Why Choose Concierge Business Solutions®?

  How much does a software demo cost?

  How much does the software cost?

  Is there any consulting included with the software?

  What is typically covered under ‘Consulting’?

  How do you create Policies and Procedures?

  What does ‘Automation’ mean?

  How do you help with Reporting Tools?

  What is Process Engineering?

  What are Metrics Programs?

  What is included with a Business Analysis?

  What is a SWOT analysis?

  What is an Action Plan?

  What does ‘management by exception’ mean?

  What kind of industries do you help?

  What if I just have one question?

 

Why Choose Concierge Business Solutions®?

Concierge Business Solutions® is the result of nearly 40 years of corporate experience in business operations managment. Ms. Spoor has a passion for helping small businesses succeed. Whether you need software, consulting, reporting tools, training or procedures, Concierge Business Solutions® will deliver and in many cases, the cost savings or business growth will more than pay for the cost of these services.

 

How much does a software demo cost?

The Concierge Business Solutions Essential Elements™ software demo is free. It takes about two hours and we hold them typically at least once a week. Because we are in the PST time zone we generally offer the demo at 7am, 8am or 9am; however we are flexible and will schedule a demo that works for your time zone and schedule.

 

How much does the software cost?

The Concierge Business Solutions Essential Elements™ software is offered through a licensing agreement. The initial setup and monthly fees are based on the number of clients you have which directly affects the amount of server space you’ll need. Yearly hosting and daily backup fees are currently included in the monthly license fee.

 

Is there any consulting included with the software?

Yes, all questions related to software is included in the license fee. Also, until further notice, we are including process consulting with the software purchase so you have the best opportunity for success. So far our licensees have not abused this privilege so it has not been necessary to limit the amount of consulting time requested. We do, however, reserve the right to limit it if we so desire.

 

What is typically covered under ‘Consulting’?

Consulting includes all process support, problem resolution, action plans, business analysis, assistance with proposals, any ‘how do I?’ questions, etc. Business analysis is better done on site where we can discuss processes with your employees, but it can also be done via conference call. With technology what it is, it is possible to hold FaceTime, Go to Meeting and other meeting types.

The way we do consulting is we schedule an appointment, and then we ask you to send a list of questions. Even though you are free to deviate from the list of questions, having a list tends to ensure you receive the best value for your time.

We set up consulting accounts in a minimum three (3) hour block. The time does not have to be used all at once and never expires. When the account reaches a half hour or less, it is automatically renewed. Renewals are in three (3) hour increments plus any deficit.

We do offer better rates for larger hour blocks. Ask us!

 

How do you create Policies and Procedures?

We work with you to define your processes, and then we document those processes. Procedures can include step-by-step instructions, images to illustrate the steps, flowcharts or all three. It really depends on the type of business and the process being documented. Policies are typically words and sometimes forms. Often policies include a signature block so employers can have the employees acknowledge they’ve been informed about the policy.

In some cases, we have existing policies and procedures that can be adapted to your needs. Since we bill for the time to create these documents, having existing templates can save you a considerable amount of time and expense.

 

What does ‘Automation’ mean?

We want your company to be as efficient as possible. Oftentimes, entrepreneurs have no idea what is available in the way of apps or software that can save them time, effort and money. We will either help you find the best solution OR we can create a custom solution for you. Our IT people are very experienced and can almost always solve your non-billable problems. Or, we can write the technical specs your own IT people will need to program the solutions you need. We are happy to work with your IT or provide one for you. What’s better? Paying to do things over and over and the time you spend is not billable or paying once for a solution that will automate that task or activity or data collection and then you are freed up to pursue new business opportunities (or to take some time off??).

 

How do you help with Reporting Tools?

The very first question we ask anyone when we walk into (physically or virtually) a new client is “If you could have anything you want, what would make your job easier?” It is amazing how many times we are able to satisfy that desire and simply their lives either via process or reporting tools. If you have an existing software business operating system, we may be able to pull directly from your system. In other cases, we can write the technical specs your own IT people will need to program the reporting tools you need. We are happy to work with your IT or provide one for you.

 

What is Process Engineering?

The act of process engineering means to perform an evaluation of each process in your company to see if there is waste and if so, determining the best way to eliminate that waste with a goal to improve efficiencies and productivity. There is always waste or at least, a better more streamlined way to do your tasks and we can help you figure that out.

 

What are Metrics Programs?

Metrics programs are measurements of the processes within your company that will indicate whether or not your company is on track to meet your goals and objectives. Metrics programs use a PDCA (Plan Do Check Act) methodology wherein failures within each process are identified, then a root cause analysis is performed, then corrective actions are employed and finally, the cycle begins again. The important factors in any Metrics program are to select the correct processes to measure and to review them using a regular frequency.

Why do we need a Metrics program?

It is a proven fact that what gets measured improved. A business should strive for continuous process improvement. The more you improve, the more profitable your company.

 

What is included with a Business Analysis?

There are all sorts of business analyses and it is recommended you have a consultation with us to best determine how to proceed. The most important aspect is that the Business Analysis evaluates those things that are most important to you.

Most business analyses include a SWOT analysis and ‘as is’ / ‘to be’ recommendations for your company processes. Your company many benefit from a Metrics program, additional reporting tools or some type of system automation. All of these options are considered during a Business Analysis.

 

What is a SWOT analysis?

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. During a Business Analysis, each of those four areas are reviewed and then from this analysis, an Action Plan can be developed.

 

What is an Action Plan?

An Action Plan is an outline of the steps you should take to further your goals and business objectives. It may include marketing strategies, networking opportunities, education & training recommendations, investment options and many more tasks and action items.

 

What does ‘management by exception’ mean?

If you’ve ever heard of the 80/20 rule, you know that 80% of your issues reside in 20% of your …. (products, processes, inventory etc). Management by exception means focusing your efforts on the 20% where you can get the most value for your effort (and save a ton of time and money). Why look at everything if only 20% is causing you headaches?

 

What kind of industries do you help?

We help all sorts of industries – service, health care, manufacturing, food service, lifestyle management, fashion, finance …. Really any sort of company. Business is business and we draw on our 40+ years of corporate experience to analyze and recommend the best possible course for your company.

 

What if I just have one question?

We really appreciate that you understand and respect that knowledge is a commodity just like any other service business. We have a one hour minimum for the first time client and single questions are at a higher rate. If you have just one question, we will do our best to answer it within that first hour. Answers that take less than one hour are still subject to the one hour minimum. This offer applies only to the first time you contact us. Existing clients and ongoing clients are exempt from this one time, one hour offer.