Consulting Services

Listed below are various services offered by VenPlan. These services can be provided as stand alone services, but more often the assignment combines several of these activities. In delivering our services we focus on whats best for you, in a hands-on, practical approach, and focused on results.

Strategic Business Planning
Most small and medium businesses do their strategic business planning on-the-fly. It turns out that the on-the-fly method is actually more time consuming and many times produces poor results. We have developed a method of strategic business planning focused on the needs of small and medium enterprises. It is NOT theoretical, and will it NOT gather dust on the shelf.

Strategic Planning
We work with you to critically analyze the products and services, markets, competitors and expected future direction of the market. The result is a well thought out strategic approach to the business. Usually the planning is done with one meeting each week for 8-10 weeks. It may be done alone or may include the development of a complete business plan.

Business Planning
We work with companies to develop a proper business plan that defines the implementation plan or tactics for managing the business. Managers and individuals are then held responsible for effectively executing their part of the plan, which results in a well-coordinated approach. Everyone understands the part they have to play for the business to succeed. Usually the planning is done with one meeting each week for 8-10 weeks. In many cases we include elements of the strategic planning process as well.

Comprehensive Business Review
The business review is designed to provide you with an independent analysis of your business complete with employee feedback and financial review. Many times we provide this service as a precursor to assisting our clients, however it is valuable as a stand-alone service. The engagement is accomplished over 1-3 days depending on the size of your business, and results in our recommended priority list of actions to be taken.

Sales Development Program
Tired of spending money on sales training that is providing dubious results? Our program focuses on developing the best practices for your individual business. First we find the holes in sales performance, then we work with your people over a period of 12 weeks to develop the skills required to sell effectively, and to document your best practices . This program, which uses videos and mock sales calls, is best suited for organizations with at least 5 people in the sales department.

Operational Analysis & Planning
An operational analysis is intended to assist in planning the internal operations of the business. This can be from order entry, through to shipment or service delivery. Usually we start with a problem analysis or a goal that you wish accomplished, and then we work with your people to identify barriers and implement solutions. This is done in a structured targeted way that is designed to produce results early in the process.

Executive Coaching
The purpose of executive coaching is to provide an effective sounding board. We approach the coaching arrangement from the point of view of an alliance . We work actively with the client to find the answers required to meet the objectives. It is about clearing roadblocks, unlocking potential and filling gaps between where people are and where they would like to be. Coaching can be accomplished in monthly or weekly meetings based on the individual situation. It can also be applicable to managers that require development in their positions.

Interim CEO
Sometimes the owner needs to have someone take control of the organization for a short time in order to initiate change effectively or to provide strong guidance. The Interim CEO enters the company with a fresh eye and enjoys complete objectivity. He has no political agenda or other obligations to color the decision-making process, allowing him to take unpopular yet necessary steps. At the end of the engagement, the owner is able to assume control of the company, but is not blamed for the Interim CEOs decisions.

Change Management
Many times businesses find themselves facing significant changes, either from growth or from competitive market forces. We can help provide guidance in these situations, from turnarounds and troubleshooting to change management for growth. Help can be provided in either a coaching format, or through more direct involvement with the business depending on the situation.