Enrollment options
Optional
Supplies:
- Print Course Material - Business Skills: Business Administration
- Mills, Elizabeth Shown, Professional Genealogy: A manual for researchers, writers, editors, lecturers and librarians (2001; reprint, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 2012).
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Once you have set up your small business, it is not enough to simply sit back, wait for clients to come to you, and provide your services. In order to keep the business viable and successful, you must focus ongoing attention on its overall operation and growth.
This course will identify the various elements involved in keeping a business strong, and will educate you on how to accomplish these. Examples will be drawn from the businesses of providing genealogy and personal history services. Assignments and exercises will offer practical application of the material and opportunities to explore different methods and tools available to the small business owner.
It is recommended that the student complete the course, Business Skills: Creating a Genealogy Business first or have at least written a business plan and started a business before embarking on this course.
Course Length: 7 weeksMODULE 1
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Introduction
Review of Business Plan
Strategic Planning Process
Review of Mission and Vision Statements
Ethics
Key Advisors/Advisory Board
Products/Services
Celebrating Achievements and Milestones
Growing Your Business
Home Office Considerations
Plans for Exiting Your Business
Legal Considerations
SWOT Analysis
Additional Resources
GLOSSARY/DEFINITION OF TERMS
MODULE 2
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Financial Management
Project Management/Timekeeping
MODULE 3
MARKETING AND SALES
Sales Management
Prospect Management
Evaluating the Sales Process
Proposals
Marketing Management
MODULE 4
CLIENT MANAGEMENT
Client Contact/Correspondence/Email
Contracts/Service Agreements/Letters of Understanding
Relationship
Feedback & Evaluations from Clients/Testimonials
Referral
Suggesting Additional Services
MODULE 5
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Professional Image
Professional Connections/Associations
Collaborations with Other Professionals
Subcontracting with Service Providers
Education and Training
Time Management
Space Management
Human Resources
Vendor Management
Equipment and Software
Additional Resources
MODULE 6
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Reasons for Policies and Procedures
Writing/Reviewing/Revising
Special Considerations of Client Resolution Policy for Complaints
Establishing a Reporting Procedure
Conclusion