“Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.”
‐ Og Mandino
Services
Jerry Weiner Consulting uses its expertise to answer a client’s questions about business management, accounting, finance, planning & valuation – a comprehensive resource for the business owner.
All services are custom-designed to meet individual client needs as to scope and duration.
Fees are quoted based on a standard rate of $295 per hour. Consideration is give for monthly retainer engagements.
Scroll down or click a service to see detailed descriptions.
The Management Dashboard
PERFORMANCE & GOAL-BASED REPORTING
“Knowledge is power. Information is power. The secreting or hoarding of knowledge or information may be an act of tyranny camouflaged as humility.”
JWC uses a client’s existing systems to define, report and analyze key performance indicators on a custom-built Management Dashboard. Using the results of that effort, JWC works with management to translate data into knowledge and information that can be used to drive the business forward.
Once a month, as part of an on-going dialogue, JWC produces reports and reviews the results of operations with management. Using this information, JWC provides an objective resource to help management better understand and direct the business.
Getting It Right
ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS ORGANIZATION & INTEGRATION
“On two occasions I have been asked, “Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?” ... I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question.”
Knowledge and information are only as good as the underlying data used to create them. As such, accurate and timely data is critical to harnessing the power needed to grow a business profitably and consistently into the future.
JWC uses its understanding of how businesses work to ensure that the accounting and operating systems produce accurate and timely data in a cost-effective manner while maintaining adequate internal controls. The accounting process is reviewed and modified as necessary to ensure proper reconciliations and reliable classification of transaction data. This is the data that is used to feed the ever constant need for knowledge and information, so it’s got to be right.
Seeing the Forest
Business Plan & Budget Development
“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”
Applying General Eisenhower’s words to the world of business illustrates the value of building the budget based on a well-defined planning process. The budget, like the tide of a battle, will change based on factors beyond a manager’s control. External and internal forces create changes in the environment that require a response. How well you respond will depend on how well you’ve considered your options before they occur.
JWC guides the development of a planning and budgeting process that is integrated with the on‐going stream of knowledge and information. This gives management the power to make decisions based on the latest data and an updated view of the road ahead.
Finding the Pot of Gold
Business Valuation & Positioning for sale
““Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
”That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
”I don’t much care where—“ said Alice.
”Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
”—so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation.
”Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.””
Much like Alice, small business owners want to get SOMEWHERE but often have not taken the time to define exactly where that is. They have some number in mind that represents some multiple of something, usually sales, but aren’t sure what it takes to realize that. Rarely, if ever, is it that simple.
No two companies are alike, so no two valuations are alike. JWC helps companies to identify potential buyers and to calculate a realistic value of the business based on what is important to them. Using this, JWC helps business owners define where SOMEWHERE is and create the road map necessary to get there.
Mentoring
Helping Entrepreneurs Manage and Grow
“I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.”
Small business owners have to wear many hats – some of which fit them well, others not so much. As a small business grows, so do the complexities of the administrative issues, from personnel to office space to how best to finance the purchase of equipment. JWC uses its experience to help clients build the infrastructure necessary to support a larger operation.
Mentoring services include regularly scheduled monthly sessions as well as ad hoc consultations for more time-sensitive matters. JWC understands that the small business owner may have little to no experience in a particular subject matter and that just having someone to talk to and to learn from builds confidence and the ability to deal with similar situations in the future
Winners & Losers
Measuring the profitability of products & customers
“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”
You know you are making money but do you know how each product or customer contributes to that bottom line? “Knowledge is power. Information is power.” The more you understand about the profitability of each product and customer the more power you will have to make better resource allocation and pricing decisions.
JWC uses its expertise to resolve the allocation issues inherent in the measurement process so that the results are credible and actionable. This includes the integration of profitability information into the management reporting routine, thereby creating a more detailed picture of the business as it grows into the future.