We have listened to you carefully the last few years and responded directly where we could. We recognized the need to change the way we work and so we kept track, wrote things down, and put on our thinking caps. Every business and entrepreneur is unique but there are some common, identifiable patterns of the challenges they face.
eDev has made clear progress in developing new understanding for entrepreneurs and microbusinesses. So much progress, that this was acknowledged when eDev was asked to present their recent work to a group of non-profits, bankers, and government representatives at the annual Oregon MicroEnterprise Network (OMEN) conference in October. Shawn did a stand-up job, of course, and the phone calls keep coming!
Likely you have noticed changes made during the past year. If you haven’t visited for awhile, some things you might note:
- Transitioning the Pre-Venture offerings to include assessment. This means it’s not just the do-ability, but the profitability of the proposed enterprise; challenging you to clearly define your customer and market; focusing attention on crafting your message; brainstorming to help you find ways that entrepreneurs can practice selling; and helping to make basic business decisions. The more prepared a business is for launch, the more likelihood that the time it takes to meet “break even” will be shorter.
- After “first dollar earned,” so-called Survival issues come into play: adequate sales, effective marketing, regular financial systems, tracking business performance - all clearly tackled in the new SALES & MARKETING SERIES and the new FINANCE SERIES.
- In the background, for far too long, has been the recognition that helping people get into business isn’t the same as giving them the support needed once they arrive. As entrepreneurs pass “break even” and reach the zone of profit and income, they may need to focus in on financial management skills, marketing plans or hiring that first employee in order to sustain profitability and strengthen their business.
To meet this under-served need, we have developed the eDev Actuator Program. The eDev Actuator has new tools to help microbusiness owners like you to self-assess and prioritize critical tasks and learning needs. We establish service agreements that define periods of six to eight months within which to address your needs. We propose strategies and tactics to address your needs and help you stay focused and on task. Feedback mechanisms help you track your progress. Most importantly, working together we can help you see the results of your learning. We believe that through this business development system, you and microbusiness owners like you can reach higher levels of business performance and increase wealth and assets.
Benefits:
- Accountability – helps you stay on task by giving you the support you need
- Focus – saves time, helps you get to your goals faster
- Visible results – progress reports that show the impact of your learning
It’s important to us because it means we will be serving you better. It’s important to you because not only will you achieve your goals faster, you will have the skills to go forward with more confidence and noticeable, measureable results.
If you are an existing business owner and would like to learn more about the eDev Actuator Program, contact Juli Brode 541-463-4627 or Donna McNeil 541-463-4609.
