Over the past couple of weeks I’ve met with numerous people to share the BizGrowth CHALLENGE. Its mission is to improve the local economy and quality of life in the CNMI by working collaboratively with organizations and experts to provide businesses with affordable resources to effectively achieve sustainable growth. Most of the responses have been very positive about the concept; however, the question that keeps popping up, and I believe is on the top of most individuals’ minds is: “How will this be different from the other conferences, forums, or other events held in the past?”
Previous events have produced some great ideas, created vision statements, and even developed some written plans in an attempt to encourage greater investment, bring in new businesses, and improve tourism with the end goal to improve the local economy. I’ve been to plenty of them, just like you. They’re exciting, fun, and energizing; however, after the free lunches are eaten, the lights are turned out in the meeting hall, and the off-island experts and speakers have flown back home, the big question is: “What do we have to show for it?”
This is a legitimate question that shows people are tired of NATO (which is a term I was told that the Governor likes to use), which aptly describes the main frustration most people have after attending another conference or forum. It stands for No Action, Talk Only! How true, and I think a lot of people are tired of the talk and want not only action, but accountability and results as our economy continues to slide down a slippery slope.
Therefore, to briefly answer the question about why I believe the CHALLENGE will be different, I’ve dubbed another acronym called MALT – More Action, Less Talk. You see, the Launch Symposium is only the beginning, because there is much more that will be happening throughout the entire 12 weeks of the CHALLENGE.
My goal is for the CHALLENGE to be something that motivates people to make a plan and take decisive action that produces results by connecting people with resources that can move them to the next stage of growth. In order to accomplish this, I’ve collaborated with some of Saipan’s best business people and reviewed my work with hundreds of businesses to examine those activities that offer the highest return for the least investment of time and money. What follows are only a few of the many benefits you can expect as a participant throughout the CHALLENGE:
BizGrowth CHALLENGE Launch Symposium – There will be two days of training, with the first on Wed., June 22nd devoted to helping new businesses get started and farmers to become more successful. The Launch on Thur., June 23rd is devoted to existing businesses, with a lot of hands-on activities and training sessions to reduce costs, market more effectively, improve customer service, discover additional sources of capital, tap into grants for businesses, etc. This is also where the first of several Challenges will be issued.
Strategic Growth Plan – You’ll receive a detailed document to help create a succinct, one-page growth plan to keep you focused on high-leverage activities that will let you achieve your goals in the shortest time possible.
Customer Service – You’ll receive articles, reports, worksheets, checklists and training to develop better customer service skills that can make the difference in whether someone buys and returns to your business.
Listing in an Online Directory – This will allow you to be found on the Internet and you can change pictures and text at any time. In addition, you can get valuable customer feedback from a rating and comment section. For an example, go to SaipanBestLiving.com and view MEGAbyte’s site by clicking on “Computer Sales & Repair” under the Resource Directory.
Mastermind Teams – This is one of the big secrets of the super-successful. They have mastermind teams that allow them to generate great ideas and get the support they need to see those ideas through to completion. You’ll learn how to create your own team, even if it’s just with your employees.
Barter Network – Learn how to save your valuable cash by bartering your assets with other businesses willing to trade for their goods and services.
Outsourcing Network – This concept is based on hiring individuals who obtain a business license on a project basis, instead of having to hire more full- or part-time employees. This depends on having a list of individuals who can get a business license and are willing to work on a project basis, and we’ll invite people to get their business license at the Wednesday Symposium.
Publicity & Recognition – During the CHALLENGE there will be lots of media coverage and some other ideas we are putting together that will make the event fun and entertaining. Your business will receive greater exposure throughout the event. As the different challenges are announced and completed, the top businesses will be recognized, and at the end of the 12 weeks the top businesses in different categories will be announced.
As you can see, the BizGrowth Launch Symposium is only the beginning of the support and activities that are designed to help grow the economy by assisting local companies to grow their businesses. If you would like to learn more about the CHALLENGE, or register and get the Strategic Growth Plan right away, as well as have your business listed on the online directory, email me at RikVillegas@gmail.com.
My ultimate desire is that many great things will come from this CHALLENGE. There are already some exciting announcements that will be made at the Launch Symposium, and I’m sure there will be more positive news and announcements while it is underway. I believe the BizGrowth CHALLENGE can be the catalyst to improve the economy as participants start to turn things around for their businesses, and provide the momentum and motivation to turn around the entire CNMI economy.
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