Management Consulting
I've done some consulting to SMEs, working directly with the end client and through intermediaries. I've done some work for FCC and Ag Canada. Most of these projects have been refinancing situations or succession planning. My role in all of these different businesses is to analyze the numbers and recommend action, whether that is communications within the business, changing the business structure, financing, growth or divestment. For several years I had a contract with one of the largest landowners in SK to conduct risk profiles on their tenants. Recently I worked with a new entrant to the pulse export business, helping them to build a new business from scratch.
I enjoy working with small business and particularly small farm businesses. I've spent my life as an entrepreneur and I've learned a few useful things. No two businesses are the same but there are some principles that cross between businesses - working capital is essential, communication is usually a problem, strategic direction gets overlooked in day to day management. The old saying "When you're up to your ass in alligators, its hard to remember the original job was to drain the swamp." is still true for most businesses.
The link below will take you to a little web presentation that I put together a long time ago. It grew out of some strategic planning that we did at Gates Fertilizers. The interface is clunky and some of the material is a little hokey but the general principles are sound.