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One Page Business Plan Course
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I learned from the OPBP class to start smaller, set specific intentions and goals, and to create "deadlines" to hold myself accountable...
First of all, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude. I learned a tremendous amount when I attended Cynthia’s One Day Business Plan class.
The class made a huge difference on many levels. It inspired me to think about my business in a different way.
I realize now that it is important for me to have an organized (but fluid) short term 1-5 year business plan. In the past, I have tried so hard to control my environment and think so far ahead—I created a 20 year plan—that I was paralyzed from taking any kind of action.
I learned from the OPBP class to start smaller, set specific intentions and goals, and to create "deadlines" to hold myself accountable, but not beat myself up or create additional stress by trying to meet them at any cost. Most importantly, I want to enjoy this process of building my business, looking at my short term goals and business plan as an opportunity to grow, learn, see what works, see what does not work, rather than looking at it from the perspective of succeed or fail.
Jesseca Logan
Thrive Nutrition Counseling
Certified Nutrition Consultant and Certified Natural Chef
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I will think about my goals, steps to getting there, and key clients when I am making daily decisions...to help me achieve the plan.
What made you want to sign up to take the OPBP course with Cynthia?
I needed a definitive plan that I could work to. And, I have never written a plan and knew that I needed one to succeed. I had seen Cynthia speak at a group and she really seemed to make sense to me.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
No specific problems, just needed to determine my focus and come up with guidelines to base my future decisions on.
What is the most important thing you learned?
I learned how to write a real working business plan, one that says real things, and is a foundation for the workings of my business.
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
Defining my target population and what others in the group find to be the largest benefits of my service and product.
How will your business improve as a result?
I think that I will think about my goals, steps to getting there, and key clients when I am making daily decisions. I already find myself thinking about whether certain decisions will help me achieve the plan.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia? If so, why?
Yes, she is personable, relatable, honest and direct.
Shawn Parola
All The Buzz
Custom Gift Baskets for all Occasions
www.all-the-buzz.com
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Cynthia's ... knowledge of the business world combined with her enthusiastic approach to helping women is truly inspiring...
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia?
My business partner and I were working on the vision of our start up idea and I heard great things from a friend I met at another seminar. She wholeheartedly recommended Cynthia and the format, length and price of the course made it ideal for us in our beginning stages.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I wanted to know how to write a quick OPBP and have more clarity on how to go about building our business.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned?
How to organize our thoughts into the OPBP.
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
The clarity we gained on what we need to do to achieve this. Also the feeling that through have the OPBP we have our first stepping stone towards launching our business.
What new skills did you acquire?
Having the ability to take any idea and put it through the OPBP pipeline and get clear about what we are creating and working towards. Thinking in a much more organized way.
How will your business improve as a result?
The OPBP definitely helped us have the first blueprint of our business plan. This will help us have our thoughts organized into action plans, intentions and goals we can actually track as we go into creating our business.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia?
Cynthia is a great teacher in many ways. Her knowledge of the business world combined with her enthusiastic approach to helping women is truly inspiring and also gives you a sense that you are in good hands. I would definitely encourage women to take her classes - no matter what stage their business is in.
Maya Zuckerman
Visual Effects Artist
www.mayazuckerman.com
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It is much easier to reach goals when you are focused and they are staring at you every day on your wall!
What made you want to sign up to take the OPBP course with Cynthia?
I had the opportunity to hear Cynthia speak on a couple occasions and knew there was more she could teach me. I’d done a business plan before but it was very helpful to do it again with an expert.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I was hoping I would become more focused on my goals and I did.
What is the most important thing you learned?
To keep my plan active, where I could see it, and continuously update it.
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
I wasn’t as far off last year’s plan as I’d originally thought.
How will your business improve as a result?
It is much easier to reach goals when you are focused and they are staring at you every day on your wall!
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia? If so, why?
Yes, Cynthia is very knowledgeable. I enjoyed the class and would recommend it to others.
Jennifer Jaciw
Lone Star Transportation and Divalicious Productions
www.lonestartransportation.com
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...a straight-forward, no nonsense approach with a friendly, supportive and encouraging demeanor... she pushed me out of my comfort zone, which I needed, but did it in a kind and gentle way.
As a result of taking Cynthia's workshop, I have a much clearer picture of where I want my business to go and the steps needed to get there. She combines a straight-forward, no nonsense approach with a friendly, supportive and encouraging demeanor. In other words, she pushed me out of my comfort zone, which I needed, but did it in a kind and gentle way. The information Cynthia provides is clear and concise and she makes the process of writing a business plan approachable and possible. I would recommend her workshop to anyone either starting or in the midst of running their own business.
Julie Jenanyan
monkey off your back™
"making space for what matters" |
The Biz Diva" is a genius! ... She helped me get from totally confused and disorganized ... to taking tangible steps toward my business goals.
Cynthia Riggs, "The Biz Diva," is a genius! In one 2 hour consultation she helped me get from totally confused and disorganized in my business systems to taking tangible steps toward my business goals. She also helped me to feel better about where I am and to have confidence to do what I set out to do in my business as a Graphic and Website Designer and Law of Attraction Marketing Consultant.
Because this session was so great, I took Cynthia's "One Page Business Plan" class. She keeps this class small so that everyone gets a chance to share their challenges and get coaching. By the end of the 7 hour class I had clarified my mission, my 5 year goals and other key aspects of building my business. I got support from Cynthia and the other participants in the class who had specific and helpful ideas to help me over some of my challenges. I highly recommend this class. It is so reasonably priced; every businesswoman should take it no matter where she is in her business development.
I am taking Cynthia up on her great after—class special—more one-on-one consulting at a great price. I look forward to a long business relationship with The Biz Diva!
Julia Stege
Graphic Girlz
www.graphicgirlz.com
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My business will improve because making a plan to do the next things that increase my efficiency has improved my ability to make time for new ventures.
What made you want to sign up to take the OPBP course with Cynthia?
I needed help to see what direction my existing business could grow to take advantage of all the potential markets. Also I needed help organizing the paperwork part of running a business so it wouldn't take so much time. Cynthia has a direct, insightful approach that made me feel she could see things I could not see.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I wanted to increase my confidence in presenting my service in new and untried ways.
What is the most important thing you learned?
That all improvements happen with steady and gradual change.
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
I ended up developing a personal relationship with Cynthia that has been mutually beneficial.
How will your business improve as a result?
My business will improve because making a plan to do the next things that increase my efficiency has improved my ability to make time for new ventures.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia? If so, why?
Cynthia truly cares about the success of her clients and she is able to guide her clients past their personal barriers to that success.
Andrea Oreck
Andrea Oreck Fine Arts
www.andreaoreckfinearts.com
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It was actually fun thinking about business and brainstorming with likeminded people!
What made you want to sign up to take the OPBP course with Cynthia?
I knew I had a lot to learn about running my business. It really helped me focus on what I really want to accomplish in 2009 and beyond.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I need to learn how to expand my business....either doing wholesale or Farmer's Markets....or something. It got me thinking about how to cover my expenses and make some money too!
What is the most important thing you learned?
The Mission Statement...getting a tag line to focus the business.
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
It was actually fun thinking about business and brainstorming with likeminded people!
How will your business improve as a result?
I plan to make more money in 2009!
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia? If so, why?
In a heartbeat. Cynthia is not a "hard sell" kind of person. She is obviously very successful and knowledgeable. I have spoken to others in her kind of business and they just want to sell you their services and I never got the impression that they really wanted to see me succeed...not so with Cynthia. She is the "real deal". I will go to her for more advice.
Connie Martin
Certification in Baking and Pastry Arts
The Constant Baker
www.theconstantbaker.com
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I came away with a new sharper purpose and a clear sense of my next steps and short term goals...
What made you want to sign up to take the OPBP course with Cynthia?
I heard about The Business Diva from other women in the business community. After hearing her speak at a eWomen Networking event, Cynthia went to the top of my list of people I needed to research, and figure out which workshops I needed to investigate and invest in. I finally met Cynthia and the buzz was 100% true!
I am midway through year three (the most crucial and challenging year for most small businesses) and circumstances made it abundantly clear that I needed some strong business development education and work. The One Page Business Plan was exactly the next right step.
I liked that the workshop was one day and so direct. The work/progress we accomplished in one day was the best use of my time and effort to produce this result.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I had one idea of what I thought I needed but also the sense that this work could help me clarify other underlying issues. Cynthia is definitely a business expert, she gave me a laser focus, honest input and feedback about the direction and target market for my business. I came away with a new sharper purpose and a clear sense of my next steps and short term goals.
What is the most important thing you learned?
The idea that I needed to refine the parameters of my business and target clients. Cynthia helped me see why it’s necessary and that not limiting the scope of services and clients has been holding me back. The OPBP Class really freed me from business baggage that was literally strangling me and my business. I feel so much more directed and have significant short term tasks that will improve my business and cash flow dramatically.
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
I thought I was going to re-work and better develop my Business Plan and that that would help me find some new questions and answers. But Cynthia’s input was like the left turn I didn’t know I needed to make to get back on track.
How will your business improve as a result?
With a whole new and much more specific field to focus on, I am no longer afraid or repelled by the cold calling I need to do. I have a better sense of what networking events will serve me and which won’t. I was actually able to share some of this work with a fellow small business owner and get her to see that the time was ripe for some cold calling and that wasn’t a bad thing. We could both take on this new opportunity/challenge with excitement not dread.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia? If so, why?
Yes, with confidence that even if that person didn’t think focusing on their Business Plan was what they needed. The process opens up so many other options/idea and can really help redefine many aspects of one’s business. I see this course as a pivotal moment in the life of my business; the new focus will certainly help me move past my Year Three Doldrums.
S. Alyse Yerby
Gal Friday, Your Personal Assistant
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The Biz Diva's One Page Business Plan workshop taught me how I could be more effective and profitable ...
Intense work, yes, but also fun working with an enthusiastic, supportive group of other women entrepreneurs, under Cynthia's expert guidance
 I consider myself a planner and doer, plus I'm organized. The Biz Diva's One Page Business Plan workshop taught me how I could be more effective and profitable by creating measurable, quantifiable and realistic objectives, with strategies that spell out how I will fulfill those objectives, all tied to my vision and mission. Therefore, I was called on to clarify and enhance my mission, plus put systems in place to better manage human and financial resources. Intense work, yes, but also fun working with an enthusiastic, supportive group of other women entrepreneurs, under Cynthia's expert guidance. I highly recommend this workshop to get clarity, focus, tools and support for developing a more successful business!
Harriet Tubman Wright, Founding Director
The Wright Resort
www.thewrightresort.com
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I never thought that I could effectively put my goals onto just one page ... I have changed my tune! Cynthia's process is easy to follow, creative, and leads to very concise targets...
I recently took Cynthia's One Page Business Planning class and was pleasantly surprised with the results! Coming from someone who has done complex business planning for years, I never thought that I could effectively put my goals onto just one page as business plans tend to be more complex. I have changed my tune! Cynthia's process is easy to follow, creative, and leads to very concise targets to which I can hold myself to throughout the coming year. I highly recommend Cynthia Riggs!
Dawn L. Thomas, Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty
www.TheDawnThomasTeam.com
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Mentoring Programs
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Look at our numbers!
We were in a tight spot and now we are able to do active debt reduction. The business is thriving and we are confident we’ll do well in the current economy.
Tone, a Pilates, Dance and Yoga Studio
in Santa Rosa, CA
Alyson Dobbert, Studio Manager
Monica Anderson, Studio Director
Tone is a local fitness facility providing innovative Pilates, Dance, Yoga and other movement instruction as well as a Pilates teaching certification program. This is the place for positive, safe movement to promote health and increased body awareness — no matter what level of fitness. Tone teachers are experienced, certified and dedicated to continuing education in the latest techniques of movement and body understanding. Centrally located with a variety of classes, teachers and instruction styles offered throughout the day and week, Tone is a place of laughter, compassion, dedication and respect.
How did you find out about Women Building Business?
Alyson: At a Connection’s meeting. I heard Cynthia speak and I liked her style.
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia?
Alyson: I liked Cynthia's straightforward approach. I'm very much a task-oriented planner person and Cynthia seemed to fit that same style.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
Alyson: After I had done the six-month course, I knew that I wanted Monica more involved in the business development. I felt that Cynthia would be able to facilitate discussions and decisions between the two of us and add a third person clarity and perspective.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
Alyson: I took a 4-hour “Introduction to the One Page Business Plan” class and then signed up for the six month course.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned?
Alyson: I've learned that looking at the financial statements is vital to the success of our business. Sometimes in the day to day of a business operation, you can lose sight of progress made. Updating our OPBP and reviewing financials on a regular basis has given me a sense of progress and momentum that inspires me.
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
Monica: That I enjoy the process! I like the meetings and look forward to them!
Alyson: Paying attention to the numbers, making a plan, and looking at projections actually does move us forward!
How have your business skills grown?
Alyson: I feel competent reading the financial statements. I know how to write a one page plan and how to use it as an ongoing tool. We use the one page format for our big picture business development and also know how to create a plan to explore new ideas we want to develop. This is a very empowering skill.
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
Alyson: Look at our numbers! We were in a tight spot and now we are able to do active debt reduction. The business is thriving and we are confident we’ll do well in the current economy.
Monica: Working with Cynthia is having a trusted advisor that we can count on to support us and be with us through the ups and downs. I feel better being involved in the process of business development because she respects that my strengths lie in other areas.
Would you encourage others to work with Cynthia?
Absolutely! |
I surpassed my first year's sales goal by 25%!
A year ago I opened my business in a small conservative town of 20,000 people who didn’t know what life coaching was. I now have an average of 10-15 coaching clients a week.
 I opened for business a year ago in a small conservative town of 20,000 people who didn’t know or understand what life coaching was.
Now my classes are full, two local newspapers want me to write weekly columns, and I surpassed my first year’s sales goal by 25%
How did you find out about Women Building Business?
I attended a Chamber of Commerce luncheon and Cynthia was the keynote speaker. She had great energy and focused ideas that inspired me to pursue her as my business coach.
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia?
Her previous business success was a great recommendation, and that she specialized in working with women starting businesses made me think she was just what I needed.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I was in the business of reinventing my life both personally and professionally—including moving to a new state to start over. I had no previous experience with business development or making a business plan. I was launching a life coaching business and a retail shop/resource center. I was overwhelmed with the logistics of running a retail store and developing my coaching practice at the same time.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
I worked one-on-one over the phone and through e-mail for about 6 months. I initially completed my One Page Business Plan and then we continued with bi-weekly coaching sessions.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned?
The One Page Business Plan has really given me the focus and direction I need to think beyond the day-to-day requirements.
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
I opened for business a year ago in a small conservative town of 20,000 people who didn’t know or understand what life coaching was. I now have an average of 10-15 coaching clients per week, my classes are full, and two local newspapers want me to write a weekly column!
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
Cynthia was very helpful when I was emotionally challenged. She gave me solid support every time I was overwhelmed.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia? Yes.
—Laisha Kneuven, Certified Life Coach
Owner of Solutions for Women Resource Center and Gift Shop |
The most important thing I learned is that being part of a supportive group is priceless.
Rather than sharing my business trials and tribulations with my husband, I now have a group of people who will listen to me and provide useful feedback.
 Rather than sharing my business trials and tribulations with my husband, I now have a /group of people who will listen to me and provide useful feedback.
How did you find out about Women Building Business?
I read about the group on an email list. Then I bought a bicycle from Cynthia and she mentioned it again. I saw that as a sign to move forward.
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia? What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I knew that Cynthia had been in charge of a successful business and I knew that I needed to do something differently. I was working at my business but not really focusing on what would produce the most money and make me happiest.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
I took Move Forward Faster in which we did the One Page Business Plan. And then I became part of the Biz Divas group.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned? The most surprising or unexpected thing?
The most important thing I learned is that being part of a supportive group is priceless. And I have learned how to say, “No” to projects that aren’t part of my plan. I used to say, “Yes” before I would think of the implications.
Most surprising or unexpected is how everyone in the group supplies an important part in helping solve problems – and we all truly care. The collective creative mind is a glorious thing to observe in action.
How have your business skills grown?
My game plan is much better now. I have a vision and better tools for carrying it out.
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
Rather than sharing my business trials and tribulations with my husband, I now have a group of people who will listen to me and provide useful feedback. It has helped improve our relationship, and my income has increased by at least 25% (my husband likes that, too). But most importantly I am focusing on work that earns me more money for less energy.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia?
Definitely, especially if they are not part of a network of people who care about their work and them personally. Cynthia attracts quality people to her classes, and by taking Cynthia’s classes you can become one of them. You’ll get practical skills that you can put to good use in your business.
— Jill Nussinow, The Veggie Queen
Author of "The Veggie Queen: Vegetables Get the Royal Treatment" |
I found out that I was doing lots of things right. I didn't know that before the class!
I learned the importance of having a big picture view of my company. I want to invest in my business now to reap the rewards later.
 How did you find out about Women Building Business?
I heard Cynthia speak on financial literacy and I liked that she spoke to my issues-she had practical experience and used words that I understood.
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia? What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I realized I was isolated and unhappy. Running the business alone for ten years without a clear direction was taking its toll.
I wanted to implement change. I wanted to improve sales and my ability to run my own business, to understand my financial statements, learn to create a budget and hire quality employees.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
I completed the Women Building Business One Page Business Plan class and I work with her one on one.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned? The most surprising or unexpected thing?
The most important thing I learned is that everything will be ok. In the past I tried to muddle through each day and had no time or energy to even think about the rest of the week, let alone the bigger picture. Now I am looking at my plan, which outlines the whole year and I know what I need to do to make then plan real.
Most unexpected was that the One Page Business Plan is more than a piece of paper! Everyone always says you need to have a plan and by developing my OPBP I’ve learned that the actions I need to take are tied to tangible tasks that actually make the plan real!
Most surprising was the value of the group process. The camaraderie that developed allowed us to talk truthfully and intimately about our businesses. The support and understanding were worth their weight in gold. It was also liberating to realize that as business owners we are dealing with similar issues. I found out that I was doing lots of things right and in many regards have a well run business. I didn’t know that before the class.
How have your business skills grown?
With Cynthia’s help I learned to read my profit and loss statements, create a budget, evaluate who is and isn’t a “good” client, how to eliminate the ones that aren’t a good match and find more who are. I learned the importance of having a big picture view of my business and developing my one page plan got me to look at the bigger picture and realize the importance of being able to make decisions today about what needs to happen over time. I want to invest in my business now to reap the rewards later.
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
I find I’m actually excited about the changes that are happening in my business and I want to talk about them! I hired a full time manager for the first time and based on the goals I outlined in my business plan, I am in the progress of upgrading the showroom.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia?
Yes, because I believe it is truly helping me. I have learned that it is important for a small business to have outside input and a place to share concerns, exchange information and get ideas. It turns out that six brains are better than one!
— Janet Gossett
Owner, Jay's Engraving |
One of the first things I did was to reduce my overhead by half!
I reduced my monthly overhead by about $2500, which gave me breathing room and I was able to start thinking more clearly.
How did you find out about Women Building Business?
I first heard about Cynthia through the Small Business Development Center. I took a two part One Page Business Plan class sponsored by the Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence. I spoke with Cynthia afterwards and we decided to work one on one. We were a good match and have continued working together up to the present time.
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia? What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I realized I needed help in an area that had eluded me for many years; how to manage my money in the catering business I owned and operated. I was oblivious and my indebtedness was escalating. The timing was right and I just went for it. That’s where we started.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
Our one on one sessions centered mostly around how to reduce debt, keep events and projects within a budget and simple things such as how to balance my check book, stop using the ATM card and how to keep tabs on my spending. She also worked with my bookkeeper to coordinate the debt reduction program and develop a budget.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned? The most surprising or unexpected thing?
The most important thing was that I actually started to care about what was happening and wanted to do something about it. And not only caring about it but that I could actually take responsibility for my actions. The shocker was that I began to like this new change!
One of the first things I did was to reduce my overhead by half. I cut my kitchen rental cost from $1,000 a month (whether I used the kitchen or not) to $350 per month and $25.00 per hour as needed. This step and a few others reduced my monthly overhead by about $2500, which gave me breathing room and I was able to start thinking more clearly.
Also, Cynthia guided me in transitioning the staffing from employees to "Independent Contractors” and using agencies to hire kitchen chefs, bartenders and floor staff for each event done.
How have your business skills grown?
My idea to transition my business by 2008, focusing on smaller events and "Personal Chef" engagements has began to take shape. I am making an effort to tell people about this change and I’ve developed new menus and pricing information to give those who showed interest. I told other catering companies what I was doing and found to my surprise that two companies will send this "unwanted territory" my way when requests came in. I also redid my ancient resume and made an appointment with a chef/staffing agency in S.F. and am now in the process of putting some continuous jobs on the calendar to keep "feathering my nest". This is looking to the future with a good retirement plan put in motion.
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
On the personal side this process has had a calming effect on me. Knowing that there are options to consider and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel have allowed me to relax. I do love my job, it just needed to be evaluated and looked at with a steady gaze rather than my frantic approach. I have gained more confidence in managing the business and "closing the deals" with potential clients.
Tangible results, I don't know in dollars at this point, but I do know that money is being put in my bank account with more regularity that in the past. My goal is to pay off a good percentage of my business and personal debt by 2008.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia?
Yes, I would definitely encourage others to take classes and work with her one on one. I like Cynthia's approach, she's straight forward and to the point, and genuinely has the gift of helping others when they are drowning in a sea of confusion.
— Barbara Federoff
Owner, Food Glorious Food Catering Company |
I have changed direction as a result of the work I am doing with Cynthia
Now that I know my target market, my marketing efforts are more successful.
 How did you find out about Women Building Business?
I met Cynthia through Judy Baker who brought me to the Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence. I had heard positive feedback about Cynthia, I had just started my business and I knew I needed tools to transition from the corporate world to being a solo entrepreneur.
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia? What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I gained a lot of respect for Cynthia and I wanted to work with her because she was experienced and knew what she was doing. She is a good mix of being tough, calling us on our stuff, but being compassionate at the same time. Plus, I like working in groups.
I wanted a clear direction and knew the business plan would help me focus. Since I had no previous experience I needed to understand what to do and how to go about doing it.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
Women Building Business One Page Business Plan class, a Biz Diva class and Sales & Marketing Now!
What is the most important thing you’ve learned? The most surprising or unexpected thing?
The process of developing the business plan helped me clarify my direction, set priorities, get things out of my head and allowed me to create a road map of where I wanted to go.
Marketing was a mystery, so developing my target market helped me narrow down the possibilities and focus. Being focused in one place is easier and more productive than being all over the map. I have changed direction as a result of the work I am doing with Cynthia.
How have your business skills grown?
Having practiced communicating with business owners I can now market myself more effectively. Now that I know my target market I can focus my efforts more successfully.
I am better at looking at the bigger picture- seeing how the root problem causes the larger problem and not getting overwhelmed by the minutia.
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
I am better at expressing myself and talking about what I do. My confidence has improved both personally and professionally, and this is a big deal!
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia?
Yes. Cynthia’s experience comes through and she knows what she is doing. Plus she is a good teacher and really cares about her clients and the outcome.
— Susan Tollefson
Owner, Inside Out Business Systems |
I love my business!
Two years ago I was burnt out and ready to fold. But now I’m excited about going to work every day.
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Two years ago, I was burnt out and ready to sell or fold. But now I’m excited about going to work every day.
How did you find out about Women Building Business?
Through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Cynthia gave a workshop I thought was great—really interesting. And I’d always wanted to work with her because I knew she owned Making It Big, a multi million dollar company. I wanted to talk to her, to ask her how she grew her company.
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia? I was feeling really burnt out. I joined because I wanted to get my company strong and sell it. But instead, I got inspired. And I have no desire to sell my business at this point.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia? I first joined Move Forward Faster, a co-ed group of business owners where we did the One Page Business Plan. Since then I have been a part of the monthly Biz Diva women’s group. I also do 1-on-1 work with Cynthia on financial literacy. It’s been really good—she’s got great down-to-earth help for finances.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned? To ask for help.
The most surprising or unexpected thing? I didn’t realize how essential the support of a group of like-minded women would be to the quality of my work life. As a small business owner I work pretty much in isolation—I don’t have peers at the office. I felt like there was nobody I could talk to about what was going on. I was ashamed of my failures, and there was no one I could really celebrate my successes with, until I became a part of Women Building Business.
How have your business skills grown? I’ve got a better grip on the finances, I understand about receivables, payables, cash flow, I can set a financial goal, know what I have to do to reach it, and then meet it. And I can quantify things, which I wasn’t able to do before.
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result? I am working smarter—so I’m working less and getting more done. I’ve also learned to take charge —I’m more confident in leading my company. The more classes I take, and the more time I spend with my peer group, the greater my confidence. I can give more direct feedback to my employees; they’re happier and more productive as a result.
Our sales have grown 20% as a direct result of working with Cynthia. I’ve been able to cut my costs, so my profit margin has increased. And I’ve learned how to delegate so I can focus on high-level tasks as a director.
If on a scale of 1-10, 10 was the best possible work life and 1 was the worst, when I began working with Cynthia, I was a 2. I’m an 8 now, and I know I’m going to reach 10 by the end of the year. I’m on track and I can really feel it!
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia? Absolutely.
—Cris Eggers
Owner, Communique Interpreting |
I started at zero and now I have clients and income!
I wanted to do things right from the beginning and knew I needed guidance. I wanted to work with Cynthia because she had started, run and sold a successful company.
 How did you find out about Women Building Business?
Susan Bross, my financial counselor referred me to Cynthia. Susan knew I didn’t have a business plan and thought Cynthia’s one page business plan class would benefit me.
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia? What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
When you start a business you want to start off on the right foot. I wanted to do things right from the beginning and knew I needed guidance. The initial consultation with Cynthia sold me! I wanted to work with her because she had started, run and sold a successful company.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
I took the One Page Business Plan Class and Sales & Marketing Now! I worked with Cynthia non stop for the past year and plan to continue one on one.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned? The most surprising or unexpected thing?
I think the One Page Business Plan is genius! It is so important to have a realistic plan and to evaluate it every three months to keep on track. It also became clear to me that as a small business owner I can’t do everything. That I need to prioritize and focus on what is the best use of my resources. Having gone through the classes has given me so much self confidence and increased my ability to talk about what I do and generate new business.
Most surprising was the candor and openness. I liked being in an environment where there was a lot of honesty. Often when people are talking about their business you only hear how great everything is, you hear about their success, they don’t tell you what isn’t working and where they’re struggling.
How have your business skills grown?
My self confidence has increased, I now think of the business in terms of profit and loss, pay attention to keeping costs and overheads in line, and I need to manage my time in order to generate revenue. I think about goal setting such as “What do I need to do this week to move me forward?”
How has your business improved as a result?
I started at zero and things have moved forward to where I have clients and income. I am very clear on what I’m doing and for whom. I am utilizing outside consultants and getting help rather than burying myself under the weight of “having to do everything myself”.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia?
Of course! I want to put a billboard up on the side of the road telling how great her classes are!
— Louise Hassan
Owner, The Children's Garden Company
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2006 sales went from 0-$185K and this year will be even better!
I regained my core confidence by having to verbalize, write things down and engage in the planning process.
 How did you find out about Women Building Business?
Cynthia had posted her One Page Business Plan class on WACCO -West County Community Bulletin Board
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia? What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I was recovering from a heart attack and knew I needed to go out on my own rather than returning to work for other people. I wanted support and I really liked the idea of working with a group of women. I was so excited that after speaking with Cynthia I signed up for the next class. Then reality set in and I realized I wasn’t ready. It took me a couple of months and then the time was right.
Since I didn’t have a business I knew I needed help putting some parameters and structure to what I wanted to do. I’m a project manager so I understand the value of the planning process.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
The Women Building Business One Page Business Plan class and we work one on one for periodic updates.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned? The most surprising or unexpected thing?
The most important thing relative to the class was talking things out and having the support to figure out what I wanted to do. I found that the One Page Business Plan is a great tool for me, both to help frame the business planning and ongoing to keep me on track.
In my class we did an exercise about discovering our “Unique Ability”. Having to ask my friends, colleagues and family for feedback about what they considered to be my unique attributes was revealing and it allowed me to understand that the skills I take for granted aren’t all that common. My Unique Ability is “The ability to successfully oversee the big picture and all the small pieces at the same time.” Perfect for a project manager!
How have your business skills grown?
Several ways. First of all, I am more confident and better at asking for what I want when I’m negotiating. In general, I’m better organized. I am learning how to choose my battles and maintain my integrity while in challenging situations.
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
2006 sales went from 0-$185K and this year will be even better. In the class I regained my core confidence by having to verbalize, write things down and engage in the process.
Why would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia?
Cynthia is very concise and really knows how to work a plan into that “living, breathing, document” she talks about. What I liked the most is her focus on language and how things are phrased on the one page plan. In my world, if you can’t articulate a design, can’t put words to it, you can’t figure it out. It doesn’t become real until you can communicate it. Language is what gives the process form and function.
— Linda Herman
Linda Herman Consulting
Project Facilitation and Management
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We've nearly doubled our sales!
Cynthia brought order to our business by showing us how to achieve excellence in our retail store. Who knew the numbers could be so sexy!
 How did you find out about Women Building Business?
Our friend Sue Libby (Red Hot Ceramics) referred us to Cynthia.
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia?
We wanted to work with Cynthia because she seemed to really understand where we were at, what our issues were and she was confident she could help us.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
We wanted to learn more about how to run our retail business, organize and set up systems, get a budget in place and learn cash flow and money management.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
We didn’t take a course; we hired her to develop our One Page Business Plan. We were so impressed working on our OPBP that we hired her for on-going consultation.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned?
The most important things we learned are different for each of us. For one of us it has been all about the financial structure-accounts payable, money management, learning and implementing new financial and business tools. For another, understanding gross margins and how to price merchandise correctly. Last but not least, learning about organizational structure, the value of getting effective systems in place and understanding how to follow a budget for purchasing.
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
Two things:
1. That our store is capable of making more money!
2. That “not knowing” is really stressful. A huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders because now we know what our business is actually doing!
How have your business skills grown?
Our collective skills have grown immensely. We now have a comprehensive overview of our business and we’re no longer flying by the seat of our “goddess broom handles”! There are new tools being implemented and utilized, we have a cash flow budget, we review our financials all the time, accounts payable are current and we pay attention to how we’re spending and making our money. And most importantly, our customers continue to support us!
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
We continue to build skills and understanding from meeting to meeting and this allows us to get better and better at what we need to be doing. We see ourselves having a bright future!
All three of us are “sensitive artistic types” and we don’t come from a business background. As we become more empowered, we are integrating our tangible pragmatic selves with our artistic selves and learning a new kind of balance. It is very exciting!
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia?
Absolutely!
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My first quarter revenue in 2008 was equal to my total revenue for all of 2007!
I am halfway to my annual revenue goal at the beginning of quarter two; I trained an assistant, got a web page put together, hired someone to help with marketing, and plan to take 8 weeks of vacation in 2008!
 How did you find out about Women Building Business?
Connections meeting in San Rafael
What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia?
I wanted to have a plan; I wanted to get my business out of my head and into a written format.
What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
I needed tools to help me be accountable; I wanted someone to help me find my target and keep my focus. It seemed like having a plan would help me with these issues.
Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
One Page Business Plan Class
What is the most important thing you’ve learned?
The importance of getting a handle on the numbers and learning how to dive into the nitty gritty. There is so much valuable information available when I break everything down and looking at the small pieces that create the bigger picture rather than just paying attention to the obvious.
For example, I now know approximately how many contacts lead to how many applications lead to how many signed contracts lead to how much revenue. Because there is a downturn in my industry, I know I will need to make more contacts this year to get to the same number of signed contracts to increase my revenue.
The most surprising or unexpected thing?
That I actually know more than I ever gave myself credit for. I now see how well-informed I really am. In the past I didn’t believe in myself and was derailed by self doubt. Now I have more self confidence and a business plan!
How have your business skills grown?
Tremendously! I have new found confidence, the ability to do a compelling infomercial, I attend three networking meetings a week and even though at times I am still nervous, it doesn’t show! Plus, I have a plan to keep me accountable!
How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
My first quarter revenue in 2008 was equal to my total revenue for all of 2007! I am halfway to my annual revenue goal at the beginning of quarter two; I trained an assistant, got a web page put together, hired someone to help with marketing, and plan to take 8 weeks of vacation in 2008!
Would you encourage others to take classes with Cynthia?
Yes, totally! I actually have a business plan and knowing how to look at every aspect of my business through a magnifying glass rather than being loosy goosey has given me a better sense of purpose and direction. |
My revenue increased far beyond my expectations!
When I first started working with Cynthia three years ago, my business grossed about $30K. Last year, it grossed over $400K.
When I first started working with Cynthia three years ago I was a solo entrepreneur and my business grossed about $30K.
Last year, as a partnership under Cynthia’s tutelage, we grossed over $400K.
After a successful and profitable 18 months, I sold my share of Firefly Creative Company to my partner.
Now I’m able to take time off to think about what I’d like to do next – something I've never been able to do before!
How did you find out about Women Building Business?
I'm an original. Before she started WBB, Cynthia loved to talk about my business with me. We could talk for hours. She had great insight, passion and curiosity about business. So when she started the group, I was first in line.
What business issues were you hoping to master?
Sales have never been a problem for me. Trying to do it all myself was. I was tired of being responsible for everything. I felt stuck and knew I needed a support group.
Women Building Business has been a wonderful way for me to air my concerns, get invaluable skills and feedback and celebrate successes.
Which courses have you taken?
I've done the One Page Business Plan. I was the guinea pig for Sales and Marketing Now! And I’ve been in the Biz Diva networking group for the past three years.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned?
The liberation and clarity that comes from facing my business as it is – its financial picture, its possibilities and my limitations. WBB gave me the insight to do this.
The most surprising thing?
The power in letting go of the purely emotional connection to my work. When I separated "me" from my business, I could see it in a clearer and in a more dispassionate way. This allowed me to make logical decisions. Until then, I'd been making "gut" decisions (since I didn't know any other way). This change was a fundamental key to my success.
Would you encourage others to take classes with Women Building Business?
Definitely!
—Virginia Reuter, co-founder Firefly Creative Company |
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