ask for directions training

For Start-up and Growing Entrepreneurs

TRAINING

Guidance from entrepreneurs: experts in their fields and business owners

COACHING

in groups and individually to help avoid mistakes you can’t see coming

COMMUNITY

Collaboration and encouragement from like-minded entrepreneurs who can share learning and ideas 

You’ve thought about starting a business – and you may have paused because of the conditions in the past year.
 
Maybe you have started your business… and are finding it a little overwhelming.
 
You aren’t alone.
 
When many of my clients start their businesses – they know the focus of their business but quickly discover they don’t have all the knowledge they need to set up a viable business… particularly in the economic conditions we’ve been experiencing. With change happening all around us, we need to stay current with what is going on and have the knowledge we need to adapt. 
 
That is why it’s important for your success to have these 3 critical resources

Ask For Directions training: was developed from the expanded Grow Vantage program that I took over in 2013. Over the years, aspects of business and coaching were added to the program pillars when I lead Grow Vantage 14 years ago.

I attended one of the original Grow Vantage programs in 2010 when we moved into the area. I recognized that this was a unique and effective approach to training entrepreneurs, both through the combination of community with training, and its ability to capitalize on the experience and expertise of trainers who are themselves entrepreneurs.

I felt it was so vital for early-stage entrepreneurs that I worked with the founder, taking over the company in 2013, and establishing a focus on strategy and coaching sessions to make it even more effective. Like the founder of that program, I’m committed to helping entrepreneurs survive and thrive through a mission to help new entrepreneurs develop solid businesses that allow them to achieve the lifestyle they desire.

Check the course line-up below!

Have Questions Before Your Session?

Explore the Program

Discovery Call

Classes are delivered by entrepreneurial experts and  pre-recorded. They are accessible at any time. Group coaching calls are held most weeks, with a coach and class instructor to answer any questions.

And stay tuned for our next program launch in the next few weeks.

  • Extensive knowledge in all areas of business

    “Patricia is a kind and thoughtful mentor, always providing important information in all areas of business in order to promote success. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Patricia and benefit from her extensive business knowledge.”
    Elaine C.

  • Not Just Winging It

    “A saving grace for any new business owner wanting to learn all the components of starting a business instead of just ‘winging it.’ Patricia is brilliant, knowledgeable, resourceful and an amazing mentor. She is constantly cheering you on, connecting you to the community and wanting to see you grow and succeed.”
    Becky K.

  • Life changing — my business has taken off

    “Transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, I was very much in need of assistance with my new venture. I was also looking for community. I found both of these… and I had something unexpected happen… I am not exaggerating when I say that this course was life changing for me. I realized how much I had become stuck in certain patterns and how I could change them. It was incredible. After a very challenging first few years, my business has now taken off and is doing well.”
    Martin A.

  • I’m prepared for future growth

    “I was originally hesitant to sign up as I believed I would be fine on my own, but Patricia had already given me great advice outside of the program, and all the graduates I spoke to had great things to say. Now, over halfway through the program, I am very grateful for the information and the emotional support I have received to help me through the business process. It has given me strategies on how to improve my marketing and sales, ideas on how to develop other parts of the business, and helped prepare me for future growth.”
    Julia H.

  • Made it simple to take effective action

    “Even after 8 years of entrepreneurship, I am still subject to bouts of feeling lost in my business. Strategy can be elusive when new opportunities drop in… Patricia nailed it early and expertly guided the discussion in a way that everyone received several valuable ideas, contacts, and insights. I felt better about my situation and as I settled, it was a simple thing to choose a strategic direction and take effective action.”
    Karen K.

Here are the classes that are involved:

Classes are delivered by entrepreneurial expert trainers and are pre-recorded for any-time access. Group coaching calls are held most weeks, with a coach and class instructor to answer any questions.

Pre-Module: Your entrepreneurial and money mindsets

Pre-Module:

In preparation for your course, a bonus module explores two critical aspects of mindset in your business development: money and entrepreneurship.

Module 1: Your Business Structure

We’ll discuss your business idea, while we validate the problem it solves, and the characteristics of your ideal client. To map out your business, we’ll work on your Flourishing Business Model Canvas to stitch together elements of your business, including your structure, registration, business name and your client base.

Module 2: Branding and Marketing Your Business

Your branding, messaging and marketing strategies allow you to define your positioning, so that you can find and serve your ideal clients. We’ll explore strategies for your content, and marketing tools, and take the basic marketing steps that are necessary before you think about advertising.

Module 3: Financial Preparation for your Business

This module takes a comprehensive dive into all the financial tools you will need as a business owner. That includes your pricing approach, financing your start-up, setting up your books, avoiding debt and preparing for taxes (while you learn how to avoid audits).

Module 4: Communications and Relationship Tools and Skills

Communication and relationship skills are critical for entrepreneurial businesses. To help you on that journey we’ll examine communications strategies and the styles that will improve your relationships, as well as the methods we use to attract clients and build engagement, as you develop your personal brand. We will learn techniques that make networking and the sales process authentic, and successful. We take the “ick” out of the sales process.

Module 5: Marketing Tools

We’ll dive into a number of marketing and communications platforms which allow you to focus on the strategies that you will use to communicate with your ideal clients. These approaches include current trends and latest tactics on: social media, video tools, advertising planning, media relations, PR strategies, and website trends.

Module 6: Protect Your Business

This module covers training to avoid business areas which can be vulnerable to error or confusion, include accounting, cash flow and your relationship with tax agencies, as you attain stable financials. Another area that protects your business is ensuring that your privacy policies and contracts are in place and are aligned with current legislation. Finally, protecting yourself as the business owner, through personal insurance is critical for the protection of your business as well.  

Module 7 Preparing For Growth (and eventual exit)

Establishing efficiency is an important goal for entrepreneurs, using systems and apps, including AI to manage repetitive tasks, and extend your interactions with customers. This module is about expansion, including the principles you’ll need to be familiar with for human resources as well as  planning for your growth. Finally, determining information about business exit will give you better information on your growth direction.

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Strategy Call

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