Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Allison Sikes Featured Guest on ZAX 99.3 and RBC Centura's Spotlight on the Community
Today, Allison Sikes, President and CEO of Strategy Performance, was the featured guest on the RBC Centura Spotlight on the Community show broadcast on ZAX 99.3 radio. You can access show information by clicking here. To listen to the show segment or to download the .mp3 file of the show, click here.
Strategy Performance to Participate in ASTD 2007 International Conference and Exposition
Strategy Performance to Participate in ASTD 2007 International Conference and Exposition
Rocky Mount, NC – Strategy Performance LLC, a leader in the field of performance improvement, will be exhibiting as part of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) 2007 International Conference and Exposition in Atlanta, GA. June 4 - 6.
“We are very excited to be exhibiting at the world’s largest exposition for the training and development field,” stated Allison K. Sikes, President and CEO. “As a long-time member of ASTD, we look forward to showcasing our expertise in the areas of consulting, training and coaching with over 8,000 attendees from all over the world.”
Strategy Performance is headquartered in Rocky Mount, NC, and provides consulting, training and coaching services to business and individual clients in the United States and Canada.
The American Society for Training and Development is headquartered in Alexandria, VA. The annual International Conference and Exposition is being held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. This conference offers professional development workshops and sessions for training professionals from companies and organizations around the world. The exposition, the most popular event of the conference, showcases the products and services of today’s top industry leaders in the field of training and development. Keynote speakers for the 2007 International Conference and Exposition include; Jim Collins, Keith Ferrazzi, and Tom Rath.
Rocky Mount, NC – Strategy Performance LLC, a leader in the field of performance improvement, will be exhibiting as part of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) 2007 International Conference and Exposition in Atlanta, GA. June 4 - 6.
“We are very excited to be exhibiting at the world’s largest exposition for the training and development field,” stated Allison K. Sikes, President and CEO. “As a long-time member of ASTD, we look forward to showcasing our expertise in the areas of consulting, training and coaching with over 8,000 attendees from all over the world.”
Strategy Performance is headquartered in Rocky Mount, NC, and provides consulting, training and coaching services to business and individual clients in the United States and Canada.
The American Society for Training and Development is headquartered in Alexandria, VA. The annual International Conference and Exposition is being held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. This conference offers professional development workshops and sessions for training professionals from companies and organizations around the world. The exposition, the most popular event of the conference, showcases the products and services of today’s top industry leaders in the field of training and development. Keynote speakers for the 2007 International Conference and Exposition include; Jim Collins, Keith Ferrazzi, and Tom Rath.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Do I Need a Business Plan?
Many of the entrepreneurs and business owners that we work with ask the question, "Do I need a business plan?" So, we are posting the following article that helps to answer this question. The article states several obvious benefits of a well written business plan; however, there are many additional benefits which an entrepreneur or business owner will realize by writing a business plan. In short, we truly believe in the value of a written business plan and we partner with clients to assist in them with writing an effective plan. We have included some additional links following the article.
Do I need a business plan?
By Palo Alto Software, Inc.
Not everyone who starts and runs a business begins with a business plan, but it certainly helps to have one. If you are seeking funding from a venture capitalist, you will certainly need a comprehensive business plan that is well thought out and demonstrates sound business reasoning.
If you are approaching a banker for a loan for a start-up business, your loan officer may suggest a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, which will require a business plan. If you have an existing business and are approaching a bank for capital to expand the business, they often will not require a business plan, but they may look more favorably on your application if you have one.
Reasons for writing a business plan include:
What's in a business plan?
A business plan should prove that your business will generate enough revenue to cover your expenses, but a business plan may vary depending upon whom your audience is. If you are writing a plan for your colleagues and partners, for example, to expand an existing business, then the focus of that plan may be more operational than financial. Yes, you are going to show your partners how this expansion will mean more revenues, but they are going to want to know the nuts and bolts of how this new venture is going to be implemented.
If you are writing a business plan for a bank, your bank manager will want to see that your ideas are well thought out, but the most important aspect to him or her will be your financials. Are your assumptions realistic? And will the cash flow of the business be enough to ensure that you can make the monthly payments for the loan that you have requested? If your business is making $1,000 a month and your payments are $1,200 a month, the bank is likely to turn you away.
When considering an investment opportunity, most venture capitalists look at the obvious trends and market niches. Transcending the business elements, however, the most important factor in a decision to invest in a company is the quality of the people. In real estate, the three biggest criteria are "location, location and location." The venture capital axiom is "people, people and people." VCs will ask, how experienced are the people that are going to run this business? Do they have knowledge of the industry? Have they started successful ventures in the past?
What makes a successful business plan?
Bringing it all together...
Your business plan is like your calling card, it will get you in the door where you'll have to convince investors and loan officers that you can put your plan into action. You want your calling card to look impressive, so make sure your business plan is printed out on good quality paper, you have checked the spelling and grammar and that your numbers add up. Anyone who sees errors while reading your plan will wonder whether you are going to make similar errors in running your business.
A great business plan is the best way to show bankers, venture capitalists, and angel investors that you are worthy of financial support. Make sure that your plan is clear, focused and realistic. Then show them that you have the tools, talent and team to make it happen.
Other related links:
Consulting Solutions
Starting a New Business
Strategic Planning
Planning for Success: Writing an Effective Business Plan
Business Plan Software
Do I need a business plan?
By Palo Alto Software, Inc.
Not everyone who starts and runs a business begins with a business plan, but it certainly helps to have one. If you are seeking funding from a venture capitalist, you will certainly need a comprehensive business plan that is well thought out and demonstrates sound business reasoning.
If you are approaching a banker for a loan for a start-up business, your loan officer may suggest a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, which will require a business plan. If you have an existing business and are approaching a bank for capital to expand the business, they often will not require a business plan, but they may look more favorably on your application if you have one.
Reasons for writing a business plan include:
- Support a loan application
- Raise equity funding
- Define objectives and describe programs to achieve those objectives
- Create a regular business review and course correction process
- Define a new business
- Define agreements between partners
- Set a value on a business for sale or legal purposes
- Evaluate a new product line, promotion, or expansion
What's in a business plan?
A business plan should prove that your business will generate enough revenue to cover your expenses, but a business plan may vary depending upon whom your audience is. If you are writing a plan for your colleagues and partners, for example, to expand an existing business, then the focus of that plan may be more operational than financial. Yes, you are going to show your partners how this expansion will mean more revenues, but they are going to want to know the nuts and bolts of how this new venture is going to be implemented.
If you are writing a business plan for a bank, your bank manager will want to see that your ideas are well thought out, but the most important aspect to him or her will be your financials. Are your assumptions realistic? And will the cash flow of the business be enough to ensure that you can make the monthly payments for the loan that you have requested? If your business is making $1,000 a month and your payments are $1,200 a month, the bank is likely to turn you away.
When considering an investment opportunity, most venture capitalists look at the obvious trends and market niches. Transcending the business elements, however, the most important factor in a decision to invest in a company is the quality of the people. In real estate, the three biggest criteria are "location, location and location." The venture capital axiom is "people, people and people." VCs will ask, how experienced are the people that are going to run this business? Do they have knowledge of the industry? Have they started successful ventures in the past?
What makes a successful business plan?
- Presents a well thought out idea
- Contains clear and concise writing
- Has a clear and logical structure
- Illustrates management's ability to make the business a success
- Shows profitability
Bringing it all together...
Your business plan is like your calling card, it will get you in the door where you'll have to convince investors and loan officers that you can put your plan into action. You want your calling card to look impressive, so make sure your business plan is printed out on good quality paper, you have checked the spelling and grammar and that your numbers add up. Anyone who sees errors while reading your plan will wonder whether you are going to make similar errors in running your business.
A great business plan is the best way to show bankers, venture capitalists, and angel investors that you are worthy of financial support. Make sure that your plan is clear, focused and realistic. Then show them that you have the tools, talent and team to make it happen.
Other related links:
Consulting Solutions
Starting a New Business
Strategic Planning
Planning for Success: Writing an Effective Business Plan
Business Plan Software
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Mayor Fred Turnage - NC Spin's NC Notable
Congratulations to Rocky Mount's Mayor Fred Turnage for his salute this week on the NC SPIN Television Show! Mayor Turnage is this week's NC Notable!
The following article appeared in today's NC SPINcycle newsletter:
NC NotableSponsored
by The North Carolina Public Power Communities
Each week The North Carolina Public Power Communities and NC SPIN recognize one person who has made a significant contribution to our state. Selections are made based on humility, integrity, service, and leadership.
This Week's NC Notable: Fred Turnage
Fred Turnage was destined to lead at an early age. The Rocky Mount native was president of his senior class. With a law degree from Wake Forest he returned home to practice law.
Turnage was elected to the City Council in 1971, then became the youngest mayor in Rocky Mount history, serving for 34 years. Over four decades he has guided his city through growth, a contentious liquor by the drink vote, and a highly emotional merger of city and county school systems. But Fred Turnage might best be remembered for his leadership when Hurricane Floyd flooded Rocky Mount in 1999, nationally acknowledged a model for disaster recovery.
Two Presidents called on Fred’s leadership and he has served four Governors. He has been president of the NC League of Municipalities, Electricities, and the NC Eastern Municipal Power Agency, with awards too numerous to mention.
As Fred Turnage retires as Mayor we enthusiastically salute this humble and outstanding leader as a true NC Notable.
If you know someone who should be recognized as an NC Notable, please submit your nomination of 200 words or less to NC Notable, c/o NC SPIN, 851 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC 27605 or you can visit the NC SPIN website.
The following article appeared in today's NC SPINcycle newsletter:
NC NotableSponsored
by The North Carolina Public Power Communities
Each week The North Carolina Public Power Communities and NC SPIN recognize one person who has made a significant contribution to our state. Selections are made based on humility, integrity, service, and leadership.
This Week's NC Notable: Fred Turnage
Fred Turnage was destined to lead at an early age. The Rocky Mount native was president of his senior class. With a law degree from Wake Forest he returned home to practice law.
Turnage was elected to the City Council in 1971, then became the youngest mayor in Rocky Mount history, serving for 34 years. Over four decades he has guided his city through growth, a contentious liquor by the drink vote, and a highly emotional merger of city and county school systems. But Fred Turnage might best be remembered for his leadership when Hurricane Floyd flooded Rocky Mount in 1999, nationally acknowledged a model for disaster recovery.
Two Presidents called on Fred’s leadership and he has served four Governors. He has been president of the NC League of Municipalities, Electricities, and the NC Eastern Municipal Power Agency, with awards too numerous to mention.
As Fred Turnage retires as Mayor we enthusiastically salute this humble and outstanding leader as a true NC Notable.
If you know someone who should be recognized as an NC Notable, please submit your nomination of 200 words or less to NC Notable, c/o NC SPIN, 851 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC 27605 or you can visit the NC SPIN website.
The Highest Performers! - They Need Us!
Performance - it is the essence of what we do each and every day. It is the cumulative total of our thoughts and actions, which define us as individuals and organizations.
This very moving "youtube" program honors those who perform heroic duties each day. This Memorial Day, we honor the memories of those that have gone before and those serving in the field today.
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1
This very moving "youtube" program honors those who perform heroic duties each day. This Memorial Day, we honor the memories of those that have gone before and those serving in the field today.
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Want Ethical Employees? Promote Work-Life Balance
This recent article from Fox News entitled "Stress and Long Hours Prompt Employees to Lie, Cheat and Steal" certainly validates the importance of a promoting the value of a work-life balance within your organization. However, just saying that you or your company believes in a healthy balance between work and family is much different than actually supporting this belief in practice. As our work responsibilities become more intermingled into our daily lives through the use of email, smart-phones, and other wireless devices, the stress and strain an employee may feel certainly could increase.
At Strategy Performance, we offer several solutions to assist companies promote healthy work-life balance for their employees, increasing job satisfaction, productivity & retention. Solutions may be offered to employees . . .
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and let us partner with you and your team to support work-life balance and employee ethics in your organization! Take care, and have a great week!
At Strategy Performance, we offer several solutions to assist companies promote healthy work-life balance for their employees, increasing job satisfaction, productivity & retention. Solutions may be offered to employees . . .
- As part of your employee benefits program
- By enrolling them in Performance Masters; invest in their success for less than $1 per day!
- Through a customized group training or coaching session
- As part of another corporate event
- By participating in our teleconference, webinar, or workshop offerings (See Upcoming Events on our Home Page.)
- By providing them their own personal performance coach to take their productivity to the next level and beyond!
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and let us partner with you and your team to support work-life balance and employee ethics in your organization! Take care, and have a great week!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Welcome to Performance Partner's Blog
Welcome to the Performance Partners Blog. In our inaugural post, we think it is important to give you, the reader, insights about our blog.
The first question that we asked ourselves is, "why should we publish a blog?" This question seems so fundamental in any plan or business decision. We felt very strongly, that we did not want to post or publish a blog just because "everyone else is doing it." After much debate, we decided to publish the blog in order to create an even greater sense of community with our site visitors, readers, customers and prospective customers. So many of our products and services are personal and relational, such as, coaching, training and even our consulting services, that we wanted an additional forum for creating stronger relationships. Therefore, we determined that a well thought out blog would be a good forum for establishing stronger and better relationships.
Next, we know that the blog alone will not help to build those relationships unless we are able to add value to our readers' visits. In attempts to create value, we feel that any of the posts that we place on the blog should meet the goals that we have defined for the Performance Partners Blog. These goals are:
Inform - We want the Performance Partners Blog to give our readers useful information that they can use within their organization or in their personal lives.
Engage - We want our posts on the Performance Partners Blog to attract, please and occupy the attention of our readers.
Inspire/Encourage - Our company's commitment is "Transforming Knowledge into Measurable Results." We want our blog posts to inspire and encourage our readers into action so that they, the readers, can produce the results they desire in their work or in their home life.
Again, thank you for visiting and reading our Performance Partner's Blog. We hope that you will return often to read our updated posts. We look forward to partnering with you and your team to meet your most challenging work and life goals.
Allison K. Sikes
President & CEO, Strategy Performance LLC
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