Small Business Network Workshops
Interested in our workshops? Look to see how our 2005 workshop topics and stay tuned to the Board of Trade event calendar for future sessions in 2006!
- Getting on the GSA IT Schedule 70
- Strategic Planning for Growing Companies (Download Strategic Planning Workbook & Resource Guide)
- Getting on the GSA Schedule (Download the power point presentation)
- Leveraging the Web to Market your Small Business
- Contracting with the Department of Homeland Security (Download the power point presentation)
- Recruiting and Retaining Quality Employees
- Access to Capital (Download the power point presentation)
- Strategies to Grow Your Business
GSA Workshop: Getting on the IT Schedule 70
Friday, March 10, 2006
Along with our affiliate organization, the Greater Washington Initiative, the Board of Trade presented this hands-on workshop featuring the GSA schedule process. Shaunta Johnson, Director of the Small Business Utilization Center gave an overview on the process of obtaining a GSA Schedule which acts as a catalyst for nearly $66 billion in federal spending—more than 25% of the U.S. Government's total procurement. GSA Schedule contracts allow a company to establish a “catalog” price list with the federal government. Companies interested in pursuing a Schedule 70 contract specific to Information Technology participated in an additional hands-on workshop lead by Gary Cook, Business Development Specialist at the Information Technology Acquisition Center, Federal Supply Service, General Services Administration.
Strategic Planning for Growing Companies
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
This workshop helped to prepare companies for growth and success in 2006 by teaching the Seven Steps to a Clear Strategy. It was designed to help small companies learn how to link their vision, corporate purpose and market position with a clear strategy and execution plan. Lynne Kaye of the Riders Edge and Bill Bellows of Byron Ruslan Consulting guided participants on how to avoid some of the most common pitfalls for growing companies. A small group setting was used to share knowledge and look at real world situations faced by small business owners.
Download the Strategic Planning Workbook & Resource Guide
Getting on the GSA Schedule
Tuesday, October 25
The workshop helped small firms navigate the demanding GSA schedule application process and talked about the steps required to negotiate fair and reasonable prices for products or services. Shaunta Johnson, Director of the Small Business Utilization Center at GSA spoke frankly about how a small company can successfully market themselves once they’re on the schedule. Panelists also included Matt Hankes, VP of Sales, Fedmarket; Robert VanGorder, Vice President of Consulting for the Washington Management Group; Jen Ferguson, Director, GSA Programs at CGI-AMS; and, Tony Fung and Nav Kim, Partners, Catapult Consulting.
Download the power point presentation>>
Leveraging the Web to Market your Small Business
Tuesday, September 27
This workshop focused on increasing small company’s expertise and visibility by learning how to utilize the web as a marketing resource. Facilitated by Kip Gregory, President of the Gregory Group and author of Winning Clients in a Wired World.
Kip spoke on five steps to implementing a low-cost, high-impact marketing communication strategy and relationship building process while managing it successfully. He also spoke on how to identify the centers of influence you need to cultivate networking: where to find them, who they are, how to reach them, what they read, organizations they belong to, when and where they meet. How do you manage and follow up on those relationships via the web?
Small breakout sessions with marketing professionals allowed focused feedback to attendees think through best practices and covered questions like: what are the successes and challenges you have experiences in leveraging the web as a marketing tool? Share marketing strategies have you implemented to date. And how have you managed those networks after you gained access to their contact information?
Some resources Kip recommended can be found at http://www.winningclients.com/links.php where you can uncover information online quickly and easily.
Contracting with the Department of Homeland Security
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
This workshop focused on the Department of Homeland Security's needs and what the point of entry is for small companies to do business with them. A panel of speakers including Norman Montgomery, Director of Advanced Programs–DHS, at BearingPoint; Rodney Thomas, President & CEO of Thomas & HerbertConsulting; and Mary Ellen Condon of SRA International provided first hand accounts of how they contract. This threesome recently won DHS’s contract for Information Technology Support for Integrated Terrorist Screening. Joe Loddo, District Director of the SBA and Stand Fuji, Contracting Officer with the SBA were on hand to answer questions about the SBA Mentor-Protégé program for which BearingPoint and Thomas & Herbert won the 2005 award.
Download the power point presentation>>
Recruiting and Retaining Quality Employees
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Sponsored by AXA Advisors, this workshop helped to focus small businesses owners on how to face the increasingly competitive market for employees at all levels. Lyles is Senior Vice President of The McCormick Group, the region’s largest independent executive search consulting firm and spoke on how to craft a company’s case for attracting talented people, while motivating and retaining current employees. Lyles discussed recruiting and retention techniques, sources of quality employees at all levels, barriers, benefits and employee expectations.
Access to Capital
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
This workshop, sponsored and moderated by Sulee Clay of DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary, explored financing opportunities for up-and-coming businesses. Panelists included: John May of New Vantage Group; Pascal Luck of Core Capital Partners; and, Ron Voigt of Bank of America. The workshop offered clear comparisons for growing companies interested in potential funding options.
Download the power point presentation>>
