|
Session Title: Growing Your Business in the Current Economic Climate
|
|
Panel Session 343 to be held in San Simeon A on Thursday, Nov 3, 11:40 AM to 12:25 PM
|
|
Sponsored by the Independent Consulting TIG
|
| Chair(s): |
| Patricia Mueller, Evergreen Evaluation & Consulting LLC, pat@evergreenevaluation.net
|
| Discussant(s):
|
| Patti Bourexis, The Study Group, studygroup@aol.com
|
| Abstract:
This presentation will describe strategies used to grow an independent consultant business into a viable corporation that continues to expand, despite the current economic climate. Critical business principles will be highlighted that have proven successful in the growth and development of an education-focused evaluation small business.
Participants will gain an understanding of how the business started 15 years ago and grew in into a corporate business structure with the associated labor, legal, financial needs and requirements. Topics to be addressed include: ensuring ongoing mentorship from a senior mentor; the importance of professional development for all employees; contract, project and time management; diversifying the business portfolio; implications of technological innovations; cash flow and sleepless nights! The presentation's value to the audience will be a combination of the real and practicalGǪthe how tos, with a focus on constraints and pitfalls, and suggestions and solutions for business growth in today's economic climate.
|
|
From a "One Woman Show" to a Full Service Firm
|
| Patricia Mueller, Evergreen Evaluation & Consulting LLC, pat@evergreenevaluation.net
|
|
The President of this small business will outline how she started the business 15 years ago as an independent consultant. Topics addressed for this initial life cycle of the business' development will include: developing a business plan, strategic focus, marketing strategies that worked and failed, and the impact and
importance of having a business mentor. The presenter will then address the more current life cycle issues and concerns as the business expanded, to include delivery of high quality services to clients. Topics will include: employees and managing the work of others; business philosophy; and capacity issues related to time, personnel and technology. Dr. Mueller's company, Evergreen Evaluation & Consulting LLC, primarily evaluates education grants at State and Local levels and for Institutes of Higher Education.
|
|
|
Handling Growth Spurt and Business Logistics
|
| David Merves, Evergreen Evaluation & Consulting LLC, david@evergreenevaluation.net
|
|
The Manager and Evaluation Associate for the business will discuss: the technological, communication, legal, accounting / financial structures necessary to maintain a viable corporate entity; what type of business structure is best for the independent consultant managing cash flow; and utilization of technology for communications, reporting and meetings. The presenter will then discuss the process of delegating and prioritizing the work in a growing business. Mr. Merves has an MBA in Operations Research and spent 30 years in the corporate hospitality industry. He completed the Claremont Graduate University Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study in Evaluation. His experience in expanding / growing businesses in new markets under varied economic conditions will provide insight to pitfalls and positives for the emerging independent consultant.
| |