Business Support Program
The Challenge of Leadership
It is widely acknowledged that the role of business owners of a small or medium size business (typically 3 to 500 employees) can be a very lonely one. However well you know your business, there are times when you wish you had another experienced and independent business person to talk to… Just to provide that vital second opinion, or to challenge your thinking.
Large companies usually have a significant advantage over smaller businesses as they are able to afford a professional board of directors with diverse skills and experience, and can manage the business very effectively because of this knowledge base. The owner of a small to medium size business typically has no such luxury. Nor is it often a realistic option, as a professional executive director can easily cost a business $100K+ per annum in salary alone. Add other benefits such as company car, pension, healthcare, holidays, etc. to all that and you are committing to a significant annual cost. And that is for each board member you add.
The Answer
Our Business Support Program, supported by the Institute for Independent Business (IIB) provides the answer, levelling the playing field with larger businesses, and giving you a significant advantage over other small business owners - and at a fraction of the cost.
Under the IIB's Business Support Program, you will be appointed a business advisor who will be available to you to discuss any issues that you have, in any area of your business. In addition, your advisor will allocate a number of days (typically 2 days per month) for practical “hands-on” time with you and your company, supporting you and helping you make things happen. He also has access to the huge resources of over 3,500 qualified and experienced IIB Accredited Executives, any of whom can be called on to help you with any specialist aspects of your business at a reduced rate.
IIB accreditation is only afforded to business professionals who meet the Institute's exacting standards: the Associate must have appropriate professional qualifications, as well as substantial executive experience of running a company at director level. Additionally, all Associates must keep up-to-date by participating in the Institute’s continuous professional development program.
If your business qualifies for the Business Support Program, we will act as the process coordinator and your Lead Advisor. In that role, we are there to support and assist you in your business in every way possible, and at the same time act as a “business friend” to you, the Business Owner.
The Lead Advisor:
Will attend any of your board and management meetings that you wish, to ensure that the company is adequately supported, focused and progressing according to plan.Will coordinate and project manage the use of consulting time and “hands-on” practical assistance from any of the Institute's professionals.Will find answers to any business queries you may have, accessing the extraordinary business resources of the IIB.Will be available on a local “hot-line” number, free of charge, just to talk through whatever is on your mind, or act as a sounding board for new ideas.The Business Support Program is not at all like traditional consulting. Its real strength lies in the ability to establish an ongoing hands-on relationship between the Lead Advisor and the client.