CHAPTER LIST

OVERVIEW

So far in this book, we've concentrated on looking at market and industry conditions, assessing your personal and company capabilities and resources, establishing company goals and strategy, identifying your place in the market, and creating a plan to generate business opportunities.

Developing strategic business and marketing plans and creating a flow of business are great accomplishments, but they are only half the battle. Once you have your plans in place, you must develop a company organization with the capability to produce the results you expect, even if you are a "one-person show" at this time. Ultimately, the success of your business hangs on the competency and effectiveness of your organization!

As president, CEO, and founder, it's up to you to make sure your company is organized properly to take advantage of business opportunities, compete effectively, perform the work successfully, manage the risks, and protect your bottom line. Only you can turn your operation into a living, breathing organism that can deliver top-quality service to your customers.

SETTING UP YOUR "DREAM" COMPANY

You can determine the shape of your company at any given time by considering three important questions:

1. What is your business volume and anticipated growth?

2. What are your team's capabilities and experience?

3. What financial resources do you have available to invest in your organization?

Of course, developing a company that perfectly balances these variables is difficult. Jack Osborn, industry expert and attorney, observed, "It...