Business Fast-Track FAQ's

What exactly is the Business Fast-Track System and what does it include?

The Business Fast-Track System is the two-part Business Success System training program. It's based on an intensive, step-by-step sequence of actions designed to lay the foundation for accelerated forward movement in your business.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, out of control and experiencing cash flow issues, you may well be trying to grow your business without a solid foundation. Any growth you attempt without this foundation will strain both you and the business. This work will change the course of your business and the results you achieve.

You no longer have to try to figure this out all by yourself. The purpose of Business Fast-Track is to guide you in taking calculated, well thought-out actions to make critical changes as expediently as possible. Your chances of success go up significantly when your actions are based on informed decisions. The system will help you gather and analyze the information you need to make those sometimes tough decisions.

Here are the highlights of what's covered in the system.

1- Assess the status of your business right now.

We'll immediately identify the most urgent issues that are holding back your business. This initial assessment becomes your baseline for future actions. We will look at the key operating systems in your business. Where are your main challenges? In cash flow, productivity, sales, staff, where?

The tools we'll use are the Warning Signs Checklist and the Business Assessment Questionnaire.

2- Identify key operating systems requiring urgent attention (cash flow, sales, processes, systems, staff, reputation, etc.)

Some of the questions you'll be asking are:

How is cash flow, where are the bottlenecks - and why?
Are you meeting sales goals? If not, why not?
What is an acceptable level of productivity and where are we now?
Which systems are working and which aren't?
How is each staff member performing against expectations?
What negative relationships exist (internal & external) and what impact are they having?
How is your reputation among your customers, your suppliers, your creditors?
What else isn't working as it should?
What is the depth and scope of each problem?

You'll compare your findings against past actions to pinpoint probable areas where strategic actions could make a big difference. You'll identify those in need of urgent attention and those where you can defer action to a later time. You'll be introduced to the framework in which we will be working and what we plan to accomplish. Once you know where you are now and where you want to be you'll be in a position to take goal-directed action.

The tools we'll use are the Business Analysis Worksheet and Key Operating Systems Review.

3- Establish immediate Goals to stop the losses, protect assets and reach stability.

One of the things you'll want to determine is what Past Actions have led to your Present Results. This will help you make appropriate decisions about Future Actions...to change Future Results.

You'll determine and write stop-loss Goals to accomplish within 30 to 60 days, link related goals and prioritize based on potential impact. Timeframes and measurability will be added to each goal. Agreement with those involved will be sought.

At this point you will want to communicate your intention to make changes to those who need to know and may be affected by your decisions.

The tools we'll use in this step are the Past Actions - Present Results Review and the Short Term Action Plan (Short Term Goals).

4- Determine best Strategy to accomplish Short Term Goals

Once you've done a thorough assessment and set goals you face the challenge of finding the most likely solutions to identified problems. You'll learn how to take a systematic problem-solving approach and apply strategy to your goals. You'll be in a position to justify your decisions, declare your Strategy and acknowledge the change in your role to assure the results you want.

Trade-offs and costs to reach goals will be assessed. Once you plan your Actions you'll want to know how your cash flow will be affected, so we'll introduce cash flow management while you're considering Strategy.

Tools for this step include the Short Term Action Plan (Strategy)and the Cash Flow Budget Worksheet.

5- Prioritize and set sequence of immediate Actions to be taken

You'll calculate and decide what Actions will support your Strategies. Then you'll prioritize by impact and set timeframes for each action. Costs to carry out your Actions will also be addressed. Each person involved will be asked for input before final decisions are made.. As much as possible, you will want buy-in by the key people who will be affected by your Actions. In this step you'll make sure Actions, Strategies and Goals are all aligned.

The tool for this step is the Short Term Action Plan (Actions).

6- Write the Short Term Plan Task Outline

Here is where you'll break down the Actions into tasks, assign responsibility for each, develop metrics, set timeframes and declare desired results. You'll also establish weekly checkpoints and learn to use monitoring tools.

The Short Term Plan of Action is the tool we'll use. The Goal Tracking Worksheet will provide a way to document status at checkpoints and make adjustments as needed.

7- Put your Plan into Action

Once you have finalized your Short Term Plan, you'll want to make sure everyone is on board and knows their role, their responsibilities and the intended result of their Actions. You will create a master weekly and daily calendar for yourself and work with each team member to create their own weekly and daily calendar. Because you're trying to make big changes in a short time period these steps are important to monitor closely.

To stay on top of all that is happening, you'll get a weekly report from each team member and create a summary for yourself. You'll be working to achieve your Short Term Goals in 30 to 60 days.

Tools involved here are the completed Short Term Plan and Task List, Task Calendar and the weekly Goal Tracking Worksheet.

8- Assess the Results of your Actions

At the end of your targeted time period, you'll complete a "post-action" Status Report. This will include an assessment of the financial, operational and market impact of Actions taken. By comparing with the "current" Status Report, you'll be able to clearly observe progress made, know where work still needs to be done and have lived through enough Action to know what's working and what's not.

We'll take time to celebrate your achievements and identify issues still unresolved so you can update your Short Term Plan using the same tools as before.

Tools used include the Status Report and Short Term Plan.

9- Begin work on big issues and limitations (organization, product, workflow, job functions, capitalization, etc.)

When you did your first assessment you identified those issues which could be addressed in an immediate (within 30 - 60 days) timeframe. Beyond those, however, were the bigger outstanding issues that would take more time and probably require more complex changes.

These might include things affecting workflow, organization, products/services, negative relationships, market image, reputation, customer service, need for capital, etc. A more in-depth assessment at this time will allow you to refocus on these bigger issues likely to continue having an impact on your business until they are addressed.

You will summarize your findings, develop a Short & Long Term Plan Overview and prepare to redesign and reposition your business.

The final tool will be the Short & Long Term Plan Overview which is the information you'll need to step into the next phase of the Fast-Track system.

Once learned these steps can be used over and over again in any business setting and any economy. They are the basics needed to put your business on the fast track and keep it there. You'll be learning to work smarter by being able to identify potential problems and taking corrective action much earlier.

Does this really work?

Yes, it really works if you commit yourself to doing the assignments, learn the steps and apply them in your day-to-day activities. You'll see results in a much shorter time than if you struggle to figure out everything by yourself.

What results can I expect?

You can expect to:

Gather information about your business and learn how to analyze it for decision-making.
Receive guidance in taking the steps that have helped many others build a foundation upon which to accelerate business growth.
Have access to materials and tools designed to provide structure and perspective on the work you'll be doing.
Gain a new set of tools that can be used again and again.
Have a clearer understanding of the relationship between Actions and Results.
Begin the habit of spending time working "on" your business.
Have a documented, detailed record of your work.
See positive changes in your business as a result of your calculated and well-planned Actions.
Gain confidence in your ability to make better business decisions.
Be at a new skill level in managing day-to-day operations.
Understand the basic principles of running a successful business.

How can I be sure that I will be able to get my business on the fast track?

The secret to getting the result you seek is to do the assignments, consistently and diligently, and to follow through with the actions. To halt negative any trends and change the course of your business may require some big changes in a very short time period. Your commitment to these steps is critical.

There's no magic formula, of course. Some people will be able to make progress and see results in a shorter time than others. Consider what the outcome will likely be if you just keep ignoring what is holding you back, or you attempt sporadic actions that are not based on sound information and principles.

Will I recover my investment in this program?

The answer is a resounding "yes". What is your business worth? You've put your time, money, energy and brainpower into what you hoped would be a thriving business. You can make it happen by following the yellow brick road that is set out in any one of our Business Fast-Track programs.

What are my options?

Fast-Track Intensive (Small group telecourse format)
9 weekly teleconference sessions (90 minutes each)

Learn and apply the Business Success System under my coaching guidance and the additional benefit of a peer support group. All members are addressing business challenges while learning how to apply the System to their own business. This option requires a smaller monetary investment than individual work, but you'll still receive everything you need to take command of your business. Check out this option and the next start date.

Fast-Track Individual Intensive
3 mo. - 3 phone sessions/mo. (30 minutes each)

This option is for you if you know you need to get serious about addressing the needs of your business and want private, dedicated time with your coach. This is the recommended option for most businesses facing critical challenges. To schedule a time to discuss if Individual Intensive work is right for you and your business select individual intensive on the Contact page. Please let me help you if the time is right and you're ready.

Of course, I'm happy to answer your questions or provide more information. No more excuses, though. Don't put off getting the help you need to get your business on the fast track to success.