Propel – Evolve & Innovate Cohort 1
Welcome to Your Cohort Workspace! Here, you’ll find information about this workspace that is specific to you, as a Propel member in Evolve & Innovate Cohort 1.
MyPropel
The MyPropel section of your workspace is where you’ll find various frequently accessed items. Whether you’re looking for a program overview, or information about your fellow cohort members, you’ve come to the right place!
Monthly Sessions
Small Business Financial Documentation: Tools for Financial Success Micro-Credential
Micro-credential Start: May 2022
Micro-credential Completion: June 30, 2022
To register for this micro-credential, please click here and use promo code: WESK
Micro-credentialing is the most rapid and innovative way to upskill with short, focused learnings! WESK has partnered with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to offer this micro-credential as part of the Propel program.
Module Overview
This is a self-paced micro-credential that focuses on business financial statements and ratios, and a basic accounting principle. Review the key statements, ratios, and the information in the financial statements to determine the health of a business. Inside this micro-credential you will participate in the following micro-learnings:
1. Assets, Liabilities, Equity, and Net Worth
2. Business Financial Statements
3. Financial Condition of a Business
Sales Tools for Success Micro-Credential
Micro-credential Start: TBD
Micro-credential Completion: TBD
More information coming soon!
Module Overview
This is a self-paced micro-credential that focuses on utilizing the ultimate sales toolbox. Learn the effective use of social media regarding sales, insight-based selling techniques, and communication techniques to set your clients at ease.
Optional Micro-Credentials
More information coming soon!
Propel Opening Retreat
Date: June 16
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Join through ZOOM.
Agenda
9:00 am: Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:05 am: Propel Overview
9:25 am: Growth Strategy Workshop with Kellie Garrett
11:25 am: Coffee Break
11:30 am: Cohort Breakout Rooms facilitated by WESK
Kellie Garrett
Kellie Garrett is an executive coach and speaker who consults on all things leadership and teaches the work of Brené Brown. Well-versed in the perils and positives of power, Kellie Garrett describes herself as a ‘recovering executive’. A former senior VP at Farm Credit Canada, she was responsible for business strategy, enterprise risk management, the customer experience, and reputation management. She is a communication expert, named Master Communicator and Fellow by the International Association of Business Communicators. Honours include Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women and Top 25 Women of Influence, and the Red Cross (SK) Humanitarian Award for autism advocacy.
Kellie is passionate about helping others get out of their own way to reach their potential. She also loves wine, flower gardening and she used to love travelling…
Understanding Your Profit Model Workshop
Live Session Date: June 21
Live Session Time: 9 am
Module Summary
In this module, you will develop a firm grasp of the different profit models, and which will suit your business needs best. A profit model is a plan that sets your course with the goal of making your business viable and profitable. While there are many options out there, this module will have you well on your way to determining which profit model works best for you. You will walk away with the ability to implement and/or refine your strategic business design plan.
Objective
Learn how to maximize your profit through strategic business design.
Competencies
- Exploring the different business design models and their advantages
- Understanding which design works best for your business
Determining your Competitive Advantage through Market Research
Live Session Date: July 26
Live Session Time: 9 am
Module Summary
This module focuses on the importance of understanding your competitive landscape and how you can turn your competitive advantage into a revenue-generating powerhouse. All businesses have indirect and direct competitors, and it is integral to determine who they are, who their customers are, what they do differently, and how they operate. Through the process of research, you will develop an understanding of your competitive advantage (what gives you your edge over competitors) and be able to determine your unique selling proposition (a short sentence on why you are better and why customers should come to you). You will walk away from this module with an arsenal of information to implement or adjust your existing strategic business plan and marketing strategy.
Objective
Learn how leveraging your competitive advantage can propel your business forward.
Competencies
- Exploring your competitive landscape (market research, SWOT, etc.)
- Determining your unique selling proposition
Practical Digital Marketing
Live Session Date: September 27
Live Session Time: 9 am
Module Summary
This module supports the development and implementation of your marketing strategy and which tactics are best utilized through digital marketing. Truly understanding and connecting with your customer base, through targeted messaging, is the catalyst that fuels your sales funnel. Time may be a scarce resource but learning to effectively craft and deploy brand-reinforcing messages will propel your business even further.
Objective
Learn how a strong digital marketing presence can skyrocket your profitability.
Competencies
- Understand the two dominant digital marketing drivers: SEO/SEM and social media.
- Understand sales funnels – what they are, why you need one, how to convert them into sales.
Growth Plan Template Workshop
Live Session Date: October 12
Live Session Time: 9 am
Shad Ali
One of Shad’s core beliefs is that true growth and development comes from an intense understanding of self and a commitment to support and develop the capacity of others to realize their dreams and their potential. With a strong involvement and commitment to community, he has worked with a number of Canada’s leading universities and charities including: McGill University, McMaster University, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Nature Canada, Sick Kids Foundation, Covenant House, The Lung Association, and Canadian Red Cross. Shad is a Certified Personal Behaviour Analyst, Certified Personal Values Analyst, and a Certified Fund Raising Executive.
Shad’s leadership roles have included service with leading organizations such as: Saskatchewan Association of Human Resource Professionals; Canadian Society of Association Executives; and Association of Fundraising Professionals. Shad has presented at several conferences on topics such as: Strategic Planning, Building High Performance Teams, Leadership Dynamics, Dynamic Communications, Breakthrough Growth Strategies, and many other topics.
Shad is considered a thought leader in areas such as: Leadership; Business Growth; Leading High Performing Teams; Organization Development; Talent Management; Assessment of Behaviour, Motivation, Emotional Intelligence and Core Competencies; Philanthropy and Fundraising; Not-for-profit Management/Leadership.
Introduction to the Growth Plan Template:
Concept
- A plan that is focused on planning for and achieving growth in your business
- Not just another generic business plan – the intent is to use this tool to analyze different aspects of your business with a growth lens and tailor it to your growth goals
Objectives
- Learn key concepts that can positively affect the growth of your business and use the Growth Plan Template to plan for growth and achieve accelerated success.
- Today, you will participate in workshop style sessions, group discussions, and a scenario-based activity to advance learning and explore key topics.
Role of Consultant
- To work with WESK to develop a custom resource for participants, and to introduce the resource and how to use it, setting everyone up for success
- We hired OnPurpose Leadership because they have extensive experience working with organizations to assess and improve growth strategy to reach new success.
Customer Experience Essentials
Live Session Date: October 25
Live Session Time: 9 am
Join through ZOOM.
Module Summary
Everyone knows how important customer service is to not only your customer but to your brand. In truth, customer service is only one aspect that lies within the customer experience. Your customer’s experience is the total sum of their interactions with you throughout their entire customer journey, and it starts well before they walk through your door or press add to cart online. This module will have you looking holistically at your customer’s journey and pinpointing where enhancements can be made to elevate the entire experience that will have them coming back for more.
Objective
Understand how your customer experience strategy can rocket you into a league of your own.
Competencies
- Understand your customers and their expectations
- Learn how to create an emotional connection with them
- Learn the importance of real-time customer feedback and taking action
Business Plan Refresh
Live Session Date: November 22
Live Session Time: 9 am
Join through ZOOM.
Module Summary
The bottom line is that your business is only as strong as your weakest link. A business that propels forward does not leave the pillars of business to chance. This module meticulously looks at all aspects of your business at this moment and pushes you to take it one step further. Are you ready to realize the fruits of your strategic planning? It’s go time!
Objective
Understand how each pillar of business plays an important, continuous role in the growth and profitability of your business.
Competencies
- Understand the importance of accurate financial tracking and what the statements say about overall business health
- Identify how short, medium, and long-term actions/plans can improve profitability – based on the 5 business plan pillars
- Identify common business risks and anticipate how to avoid them and/or reduce their impacts
The Art of Selling
Live Session Date: December 13
Live Session Time: 9 am
Join through ZOOM.
Module Summary
Selling is truly an art form, something that gets better and easier with experience. It is an imperative business skill and allows you to succinctly state your proposition and sells the opportunity to your target audience. So, where do you start honing your skills? This module will break down the elements of the successful sell and have you singing in no time. No matter where you are on your business journey it is never too early (or too late!) to have your pitch polished and ready for action.
Objective
- Present successfully to secure sales and or resources to catapult your business forward
- Linking the value of your product/service to your audience’s need.
Competencies
- Learn and hone key presentation skills (soft skills: interpersonal, EQ, reading the room; how to build out a successful presentation; etc.)
- Understand the importance of building relationships and networking
- Understand perception of value amongst different audiences (What does a client look for? An investor? Networking?)
- Understand how to tailor your presentation based on the audience
- Learn the basic elements of pitching (succinct, authentic, repeatable)
Pitching to a Panel of Established Entrepreneurs
Module Summary
Welcome to your capstone event! This month is THE month that you’ve been working so hard for over the last 6 modules. You know the ins and outs of your business, have nailed down your strategic growth plan, and you’ve learned and developed a rock-solid pitch. Now it is time for you to take center stage and pitch that plan you worked so hard to perfect to a panel of esteemed local entrepreneurs. You will walk away from this experience with invaluable feedback to propel your business into the future.
Resource Library
Have you checked out our library of resources, including webinars, blog posts, and templates, and more? Visit our new and improved Resource Library!
Questions?
If you have questions about Propel, contact us.
Jaimie Polsom
Program Coordinator
jpolsom@wesk.ca
(306) 359-9725