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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.
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Management of Value (MoV®) Practitioner: In-House Training This interactive MoV® Practitioner course provides a modular and case-study-driven approach to learning Management of Value (MoV). The core knowledge is structured and comprehensive; and well-rounded modules cover the methodology and various techniques. A case study is used to help appreciate the relevance of MoV in its practical application. What you will Learn The MoV Practitioner Course prepares you for the MoV Practitioner exam. Individuals certified at the MoV Practitioner level will be able to: Apply Management of Value (MoV) principles, processes and techniques, and advocate the benefits of this application appropriately to the senior Management. Develop a plan of MoV activities for the whole lifecycle of small and large projects and programs. Plan an MoV study, tailoring it to particular projects or programs and developing practical study or workshop handbooks as required. Understand and articulate value in relation to organizational objectives. Prioritize value drivers using function analysis and use these to demonstrate how value might be improved. Quantify monetary and non-monetary value using the Value Index, Value Metrics and the Value for Money ratio. Describe and comment on the application of various techniques relevant to MoV. Monitor improvements in value realized throughout a project lifecycle and capture learning which can be transferred to future projects. Offer suggestions and guidance about embedding MoV into an organization, including policy issues, undertake a health check, assess maturity and competence, and provide guidance on typical roles and responsibilities. Understand and articulate the use of MoV within other Best Management Practice methods and its contributions to them Benefits of Taking This Course Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Organise and contribute constructively to a Management of Value (MoV) Study Demonstrate a knowledge of MoV principles, processes, approach, and environment Analyse a company, programme or project to establish its organisational value includes identification and weighting of Value Drivers Pass the AXELOS Practitioner Examination Function Analysis Customer FAST Diagram Value Tree Development Weighting Attributes Paired Comparisons Developing a Value Profile Developing a Value Index Value for Money Ratio Stimulating Innovation Value Engineering Option Evaluation and Selection Evaluation Matrix Value and Value for Money Timing and Planning Teams and Stakeholders MoV in the Organization Integrating with Best Management Practice Relationship between Process and Approach
Management of Risk (M_o_R®) Practitioner: In-House Training The M_o_R® Practitioner course has been designed to provide learners with the opportunity to practice the practical application of the M_o_R method and covers the twelve M_o_R principles: Approach, Process and the basic techniques essential to managing risks using the M_o_R guidance. The purpose of the M_o_R Practitioner qualification is to confirm that the learner has achieved sufficient understanding of how to apply and tailor M_o_R in a scenario situation. What you will Learn At the end of the M_o_R Practitioner course, learners will gain competencies in: M_o_R framework (principles, approach based on risk documentation, process steps, and embedding and reviewing M_o_R principles Outline of M_o_R approach documents (including policy, process guide, and risk communications plan) Risk identification, assessment, and control Embedding and reviewing M_o_R M_o_R organizational perspectives (strategic, program, project, operational) Benefits The M_o_R Practitioner course offers a wide-ranging set of guidelines that will help in the management of risk in a project or program environment. It will help prepare learners for the M_o_R Practitioner Exam. They will feel more confident in approaching risk management after attending the course and will be aware of the use of different techniques that can assist in this task, including: Improved basis for effective strategy formation Reduced time spent fire-fighting and fewer unwelcome surprises Increased likelihood of successful change initiative outcomes Closer internal focus on doing the right things properly Increase in efficient use of resources waste and fraud Better management of contingency resources M_o_R roles and responsibilities M_o_R health check M_o_R maturity model Risk specialisms (including business continuity management) Introduction Introduction to the course What is a risk? What is risk management? Why is risk management so important? Basic risk definitions The development of knowledge about risk management Corporate governance and internal control Where and when should risk management be applied? M_o_R Principles The purpose of M_o_R principles Aligns with objectives Fits the context Engages stakeholders Provides clear guidance Informs decision-making Facilitates continual improvement Creates a supportive culture Achieves measurable value Risk management maturity models M_o_R Approach Relationship between the documents Risk management policy Risk management process guide Risk management strategy Risk register Issue register Risk response plan Risk improvement plan Risk communications plan M_o_R Process Common process barriers Identify - contexts Identify - the risks Assess - estimate Assess - evaluate Plan Implement Communication throughout the process M_o_R Perspectives Strategic perspective Programme perspective Project perspective Operational perspective Risk Specialisms Business continuity management Incident and crisis management Health and Safety management Financial risk management Environmental risk management Reputational risk management Contract risk management
Management of Value (MoV®) Foundation This interactive MoV® Foundation course provides a modular and case-study-driven approach to learning Management of Value (MoV). The core knowledge is structured and comprehensive; and well-rounded modules cover the methodology and various techniques. A case study is used to help appreciate the relevance of MoV in its practical application. What you will Learn Upon completion of an MoV course candidates should be able to discuss and explain: The main processes and techniques used within MoV and the reasons for using them How MoV may be applied at portfolio, program, project and operational levels The differences in applying MoV at different stages in a project and the expected outputs from a MoV Study at each stage The circumstances under which MoV should be used The concept of value and how value may be improved The main benefits arising from the use of MoV Approaches for implementing MoV How to respond to external and internal influences The principles of embedding MoV into an organization The key topics in document checklists, the toolbox, health check, organizational maturity and individual competence. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Organize and contribute constructively to a Management of Value (MoV) Study Demonstrate a knowledge of MoV principles, processes, approach and environment Analyse a company, program or project to establish its organizational value; includes identification and weighting of Value Drivers Pass the AXELOS MoV Foundation Examination Introduction to value management and MoV Value and Value Management Capabilities, Outcomes, Benefits and Disbenefits What is Value? What is Management of Value (MoV)? Why use MoV? Where use MoV? When MoV should be used? What using MoV involve? Selected MoV benefits Relationship with other AXELOS Global Best Practices and Models How MoV fits with other AXELOS Global Best Practice Guides MoV principles Align with organization's objectives Focus on functions and required outcomes Balance the variables to maximise value Apply throughout the investment decision Tailor MoV to suit the subject Learn from experience and improve Assign clear roles and responsibilities and build a supportive culture MoV processes Frame the programme or project Gather information Analyse information Process information Evaluate and select Develop Value Improving Proposals Implement and share outputs MoV techniques Function Analysis Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) Traditional (or classic) FAST Technical FAST Customer FAST Value Trees Measuring value Value profiling (a.k.a. value benchmarking) Simple multi-attribute rating technique (a.k.a. SMART) Value index Value metrics Value for money (VfM) ratio Value Engineering / Analysis Common techniques used in MoV Analysis of information Benchmarking Process Mapping Root Cause Analysis Discounted Cash Flow Analysis Generating Ideas Brainstorming Evaluation and option selection Option Selection Matrix Idea selection Allocation to Categories Idea Selection Matrix Weighting techniques Paired Comparisons Points Distribution Developing VIPs Developing Proposals Cost Benefit Analysis Building Decisions Implementing VIPs Implementation Plans Feedback Following up Tracking Benefits Approach to Implementation Generic approach to MoV implementation Plan the MoV activities Understand and articulate value Prioritize value Improve value Quantify value Monitor improvements in value Learn lessons Environmental factors Portfolio Considerations Programme considerations Project considerations Operational Considerations Embedding MoV into an organization Benefits of Embedding MoV into an organization MoV Policy MoV Policy Composition Embedding MoV into an organisation Key steps Suggested MoV Management Structure Overcoming barriers We do it anyway It takes up too much time We can't afford to make the changes What's in it for me? Don't fix it if it ain't broke Fixed returns on investment MoV products Briefing Meeting Agenda (A.1) Communications Checklist (A.2) Equipment list for an Effective Study/Workshop (A.3) Invitation to join the Study Team (A.4) Option Evaluation Matrix (A.5) Plan the Study (A.6) Recording Idea Selection (A.7) Reporting Study outputs (A.8) Scoping the Study (A.9) Study or Workshop Handbook (A.10) Value-Improvement Proposal Forms (A.11) Value Improvement Tracking Report (A.12) MoV toolbox MoV health check and maturity model P3M3 Maturity Model MoV Maturity Model (aligned with P3M3)
AgilePM® Practitioner: In-House Training This course offers preparation for the Practitioner-level examination to gain the APMG-International™ / Agile Project Management Practitioner Certification. Agile Project Management (AgilePM) is the result of collaboration between APMG-International and The DSDM Consortium. DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method) is the longest-established Agile method, launched in 1995, and is the only Agile method to focus on the management of Agile projects. The method has evolved over the years and the DSDM Agile Project Framework is the latest version of which AgilePM is a subset. DSDM has always operated predominantly in the corporate environment and has consistently demonstrated its ability to successfully work with and complement existing corporate processes. APMG-International is a global Examination Institute accredited by The APM Group Ltd. It is one of the Examination Institutes accredited by AXELOS. APMG-International has regional offices located in Australia, China, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Malaysia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Their portfolio of qualifications includes the Best Practice qualifications of ITIL®, PRINCE2®, MSP®, M_o_R®, and P3O®. AgilePM is one of their specialist management qualifications, which also include Change Management and Service Catalogue. The course covers all the Practitioner elements of the AgilePM Handbook v2 with: Clear explanations of the method and practical examples provided by your course tutor Sample exam paper for the Practitioner-level exams to enrich your knowledge and understanding A case study to allow you to practice the application of the method to an agile project The Traditional Classroom option includes the Practitioner exam to provide you with the right opportunity to verify your new skill set by way of a professional qualification The Virtual Classroom option includes a Practitioner exam voucher to allow you to choose the date and time of your online exam to verify your new skill set by way of a professional qualification What You Will Learn You will learn how to: Identify and apply the concepts, tools, and techniques described in Section 2 (Digging Deeper) of the APMG-International's Agile Project Management Handbook (v2.0) to agile projects Tailor and customize AgilePM to suit the needs of different projects Use AgilePM in conjunction with other project management methods such as PRINCE2® Prepare yourself for the Practitioner exam in AgilePM Roles and Responsibilities - The PM View The roles Key project manager relationships Agile Project Management - Through the Lifecycle The DSDM process and the project lifecycle Project management focus phase by phase The Effective Use of Products The products Deliver on Time - Combining MoSCoW & Timeboxing Ensuring effective prioritisation Bringing MoSCoW and timeboxing together People, Teams, and Interactions Effective communication Collaboration Requirements and User Stories What is a requirement? User stories Estimating - How and When Coping with uncertainty Estimating through the lifecycle Project Planning through the Lifecycle Planning in a DSDM project Planning activities phase by phase Quality - Never Compromise Quality What do we mean by quality? Solution and process quality Risk Management Project risk How DSDM helps mitigate project risk Tailoring the Approach The project approach questionnaire Summary and Next Steps
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SAFe® Scrum Master: In-House Training Build your skills as a high-performing team member of an Agile Release Train (ART) and prepare to support the facilitation of team and program events when you become a SAFe® 5 Scrum Master (SSM). In this course, you'll gain an understanding of the role of Scrum Master in a SAFe® enterprise. Unlike traditional Scrum Master training that focuses on the fundamentals of team-level Scrum, the SAFe® Scrum Master course explores the role of the Scrum Master in the context of the entire enterprise and prepares you to successfully plan and execute the Program Increment (PI), the primary enabler of alignment throughout all levels of a SAFe® organization. What you will Learn To perform the role of a SAFe® Scrum Master, attendees should be able to: Describe Scrum in a SAFe® enterprise Facilitate Scrum events Facilitate effective Iteration execution Support effective Program Increment execution Support relentless improvement Coach Agile teams for maximum business results Support DevOps implementation Build a high-performing ART by becoming a servant leader and coach Develop an action plan to continue your learning journey Introducing Scrum in SAFe® Characterizing the role of the Scrum Master Experiencing Program Increment planning Facilitating Iteration execution Finishing the Program Increment Coaching the Agile team
SAFe® DevOps: In-House Training This course provides a comprehensive overview for understanding the DevOps skills needed to accelerate time-to-market by improving the flow of value through the Continuous Delivery Pipeline. You will map the current value stream through the delivery pipeline from idea to cash and identify practices that will eliminate bottlenecks to flow. The course will build an understanding of the complete flow of value from Continuous Exploration to Continuous Integration, Continuous Deployment, and Release on Demand. What you will Learn After attending the class, attendees should be able to: Explain how DevOps enables strategic business objectives Apply a CALMR approach to DevOps to avoid automating broken processes Understand how successful DevOps requires continuous exploration, continuous integration, continuous deployment, and the ability to release to end users on demand Incorporate continuous testing and continuous security into the delivery pipeline Use value-stream mapping to measure flow and identify bottlenecks in the end-to-end delivery process Select DevOps skills and tools strategically for the fastest, most compelling results Prioritize DevOps solutions and investments for the greatest economic benefit Design and implement a multi-phased DevOps transformation plan tailored to their organization Work with all roles and levels in the organization to continually optimize the value stream Introducing DevOps Mapping your Continuous Delivery Pipeline Gaining alignment with Continuous Exploration Building quality with Continuous Integration Reducing time-to-market with Continuous Deployment Delivering Business Value with Release on Demand Taking action