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 How long have you been in business?
Since 1982.
And how long have you lived in Austin?
Since 1973. I was born in Corpus Christi, and lived in Illinois, Virginia, Colorado, and Dallas, before moving to Austin to get my Ph.D. at UT.
What does your business do?
We work with owners of independently-owned, non-competing businesses to get and stay on course. First, we address current problems in sales, marketing, financials, & operations to create stability. Then, we work with them to develop a growth plan either to sustain what they have or to accelerate that growth. And, our third phase is to increase value in the business. We are totally confidential, and offer a money back guarantee.
Does your business offer any unique products or services?
We have a comprehensive program that addresses all areas of the business simultaneously. It is a virtual incubator and accelerator (VIA) for non-competing businesses. We do not offer space. We do offer direction to achieve success. Young businesses usually need more planning help so we put them through our incubator program. More established businesses need to refine and strengthen what they have, so they are put through our accelerator program. Part of our program includes training for owners on business management. It is called the Owners MBA and is included for those in the program. It is also open to the public but it must be a non-competing business. Currently, it is offered every other month. The next one runs Tue-Thurs Nov 11-13, 18-20 (18-hours, from 6:30-9:30pm. NW Chamber members are eligible for a special price of $300 which is totally refundable.
What do others NOT know about you and/ or your business that you would like to share?
I love to ride horses and to go to Anhalt or Walberg and polka-waltz. I have been called the Mother of Networking for my book on person-to-person networking, my other writings, and speeches on the subject. I speak and read Spanish, French and some Japanese - although all are a little rusty - but I really enjoy multi-cultural opportunities.
Have you or your business received any awards or certifications?
I have just been certified as a Green Business through the City of Austin's WasteSmart Program. We have also won a 5-star national award from the Small Business Administration for our program. My partner Dan Diener was named 5-state Regional Financial Services Champion, and I was chosen as Texas Small Business Advocate. Other awards include certification by the NCRC, an award from the Austin Quality Council, and special recognition from the Texas Senate for our work with small business. We have also received international recognition for our successes, and I was named Woman Business Owner of the Year (Greater Austin Chamber).
Do you have any special accomplishments?
I led two successful international trade missions with micro businesses only. I was named one of Austin's top 20 Management Consulting firms and have been been a Governer's delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business and the Congressional Summit on Small Business, and was part of the Mayor's Task Force on International Infrastructure, and the Comptroller's Economic Review Board (Bullock). I am one of the three original founders of the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Texas, helped get the Northcross IBIZ District started, Business Liaison, RG4N (Responsible Growth for Northcross). I have testified on behalf of small business on issues regarding regulation, funding, etc. to the SBA and Texas legislature. I am also the author of A Networker's Guide to Success and have written many articles on small business management, along with a chapter in a book on Women in the Theatre about my mother.
Are you involved in any special events or activities?
Yes! Austin Farmer's Market, Students Involved in Free Enterprise, RG4N, Northcross IBIZ District, Austin Independent Business Alliance, also a frequent commentator for KUT radio on small business issues.
If you could give advice to those just starting out in their careers, what would you say?
Do what you love and the money will be there. Do what you hate and you will be miserable. Money is not everything.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Don't try to be what you are not - embrace it and make it work for you.
If you didn't have this job, what would you be doing instead?
Writing more.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to recommend some books for Owners: Small is Beautiful by Schumacher (about sustainability); Waiting for Your Cat to Bark? by Eisenberg (helpful info about reaching customers); Thinking Big, Staying Small by Shipp Evatt, Ruiz, & Triplett (a study of best practices in small organizations with regard to Public Relations); Buying Facilitation by Morgen (a great ebook on sales); A Networker's Guide to Success by Triplett (tools for beginning, intermediate, and advanced networkers who want to focus on alliances, not prospecting).
Book worms, businesses on the move, and Chamber members wanting business success help can contact Jan at: triplett@bscusa.com or 933-1983. Her website is www.bscusa.com.
Noted Jan, "I am happy to provide a free initial consultation by phone to any NW Chamber member."
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