What a Difference a Week Makes

A little over a year ago I met a new friend who introduced himself to me as a business consultant. Let me provide you with some background. He is a graduate of Cornell and taught at Harvard for a period of time. He has worked in the Carter White House, served under Reagan for both terms, and also the first Bush presidency. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to meet with some of the most influential people in the country. The work he was empowered to do was, in part, as a consultant on a variety of issues. He was planning to help with me a few months ago but circumstances beyond our control prevented this. Now that the path is clear, he is back in the picture and I am excited about the prospect.

Here is one way he will be able to help me. Over the past 20+ years, I have gathered a good deal of knowledge about this industry we call financial services. I have read books, attended seminars, attained designations, and diligently applied myself to my vocation. I have a compiled a lot of ideas, some of which I have implemented but many of which are still ideas or at least, in the very early stages of development. Though I possess some degree of knowledge and experience, I find with all of these moving parts, it has been a challenge bringing everything together into a cohesive plan. I was aware that I needed to create a strategic business plan but I also knew I didn’t possess the knowledge required and would have to spend time learning what to do. Of course I could buy software, some perhaps with a wizard to walk me through the process, but I didn’t know which one to buy or even if it would be any good. The bottom line, I thought I was just too busy to do it. With his assistance and guidance, we are going to craft a mission statement and a strategic business plan.

I am optimistic about what this will bring. I’ll keep you posted.