Module 3: Strategy

“Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail” this is advice we’ve heard since our school days but how many of us really believe it and follow it in our business. In this video Patrick White discusses just how important it is to have a strategy if you want your business to succeed.

Have you got a Strategy? Is it right for your business?

On Module 3 of the Business Growth Course you’ll be introduced to eleven potential strategies and evaluate which one is right for your business based on your Vision and Goals, and the Diagnostics you created in the previous session. Having the right strategy for your business if fundamental to your success!

What Does Module 3 Include:

The saying goes, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. When preparing for growth in your business, it is essential to know exactly where the business is heading and how you are going to get there.

In this session you will be building on the work you have already done to set your Vision and Goals, and combining that with the in-depth knowledge you now have about your business from the Diagnostics session, to create a realistic plan for growth. During this session, you will start to work on the Strategy Document for your own business.

What you’ll be covering in this session:

• How far ahead can you realistically plan for?
• The key elements of Strategic Planning—Competitive Advantage, Adding Value, Mass markets vs. Niche Markets, Cost-Based Strategies & Market-Based Strategies
• Examining Contingency Plans and Growth Plans
• Corporate Culture—what is it, what drives it and how do you go about defining the culture of your company?
• Integrating your Strategic Plan with your Vision, Aims and Objectives
• Using Analysis tools such as SWOT and PEST within your Strategic Plan
• Porter’s Five Forces model and how this can be applied on a practical level within your business
• The resources that you need to implement your strategy
• 11 Different types of Strategies and how to choose the strategy/strategies that will enable your business to grow and meet your objectives

Find Out More about the Business Growth Course

Module 2: Business Diagnostics

There is more to business success than having a great idea.  For some people, their ideas translate instantly into a profitable business and for others, years of hard work and study. Often entrepreneurs who find success quickly are considered lucky, but as Patrick tells in this video there is more to it than just luck, and early success does not dictate ongoing success.

For more information on the Business Growth Course and upcoming start dates, click here.

Fast Business Growth is Not Always Best

It can be very rewarding and exciting when your new business takes off and experiences fast growth, but as Patrick White explains in this video, its not always a good thing.

The Business Growth Course, led by Patrick White, takes place over 6 weeks. The 2 hour sessions are perfect for learning the theory and then applying to directly to your business.

To find out when the next Business Growth Course starts Click Here

Or call Lenka on 020 7939 9910  to discuss whether the course is right for your business.

Read Testimonials for this Course

Funding is available via Train to Gain. A Home Study Course is available.

Watch the Full Video by Clicking Here

What Does It Take To Be A Millionnaire?

Patrick White, a Director here at SME Academy, opens up about his background and how he learned the skills that have helped him to dramatically transform businesses all over the world. With 14 successful businesses of his own, each selling for millions, he now shares his tools and techniques with you on his unique Business Growth Course.

To find out when the next Business Growth Course starts Click Here

Or call Lenka on 020 7939 9910  to discuss whether the course is right for your business.

Read Testimonials for this Course

Funding is available via Train to Gain. A Home Study Course is available.

To hear the full interview Click Here

Business Growth Course Feb – Mar 2010

The next Business Growth Course starts on 18th February 2010.

This course is designed for directors and owners of small businesses who are going through periods of change. It will give you the practical business knowledge you need to get through changes positively. All the course content is relevant whether you are growing, restructuring or rationalising.

For some people, recession is good for their business. For others, it causes uncertainty and worry. Either way, the Business Growth Course helps you to analyse what’s going on in your business right now and work out a plan for what to do next.

Topics covered:

• Goal Setting & Vision
• Diagnostics
• Business Strategy
• Marketing Strategy
• Business Planning (including Financial Planning & Forecasting)
• Project Management

Session Dates & Times

February – March Thursday afternoons 3-5pm

Session 1: Goal Setting & Vision 18/2/10
Session 2: Diagnostics 25/2/10
Session 3: Business Strategy 4/3/10
Session 4: Marketing Strategy 11/3/10
Session 5: Business Planning 18/3/10
Session 6: Project Management 25/3/10
Session 7: Individual Coaching Set by you
Session 8: Individual Coaching Set by you

Number of Group Workshop Sessions: 6

Number of Private Coaching Sessions: 2

Course Fees: £1,200+VAT

Funding Available? Yes – certain businesses qualify for a grant of up to £1,000 to help part-fund the course. Please contact us to find out how to access this grant.

You can find full details at Business Growth Course.

Contact Hannah McNamara for a free, no obligation discussion on whether this course is right for you and to find out about the funding options available.

Contact details: 020 7939 9910 (+44 20 7939 9910) or email hannah.mcnamara (AT) smeacademy.co.uk – replace (AT) with @.

Small Business Coach or Mentor?

Do I need a small business coach, a mentor or a life coach?

SME Academy in London offers all three services which are explained below.

The terms small business coach or business mentor are often used interchangeably within the business world, but what do people really mean when they talk about small business coaching or business mentoring? And how are they different from executive coaching or life coaching?
…Read More