~Simon Sinek understand it will survive, those who do not

SBDC Staff Training 5/17/16 - 1 -

Closing the Loop: Accreditation, Technology & the Strategic Plan

Vision is a destination, a point on which we all focus; strategy is a route, an adaptable path to get us where we want to go.

~Simon Sinek

Creative without strategy is called 'art.' Creative with strategy is called 'advertising.'

~Jef I. Richards

People should not be unfamiliar with strategy, those who understand it will survive, those who do not will perish.

~Sun Tzu

The NY SBDC has the vision, we know the strategy, we live the plan together.

~Jim King

A goal without a plan is just a wish. ~?

A few quotes to start our discussion today


Yes, Virginia, there is a plan!!

Yes, Virginia, there is a plan.

And, it’s important that we all know, understand and work daily to

reach our personal and programmatic objectives, to achieve the

mission, to advance the vision.


In its most brief, a key NY SBDC strategy is to be ‘the go-to network for

small business’;

to be the source of small business and technology solutions,

viable tools, skills and applicable information, for in their usage is

our relevance;

to provide the wisdom, vision and Socratic interaction that drive

clients to success, for in their success is our accomplishment;

to drive clients to venture more smartly prepared, for in their

venture is our achievement, for in their actualization is our

purpose.;

to shape and deliver sponsor, host and stakeholder efforts, for in

their goals are our resources.

In this year’s accreditation we are adding the T, Technology. Often we

ask ‘what is Technology’? Hard to define, perhaps, but we know it when

we see it.


Put simply, technology is the application of generally scientific

knowledge for practical purpose; the application of new learning to

advancements in product, process or function; the discovery of new

materials, new compounds, new chemistries; the synthesis of

innovation, opportunity and commercialization.

We, the NY SBDC with our clients and stakeholders, often find ourselves

at the forefront of technology. At that event horizon from which a new,

changed future is in sight. From Helios in the Mohawk Valley with

systems that can literally see through walls, to Oxyvita in Kingston with

life-saving artificial human blood, SBDC clients are advancing the state

of the art, creating new unthought-of products representing quantum,

life altering change in their industries, small business driving big

change. And, the NY SBDC is facilitating their journey, quite the honor,

quite the responsibility.

These are not simple, formulaic clients for SBDC; no ordinary business

plan will suffice here. We need to match their zeal, their passion for

exploration, their push beyond conventional boundaries in how we

provide assistance, in the goals we set, in the outcomes we expect; for

in those outcomes lies our advancement, our accomplishment.

Luckily, we have advanced our SBDC and stand ready to meet these

challenges with new FAST programming, new SBIR initiatives, new

approaches to STTR, and the most exciting, our innovative Accelerator

Team which brings intensive, broad based, leading edge skills from our

best and brightest to direct service to these high potential clients.

As we pursue Technology accreditation, we formalize the efforts we

have made for years, integrating new services and skills into our

systems of business assistance; learning from the successes, challenges

and, yes, even occasional failures, advancing our vision of how to best

support client technological advancement through our application of


learning to our own products and processes, advancing and

implementing NY SBDC technology.

Demonstrating how we embed technology in virtually every aspect of

the NY SBDC; how we avoid the isolation of programmatic silos to

maximize client and staff access, utility and efficiency across the entire

network; how we distribute intellectual capital with effective

management, clear purpose and specific goals, and clearly expressing

commitment to the technology small businesses that advance us all.

Today we’ll explore how each of us connects to the strategic plan, the

ways in which each of us plays a pivotal role in accomplishing the plan,

the ways in which our personal strategic plan dovetails with the SBDC.

In short, how we close the loop firmly connecting each of us, small

business needs, technological advancements in small business and the

NY SBDC strategic plan.

Let’s look at some tools and techniques we can use to connect with the

plan, with advancing the mission, with achieving the vision.


Divergent thinking, one way to approach our personal and program

plans, is the conscious choice to think differently, to think ahead, to

think completely, to know what advances us, and, to know what slows

us; to not accept the ‘pat’ answers, to think boldly

Our goal in divergent thinking is to generate many different ideas,

different approaches, different avenues; to break opportunities and

challenges into their component parts with a thorough understanding

and knowledge of each, to see the connections, the interrelationships.

Only then can we embark on convergent thinking, applying knowledge,

learning, research, and, innovative thought.

To connecting the elements of action, to reaching that nexus of

knowledge, skills and tools generating and deploying creative strategies

and solutions for clients that are meaningful, achievable, functional and

sustainable;


to being the go-to network for small business, to being proactive

leaders in economic development, to providing the advisement,

education, research and advocacy essential to and making a difference

for NY’s small businesses.

REALITY?

Sounds nice, but how do we make it real, how do we actualize a plan.

As noted, a goal without a plan is just a wish. It’s like science fiction, an

idea or fantasy in its purest sense; while science reality has a budget,

and, a strategy.

We must find ways to move from idea to action, from action to

accomplishment, and, from accomplishment to achievement, from

aspiration to client hero;


to being that differentiating force gently yet effectively moving clients

from their vision to achievement, from wishful thinker to employer,

from hopeful visionary to commercial success.

As important as what we are trying to achieve is how we will achieve it;

how we define the path forward, the steps and dependencies essential

to success.

And, importantly, how will we know we have arrived, how will we

measure accomplishment, what are the metrics, how will we set the

bar, how will we consistently reset the bar to assure we continue to

advance, continue to grow, continue to challenge ourselves, our

centers, our program.

Our ability to do this, to lead with intellect and passion, to impart

learning and application, to deliver meaningful solutions connected by


you, each and every Advisor, making it usable information, pushing past

the ‘data dump’ to knowledge born of learning and awareness, in short,

creating the highest quality advisement connected to the highest

quality outcomes – this is our strategic plan and these are the things

that set the NY SBDC apart.

BEING APART

Apart from the masses, apart from competitive programs, apart in our

ability to motivate positive change and difference, apart in achieving

our vision to bring world class expertise to small business, apart in our

ability to bring solutions to our clients, apart in our ability to be ‘the

brightest bulb in the array’.


CONNECTIONS

Underlying our collective NY SBDC Strategic Plan is your Personal

Strategic Plan. Everyone of us needs to connect with, to make ourselves

a key part of, to engage with and express our embracing of – Achieving

the Mission, and Advancing the Vision of the NY SBDC, our SBDC.

appreciating the inextricable linkage between and among all of us,

connected by our strategic plan;

understanding that without us, individually and collectively, our

program goes nowhere;

rather with each of us, informed by, and connected through, the

strategic plan can, and do, go anywhere;

we can, and do, achieve the great and the small with our clients.


FIRST CHOICE

Our Vision - The NY SBDC brings world class business expertise to the

SME community.

Our Mission - The NY SBDC provides customized solutions through

advisement, education, research and advocacy for Entrepreneurs,

Innovators and the Small & Medium Enterprise community.

NY SBDC – the ‘go to’ network for small business, the first choice, for

small business, for clients, for stakeholders

The Strategic Plan codifies how we implement the mission of the NY

SBDC in support of small businesses and entrepreneurs; how we

measure, adapt and learn; how the truest measure of program

achievement is client outcome as it best reflects the nature, quality and

significance of our work. And, outcomes most clearly drive the values

we bring to our communities, to NY’s local, regional, and statewide

economies.


CHOICE & ALIGNMENT

While there is commonality of purpose, there is great variety of

methodology among SBDCs and our stakeholders.

The plan aligns our daily work with the priorities, needs and

objectives of clients, stakeholders, hosts and each of us

individually; and,

The plan serves also to align our program with the strategic plans

of SUNY, CUNY, our private higher education partners, the ASBDC,

SBA and national agendas.

It informs, educates and helps us all to more fully understand the ‘Why’

of what we do, connecting purpose to action, connection action to

outcome measurement, to define the brush, colors and paints that

work best for clients, the program, our hosts, our stakeholders, and

ourselves; define what the program does for you, it will inform your fit

with and connection to the plan.


How do you express your SBDC artist, how do you understand and

express professional priorities in the context of your work, your peers,

your SBDC, your clients; how do you stay in touch with the SBDC world

around you?

The NY SBDC delivers innovative, practical and realistic advisement

services to meet the evolving needs of small business. We integrate

innovation, leadership and technology across the continuum of service

delivery; in how we, as a program, utilize and apply technology in

counseling, research and training delivery.

From the web to social media, from e-counseling to webinars, from

DVD publication to e-libraries the NY SBDC embraces the use of

technology to enhance efficiency, to do more (often with less) and,

notably, to keep pace with clients, their challenges and their

opportunities;


How do you innovate yourself, your skills, your techniques, your

knowledge?

In essence, how do you innovate your value to your clients, to the

program, to your host campus, to yourself?

Each of us should explore ways in which we update, modify and

enhance our advisement and direct work with clients through hard and

soft technology. Hard technologies are the computers, software, and

systems we use; soft technologies are the tactics, skills and learning,

infused by experiential knowledge, that form the basis of what we

deliver to clients.

Do you share techniques or tools with the network via the listserve or

share skills and ideas through webinars, seminars or workshops, in your

center or at staff training, have you researched a topic of interest and

presented a workbook, what are the ways in which you give of yourself

to those around you?


We consistently look to set the SBDC apart, to display positive

differentiation, to be that important safe harbor in the client storm; to

be the beacon of small business assistance that saves many from

foundering on the shoals of failure.

The NY SBDC consistently communicates our program vision, mission,

products, services and achievements to clients – current and potential –

to stakeholders, to sponsors, to funders, to partners.

What are the ways in which you express these concepts …to clients …to

the campus …to SBA …to your peers?

What are the ways in which you support, respect and honor your

coworkers, your campus; how do you live the SBDC?


Make no mistake, the NY SBDC has a brand and it is essential to our

survival; yes, we’re part of the national network, but no we are not

absorbed or subsumed by it. We are the NY SBDC, leaders within our

communities, our state and our national program.

We build our brand on the quality and effectiveness of SBDC services as

reflected by the compelling stories of those we assist, measured by

what they accomplish and reinforced through ongoing, innovative

communication.

What are some of the ways in which you work locally and regionally to

advance the perception, awareness and value of the SBDC brand;

how have you helped to form relationships with referring entities,

chambers, banks, rotary, perhaps the local PTA?

how do you stay connected to, and aware of, what’s happening

locally, regionally, nationally;


how do you maintain awareness and appreciation for your region,

for local opportunities, local challenges, local happenings?

how do you spot trends that can affect or impact your clients or

your region, and, what do you do with that knowledge?

Leadership, Professional Development and Intellectual Capital -The NY

SBDC embraces the commitment of all staff to continuous learning and

skills development, and, to sharing the intellectual capital and skills of

all in support of each individual client, services and program priorities.

What activities do you currently – or are planning to – undertake to

stake out a leadership position; to demonstrate the qualities of vision,

commitment and understanding that set you apart in your work.


How have you connected your interests with your skills, how have you

integrated your professional life, have you settled an internal locus

enabling growth through solid foundation; have you balanced risk and

reward to demonstrate why clients should listen to you?

How do you inspire action… convey optimism… facilitate

accomplishment… communicate completely… demonstrate integrity…

being decisive

DEVELOPMENT

Intellectual capital is of utmost importance to the SBDC program. How

are you conducting your development; what threads are you following;

what activities have, or will you, undertake to advance your

understanding of technology essentials in small business,

to learn about app development, social media, CNC, robotics,

cybersecurity, any of the technologies faced by our clients?


to address for ourselves the issues confronted by clients by

undertaking some of the same things we suggest of them; doing is

a great way of learning, experience is a great teacher, and

provides excellent opportunities for sharing via everything from

staff meetings to webinars to staff training.

How are you targeting your skills development, your abilities with

software, the talents you bring to advisement and to the client

relationship (to forming the respectful professional bond

important to consultative relationships, to build the trust and

professional intimacy).

to research efforts, to ongoing learning; what is your personal

commitment to the ongoing development of self beyond the

SBDC, beyond your current boundaries, stepping outside yourself,

your comfort zone?


Technology -The NY SBDC is committed to unlocking technology in

many ways. From FAST, to SBIR to Accelerator to Cyber, the NY SBDC

utilizes, explores, communicates, values and embraces technology

within the program. From service delivery to marketing to operations;

and as an avenue of positive change for small business.

From software in office and financial applications to process

automation to pharmaceuticals to nanotechnology to social media –

the NY SBDC constantly seeks to know wherein lies opportunity,

wherein lies advancement, wherein lies challenge and wherein lies a

technology prowess based in knowledge that advances us all.


We seek technology literacy at all levels of the program and to the

integration of technologies in the innovative delivery of program

services and program development. How we pursue technology to

better advise clients who are entering the sometimes treacherous,

sometimes confusing always challenging world of change. How do we

help clients to unlock their potential through technology, to unlock

opportunity through technical advance, to unlock growth through

positive technical change?

How do you stay on top of technology, in the office, throughout the

university or campus, that your clients deal with, that are affecting your

region? How do you remain current and perhaps most importantly,

how do you and your center remain relevant to clients, to your host,

and, to yourself. How do you and as such the SBDC, not get left behind?


Stakeholders, Sponsors, Host Institutions, Partners and Alliances - The

NY SBDC has many to whom we are beholden. From the SBA to our

campus hosts, from local government to state initiatives, we fit in many

places. We have strived to be the service network that ‘gets it done’, to

being the ‘feet on the street’ for small business while adding value

through achievement for stakeholders.

We have actualized our strategy of being the service delivery network

of choice – from SBA Disaster to GOSR, from the Appalachian Regional

Commission to the Regional Economic Development Councils to our

host campuses. Like the saying, be careful what you wish for… well we

did, and we are the service delivery network of choice!

How have you integrated your work, your goals, your interests, your

passions to help drive SBDC as the service provider of choice… with

your local chamber …with trade groups …with small business

networking groups …with elected officials …with others you can identify

as needing SBDC to deliver services beneficial to small business?


SHAPE THE RESPONSE

SBDC now moves beyond just being the network of choice, to being a

voice of small business, working with hosts and stakeholders to shape

responsive priorities, align needed services, support access to and

advancement of technologies beneficial to small business, to advocate

for small business, and to develop partnerships and alliances that

advance us all.

How do you translate your work – and your center’s work – and

outcomes to demonstrate value, to convey the significance of your

work, to your host campus, to local municipalities, to local officials, to

SBA?

How do you stay in touch with host and stakeholder priorities to stay

connected and aware, to make sure the pieces fit, to solving the puzzle


of economic development, to shaping those priorities, to making your

voice and the voice of small business sound as one?

How do you move beyond yourself, beyond your comfort zone to

communicate your belief in the SBDC?

INNOVATION

Special Projects show the focus and commitment to leadership with the

small business community.

The NY SBDC program serves as a laboratory to test and work through

new client services, tools and strategies; to identify sustainable,

functional efforts through small scale or incremental advancement

leading potentially to large scale change.

How have you expressed a commitment to advancing yourself along

with the program by exploring your ideas, interests or passions?


What have you learned that can move you beyond experience to

innovation …in advisement, …in training, …in marketing, …in any area

of the program.

The NY SBDC seeks to be as entrepreneurial as our clients …bringing

new directions to small business …bringing new opportunity …think of

programs like BidLinx, a new and successful service delivery to small

business. We need you to live your role in that effort.

NEW SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMMING

How do we grow the SBDC in a sustainable manner; how do we

advance the program, nourish the resources, find the sunlight of

progress, the soil of advancment?

How do you express your ‘corporate curiosity’? …develop and share

new ideas in the office?... elevate techniques and skills for yourself and

others with targeted research and sharing?...seek out and develop new


support, grant and other opportunities?...what are your interests and

passions with respect to SBDC?

The NY SBDC is built upon your ideas, your interests, your commitment

to identify areas of interest and importance to small business and the

resources to make the effort happen. This is a major element of how

we, the SBDC, remain relevant to our clients and stakeholders.

The NY SBDC is committed to being small business first responders.

When need or disaster strikes, whether storm or fiscal, in times of

severe need, the SBDC is there.

We are there for current, emerging and impacted businesses, SBDC is

the 911 of small business.

This effort though cuts both ways – the NY SBDC is there when

opportunity strikes, when small business is faced with a chance to


progress, to move closer, to add ever more reality to their dreams, to

add ever more success to our communities.

What are some of the ways you prepare for the unexpected; have you

signed up to be on one of our disaster teams; have you coordinated in

your office for logistical support; have you set up a phone tree; have

you lived and learned a bit from the advice we give to clients on

resiliency, readiness, technology supports… do you help us to practice

what we preach?

Let’s close the loop, connect our strategic plan, connect our technology,

connect with accreditation, let’s be sure the NY SBDC remains the first

choice for clients, for stakeholders, for ourselves.

Documents

~Simon Sinek understand it will survive, those who do not