Managing a growing design firm offers a variety of unique challenges and opportunities. An unpredictable business environment and a quickening pace of change requires firm leadership to adapt, but how can we proactively prepare for growth in uncertain times? Rena and Valerie will demystify the business planning process. In this free event, each attendee will learn how to develop their own business plan outline in this interactive seminar and leave with a business planning handout, so you can leave inspired, organized, and one step ahead of the competition! 

Learning Outcomes:

1. Explore strategies for business planning within an environment of unpredictability
2. Understand basic business plan components including the interconnection between purpose, finance, marketing, & operations.
3. Learn how to use critical tools and processes for successful firm business planning.
4. Gain the ability to develop an outline for your own firm’s business plan.

This event will be worth 1.5 CEU credits.

After the event, join SMPS and BSA members for drinks and light appetizers to network!

Speaker Bios:

Rena Klein, FAIA, Senior Partner | CVG

Rena is the author of The Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management (Wiley, 2010). With 20 years of experience as the owner of a small architecture firm, and over 15 years as a consultant and educator, Rena brings a special understanding of design firms. Rena served as executive editor of AIA’s The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th edition (Wiley 2013) and is past-chair of the National Advisory Group for the AIA Practice Management Knowledge Community.

Valerie Puchades, CPSM, Director of Strategic Planning | CVG

Valerie is a strategist at heart. She has over 20 years of experience helping A/E/C firms set goals and develop holistic plans to reach new business heights. Valerie finds joy in leading firms in discovering the interconnectedness of marketing, operations, financial management, and human resources. She is a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) and an active member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), having held positions at the local, regional, and national levels. Valerie is a Past President of SMPS Boston and the recipient of the SMPS Striving for Excellence Grand Prize award for Best Chapter and the SMPS Boston Marketer of the Year award.

Event Organizers:

Kristie Norris, CPSM, Director of Professional Development – Marketing Manager, HGA
Stephanie Coombs, Professional Development Committee Member – Proposal Writer, Weston & Sampson

View attendee list here