic Planning
• Making Connections
• The Strategic Plan Pyramid

Goal Setting and Goal Getting

• Setting Achievable Goals
• Goals with SPIRIT
• Getting Into It

Succession Planning 101

• What is Succession Planning?
• Defining Succession Planning

Managing Your Money

• What is a Budget?
• Managing Your Budget

Ethics 101

• Are You Ready?
• Sample Codes of Ethics
• Your Code of Ethics

Building a Strong Customer Care Team

• The Pillars of Success
• The Remaining Elements
• Developing and Maintaining Relationships

Training Employees for Success

• Why Continuous Learning?
• Making Connections

Leadership Essentials

• Leading and Managing
• Understanding Your Comfort Zone
• Managing Performanc