Jacquie Collins, Partnering for Performance and I are teaming up to help your business grow. I have known Jacquie for many years and have always been impressed with her professionalism and ability to help businesses grow. I am excited to be working with Jacquie to help move your business to the next level. Here is a sample of Jacquie's work:

Planning for Growth
By Jacquie Collins

Growing a business doesn't happen over night, nor does it occur in a haphazard fashion. Planning for growth requires an organized and comprehensive "template" - a model that examines the direction your business is currently taking and the course you want it to traverse for present and future success.

A sound business model should incorporate the following elements:

● Financial targets such as cash flow, operating margins, revenue growth and return on investment.
● External realities including your company's overall business environment and your customer base, with the latter aspect sharply defining the set of customers/clients you maintain on a regular basis and how those patrons will be retained, their needs better met and their numbers increased.
● Internal activities or all operating activities that enable your business to reach your desired financial targets.

A business plan that will help guide you toward the growth you desire should be realistic therefore several hard questions must be answered honestly or your model for success will have little worth.

First of all, who are your competitors and how does your business stand in relation to theirs? Determine what their strengths and weaknesses are and then make a concerted effort to not only live up to your competitors' strong points but also fill the void left wide open by their limitations.

Take a good look at your industry in general. What type of growth has it achieved in the past five or so years and what direction is it heading toward? If "not much" and "who knows" answer these questions, maybe it's time to reconsider the type of commerce you offer or take your current business on another, more profitable track.

Are there specific economic or social trends that may impact your product line or service? What may have been a much required offering in the past may now be a commercial dinosaur. Keep on top of what your current and potential customers want and need. Often, an uncomplicated customer survey can provide the information you need to ensure you're on the right course of consumer satisfaction.

Take stock of the internal workings of your business. Do you have the right personnel performing the right tasks for their individual skill sets? Could you handle increased business with your current team of employees? Are there any obstacles within your current infrastructure that might stand in the way of meeting your goals?

Once you've comprised a list of goals for this year and beyond, be sure you're focusing on the best initiatives for growth. Have you done enough homework on market trends within your industry to convince yourself, your customers and perhaps investors that your enterprise rises above competitors?

One final question that cannot be avoided - do you have the resources to finance the strategies and initiatives you've identified? If the answer is no, but you recognize the need to grow sooner than later, then a business plan can be used to help raise the capital required to meet your goals. With a sound course of action in place, a lender will have all the information necessary to expedite a loan.

The work is not done once a plan is in place. Annual updates will ensure you stay abreast of shifts within your industry, maintain an awareness of your company's "health" and help you focus on and achieve both your short and long term objectives. Now, that's a plan!

October 5 & November 17

Profitable Expo Experience

Whether you are a new or returning EXPO exhibitor or just interested in learning more about trade show and exhibition marketing, you won't want to miss this free workshop opportunity.

You'll come away with creative ideas, sound advice, and practical solutions for getting the most out of your booth and achieving your marketing and sales objectives. Presenters will cover topics from pre-show planning and marketing to post-show communications, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

The workshop includes a tour of Design Knowhow's showroom where you will have an opportunity to see and discuss a variety designs, configurations and creative treatments for floor and tabletop exhibits, signage, demos and displays. You'll see and hear how to optimize space, enhance traffic flow and get noticed. You'll also get tips on how to use booth components, signage and displays after the show, to stretch your marketing dollars.

For details and registration

October 20

Your Roadmap to Success

Whether your business needs to be infused with fresh, new business practices, or if you believe things are functioning fine, but want to be sure, these workshops are for you!

Jacqueline Collins, Principal, Partnering for Performance, in collaboration with Lori Johnson, Principal, Your Best Image, present two workshops that provide a quality experience which will have a direct , positive impact on your and your business.

Session 1, October 20 - Business Basics: Turning thoughts into actions

Session 2, November 17 - Building Key Relationships: Creating Trust & Credibility

For details and registration


November 4

Gretje and Lori's Business Portrait Special Pricing Dates.

You've always meant to have a professional headshot done, and now's your chance at reduced pricing. You will enjoy a relaxing photography session in the comfort of Gretje Ferguson's home studio in Dedham. Professional stylist Lori Johnson will be there to dramatically enhance your photo with her makeup application. Lori and Gretje have worked together for 10 years to provide natural professional headshots that compel people to want to do business with you!

For details and registration

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I just gave this system as a thank you gift to my proofreader. It was the least I could do for the prompt, excellent work I can always rely on from her. She loves it. In her thank you note she said "her skin has never felt better."

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