Business Owner Seminar Series

What is B.O.S.S.?

B.O.S.S. (Business Owner Seminar Series) was created by The Alternative Board to provide West Michigan business owners with practical, useful knowledge to help them take their business to the next level. There will be seven B.O.S.S. events between October and May from 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

What is the Seminar Format?
This agenda is generally followed.

7:45 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.	Check in, continental breakfast, informal networking
8:05 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.	Welcome and Introduction
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.	First Speaker
9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.	Break
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.	Second Speaker/Panel Discussion
10:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.	Joint Q&A
10:50 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.	Seminar Evaluation/Future Topics Survey
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.	Networking with Speakers/Other Attendees/Sponsors

What are the Seminar Topics/Descriptions?

There will be seven B.O.S.S. events between October and May designed to build your knowledge base and action plan for success. To get the most value, plan to attend all of our seminars. The schedule includes:

Fall 2008 Schedule

October 7, 2008 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
I’m Losing the Pulse of My Business. Is There a Doctor in the House!
by Gary Allietta, President of Bromley Business Financial Services and Joe Valicevic, Senior Vice President of Mercantile Bank of Michigan
About the Speakers Register Now

Do you feel like you are losing the pulse of your company? Are you struggling with tighter margins and reduced profitability? If you’re like many business owners, you saw reduced or stagnant revenue with an erosion of profitability last year. While many blame their troubles on the economy, some are being proactive and repositioning their business to run more efficiently. Is your business being left behind? The first step in repositioning your business is to assess where you are currently … realistically! One way to do this is to give your business a Financial Health Check-Up. Many businesses need this information for their banker or to begin a new banking relationship. In this seminar learn: What is a financial health check-up and what will it do for me?; How to assess your company’s financial position; How do you stack up with your industry?; and now that I have the data, what do I do with it? Plus, When do you need a new bank?; How do you shop for a new banking relationship?; What information should you or have to share with a bank?; How do you decide which bank is the best one for your company?

November 4, 2008 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Marketing and Sales in a Tight Economy
By Blair Entenmann, President of MarketingHelp! and David Lawrence, President of Integrated Sales Solutions.
About the Speakers Register Now

Selling during turbulent economic times is always difficult. But the challenge is even more formidable today because of what’s happening in the marketplace. Every business, regardless of industry or maturity should advertise their products and services to create a favorable sales environment and generate qualified prospects. In this session, you’ll learn how these changing market dynamics are having a profound impact on your marketing and sales. You will learn how much should you spend on advertising and marketing. What is the best form of advertising to maximize its efficiency and effectiveness for your specific business? Learn how top sellers build immediate credibility, maintain their customer focus and stand out from their competitors. Plus, you’ll discover 10 key strategies you must implement immediately to be successful in this emerging sales paradigm – where sellers must create business value with every customer interaction.

December 2, 2008 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Get More Done For Less By Outsourcing
By Carol Crawford, Principal of The Alternative Board and a Panel of Outsourcing Experts (IT, Marketing, Accounting, PEOs) About the Speakers Register Now

During the top and bottom of an economic cycle or a high-growth phase of a company, many business owners or executives don't have the internal expertise or people resources to accomplish critical business objectives. In a contraction mode, they are trying to get more done with less – to reduce costs. In growth mode, many times they are just trying to get it done. Outsourcing is easier said than done particularly when you have been let down several times in the past and you know you can do it quicker and better yourself. If you are currently thinking like this then take it as a warning signal. What business functions could be outsourced and how do you do it from selecting the resource to managing it. By outsourcing, you can spend more time on the business rather than in the business. Outsourcing can be a cost effective and flexible solution.

Not ready to Register? Sign up for e-mail reminders and announcements now and we will ask if you want to attend two weeks before the event so you can put it on your calendar.

Winter / Spring Seminar Dates and Topics

February 3, 2009 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.	Topic to be determined. If you have a seminar topic you would like tosuggest, please fill out a topic survey or contact us.
March 3, 2009 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.	Topic to be determined. If you have a seminar topic you would like tosuggest, please fill out a topic survey or contact us
April 14, 2009 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.	Topic to be determined. If you have a seminar topic you would like tosuggest, please fill out a topic survey or contact us
May 5, 2008 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.	Topic to be determined. If you have a seminar topic you would like tosuggest, please fill out a topic survey or contact us

Is There a Seminar Fee?

B.O.S.S. events are FREE for business owners, presidents and CEO's as a service by the partnering organizations. For VP, Director or Key Manager level employees there is a fee of only $49 each or any three seminars for $99, or all seven seminars for $199. You register a key employee seat for all se ven seminars, you can send or bring a different employee to each seminar based on the topic.

Where are B.O.S.S. Seminars Held?

B.O.S.S Seminars will be held at The Campbell Group’s new building at 5664 Prairie Creek Drive near M-6 and M-37. It is so new that MapQuest or MSN Maps don’t even know the address exists, so print this page. Email reminders will include the address and directions.