Small Business Management Program

The SBM Year I program runs fall, winter, and spring terms with classroom sessions offered twice a month in the morning and evenings, as well as one-on-one personalized coaching sessions once a month. The one-on-one coaching is designed to fast-track implementation of key concepts and provides the small business owner with access to a professional business consultant. Owners will benefit from classroom sessions by learning from seasoned entrepreneurs. SBM Foundations consists of the three modules, listed below.

SBM Marketing Foundation Module 1

This marketing module delivers real results for your business. The focus is on all aspects of marketing with the goal of having each business leave the module with a marketing plan they can execute. Class topics include: value proposition, features and benefits, customer stages, marketing 101, building a plan, image and branding, internet, social media, email marketing, and personal selling skills and strategies. This module has five evening classes with personalized one-on-one coaching.

SBM Financial Foundation Module 2

This financial module delivers proven results for your business. The focus is on financial statements, accounting, and financing with the goal of having each business leave the module with a minimum of a cash-flow budget they can administer. Class topics include: accounting concepts, introduction to financial statements, understanding break-even and margins, cash-flow management, pricing, budgeting, taxes, working with accountants, and trends. This module consists of five evening classes with personalized one-on-one coaching.

SBM Operations Foundation Module 3

Having a plan and executing that plan is what this module is all about. At the core of every successful business is a well-run operation that understands employee issues, goal setting, customer service strategies, and more. Core operational concepts are the focus and the goal with each business finishing the module with a plan for managing workflow both in the short-term and in their future growth model. Class topics include: setting and achieving goals, planning, time management; customer service strategies; wealth building; legal and insurance issues; employee basics, recruitment and management; operational manuals; and team building. This module consists of five evening classes with personalized one-on-one coaching.

The SBM Year II Systems is focused on growing your business through understanding, creating, and implementing systems within your business. SBM Year II is designed for businesses with at least one full-time staff (owner/operator ok).

Class Topics Include:

• Strategic Planning
• Plan/do/check/act
• Introduction to the E-myth
• Project Management 101
  
• Performance Evaluations and Development
• Financial Statement Strategies and Ratios
• CRM Systems and Solutions
• Systems Thinking and Process Improvement
• Leadership and Ethics
• Advertising and Public Relations
• Class Customized Topics  

Continuing the unique combination of classroom sessions and one-on-one personal coaching, businesses work on mastering the earlier concepts while fine-tuning their operation with new material. SBM: Advanced Concepts is designed for businesses that have completed the SBM: Systems class. Class topics include:

• Workplace Profiles
•  Facilitation Skills
• Sales Management
• Board of Directors
• Sustainability
• Job Costing
• Budgeting Processes
• Risk Management
• Exit Strategies, and
• Customized Topics (based on class member interest)

This continuing education and support program is open only to graduates of the three-year SBM program. Alumni members can drop into any current SBM, get additional one-on-one business coaching, plus attend the annual “Alumni Only Business Roundtable.” This is the best way for SBM graduates to keep their skills fresh, their contacts growing, and their business on the right path.

Gary E. Smith, MBA, ECC, CB

Current Roles:

• Small Business Management Faculty at Lane Community College Small Business Development Center. Lead faculty in charge of the Small Business Management Program. The SBM program is a series of 35 classes designed to help business owners and managers with every aspect of improving the business side of the business. Voted Vice President of the Northwest Association of Small Business Management Instructors in 2009.

• Owner/Manager, CruiseOne, a full-service travel agency specializing in Cruises.

• Gary was the first and only Elite Cruise Counselor Scholar in Oregon.

• Gary was named Rookie of the Year in 2005 after being the fastest franchise to $750,000 in annual sales.

• Owner, On & On Inc., a consulting and corporate training company.

• Former Partner and COO of Good Clean Love, Inc , winner of the 2010 Willamette Angel Conference main prize of $165,000. GCL is a consumer products company of which I am now member of the Board of Directors.

• Certified Bookkeeper of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (2009)

Previous Roles:

• Owner, Andon Games, a manufacturer of PBM Games and intellectual properties

• Origins Award for Best PBM Game of 1988

• Owner, WordSmiths, a print and copy shop

• Owner, Andon Unlimited, a convention and trade show management firm

• Conventions ranging up to 20,000+, with 2.3MM in annual revenue

• Owner, Flying Dogs Café, a casual dining restaurant

• National Business Development Manager for Standard Register Company

• Business Technology Consultant & Project Management Specialist for Nationwide Insurance

Over 25 years of successful small business management combined with roles in Fortune 100 companies, Six Sigma Greenbelt certification, and a high level of technical knowledge that results in proven high-performance for both clients and employers.

Exceptional communication, leadership and management skills. BA in Organizational Leadership: Fall 2000 (4.0 GPA) with MBA: May 2003 (3.99 GPA).

Contact Information:

               Lane Small Business Development Center

               Lane Community College Downtown Campus

               101 W. 10th Ave., Suite 304, Eugene, OR  97401

               Office: 541.463.6208       E-Mail: smithge@lanecc.edu