Small Business Institute

David HammittSBI Coordinator

Agenda

• Consulting Project Procedure– Guidelines – How to

• Resources

• Project Allocation

Small Business Institute

• Founded 1978

• Aided 600 Companies/Student Teams

• Top in the Nation

Consulting Project

Project Guideline

• Project package– Client’s SBI application– Photo Release Form (for client)– Student Team Checklist– Invoice– Thank you Letter

• sbi.unm.edu

Entry Interview

• Entry Interview– Analysis of Project– All team members and Instructor must

attend– Photograph of group with client• Send photograph to Sbi@unm.edu

– Final Meeting Scheduled

Engagement Letter

• Engagement Letter– Outline of project work– Final Meeting Scheduled– Instructor Approved

• Engagement letter deadline –Wednesday, February 19

– Photo, Client release form

Final Meeting

• A formal presentation of findings to client– All team members and instructor must

attend– Client will sign acknowledgement receipt– Presenting of written report

Documentation

• Document All Work on the Project– Time Logs

– Progress Reports for every meeting

–Minimum of 6 Meetings

Time Log

• Team members must maintain individual time log– Team leaders should collect time log end

of semester

• Cumulative time log for team should be included in final report

• All time spent on project should be documented

Time Log

Final Report

• Final Report due

Monday, May 5

• sbi@unm.edu

• Two copies of the report

– One for Client, One for Instructor

– Acknowledgement Receipt

Best Case Competition

• National level– Submitted from Graduate and

Undergraduate Classes

– 2012• “The Community Lighthouse”

• “Lightning V8”

Preparing Consulting Report

Introduction

• Format of report contingent on client needs

• Previous year reports available for reference–Must sign out materials with LoboID– Sbi.unm.edu

Mandatory Report Contents

1. Cover with company logo

2. Title page

3. Table of contents

4. Executive summary

5. Introduction page

6. Sections and Chapters

7. A conclusion– “Solutions Recommended and Implemented” and

“Solutions Recommended but not Implemented”

Mandatory Report Contents

8. Footnotes and/or bibliography9. Exhibits and/or Appendices 10. Materials for grading and

competitive judging A letter to instructor highlighting main

issues and recommendations Any correspondence with client** Progress reports A cumulative time log Acknowledgement receipt

Report Contents added by SBI

Photograph of team with client

Filled SBI application Signed copy of engagement

letter All Student Confidentiality and Photo

Forms

Evaluation of Report

Content based on Instructor

SBI Requirements

See Student Checklist

Neatness, Professionalism, relevance,

thoroughness of research, and

implementation

Presentation (both written and oral)

Consulting Tips

Ethical Consideration

• Confidentiality• Client permission for logo and

trademarks• Relationship of mutual respect• Restrictions– Cannot accept gift from client– Cannot act as a paid consultant– Cannot assist in obtaining loans

Team Work

• Shared responsibility Effective team

• Good leadership Effective team

• Effective team Professional report

Leader’s Responsibilities

• All SBI/Client Contact

• Keeping Instructor Appraised

• Final Time Log

• Progress Reports

Client Relationship

• Don’t bite off more than you can chew!• Be dependable• Do not expect to know all answers• Be considerate of your client’s time,

experience, and opinion• Help your client become self sufficient• Develop effective working relationship

with client

Language and Communication

• Clarity in communication

• Art of listening

• Courtesy

Points for Successful Consulting

Use an objective, professional, and positive approach that focuses on your client's needs

Encourage your client to talk about the business in depth

Show empathy and respect for your client Apply your expertise without proving you are an

expert

Points for Successful Consulting continued

Ask questions and perform research that will help you uncover the root problem, as evidenced by the symptoms

Apply thorough analysis to your research and information before reaching conclusions or determining recommendations

Make clear recommendations that are consistent with your client's objectives and his/her ability to implement them

Keep your faculty case supervisor well informed about problems and progress

Resources

• Instructor• SBI Office• Parish Librarians

• Sbi.unm.edu

Examples

• Dry Cleaner

• SFPD

• Major Point:Go and observe

Project Allocation