Frequently Asked Questions
What is Growth?
How does the program unfold?
Will I be embarrassed by my lack of financial knowledge?
Is this like many university courses that are theoretical?
Is there anyone who can give me some hands-on help?
Does this program help me to network?
Are there any pre-requisites to joining the program?
What is the cost of the program?
How do I get value from this investment?
Will you do a hard sell on me?
What if one of my competitors is on the program?
When do programs start?
When do you schedule the workshops?
Who are your presenters on the program?
How can I get more information?
Q. What is Growth?
In the context of the program, growth can mean either
• Making the business larger (eg increase turnover, open more outlets), or
• Improving the performance (including profitability) of the business at existing or reduced levels as well as improving your lifestyle.
We have graduates of the Growth Manager Program who have cut markets, reduced their turnover, cut staff levels and are infinitely more profitable. Growth can be different things to different people, but the thrust of the program is about improving profitability and the key decision makers (ie owners/managers) being less “hands on”.
Q. How does the program unfold?
The Growth Manager Program (like the Growth Owner Program) initially focuses on analysing the business. Participants, with their mentors to assist them (see below regarding mentors), conduct an objective review of their business and its potential for growth. Often work is required to be done to prepare the business for growth (eg laying the foundations for growth by introducing systems, solving HR issues, improving financial reporting systems, etc). It is important to do this properly and develop a plan to achieve a stable foundation for growth. In fact, for some participants this process alone takes much of the program to achieve.
Q. Will I be embarrassed by my lack of financial knowledge?
Absolutely not. The accounting module is designed for non-accountants. The vast majority of our clients are not comfortable at all with using their financial accounts to assist them manage the business. Many are not able to fully understand their P&L and Balance Sheet. Many participants find this module the most beneficial for them as it has a large (and immediate) impact on the performance of their business. The financial analysis helps identify, in part, the profitable and non-profitable areas of the business. After this analysis people often make changes to their business to make it more profitable.
Q. Is this like many university courses that are theoretical?
No. All of the Curtin Growth Programs are practical and results oriented. Program numbers are kept small (18 – 24 people) so that individual attention can be given. We use relevant case studies and have group discussions of issues.
Q. Is there anyone who can give me some hands-on help?
A unique feature of the program is that each participant is matched with an experienced mentor or business coach. Participants spend a total of 15 hours one-on-one with their mentor (at mutually convenient places and times). The mentor is not a consultant and will not "do it for you". However, they will sit at your shoulder and help you learn to do it yourself. Our clients often find that it is “lonely at the top” and they value the relationship with their mentor - particularly as the mentor can look at their business objectively and offer impartial advice. These relationships sometimes continue on for years after the program. Our mentors are all involved in business or are retired after years of being in business. They are experienced at counselling and guiding small business people.
Q. Does this program help me to network?
One important benefit of the program is that you are instantly plugged into a new network. You spend a full day every 3 weeks for the best part of a year with about 20 like-minded people. Participants learn a lot from each other (particularly in the lunch room when people can exchange ideas and experiences to assist each other). If you have a problem there is bound to be at least one person in the group who has faced that problem and solved it. The room is full of free consultants!
Q. Are there any pre-requisites to joining the program?
Most of our clients have had little formal education and have learnt on the job. The Growth Manager program has been developed with this in mind and people who have not completed high school are at no disadvantage. There are no pre-requisites other than having a willingness to learn and participate.
Q. What is the cost of the program?
The all-inclusive cost of the program is $6,500. Payment is made by an initial deposit of $1,500 and then 5 monthly instalments of $1,000.
Q. How do I get value from this investment?
We realise that this is a significant investment in money and time to undertake the program and acknowledge that you need to be well assured that you will get excellent value from the program. We will help you analyse the benefits of the program and its applicability to you. We try hard to ensure that all participants get good value from their investment.
Q. Will you do a hard sell on me?
No. We are not in the business of pressing people into something that is not really suitable for them. This does no-one any good. The best way to get an understanding of the program is to attend an information session where we will present the merits of the program. We can also provide introductions to people in a similar position to you who have done the program. In the end, we try hard to give you sufficient information to allow you to make an informed decision about the program and if it will meet your requirements.
Q. What if one of my competitors is on the program?
We ensure that there are no competitors on your program so that participants can share information and experiences freely. Once someone has committed to the program (by completing the registration form) they have the first right of refusal if we think a competitor is showing interest in joining the same program.
Q. When do programs start?
We run two programs a year with up to 24 people in each (average about 22). In 2008 we will run programs in March and September.
Q. When do you schedule the workshops?
We schedule the training days to suit business people. All the workshops are single days (9am - 4.30 pm). We do not train during school holidays, around Easter and the end of Financial Year. The dates for the program are given to you before the program begins.
We have found that business people do not have the time to be away from the office for days on end, and learn more effectively if they are given two or three key pieces of information to take away and implement rather than have five consecutive days worth of information presented to them and none of it is implemented.
Q. Who are your presenters on the program?
The delivery of the program is done by external presenters. They are accountants, management consultants, marketing consultants and professional facilitators, most of whom run their own businesses.
Q. How can I get more information?
Please contact the Program Manager, Phil Doyle on 9266-4555 or email Julie – j.wigmore@curtin.edu.au to get more information or the dates of the next program.
