“To use my practical experience to help small businesses build and maintain a structurally sound, profitable, and sustainable business.”
I have 40+ years of experience in Business Management, covering a vast array of business practices that are built from hands-on experience. My experience ranges from North American, European, Eastern European, Asia, and Middle Eastern Operations for Multinational Global Companies.
I began my career as a salesperson in the late 70s and progressed through the organization as an Area Manager, District Manager, and Regional Manager, and finishing my career as an Eastern Hemisphere Director.
Through this progression, I benefitted from escalating positions of responsibility and education. I have been intimately involved in rudimentary to sophisticated Business Plans, Financial plans, Budgeting, simple to intricate P&L statements, Balance sheets, Marketing Strategies, Strategy Execution plans, Internal and External business practice analysis, HR practices, Team Building, etc.
I firmly believe that one first needs to answer the question “why” before embarking on the journey of starting and running a business. In order to develop a proper Mission Statement which will guide your company and the strategy developed, the “why do I want to do this” question needs to honestly be accessed.
In addition to developing a sound foundation to your business, the next most important aspect is communication. For a team to run smoothly and efficiently, everyone needs to be involved, contribute, and be part of the team striving to implement the strategy and goals of the company. Hiring the right people are essential to this end. If strategies are not communicated, then a detailed execution plan is implemented, and the chances of success decrease rapidly.
If this brief Bio interests you, and you would like to sit and discuss my experience and business philosophy, I invite you to e-mail me. I would be happy to sit with you, and or your staff for 30 minutes free of charge to see if I may be a fit with your company and explore opportunities to benefit each other’s operation.
““The two words, “Information”, and “Communication” are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is given out; Communication is getting through.”
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Testimonials
Darin Archibald
“I have had the pleasure of working with Al at 2 companies spanning over 15 years. As a well-respected leader, he knows the value of communication and the rewards attained when working as a well-oiled team.
Al has always maintained a balanced business approach with regard to personal integrity and internal protocols. He understands the need for running a financially responsible business while placing a high value on HR and HSE practices.
Greg Greke
“I am proud to offer my recommendation to anyone looking to work together with Al Ferguson. I have known Al for over 40 years as a friend, coworker, and one who has always been honest, ethical, and dedicated to any and all endeavors on which he has embarked.
Al has been involved in managing businesses for over 30 years. The majority of his time functioning in Area, District, Regional and Country management roles in North America as well as overseas.
Al is an extremely competent individual who brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and solutions relating to business issues. Al has compiled an impressive resume of accomplishments and maintains a vast network of many of the brightest minds in the industry,
It is my sincere belief that Al will be a valuable resource to any individual or group looking to improve their business and are seeking advice on operational issues.”
W. Stacey Young
“After 30-plus years of managing people and businesses myself, I still look to Allen Ferguson for sound business advice.
From start-up and marketing strategies to fiscal analysis and divestiture. Al takes a common-sense approach to conducting business and is generous in sharing his earned wealth of business knowledge.”
Services Highlights
MISSION STATEMENT
A Mission Statement may not be a critical part of your business, however, it will give a solid base to who you are as a company, and what you are offering to your clients. As your company develops it will also give guidance to future employees. Taking the time to think about what your Company wants to project and what differentiates you from your competition can be powerful. Another way to look at your Mission Statement is a “why” you are in business.
STRATEGIES
Developing Strategies is a very intricate segment of your business. You may want to develop an overall company strategy, then break that down into individual department strategies. However you decide to structure this segment, it is critical that time is spent to develop a realistic and comprehensive plan. After all, this is what will drive your company forward. One must also keep in mind, that strategies need to be measurable and evaluated regularly. In most cases, your sales strategy will be the most comprehensive as well as the driving factor in determining revenue.
BUDGETING / BALANCE SHEETS
It is vital especially in the early stages of your business that a financial budget be developed, adhered to, and reviewed frequently as the business dictates. You will have bills that need to be paid, invoices that will need collection, staff to be paid, assets to be purchased etc. Without a well thought out budget, and diligent adherence the company can find itself in financial woes quickly. Reviewing your budget regularly will also allow you to make changes before problems arise.
HR / HSE ADVICE
As your business grows, HR and HSE will become a larger tax on your time. Finding the right people to fit the positions, and ensuring your company is adhering to HSE guidelines and laws can be time consuming. The right fit for new personnel is of utmost importance. One needs to understand exactly what is required to fill the position, and the skill set required. One can use the analogy of any team sport. Each individual on a team has an expertise, or skill set they possess. However, put these individual skill sets together, and working towards the same goal, and you have a team with a wide variety of expertise. This makes a much stronger company or team.