Best Strategies for Running a One-Person Business  
SBX 7603
Course Hours:  12.5

Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

  -  Understand the skills and requirements needed to be a
     successful independent professional
        
   -  Examine the strengths and weaknesses of their               
      business operations
         
  -  Evaluate their time and priorities
         
  -  Adopt systems to become more efficient and effective
    
  -  Make business decisions that will allow them to focus on
     providing their service

Content:
   

1. Why be an independent professional?
     -  Business purpose and vision
     -  Personal/lifestyle goals
     -  Financial considerations
     -  Advantages and disadvantages
    

2. What it takes
     -  Knowledge needed to be a solo entrepreneur
     -  Internal and external expectations
     -  Necessary skills
    

3. Setting up your business
     -  Where the time goes v. should go
     -  Evaluating where you are
     -  Technology needs
     -  A look at smart ways to manage:
         -  Day-to-day office operations
         -  Business planning
         -  Customer contact
         -  Providing the service  
    

4. All About Money
     -  Start up costs
     -  Operating expense
     -  Keeping the books  
    

5. Marketing to Survive
     -  What you need to attract customers starting out
     -   What you can and should do yourself
     -   What (and when) you can afford to contract out 
     -   Developing a realistic marketing budget
      

6. Getting it all done
       -   How to make changes
       -   Tracking your progress 
       -   Future steps/plans
       -   What being a successful independent
           professional will look like