Getting ready for business
If you made it to this point it means you have an approved product, a business name and a business team. CONGRATULATIONS!
Be Accountable
- Although many entrepreneurs specifically go into business to be their “own boss,” the truth is that we are all accountable to someone (a boss, investor, partner, or customer).
- People often perform better when they know they are accountable to someone else. Extensive research shows that people make better choices, perform more efficiently, and behave more ethically when they know someone will hold them to a higher standard.
- What might the ramifications be if entrepreneurs weren’t accountable to their investors or customers?
customers might lose interest in or loyalty to a product and might find a product alternative; the business might suffer financially; investors might lose faith in the business’s ability to succeed and may no longer invest in you or your business.
As leaders, you are accountable to the others in your team. You need to do your part and do it well. The others are counting on you!
Countdown to Launch
1 – Company Charter
The Company Charter this is your company registration and bylaws document. The leader of your Business Team will discuss this with you in today’s meeting. You can change details in the body of the document. If you make changes, you will need to email them to program-manager@jaskn.org
A mentor will bring a printed copy of your amended document to the Saturday Business Meeting for your team to sign off on the Charter Document. The Mentor is also required to sign it and will then submit the completed copy to JA on your behalf.
2 – Business Snapshot
The information for the snapshot will come directly from the Business Teams Task List. When you receive the approved Charter you will have just one week to complete and submit the Snapshot. You should spend some time working on this during your Saturday mentorship session.
3 – Product/Service Development
Now that you have an approved product/service you can begin working on its development. Your Tuesday and Thursday session will become more about this aspect of the business, also known as the operational phase, going forward. There will also be self-guided learning sessions to help you navigate certain elements of your development.
4 – Leadership Style
Each leader on your team should prepare to give a 60 sec introduction of him/herself on camera. You must give your name, the name of your business, the role you play and what you will do to make sure that the business is successful. You may want to plan a day next week when you will do this so that you can look your best. 🙂
5 – Launch Presentation
You may find it useful to prepare a PowerPoint presentation to guide you through the introduction of your business on launch day. It is up to you how many persons present but each leader must be ready to answer questions specific to their role.
6 – Support
Saturdays will continue to be reserved for Business Meetings. There will always be at least one mentor on hand to guide you.
7 – Leadership Connection
Each business leader will receive a set of guidelines specific to the area of business to which you are assigned. These will begin coming after the Charter is approved.