Our Forensic Accounting Course is designed to help investment analysts detect earnings manipulation. It focuses on creative accounting rather than conducting detailed forensic analysis but we explain the tools short sellers employ to detect fraud and some of the techniques we used at hedge funds to identify short opportunities.
About this Training Course In turbulent times for the entire Energy Sector, Oil & Gas E & P segments are coming under tremendous pressure to reinvigorate. Oil Majors like Shell Plc are no longer termed as Oil & Gas Company but also branded as SHELL Energy, with technology at its forefront. The Risks, Scope and Context of Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning (EPCIC) Projects is evolving rapidly. Thus, the success of a project is dependent on the practical 'know how' in scoping, contract drafting, negotiation and execution competencies. Understanding the essential ingredients of contracts and mastering the international contracting principles will equip the participants to identify vague and ambiguous clauses, avoid dangerous and often hidden terms, and better understand the controlling position in a project. In this 3 full-day course, the participants will find out how to negotiate legacy contracts where parties are not allowed to edit any clauses during the bidding process. The participants will learn from the Case Law Reports and analysis to take home lessons learned from bitter experiences of their peers in the industry. It is designed to help those who need a solution to manage current contractual issues or those who execute contracts regularly and want to be more proficient in managing their contracts and projects, with changing contexts. The course is developed with the underlying objectives for the participants to: Enhance their current knowledge of the legal principles governing international Contracts from formation, execution to breaches, redresses and dispute resolution either as a party or as a consortium member or as a coverture. Manage Consortium and Joint Venture Partners inter-relationship and contractual responsibilities. Identify dangerous exposures due to joint and severally liable requirements of consortium-based contracts. Effectively Manage Risks of Projects, with Enforceable Contract Documents, by learning the purpose and potential benefits of maintaining evidence in compliance to the contract clauses. Learn the Contract Enforcement Nuggets of Owners and the Variation Claims Strategies of the Contractors. Allocation of contract management related roles / assignments and WBS within consortium partners for effective project management and profitable results. Use of Contract Terms & Conditions for enhancing project performance, monitoring, reporting, and achieving timely completion, thereby avoiding delays and disputes. This course can also be offered through Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) format. Training Objectives Upon completion of the course, the participants will have learnt: Project management strictly in accordance with the contract and the corporate strategies. How to ensure that Variations Order claims are appropriately managed in turnkey and lump-sum contracts. Manage contemporary challenges and market factors with direct or indirect impact on the contracts. Managing all members of the Supply Chain from vendors to logistics services providers. Cost Engineering and Performance Management. How to manage Consortium Partners, Contractors, and Owner's representatives. When and how to obtain / grant extension of time (EOT) and costs. Ability to identify rights and obligations of each party to a contract instead of making subjective decisions. Ability to be firm in negotiations without violating terms of the agreements. Ability to spot different legal systems, contract laws and arbitration rules. Ability to negotiate and avoidance of disputes and resolution in amicable manner, in accordance with the provisions of the contract. Competency in developing and maintaining documentary evidence and traceability for all works executed during the project. Target Audience This course is specially curated for professionals from International Oil & Gas Industries including Offshore & Marine Sectors. They include the heads of strategic business units, contracts managers, project directors, project managers, general managers, corporate legal counsels, procurements and supply chain managers, lawyers and legal professionals engaged in the EPCIC Segments of the Oil & Gas Industry. Course Level Intermediate Trainer Principal Management Consultant Chartered Valuer and Appraiser (CVA) FACICA | FAMTAC | FAIADR | M.S.I.D | Member, AIEN LL.M. (IP Law), M. Sc. (Maritime Studies), M. Tech (Knowledge Engineering), MBA, First Class CoC (MCA, UK), B. E. (Elect) Your expert course leader, during the last 47 year period, has worked and consulted in the industry verticals encompassing: Technology, Oil & Gas Exploration & Production, Petrochemical Process Plants and Power Plant Construction Projects, Logistics & Warehousing, Marine, Offshore, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Infrastructure Development Projects (Ports, Offshore Supply Bases, Oil & Gas Terminals and Airports etc), EPCIC Contracts, and Shipyards, in South East Asia, Africa, Middle East, Americas and Europe. He serves as the Principal Management Consultant with a management consultancy in Hong Kong and Singapore, specialising in the fields of corporate management consultancy, international contracts reviews and alternative dispute resolutions services. He undertakes special assignments for conducting audits and valuation of intangible properties involving proprietary processes for licensed production, and licensing of intellectual property rights (IP Rights) in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. He is frequently engaged for assignments like due diligence, acquisitions, mergers, resolving various operational issues, technology transfer and agency services contracts reviews, cost controls, and enhancement of Supply Chain Management. He has been conferred the credentials of Chartered Valuer & Appraiser (CVA) by SAC and IVAS, in accordance with the international valuation standards setting body IVSC. His consulting experience includes Charterparty Management, Business Process Re-engineering, Diversifications, Corporate Development, Marketing, Complex Project Management, Feasibility Studies, Dispute Resolutions and Market Research. He has successfully assisted Marine and offshore E & P clients in managing contractual disputes arising from various international contracts for upgrading & conversion projects. He continues to be actively engaged in claims reviews, mediation, arbitration, litigation, and expert witness related assignments, arising from international contracts and Charterparty Agreements. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, MBA in General Management, Master of Technology in Knowledge Engineering, Master of Science in Maritime Studies, and LL.M. (IP Law). He also holds professional qualifications in Business Valuations and Appraisers for CVA, arbitration, law, and marine engineering, including the Chief Engineer's First-Class Certificate of Competency (MCA, UK). He is further qualified and accredited as Certified International Arbitrator, Chartered Arbitrator, Sports arbitrator under CAS Rules, WIPO Neutral, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Bargaining Code Arbitrator, Accredited Adjudicator and Accredited Mediator (Malaysia). He is admitted to the international panels of arbitrators and neutrals with WIPO, Geneva; ACICA, AMTAC and ACMA, Australia; BVIAC (British Virgin Islands); JIAC (Jamaica); HKIAC Hong Kong; AIAC, Malaysia; AIADR, Malaysia; KCAB, Seoul, South Korea; ICA, Delhi, India; ICC (Singapore); SISV, Singapore; SCMA, Singapore; SCCA, Saudi Arabia; VIAC Vienna, Austria; Thailand Arbitration Centre (THAC), and Mediator with AIAC Malaysia, CMC, and SIMI Singapore. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations
About this Training Course Time is money in the oil business. Drilling time is big money. Whether in a technical, managerial or supporting role, you are a valuable asset to ensuring that project delivery targets are met and profits are realised. As drilling activities continue, professionals like you must grasp the language and technology of drilling operations in order to maximise expenditures throughout the producing life of a well. Drilling equipment and procedures have a unique language that must be conquered for maximum benefit. Clear and understandable explanations of drilling rig equipment, procedures, and their complex interactions provide an excellent foundation for smooth communication and increased efficiency in inter-department project team efforts. Drilling Essentials will help you de-mystify activities around the rig and well planning. It will explain the fundamentals of drilling with an emphasis on key areas such as logistical considerations, costing, and analysis of drilling contracts. Understand the urgency of drilling requests, know more about the cost implications of drilling-related problems, and understand the risks involved in a drilling contract. With the course director's drilling knowledge and skills, this is your opportunity to explore and understand important drilling concepts, principles, and technology which are presented in a reader-friendly format and illustrated with examples. As a non-drilling professional, you too can grow with the drilling industry with a deeper understanding of the critical role you play in contributing to its success! Training Objectives By attending this industry fundamentals Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) course, you will be better able to: Understand drilling terminology & drilling processes for completing onshore & offshore wells Appreciate major cost components of drilling operations and its impact for better project planning and management Better visualise major drilling equipment and their technical functions to promote a deeper understanding of the logistical and technical considerations Gain valuable insights on the drilling industry with a synopsis of recent technology developments that impact the drilling process Target Audience This Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) course has been developed for new engineers and forward-looking executives in the following fields who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and awareness of the drilling process for increased productivity & contribution to the team they're supporting: Accounting Commercial Finance & Administration General Management Logistics Procurement Tender Contract Administration E & P IT Finance Joint Ventures Materials Planning Sourcing Training Business Development Estimation & Proposal HSE Legal Planning & Budgeting Supply Chain Drilling Fluids Organisational Impact Your expert course leader has over 45 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry. During that time, he has worked exclusively in the well engineering domain. After being employed in 1974 by Shell, one of the major oil & gas producing operators, he worked as an apprentice on drilling rigs in the Netherlands. After a year, he was sent for his first international assignment to the Sultanate of Oman where he climbed up the career ladder from Assistant Driller, to Driller, to wellsite Petroleum Engineer and eventually on-site Drilling Supervisor, actively engaged in the drilling of development and exploration wells in almost every corner of this vast desert area. At that time, drilling techniques were fairly basic and safety was just a buzz word, but such a situation propels learning and the fruits of 'doing-the-basics' are still reaped today when standing in front of a class. After some seven years in the Middle East, a series of other international assignments followed in places like the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Turkey, Denmark, China, Malaysia, and Russia. Apart from on-site drilling supervisory jobs on various types of drilling rigs (such as helicopter rigs) and working environments (such as jungle and artic), he was also assigned to research, to projects and to the company's learning centre. In research, he was responsible for promoting directional drilling and surveying and advised on the first horizontal wells being drilled, in projects, he was responsible for a high pressure drilling campaign in Nigeria while in the learning centre, he looked after the development of new engineers joining the company after graduating from university. He was also involved in international well control certification and served as chairman for a period of three years. In the last years of his active career, he worked again in China as a staff development manager, a position he nurtured because he was able to pass on his knowledge to a vast number of new employees once again. After retiring in 2015, he has delivered well engineering related courses in Australia, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Thailand, India, Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, The Netherlands, and the United States. The training he provides includes well control to obtain certification in drilling and well intervention, extended reach drilling, high pressure-high temperature drilling, stuck pipe prevention and a number of other ad-hoc courses. He thoroughly enjoys training and is keen to continue taking classes as an instructor for some time to come. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations
About this Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) Accredited by the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA), this 4 half-day Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) course will provide an in-depth understanding of the principles, economics and flexibility of lubricant blending plants and how to operate a lubricants blending plant efficiently and economically. The latest developments and trends in lubricant blending and the advantages and disadvantages of lubricant blending equipment, facilities and operations will be discussed. The importance of testing components and products for each blend, lubricant blend quality control and product quality management will also be explained. The VILT course will also clarify the importance of lubricant product filling, packaging and warehouse storage, strategies for optimising existing lubricant blending plant facilities and how to avoid or minimise problems with lubricant blending and product quality. The VILT course is recognised under the UKLA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme for Registered Lubricant Professional. *There will be an examination for this VILT. Training Objectives This VILT course will enable you to: Learn about Mineral Oil Base Oils; API Groups I, II and III: Properties and Characteristics Acquire the knowledge about Synthetic Base Oils; API Groups IV and V: Properties and Characteristics Learn about Lubricant Additives: Properties and Characteristics Know the Lubricant Formulation and Ease of Blending Explore the Blending Plant Design: Grassroots Plants and Upgrading Existing Plants Learn about Blending Plant Equipment and Facilities and Their Operation Understand the Lubricant Blending Issues: Avoiding Problems Test and Analyse Base Oils and Additives Test and Analyse Blended Lubricants Explore the importance of Product Quality Control Understand the process of Lubricant Packaging and Filling Understand the process of Lubricant Storage Learn about Product Quality Management Target Audience This VILT course will be useful and applicable for: Middle and Senior managers to understand how and why to design and operate an efficient and profitable lubricant blending plant. Blending plant operators and specialists to improve and optimise current blending plant operations. Manufacturers of lubricants will understand how and why high quality components and effective testing during the entire blending process are important to final lubricant product quality and performance. Lubricant formulators will understand the importance of close communication and co-operation with blending plant managers and operators to minimise blending costs and to thereby maximise product profitability. Course Level Intermediate Training Methods The VILT course will be delivered online in 4 half-day sessions comprising 4 hours per day, with 2 breaks of 10 minutes per day. Course Duration: 4 half-day sessions, 4 hours per session (16 hours in total). Trainer Your expert course leader (CChem, MRC) has worked as Sales, Technical Marketing Manager and Company Director with over 50 years of broad experience in the lubricants, fuels, petroleum additives, with four leading companies Chevron, Ethyl Petroleum Additives Ltd, Texaco Limited and Kuwait Petroleum (GB) Ltd. His major recent responsibilities have been concerned with leading the Oil Industry Association United Kingdom Lubricants Association, and acting in an advisory capacity as Technical Director to the Association. He has acquired a wide experience in technical, marketing and sales within the oil industry. The related experience gained with the oil additives industry has provided him with special additional insights. He has also led the Certificate of Lubricant Competence course for the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA) for 11 years. He is a Chartered Chemist and a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information about post training coaching support and fees applicable for this. Accreditions And Affliations
This course will move a manager’s focus away from simply reviewing last year’s financial performance, toward the development of an interactive approach, designed to really understand financial performance and the consequence of inaction. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN HOW TO: • The confidence to use budgeting tools and techniques • An understanding of the demands of financial management • The ability to analyse and challenge financial and accounting • Information • An understanding of fixed and variable costs and how these affect the sales price and profitability • Understanding the challenges of overhead allocation • Understanding the P&L • Developing awareness of fundamental investment appraisal techniques COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE: • Budget Definitions & Planning • Designing and developing a budget • Performance reporting systems & cost control • Zero-based budgeting systems • Understanding business costs (FC & VC) • Understanding variance analysis • Profit and Loss & Balance Sheet
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Ensuring that you provide the level of service that your customers want to be delivered through your people. This programme develops the skills and behaviours that enhance the experience that your customers receive.
Our team of Construction industry experts provide business management training for leaders and business owners across England and Scotland CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SPECIFIC Construction Business Growth Academy The Power Within Training is dedicated to helping construction-based business owners and construction management throughout England, Scotland, and Wales achieve more than they believed possible. Our construction business training is designed to develop owner-managers and help them create the future they want. To ensure business growth, we have a dedicated team of industry professionals to give unique support specific to the skills, traits, and challenges found within Construction. This programme was created to help you push and elevate your business to the next level. Contact us to register for our construction business training. Explore Our Construction Business Growth Course We created the Business Growth Academy for business owners like you to grow and develop their businesses in a more controlled and sustainable way. To ensure growth, our construction business training is a series of six training modules focused on business growth, leadership, and financial management. Most of our participants are business owners looking to get the tools needed to spend more time working on their business while generating more profitability to ensure consistent business growth. The Power Within Training uses the latest business growth strategies, which allow you to identify, modify and quickly implement our easy-to-follow business-building tools and techniques designed around the construction and property development industry. Whether you are a business owner or an aspiring construction and property development entrepreneur, our Construction Management Course will provide the tools and techniques to drive your business forward and achieve sustainable growth. Join us at the Business Growth Academy and unlock your full potential. The Goal of Our Construction Management Training Our goal with this training is to provide you with the tools you need to take control of your business. This allows you to use the latest strategies and ensure the smooth growth of your construction business. The construction management training we offer is a three-month course with new modules available twice monthly, delivered via Zoom or in person. These modules are designed to work around your schedule. After, you’ll have a 39-hour CPD certification thanks to our CITB skills & training courses. Overall, our fully funded construction management training will help you place the proper foundation, allowing you to build a more substantial and focused business that’s centred around constant growth and profits while future-proofing your business. BUSINESS GROWTH ACADEMY The Benefit of Our Business Growth Academy As you go through our training, you’ll delve into each module and the critical steps and tools. These include how to plan, organize, and control construction operations, all designed to provide you with a well-rounded view of your business. Not only will you get the tools you need to ensure your construction business growth, but you’ll also get access to benefits such as lifetime access to your online interactive training portal, entrance into a private social and professional networking group, pro bono coaching, and mentoring from industry experts and leaders. Here are some additional benefits of our construction management training: Register your interest today You’ll build a personalised 12-month business development plan that keeps you focused on high-value activities, ensuring you remain on track to grow. Tools and techniques to not only measure but also increase your profitability within your business. These tools help you ensure that you’re never leaving money on the table again. Learn, develop, and nurture self-management and leadership strategies that you can work on and in your business to help you from chasing your tail or burning out. You’ll develop unshakeable confidence in your business’s ability to grow and become the kind of entrepreneur that chooses the customers they want to work with, meaning customers who are driven by value, not by price. Gain valuable leadership and self-development skills, which encourage learning for life. Lastly, you’ll no longer wonder, “what if?” You’ll have the knowledge and understanding to keep unlocking and growing your business’s true potential. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME Course Overview As we’ve mentioned, our business management course is designed to be completed over three months, with two courses being released monthly. These are designed to be done on Zoom or in person and are flexible around your busy schedule. Our modules were created to be easy to understand while providing the resources needed to elevate your construction business. Here is a more in-depth look at what to expect from our modules: Module 1: The C.O.D.E Breaker: The Business FundamentalsThis module will encourage you to deep dive into your why and break the business C.O.D.E. You’ll be shown the importance of knowing why you started the business, how you can build a business while remaining authentic, and what needs to be done to ensure you create and support a solid foundation moving forward. During this module, you’ll discover how to successfully build a business in the construction industry, from the fundamentals and foundations to the growth. Lastly, we’ll review your vision, values, and purpose, show why these are critical areas, and allow you to establish a real business for you and your customers. Module 2: Your M.E.N.T.A.L Agility: The Entrepreneurial Mindset With this module, we’ll focus on self-leadership and how you should constantly be developing the ‘inner game’ or minder and the ‘outer game’ or action. The inner game consists of intention, self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-efficacy. These must be used to achieve personal mastery, while the outer game consists of influence and impact. M.E.N.T.A.L. agility is your key to all success and failure, meaning that without leading yourself, you’ll never find business success. For us, your M.E.N.T.A.L. agility is made of five key components that enable you to transition from owning a business to thinking and planning like an entrepreneurial business owner. Module 3: The T.I.M.E Multiple: Working ON or Working IN The point of this module is to help you understand that you can’t manage your time; you can only manage your use of time or your self-management skills. It’s vital to have strong self-management skills to be more successful at work. We’ll explore ways to help maximise your time and identify your High Payoff Activities. The T.I.M.E. multiplier is about accepting that you cannot do everything yourself. Instead, it would be best if you focused on your high-payoff activities. Our goal is to teach you to say it’s okay to say no. We’ll show you the importance of recognising the significance of all your decisions. Along with that, we focus on unique planning and defining processes to bring the future into the present. Module 4: The Business P.R.O.B.E: The Numbers Game Understanding your finances is essential as it allows you to make informed decisions that have the potential to make significant impacts on your business, growth, and even your bottom line. We want you never to leave money on the table again. When you know the difference between markup and margin, fixed and variable costs can make the difference between owning a business and the business owning you. Understanding your business numbers will increase your revenue and profitability and even grow your business. Module 5: High-Performance T.E.A.M.S: The Well-Oiled High-performing teams are more than a group that works together. A high-performing team has clear priorities and purposes and shares an understanding of how each team member or subcontractor prefers to approach work. The foundation of a high-performing team or business starts with trust. The development starts with creating an environment where leaders and team members can openly disclose which strengths they feel they bring to a team and what support they need to be their best selves. Truth is that all people’s problems directly reflect the business owner’s leadership and management. When a team doesn’t do things your way, they probably have no idea what your way is. Module 6: G.O.A.L.S: Setting & Defining the Accountability System Everyone works best with clearly defined goals, from completing a refurb on a budget or growing your construction business to over 10M annual profit. Remember the old saying, through a goal with a plan, is just a wish! We’ll teach you our tried and tested process for setting and achieving your objectives by focusing on what matters most. Reviewing your daily, weekly, and monthly goals, we can help you make high performance a habit. Best of all, you’ll create a detailed 12-month business development plan to get your personal and professional goals moving in the right direction. Meet the Construction Business Training Presenters Derrick Matheson: Training and Development Director and Trainer of Business Growth Academy A seasoned business owner, Derrick understands the challenges UK construction and property development professionals face. We have crafted a targeted program that simplifies growth, empowering entrepreneurs with easy-to-implement strategies. Derrick’s mission is simple: to empower and equip ambitious entrepreneurs and professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s competitive market. The Business Growth Academy is a testament to his dedication, offering an innovative, step-by-step business-building process that demystifies the complexities of growth and unlocks the full potential of your enterprise. Stuart Mason: BGA’s Bold Training Manager, Lead Trainer, and Author of “How To Wreck Your Business Stuart, the fearless BGA Training Manager and Lead Trainer has turned his business failures into powerful lessons for others. As the author of “How To Wreck Your Business,” Stuart shares his hard-earned wisdom to help business owners avert the same pitfalls that led to the demise of his own company on its 20th anniversary. Stuart’s approach is refreshingly direct and unapologetically abrupt, cutting through the noise to deliver real-world insights that make a difference. Don’t expect a dry lecture on business theory from a dusty textbook; instead, Stuart offers a ‘streetwise’ perspective that is both practical and actionable, pushing you to uncover the answers that will make your business shine in a competitive market.
Starting a small business can be a rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and the right strategies to succeed. From creating a solid business plan to organizing finances and finding the right support, this guide will help you establish a foundation for a thriving business. For entrepreneurs in Calgary, key resources like reliable bookkeeping services can make a significant difference. Here’s how to start a small business and set it up for lasting success. Developing a business plan A clear, well-researched business plan serves as a roadmap for your business. It outlines your goals, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections. This plan will also help attract investors or secure loans. To create an effective business plan: Define your mission and vision: Explain why your business exists and what you aim to achieve. Identify your target audience: Determine who your customers are and what problems your business will solve for them. Analyze competitors: Study your competitors to understand what they offer and find ways to differentiate your business. Set realistic financial projections: Estimate costs, revenue, and profits. This will give potential investors confidence in your business. Choosing a business structure Selecting the right business structure is essential, as it affects your taxes, liability, and daily operations. Common options include: Sole proprietorship: Simple to set up, with minimal paperwork, but offers no separation of personal and business liability. Partnership: Ideal for two or more owners, allowing shared responsibilities, but partners share liabilities. Corporation: Provides liability protection, but involves more paperwork and regulatory requirements. LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. Choose a structure that best suits your needs, and consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with Calgary’s business regulations. Securing funding Most small businesses require some level of funding to get started. Consider various financing options to find the best fit: Personal savings or family support: Often the first source of funding for many entrepreneurs. Business loans: Many banks offer small business loans with varying interest rates. Grants and government programs: Explore government grants and programs specifically designed to support small businesses in Calgary. Angel investors or venture capital: For businesses with high growth potential, attracting investors may be an option. Registering your business To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business. This process involves choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, and obtaining a business license in Calgary. You may also need specific permits depending on your industry. Completing these steps ensures that your business complies with all local regulations. Organizing your finances Managing finances effectively is crucial for any small business. Accurate bookkeeping keeps your business organized, tracks income and expenses, and prepares you for tax season. Many small businesses in Calgary choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to handle these responsibilities, allowing owners to focus on growth. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can provide: Accurate financial records: Professional bookkeepers help maintain up-to-date records, which is essential for financial health. Compliance with tax laws: Calgary’s best bookkeeping services are familiar with local tax regulations, ensuring that you file correctly and on time. Insights for decision-making: With accurate records, you can make informed decisions on budgeting, spending, and investments. Creating a strong brand identity Building a brand that resonates with your target audience is essential. Your brand identity includes your business name, logo, colors, and messaging, as well as the experience you offer customers. Developing a consistent brand identity sets you apart from competitors and builds trust with customers. Here are some steps to create a strong brand identity: Design a logo and visual theme: Choose a professional logo, color scheme, and design elements that reflect your brand’s personality. Develop a unique brand voice: Whether it’s friendly, professional, or playful, keep your brand voice consistent in all communications. Focus on customer experience: Aim to provide exceptional service that keeps customers coming back and sharing their positive experiences. Building an online presence In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial for reaching potential customers. Start by creating a professional website where customers can learn more about your products or services. Next, consider establishing a presence on social media platforms that suit your audience. Key components of a strong online presence include: User-friendly website: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and includes essential information about your business. Social media profiles: Engage with customers and share updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Google My Business: Setting up a Google My Business profile helps customers in Calgary find you more easily. Building a support network Running a small business can be challenging, and having a network of support is invaluable. Surround yourself with people who can provide advice, resources, and encouragement. Consider these ways to build a support network: Join local business associations: Groups like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities, resources, and workshops. Seek mentorship: Experienced business owners can offer guidance and insights that help you avoid common pitfalls. Hire professionals for specialized tasks: For financial and legal matters, work with professionals like accountants, lawyers, and bookkeepers. Tracking progress and making adjustments As your business grows, it’s essential to review your progress and adjust your strategies. Regularly assessing financial performance, customer feedback, and market trends can help you refine your approach and stay competitive. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can make tracking your financial performance much easier, giving you insight into profit margins, cash flow, and budgeting. Consider these strategies for tracking progress: Set measurable goals: Establish specific goals for growth, such as revenue targets or customer acquisition numbers. Analyze performance data: Use financial statements, sales reports, and customer feedback to assess performance. Stay flexible: Be willing to make changes to products, services, or marketing strategies if they aren’t meeting customer needs. Conclusion Starting a small business takes effort, planning, and ongoing management. By creating a solid business plan, organizing your finances, and developing a strong brand, you can set your business up for success. In Calgary, many new business owners choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to ensure accurate financial management and stay compliant with local regulations. Taking advantage of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can free up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and achieving long-term success. With dedication and the right strategies, your small business can thrive in today’s competitive market.
Key Objectives for the Training provision Effective listening to a client's needs and requirements during various stages of the sales process. Engage in meaningful communication with clients, learn to identify challenges and opportunities that relate to the prospects. Overcome the identified challenge. Build long term rapport and establish trust with the prospect throughout the sales process, Ensure continued customer satisfaction that can turn into repeat business. Be able to build rapport with customers or clients. Know the right questions to ask to fully understand the customer or client’s needs without putting on any pressure. Be able to check you have the right information from the customer or client. Be able to match products and services to the customer or client using the information you have gathered. Be able to influence effectively. Know how to stand out from your competitors. Stage 1 – Research the Company’s ‘Value Propositions’ and USP Analysis Conducting 30 min confidential interviews with a cross-section of the eligible Attendees & the Stakeholders, in order to gain an objective understanding of the various scenarios and clients that the Participants work with. the Company’s ‘Value Propositions’ Unique Selling Points The Customers’ journey(s) The Competition’s offers for analysis and comparisons. From these findings, a carefully calibrated bespoke Programme will be designed and delivered. Stage 2 - Design the Bespoke 2 x day Course nd Stage 3 - Delivery of the Course Programme This Programme can be delivered in 2 x consecutive days, or split between 2 – 3 weeks, to make it more ‘work-friendly’ – if required. It is very practical and commercially focussed in approach, with lots of interactive exercises designed to draw out the learning applications via the debriefings. The ‘Real Play’ scenarios on day 2 will be based on specific case studies drawn from the Research findings so that they are authentic to optimise the learning. Individual Action Plans will be captured at the end of each day to be debriefed by the Participants’ respective Line Managers. Template Programme Day One – Foundation – Strategic Approach Section One – The Principles of Consultative Selling Defining ‘Consultative Selling’ The Company’s ‘Unique Selling Points’ & Value Proposition The Consultative Selling model – the five stages Avoiding appearing ‘pushy’, ‘pressurising’ or ‘talking through the sale’ Section Two –Strategy & Preparation ‘Buy-Class’ Matrix Strategic plan Template – matching services/products to identified needs & opportunities. Preparing a range of objectives Constants and variables – USP’s Researching key Client/Decision Makers’ priorities, profile & background (LinkedIn etc.) Preparing for potential & likely Objections Section Three – Email etiquette & ‘influencing’ email correspondence. Email etiquette A.B.S.U.R.D model Clarity and tone – discovery of clients’ needs & motivational factors. Techniques to influence and ‘nudge’. Ensuring the data and content have a ‘gentle’ motivational & appealing message. Top Tips Day Two – Practical Application Section Four – Rapport Building & Effective Communication skills ‘Behaviour Labelling’ techniques – setting a positive tone. Asking Open Questions – gaining a full understanding of the clients’ priorities & expectations. EQ - Inviting opinions; perspectives; experiences – winning confidence. Active Listening – focus and commitment to understand. ‘Reading the room’ – adapting to responses and reactions. Maintaining focus on relevant topics that the Client cares about; carefully consider the opportunities to influence. But NO PRESSURE! Building a ‘bond of trust’ with commitments and authentic, shared values. Section Five – Explaining the Benefits – aligned to the Customers’ Priorities Understanding ‘Why do People Buy?’ Research data analysis. Open questions that lead to understanding the key issues and Clients’ priorities. Avoiding the danger of ‘pressurising’ the Client. Responding to objections effectively, with confidence and sensitivity. Explaining the benefits that are aligned to the Clients’ stated requirements. Making the Data ‘sing’ – memorable takeaways for the Client. Augmented benefits – Brand confidence; Case studies; Warranty; Service; Range; Flexibility etc. in alignment with their stated preferences/requirements Differentials compared to Competitors Section Six – Winning Commitment Inviting commitment – with confidence Consultative Selling Closing techniques (e.g. Alternative Close/Assumptive Close et al) Avoiding ‘talking through the sale’ – knowing when to ‘Shut UP!’ Confirming agreement – ensuring Clients’ motivation for repeat business Section Seven – Practical Application ‘Real Play’ From the Research findings, carefully devised scenarios can be generated to provide the most valuable learning opportunities to underpin all the skills & techniques covered in the Programme. Potential Real Play scenarios: A well-established customer has indicated that they are soon to be opening up additional new offices – this presents an opportunity to arrange for the Company to support them with their upcoming needs. After some very positive feedback and with the upcoming contract renewal imminent – how can the Company give the Customer more high-quality support in other areas of their business? A Competitor has been to see the client and they have prompted some concerns about ‘value for money’ & ‘quality of service’. How Real Play works… The group is split the group into 2 sub-groups, one with our Professional Actor (option available); the other with the Trainer or a willing Participant. Each group has a brief and has to instruct their Trainer/Actor/Participant on how to approach the scenario supplied. The Actor and Trainer (or willing Participant) perform the role play(s) as instructed by their respective teams; however, during the action they can be paused for further recommendations or direction. The outcome is the responsibility of the team(s) – not the performers. Debrief the full Programme Individual Action Plans - to be followed through. ‘Best Practices’ for application into the business Options for Exercises within the Programme Sample Exercise – Red & White There is a specific time managed agenda and itinerary, which puts the group under pressure. The key challenge is for the sub-groups to maximise the commercial value from the task, however there is always a great danger that the individuals attempt to gain financial progress at the expense of the other group! Debriefing points: Persuasive communication and influence across barriers Gaining buy-in when others are sceptical Strategic planning accounting for others’ behaviours Sample Exercise – Communication Challenge Each Participant has different pieces of information, but are not allowed to share it visually. They are only allowed to communicate to work out the solution hidden among the large amount of data. Debrief: Structured approach Maintaining focus through distractions/interference Active Listening Controlled communication Sample Exercise – Persuasive emails Sample emails are shared to be critiqued and improved upon to be debriefed: Tone & impact Making the Data ‘sing’ Influential & motivational language Customer centric message. Sample Exercise –Juggling Each Participant has to pass the ‘Customers’ (Juggling balls) carefully through the system with all the other Participants to reach a profitable conclusion Debrief: EQ to read the room and effectively communicate, when the pressure is on Customer focus and adapting to challenges Devising a plan that wins buy-in Overcoming competing ideas to get to ‘best practice’ Consistent commitment, communication and motivational drivers that influenced performance. Sample Exercise –Critical Path The group are provided with 30 x discs and some ‘post-it’ notes. (no pens or pencils are allowed) Their brief is to create a grid shape with the 30 x discs, which will act as ‘stepping stones’ for the ‘Critical Path’ But they have to follow the correct order through the grid from the start to finish, which they will have to work out through ‘trial & error’ All of the team must pass through the ‘Critical Path’ worked out on the grid, observing the constraints, within the time limit. No talking is permitted once they start using the materials Debrief: - Clear communication focussing on the ‘client’s journey’ Planning for challenges Identifying risks and mitigating them Role allocations & support Quality control and disciplines Sample Exercise –Back to Back Each Participant is positioned back-to-back with a partner. They have to work out precisely what the ‘statement’ given to the other person is without looking around. Each person has a different brief. Debrief: - Asking Open Questions Active Listening Accuracy in identifying the objective.