Press Room

“Turbo – Charge Your 2012” An Exclusive Business Summit Brings Together National Speakers and Community & Business Leaders

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:02:00 GMT

Keynote speakers include Daryl Bloodsaw, Pastor, Community Leader and New York Times Advertising Executive on “Servant Leadership – Why Doing Good is Good for Business”; Dr. M.A. Greenstein, Founder of The George Greenstein Institute Inc, Neuro-Marketing Expert and former Keynote Speaker for South by Southwest on "Conscious Capitalism: How Neuroscience Inspires Leadership and Change by Design.” Additional sessions will be led by national and regional media & business experts including:

Michael Michalowicz, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur & Segment Host of MSNBC’s “Mind Your Business,” Author, Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur.com contributor & CNBC panelist
Sims Wyeth, Author, Executive Coach & National High Stakes Presentation coach.
Andy Gole, Bombadil Inc Sales Management Training
Linda Schmidt, LC Schmidt Associates and Executive Coach
Barry Knepper, CFO Solutions and Financing Industry expert
Joan Naudts, Certified Compensation Professional, Global Compensation Subject Expert & UCLA Adjunct Professor

Marcy Turkington, President of Achieve Business Solutions and Chief Executive for The Alternative Board shared goals for the event: “Our members consistently rate our Summits as one of the best business events they attend for the year. And this year’s event is the biggest we’ve put together in the 5 years we’ve run the Summit. In addition to bringing together the most in demand speakers on the hottest business topics, we’re also making sure we allow ample time for networking and interaction amongst attendees. We want to ensure they are not just learning from industry experts but also from the power of their peer area business leaders.” Results prove this out. As published by CBS Money Watch – "Small businesses that participate in TAB’s [The Alternative Board] peer advisory boards….. achieve greater growth and profitability than non-member business owners."

More than 200leading businesses from the Tri-State area participate in TAB memberships, taking advantage of peer insights, coaching and best in class business tools.

The “Turbo-Charge Your 2012” Summit will be held at Project Self Sufficiency in Newton, NJ. Limited seats are available for qualified non-members area business owners and partners. To learn more, call 973.940.2020 or email Marcy Turkington at mturkington at achievenextlevel.com.

About The Alternative Board® (TAB): TAB organizes peer advisory board meetings of non-competing owners, CEOs and presidents of privately owned companies, creating “think tanks” and accountability forums for sharing best practices and strategies for their companies. The groups serve as highly cost-effective means for business leaders to gain expertise, advice and insights.

“Strategies for Success” Summit Brings Together National Speakers, Business Leaders & Late Night Host

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:01:00 GMT

NEWTON, NJ – The Alternative Board, a global Peer Advisory and Executive Coaching membership organization dedicated to the success of small business leaders, will be hosting “2011 Strategies for Success,” a Business Leadership Summit on January 27^th. The full day meeting will bring together national experts in the fields of Social Media and Internet Strategies, Heath Care Reform and Tax/Stimulus Plan Strategies, and Branding, along with area business owners, executives and partners. Speakers include Eric Frenchman, Chief Internet Strategist for Connell-Donatelli Inc.; Dave Evans, Senior Vice President & Publisher for Independent Insurance Agents & Brokerages; and Ken Hydock, Esq, CPA, PFS, AEP of Sobel CPAs. In addition, Jake Sasseville, Executive Producer and Host of TV’s nationally syndicated Late Night Republic, will discuss “Your Sixth Sense in Business – Nurture & Massively Act on Goals at Lightning Speed.”

Marcy Turkington, Chief Executive for The Alternative Board shared goals for the Summit: “Each year, we bring together our area members to hear the latest trends and opportunities, legislation and regulation, and best practices that will impact business owners.” Results prove this out as published by CBS Money Watch – "small businesses that participate in [The Alternative Board] TAB’s peer advisory boards are on track to achieve greater growth and profitability than non-member business owners."

More than 200 leading businesses from the Tri-State area participate in TAB memberships, taking advantage of peer insights, coaching, best in class business tools and, currently in development, a mentor and internship exchange program for members’ children.

The “Strategies for Success” Summit will be held at the new Lackland Center for Performing Arts at Centenary College in Hackettstown and is supported in part by sponsorship from First Hope Bank. Limited seats are available for non-members, and can be purchased by calling 973.940.2020 or online by visiting http://www.AchieveNextLevel.com/StrategiesForSuccess

About The Alternative Board® (TAB): TAB organizes peer advisory board meetings of non-competing owners, CEOs and presidents of privately owned companies, creating “think tanks” and accountability forums for sharing best practices and strategies for their companies. The groups serve as highly cost-effective means for business leaders to gain expertise, advice and insights.

About Jake Sasseville: Executive Producer and host of "Late Night Republic starring Jake Sasseville" and President of LNR Studios, Jake is energetic, irreverent and a bit outrageous, which is how this 25-year-old has been contending with some of the brightest stars in late night since 2007. Sasseville launched his former show, "The Edge" on ABC after Jimmy Kimmel when he was 21.

Top Business Owners Meet in Executive Forum to discuss “Your Company’s Future: Succession, Transition & Exit Planning"

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:12:00 GMT

The Lake Mohawk Golf Club in Sparta New Jersey was the site of a recent summit on Executive Planning and Leadership. Held July 8^th and hosted by The Alternative Board, the event brought together 30 leading business executives from the area to discuss best practices in planning for the future of their companies. The event’s theme was “Your Company’s Future: Succession, Transition & Exit Planning.”

Guest speakers included Brad Kaplan, Partner at Schwartz, Simon, Edelstein, Celso & Zitomer; CPAs and certified Business Valuation and Personal Financial Specialists Larry Leaf and Peter Engel of Leaf, Leaf, Saltzman, Manganelli, Pfeil & Tendler, LLP; and Dick Cipoletti, Former Host of PBS’s Job Quest, President of RCC Associates and a Facilitator for The Alternative Board. All of the experts shared that regardless of what stage a company is in, it is never to early to plan for

Marcy Turkington, President of Achieve Business Solutions and Chief Executive for The Alternative Board of Northwestern New Jersey programmed the event at the request of area members. “Just as large, publically traded companies have Boards of Directors who provide advice and guidance, our local business community members look to their fellow board members to gain the wisdom and counsel of experience from others at the top of their companies. Often during our board meetings a common thread will come up – such as Succession Planning for the future of our members’ companies. By holding events like this, we strengthen the overall business community and further enhance Business Owner’s level of knowledge and experience sharing.”

This is the second special event held in 2010 – the first, “Performance Compensation for Driving Company Success” featured industry Salary & Human Resource Experts and CFOs leading discussions surrounding incenting and motivating top employees through designing performance compensation programs. Previous events have featured world-renowned business gurus and authors, as well as leading experts in online & social media from companies such as Google and iMarketing.

Touted as one of the most effective business growth organizations for small business owners, The Alternative Board connects business owners with peers for increased sales, improved equity and reduced stress using advisory boards and business coaching. The organization focuses on aligning member-owner's business and personal visions. There are more than 250 members in New Jersey and over 3,000 around the world who meet monthly in confidential, think-tank groups of no more than 10 members to work on their businesses. To learn more about membership or to be considered for a guest attendee invitation, visit www.TheAlternativeBoard.com or call Marcy Turkington at 973-940-2020.

Dick Cipoletti to Lead The Alternative Board Pocono's Launch

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:50:00 GMT

For Immediate Release
January 5 2010
Contact: Barbara Theobald 973.250.4677

Dick Cipoletti, RCC Associates & Certified TABBoard Facilitator

The Alternative Board is pleased to announce Dick Cipoletti has been selected to lead expansion of TABBoard Peer Advisory Groups in the Poconos, PA region. Mr. Cipoletti is President of RCC Associates, a full service Human Resources consulting and training firm.

A published author and former HR columnist, DIck hosted the popular PBS TV Series, "Job Quest" for 8 years and has served as an HR executive in the Lehigh Valley in large organizations such as Lehigh Valley Hospital and The Wood Company, prior to forming his own training and development firm. "Having trained and coached more than 12,000 groups and individuals" Mr. Cipoletti shared, "I am excited to bring my experience to local area business owners."

Kittatiny/Poconos Region Franchise owner Marcy Turkington explained how Mr. Cipoletti was the right choice at the right time "We took a long time to review the candidates for this exciting effort and are thrilled that Mr. Cipoletti will be facilitating groups and coaching executives and business owners in the Poconos. Dick's experience in leadership and business development is a wonderful asset and resource to area business owners who now, more than ever are in need of this type of service."

Mr. CIpoletti recently completed a comprehensive training and certification program, resulting in his Certification in Strategic Business Leadership, TABBoard Facilitation & The Alternative Board Executive Coaching.

Upcoming meetings, workshops and seminars will be held in Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg to introduce area business executives to The Alternative Board. Dates will be forthcoming, interested parties can learn more in the meantime by emailing Marcy Turkington or visiting The Alternative Board at www.TheAlternativeBoard.com

“Time as Commitment” Seminar: A Unique, Contemporary and Practical Approach for Getting Things Done

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:08:00 GMT

NEWTON, NJ – Area business leaders who are members of The Alternative Board will have the opportunity to attend a unique workshop to improve and enhance not only their, but their companies’, performance. There are two opportunities to attend the “Time as Commitment” workshop. October 29^th will be held at the Ramsey Golf Club in Ramsey New Jersey from 8 am to noon, with a repeat session on the 28^th at The Trade Zone Wyndham Garden Hotel in Mount Olive. Limited seats are available for non-TAB business owners. The lead presenter, Nicholas Economou, president of Chronos Trainings Inc, has trained clients consisting of fortune 500 companies, privately held businesses, government and not for profit agencies and (he) has more than 20 years of experience in organizational training and has facilitated programs to over 25,000 people.

“Time as Commitment” is a unique, contemporary, and practical approach for getting things done. The workshop is designed to give attendees up-to-date information on the most relevant information available on time management and provide practical approaches to incorporating this into achieving their personal and business visions. Topics include how to achieve and attain goals, relationship and task management and the use of structure to enhance creativity and spontaneity. Through these topics, attendees will gain skills in coping with the multitude of data/emails and communications, delegate effectively, balance work and family schedules, have more productive meetings, better capture and implement ideas, and build a reference bank of information that is readily on hand when needed.

"This is another chance for our local business owners to improve their business by gaining valuable information that would not be readily and directly available to them through other means," said Marcy Turkington, President of Achieve Business Solutions and one of 10 area TABBoard Facilitators sponsoring the event. "We are excited to continue to offer our members access to events and venues such as this seminar."

The Alternative Board® (TAB) organizes peer advisory board meetings of non-competing owners, CEOs and presidents of privately owned companies, creating “think tanks” and accountability forums for sharing best practices and strategies for their companies. The groups serve as highly cost-effective means for business leaders to gain expertise, advice and insights.

To learn more about the event, visit the event page at Achieve Business Solutions, or go to www.TABNewJersey.com

Business Advocacy Nomination

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:54:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Barbara Theobald, 1-973.940.2020, btheobald@achievenextlevel.com

Newton, NJ - The Alternative Board of Northwestern New Jersey has been nominated for the Business Advocacy Award by the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership (SCEDP). This award is given to an area business who has promoted excellence in the Sussex County Business Community. When asked about the award nomination, Marcy Turkington, President of Achieve Business Solutions and The Alternative Board of NW New Jersey said "We are honored to be considered for this by the SCEDP. During tough economic times it is especially important to help small businesses develop and thrive and The Alternative Board forums allow our members to do just that. In addition, we regularly provide non-members opportunities to come together in educational and leadership forums, led by subject matter experts they would not normally have access to."
The final award decision will be made by members of the SCEDP in time for the award ceremony taking place September 29 at The Lafayette House in Lafayette, New Jersey.
To learn more about The Alternative Board or their Business Advocacy initiatives, go to www.AchieveNextLevel.com.

The Alternative Board Hosts Online Business Summit

Tue, 05 May 2009 02:07:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Barbara Theobald, 1-973.940.2020, btheobald@achievenextlevel.com

NEWTON, NJ – Area business leaders from northern New Jersey and thePoconos will attend a Strategic Online Marketing Summit April 16^that the Skyview Golf Club in Sparta, sponsored by The Alternative Board®(TAB). The event is complimentary formembers of The Alternative Board, with limited seats available for non-TABbusiness owners. Presenters, includingSearch Engine Marketing expert Dave Fall from Google, will provide insights,guidance and working sessions on how leading companies are most effectivelydeveloping and deploying online and email marketing strategies and programs toensure success in 2009 and beyond.

Additional speakers include MarlenePissot, President of WebSwagger and Ronen Yaari, President of OpenMoves. Both companies provide best practice website,email and post-click solutions to companies throughout North America. Attendeeswill also enjoy an opportunity to network during a wine and cheese tastingdirectly following the presentations, which will be led George Delgado,sommelier and owner of George’s Wine & Spirits Gallery in Branchville, NJ.

"This is another chance for our local business owners to improve their business by gaining valuable information from Subject Matter Experts that would not be readily and directly available to them through other means," said Marcy Turkington, President of Achieve Business Solutions and facilitator for The Alternative Board, who sponsored the event. "We are excitd to continue to offer our members access to events such as this Summit."

The Alternative Board® (TAB) organizes peer advisory board meetings of non-competing owners,CEOs and presidents of privately owned companies, creating “think tanks” andaccountability forums for sharing best practices and strategies for theircompanies. The groups serve as highly cost-effective means for business leadersto gain expertise, advice and insights.

To learnmore about the event, contact Marcy Turkington at mturkington@tab-nwjerseypoconos.com or 973.940.2020.

The Alternative Board Hosts World-Renowned Author Brian Tracy

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:43:00 GMT

Newton, NJ (October 5th 2008)— Sussex and Warren County area members of The Alternative Board, the area’s premier peer advisory organization, recently attended a sold out networking and breakfast event “How Successful Leaders Drive Business Growth in Challenging Times” on October 3rd at the Bridgewater Marriott.

The event was hosted by The Alternative Board of Northern New Jersey and featured world-renowned business expert Brian Tracy, Chairman & CEO of Brian Tracy International. Mr. Tracy’s has spoken to more than 4 million business leaders from organizations around the world including industry giants IBM and General Electric. Supporting this month’s TAB underwritten event were more than 300 attendees and 30 sponsors.

“I really enjoyed this motivating event, in particular Brian’s reiteration that all of us in our companies are in sales - no matter how big we grow” shared Paula Lavorgna of Newton Screen in Franklin, NJ.

Added Ted Brennan, TMBrennan Inc, of Hamburg “We’re always looking to provide our employees with ways to take our company to the next level; Friday’s session provided us with immediate practices we can implement in our organization.”

Key principals discussed during the event were the impact of vocabulary and lifetime learning in helping all individuals advance their socio-economic status, the need for continuous improvement of skills in particular during economic downturns, key success factors in sales and leadership, and the importance in leveraging diversity. One striking aspect of Mr. Tracy’s speech was his references to Napoleon Hale’s research on more than 500 successful individuals. Mr. Hale’s found that across the board, all successful leaders had clear Visions and used the Principles of Masterminds and continuous improvement to achieve their vision. Noted Marcy Turkington, Sussex County based TABBoards facilitator and Strategic Business Certified coach “The Alternative Board/TAB was thrilled to underwrite this Brian Tracy event which further highlighted the need for small business to engage in focused strategic planning and Peer Boards, in particular during this challenging economic environment.” To learn more about The Alternative Board and Achieve Business Solutions, call 973.940.2020 to attend an upcoming informational meeting. Additional information on Brian Tracy International and books by Mr. Tracy can be found at www.BrianTracy.com.

Archive Available of Marcy Turkington Interview Women Entrepreneurs Radio Show

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:42:00 GMT

Newton, NJ (June 23 2008) — Marcy Turkington, President of Achieve Business Solutions with The Alternative Board®, was recently featured on the nationally recognized program Mommies Line, in the segment entitled Women Entrepreneurs. Author's Cathy Bao-Bean and Lee Bender host the monthly programming which features Subject Matter Experts from Business, Academia and the Literary world, speaking on topics of interest to women everywhere. Their series and archives can be accessed at www.blogtalkradio.com. To hear the "Women Entrepreneur's" special featuring Ms. Turkington, click the button below.

As part of Achieve's expansion into various media, the company will be hosting TABTalks and Next Level Leadership via BlogTalkRadio beginning July 21.

About The Alternative Board®
The Alternative Board® is an international provider of peer advisory and coaching solutions to leaders of privately held businesses. TAB members meet monthly in over 1,000 cities across the United States, Canada and Latin America. For more information about the survey or about The Alternative Board®, contact Marcy Turkington at 973.940.2020.

Dinner Event Held for Local TAB Business Owners

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:49:00 GMT

Newton, NJ (June 19 2008) — The Alternative Board®, together with Achieve Business Solutions, an organization that offers small to medium-size businesses real-world business advice through peer advice and coaching, recently held a dinner and networking event for its members on June 12, 2008, in Sussex, NJ.

TAB organizes peer advisory board meetings of owners, CEOs and presidents of privately owned companies, creating a “think tank” atmosphere. More than 3500 business owners participate in TAB forums in North America. TAB Boards® meet monthly in the Sussex County, Warren County and Pocono area, where board members receive the benefit of the collective experience of the board. Marcy Turkington, Certified TAB facilitator and President of Achieve Business Solutions facilitates the meetings and encourages board members to learn from each other and create new business solutions. Ms. Turkington also provides individual business coaching to each board member.

“Small businesses have different needs than most businesses,” Turkington said. “TAB allows owners to make the best use of their time by learning from the experience and expertise of other business owners. The ability to bring our members, partners, spouses and significant others to our recent dinner event further proves our commitment to meeting the needs of our small business community.”

The Alternative Board of Northwest New Jersey & Poconos hosts quarterly events that provide not only leadership development but also networking opportunities. To learn more, contact Ms. Turkington at www.tab-nwjerseypoconos.com or info@tab-nwjerseypoconos.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Advisory Boards Helps Business Owners During Uncertain Economy

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:53:00 GMT

Local Owners Use Business Advisory Services to Recession-Proof

Newton, NJ/Stroudsburg, PA (April 20,2008) – In the wake of warnings by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke that the U.S. may be headed for a recession, peer advisory boards have become a key resource for business owners across the country who are scrambling for tactics to protect their businesses.

While leading economists and Bernanke take opposing views on the definition of a recession, successful business owners are taking a more proactive approach to future financial and business crises. One of the proven factors for success regardless of the economy has been the use of peer advisors—who can offer expertise and experience from a perspective only possible by a business owner.

“There are a number of areas that business owners should be regularly reviewing to ensure they are as efficient as possible,” said Mary Turkington, President of Achieve Business Solutions and the local facilitator for The Alternative Board^® (TAB). TAB is an organization that provides small to medium-size companies with peer advisory boards and business advice through private coaching. “Those businesses that survive and even prosper during tough times are those that operate from a strategic plan. It’s critically important to monitor the direction your business is headed—and adjust your plan quickly at the first sign of the economic impact to your company.”

For example, local members of The Alternative Board meet monthly to share ideas and challenges with one another. A hot topic in recent weeks has been realistic tips to recession-proof a business, such as:

Do not overreact— take action based only on data.
Revise cash flow for the next six-month period.
Make cuts in personnel (quickly if necessary), starting at the top of the organization.
Maintain larger cash position to take advantage of sale prices.
Sign all checks for 60 days to a get feel of cost areas of company.
Be very careful to not cut back on your marketing, this will create a double problem in your sales.
Review recent monthly P & L statements for percentage trends.
Don't manage for the moment. Consider long-term goals of the company before taking any action that could affect the future of the company.

Peer Advisory Board Advantage

The results of TAB’s 2008 annual survey clearly indicated that organizations that participate in peer advisory boards are on track to achieve greater growth and profitability in ’08 than non-member business owners.

Marcy Turkington, the area's TAB representative and President of Achieve Business Solutions, explains, "Business owners need to take advantage of any opportunity they can to stay ahead of the competition. TAB membership allows just that opportunity. If you had the chance to sit once a month with other business owners in your area to discuss your challenges—and hear what worked for them—why wouldn’t you? Combine that with reinforcement from your own executive coach to help you develop and focus your strategic plans and action items, and you know you will stay on track during any economic cycle."

About The Alternative Board^®

The Alternative Board^® is an international provider of peer advisory and coaching solutions to leaders of privately held businesses. TAB members meet monthly in over 1,000 cities across the United States, Canada and Latin America. For more information about the survey or about The Alternative Board^®, contact Marcy Turkington at 973.940.2020.

Economic Growth Survey Reflects Confidence Among Nation’s Small Business Owners

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:56:00 GMT

TAB’s Annual Business Survey shows expectations for profitable 2008 February, 2008 President Bush, Congress and the Federal Reserve Chairman may be worried about a recession in 2008, but according to a recent annual survey of the nation’s small business owners, confidence is more the order of the day – in direct opposition to recent Congressional testimony. The Alternative Board^® (TAB) – an organization that provides small to medium-size companies with peer advisory boards and business advice, in connection with CfMC, a leading market research firm based in San Francisco – annually polls members as well as a mirror group of non-member business owners regarding their performance relative to projections and their coming year business forecasts. As Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke and Congress discussed in January, the prevailing attitude among business owners on the state of the economy is mixed. However, the 2008 TAB survey findings reveal that small business owners forecast an increase in these leading economic performance indicators:

Hiring (with downsizing numbers as contrast)

Add employees: 56.8%

Stay the same: 39.5%

Downsize: 3.7%

Profitability in 2008

Increase: 72.7%

Stay the same: 17.98%

Decrease: 9.3%

Capital Spending

Increase: 60.7%

Stay the same: 28.8%

Decrease: 10.4%

Peer Advisory Board Advantage The results of TAB’s annual survey also clearly indicated that organizations that participate in TAB’s peer advisory boards are on track to achieve greater growth and profitability in ’08 than non-member business owners. Over 80 percent of TAB members across the US and 65 percent of other business professionals projected an increase in gross revenue for the year. In addition, while capital spending and hiring were key components of confidence for everyone, profitability and revenue gains are significantly stronger for TAB members than those that do not share in a peer group. Noted Marcy Turkington, president of Achieve Business Solutions and the local TAB facilitator for Northwestern New Jersey and the Poconos “Small business is the chief driver of the nation’s economy. While economic stimulus programs are welcome, the results of the annual TAB survey demonstrate that those business owners participating in peer network organizations have already put a plan in place to maintain their economic momentum. “

Business Summit Provides Area Companies a Path to Excellence in 2008 and Beyond

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:57:00 GMT

NEWTON, NJ, December 17, 2007 – Area business leaders attended a Strategic Planning Summit December 14^th in Augusta, NJ, held exclusively for The Alternative Board® (TAB) members and their guests. Presenters, including keynote speaker and noted author Cathy Bao Bean (“The Chopsticks-Fork Principal”), provided insights, guidance and working sessions on success strategies for 2008 and beyond.

One of the most popular sessions of the day was the panel session “Planning Best Practices and Lessons Learned,” led by area TABBoard members Ted Brennan (TM Brennan Inc.), Chuck Roberts (Ames Rubber) and Ed Dellert (SwimFitness LLC). By sharing their experiences with the group, they provided real life guidance on practices that work to address the needs of the small business owner, no matter the size or stage.

Other agenda items included “2008 Financial Outlook,” “Creativity & Innovation,” “Developing Company and Executive Success Factors,” “Sales Plan Success & Sales Team Accountability,” “Marketing Plan Development,” and “Building Great Teams.” Guest presenters included Debbi Bifulco, (Bifulco Business Solutions), Andy Gole, (Bombadil Sales Training) and Doug LaFay (Franklin-Templeton).

“This was a chance for local business owners to improve their business by gaining valuable information that may not be readily available to them directly from their employees or business experts,” said Marcy Turkington, President of Achieve Business Solutions and area facilitator for TABBoards. Added new member Steve Rotlyiano, owner of Dyn-Optics, the event was “A great workshop! It's quite a diverse group and I'm so excited about being part of the board. I'm already taking away from it a lot more than I expected.” The Alternative Board® (TAB) organizes peer advisory board meetings of non-competing owners, CEOs and presidents of privately owned companies, creating “think tanks” and accountability forums for sharing best practices and strategies for implementing successful company development plans. Companies range in size from sole proprietor, start ups to $150 million, 1000 person organizations, and are placed based on member ability to help and be helped by a corresponding board. With vastly different goals and focus than Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, and networking groups such as BNI or LeTip, the boards are increasingly popular across the country (TAB grown to over 300 members in tri-state area alone). The groups serve as highly cost-effective means for business leaders to gain expertise, advice and insights. Adds Turkington “Increasingly, business owners recognize some of the best insights and wisdom for their business come through the combined years of experience of others at the top. TAB provides the forum to empower our members to do just that.” In addition to TABBoard membership forums, Achieve Business Solutions hosts various educational leadership workshops and online seminars throughout the year. To learn more about TABBoard membership qualifications and/or upcoming seminars and events, contact Turkington at mturkington@achievenextlevel.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 973.940.2020. Interested businesses can also visit www.AchieveNextLevel.com, the area’s only online Web 2.0 business community forum and resource center.

Strategic Planning: Helping Local Business Owners Stay on Top of their Business

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:59:00 GMT

The Alternative Board of offers tips for businesses as they get in gear for the fourth quarter

Newton, NJ December 1, 2007 – With summertime and vacation season a thing of the past, businesses are getting back in gear and focusing on critical goals and plans to achieve goals for their business. This is the perfect opportunity for business owners to re-evaluate their priorities and strengthen their business by creating an effective strategic plan that will facilitate capitalizing on the company’s strengths, counteract their weaknesses, draw on any opportunities presented for the company, and keep them on top of cutting-edge initiatives.

"One of the key ingredients to a successful business is planning, and it's important to know what areas to focus on while making important business decisions," said Marcy Turkington, TAB-Certified Facilitator for the NW New Jersey and Pocono, PA area. "Now that summer is over, business owners are taking a look at what still needs to be done in 2007, while looking ahead and planning for 2008 so that their priorities for the business actually get accomplished.”

The Alternative Board^®, an organization offering peer advice and business coaching to small and medium-sized businesses, offers local business owners practical techniques to help them strategically plan their business.

Five Tips for Strategic Planning

Company and Personal Vision. A no-holds-barred written statement of what you want your company to be in the future – and what you personally want from your life. For example, why does the business exist? What does your company do best? One is a “Shared” Vision, which is openly communicated to employees and customers. The other is the “Personal” Vision, which is kept “close to the vest” by the owner.
A Look in the Mirror. A SWOT analysis of company Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. What is unique or distinct about your business? What strengths or opportunities can you take advantage of to grow your business? Or, are there weaknesses to correct or threats to consider before you can move forward?
Company and Personal Plans. The Critical Success Factors (CSFs), goals attainable within 36 months, along with the strategies and action plans collectively keep your company moving forward toward greater success. In addition, your action plans must meet the “S.M.A.R.T.” criteria: S = specific, M = measurable (impact to goal), A = attitude, R = responsible party and T = timeline. Additionally, you should develop personal plans that have the greatest impact on your personal life.
Making it Happen. Three key elements include results-driven communications, weekly review and modification of your plan and self-accountability. As a business owner, you are vital to the success of your action plans.
Turning the Wheel. Make sure you perform consistent weekly reviews of the plans. Stay on top of checking benchmarks and timelines. Staying on course toward success also requires the flexibility to embrace an unexpected change in plans. Course changes can be necessitated by myriad factors, including cash flow difficulties or a break-up in a partnership. For more information on strategic planning or The Alternative Board^®, please contact Marcy Turkington at 973-940-2020. About The Alternative Board^®

Founded in 1990 by Allen Fishman and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, The Alternative Board^® is an international provider of peer advisory and coaching solutions to leaders of privately held businesses. Over 300 TAB Boards^® are operating each month across the United States, Canada and South America. For more information, visit our www.tab-nwjerseypoconos.com

Area Business Launches Online Leadership Development Programs

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:04:00 GMT

Newton, NJ and Stroudsburg, PA, December 1, 2007 — Marcy Turkington, president of Achieve Business Solutions, a leading area provider of business organizational and development solutions for small to mid-sized companies, and President of The Alternative Board^® Peer Advisory area boards has announced the launch of the Small Business CEO Development Series through AchieveNextLevel.com, a Web 2.0 business community forum and resource center. These one hour interactive seminars are delivered electronically to business leaders and are targeted to developing the greatest need areas of today’s busy small business owners.

Through the experience of The Alternative Board membership organization, and their record of helping over 5000 small businesses succeed, Ms. Turkington found “A top priority for CEOs is keeping abreast of the skills and management tools needed to stay competitive in our fast-paced environment. Today we are proud to announce a semi-monthly series that helps business professionals take their companies to the next level” said Turkington. Upcoming seminars include “The 7 Critical Mistakes Businesses Make (*and How to Avoid Them),” “People Power Management Skills for Business Owners,” “The Evergreen Study – What Makes Great Companies,” “Marketing 101 – Back to Basics,” “What Every Business Owner Needs to Know About the Numbers,” and more. Topics are scheduled based on the most relevant issues facing business owners today.

Beta-tested in November, responses from business owners, coaches and trainers alike were positive. Turkington discussed the challenges in undertaking the initiative: “One of our chief goals going in was whether this format could provide the same level of learning (that) in person sessions deliver at dramatic cost and time reduction for the attendees. To make this work we had to ensure the content was relevant and the tools used were easily accessed, with minimal setup required by participants.” Both goals were accomplished, and business owners are invited to explore the 2008 schedule of seminars, which run the 2^nd and 4^th Mondays of every month.

To learn more, including how to attend a no-obligation, complimentary leadership session, contact request@achievenextlevel.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or view the current calendar of events and seminars on the website, www.AchieveNextLevel.com. The next session scheduled takes place December 17^th at 4 pm Eastern Time; advance registration is required as space is limited.