Training Resource Library
The following articles, white papers, and publications are available from our training resource library.
Key Decisions for Business Owners - Royal Bank
Here are two questions every business owner should ask:
1) What business structure should I employ? Sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation?
2) How can I reduce taxes?
Key Decisions for Business Owners – Part 2 - Royal Bank
Accepting risk is a normal part of owning and operating a business. But what is you could reduce risk and plan for the unexpected? This article gives strategies for reducing various types of common business risks and insights into how to cope with the occurrence of an unexpected disruptive event.
Key Decisions for Business Owners – Part 3 - Royal Bank
Although it is often a tricky topic, planning for the business owner’s retirement ensures the continued strength of the business. However, succession planning (to be discussed in Part 4) can be a long and complicated process, and so advance retirement planning can aide in making better long-term decisions for both the company, and the business owner. This article discusses strategies to prepare for retirement and the eventual transfer or sale of the business.
Key Decisions for Business Owners – Part 4 - Royal Bank
Succession planning for family businesses can be an issue that is hard to navigate. This article discusses business owner exit options, and strategies for selling the business or transferring it to a family member.
From Downturn to Upside - Royal Bank
Whether the business is worth $1 million or $100 million, owners who are able to plan now for the inevitable succession of their business can find unconventional opporunities in these unconventional times.
Business Succession Planning - Where Do I Start? - Miller Thomson
There are numerous considerations on how to begin your business succession plan. But the heart of a business succession strategy is how to structure the transition to preserve the "wealth" of the business, regardless of who the successor is."
Grooming Your Business for Sale - KPMG
Getting your business ready for sale can improve the price you recieve and greatly reduce the time to complete a transaction.
Share Sale Best Strategy for Owners - KPMG
If you are considering selling your business, there are some key implications to keep in mind as you negotiate the sale.
Family Business - Succession Strategy
Sucession strategies for family business can be different from other companies, and often need special care.
Business Succession – Selling to a Third Party or your Management Team (Interview)
Business succession is a critical part of your company’s future, and may often involve selling to a third party or your management team. We asked two experts in business succession as it applies to selling a company (mergers & acquisitions) to comment on what they see happening in the marketplace today. Click the title above to read the interview.
Strategic Leadership Transitions: Passing the Torch
The economic crisis has thrown both the retirement and leadership-development plans of many design-firm professionals into disarray, but now that the shock is over and recovery strategies are in place, it is time to put leadership transition plans back on track.
Marketing in the“New Normal”
Is your company, like that of so many contractors, struggling to find profitable work and sell projects at levels that sustain profitability? As one of our clients says about the current market prices, “You can’t compete with stupid!”
The Work/Life Balancing Act
In recent years, the job market provided an environment in which employers had to fight to keep talented, happy employees. However, the current economic climate has changed this. With more and more cuts to employee benefits and workers being asked to do more with less, employees may begin to feel the company cares less about them and more about profit. An unappreciated employee will be more likely to go in search of something better once the economy rebounds.
Culture: The Heart and Soul of Your Business - HR Downloads
Corporate culture is “the behaviours, beliefs and characteristics of a particular group” and it affects all areas of your business and ultimately, your bottom line. Your organizational culture should be reflected in everything you do; beginning with your vision, mission, and values. This article outlines the basic components of corporate culture and strategies for cultivating a positive culture in your workplace.
Everyone Makes Mistakes: Common Mistakes Managers Make - HR Downloads
Everyone may make mistakes, but some people's mistakes - namely managers - have more potential for harm than others. This HR Downloads article looks at some of the most common mistakes that managers make and offers an action plan for how to avoid them.
Managing a Construction Firm on Just 24 Hours a Day by Matt Stevens
This book is well accepted in the construction industry by contractors, associations, sureties and universities. It contains 406 pages describing critical processes, 100+ illustrations/examples and 130+ best practices for the business of contracting. To purchase the book, which comes with 40 excel templates and 10 on-line courses, click here.
The Construction MBA by Matt Stevens
"The Construction MBA" is for those professionals who want current insights, processes and management thinking about profitable construction contracting. It is 464 pages in length which includes 15 case studies about construction contracting business issues. It is a summary of practices and processes of contractors who grow the "top line and bottom line at the same time". Click here for more info.
