About Us
We at ASE are a group of retired Executives, volunteering our time and experience to guide and advice and coach businesses - We meet clients twice a week in Etobicoke.
We become an Advisory Board to businesses.
I also am a Member of the Board of Directors at Heart and Stroke Foundation
I have over 30 years of business experience and was able to retire early.
A Distinguished Toastmaster, I also spend a lot of time personally developing and helping others in communications and leadership skills.
How We Got Started
Retired CEO types 'giving back' to the business community by volunteering their time and sharing their experience, thereby reducing the expensive learning curve in business.
The products and services we offer
Recommendations Received (29)
"Excellent service,"
"I have used the services at ASE in the past and found them to be extremely invaluable. They..."
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"I have used the services at ASE in the past and found them to be extremely invaluable. They turned my thinking 180 degrees and helped me get pointed in the right direction.
Thank you ASE"
Products & Services
Have your own Board of Advisers composed of successful retired CEO types who are volunteering their time.
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I ran a manufacturing business for 27 years. One of the biggest challenge was to find good solid pragmatic advice. Lawyers and Accountants only gave professional advice from their points of view and professions. It was lonely and often frustrating. Since successfully retired I have joined up with...
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I ran a manufacturing business for 27 years. One of the biggest challenge was to find good solid pragmatic advice. Lawyers and Accountants only gave professional advice from their points of view and professions. It was lonely and often frustrating. Since successfully retired I have joined up with an organisation that provides exactly that kind of service I was lacking. The organisation is a volunteer run association of retired CEO's types and we meet clients at our office in Etobicoke. The name of the organisation is Associated Senior Executives.
I believe running a business is a lonely job. Instead of 'one on one' coaching, (which can plateau over time), what small business lack is an Advisory Board.
Are you making the right decisions for your business? Are you on the most profitable path? What are your best options for success? What...
(more)
I believe running a business is a lonely job. Instead of 'one on one' coaching, (which can plateau over time), what small business lack is an Advisory Board.
Are you making the right decisions for your business? Are you on the most profitable path? What are your best options for success? What are your negative choices?
Being in business can be lonely and exhausting. This is where a board of advisers not only becomes helpful but may be an essential part of the operation of your business. Never think your business is too big or too small to seek advice from experienced and, more importantly, impartial advisers. The right advisers can help grow your business in a positive, productive and financially profitable direction.
It is where business owners can speak openly and freely about their business concerns and issues. It is where they can get objective help to build on the strengths and look at weaknesses. An advisory board is your sounding board!
Advisory Board Benefits Include
Looking at your business development opportunities
Planning the strategy development of your business
Getting an outside perspective of your business
Looking at current performance and future outlook of your business
Focus on and pinpointing the important issues of your business
Jump starting new ideas and strategies for your business
What to look for in an advisory board
Your advisory board should understand your business and be able to find a different perspective of your business. In other words, you may be doing some things very well but an alternative approach can make those areas advance even further. Or you may boggled by a bad situation. You and your advisers can focus on a different direction and help pull you out of the problem issue.
A good advisory board should know what it is like to run a company. Having the people with both the empathy and strategies to cope with the demands of entrepreneurship is a great way to become empowered and drive your business forward.
Know your business and cycles of your industry. Most businesses go through ups and downs in their business. These could be seasonal or unexpected circumstances. Dips can be a result of fluctuating customer (seasonal) demands or even supplier issues. Skill is required through such slow times....
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Know your business and cycles of your industry. Most businesses go through ups and downs in their business. These could be seasonal or unexpected circumstances. Dips can be a result of fluctuating customer (seasonal) demands or even supplier issues. Skill is required through such slow times. Simple projections done a few months’ prior gives you time to proactively plan. Base your projections about seasonality on sales data from at least two or three prior years. If the business hasn't been around that long, check with peers and industry sources. Allow yourself some contemplative time - working on the business instead of in the business. Build up your resources Cash - Save for the rainy day… before it rains Take advantage of slow stretches to prepare for the peak season. This is a good opportunity for R&D, cleanups and maintenance. Build alternative income streams. Although it might seem like a diversion from the core business, set up additional revenue sources to counteract the off-season. Just don't let attention to the alternative stream overtake a focus on the primary business [e.g. new construction slows in winter but renovations tend to continue]. Run promotions and specials that can be countercyclical. Stay in touch. Manage the impact of seasonality on staff by possibly reducing opening times, resorting to part time/temporary workers or, at worst, consider layoffs. Some businesses may need temporary shutdowns, in the extreme. Make your Bank your partner and well aware of your seasonal needs in cash flow. Shishir
Based in Etobicoke in a historic home, we at ASE are retired Entrepreneurs and Executives volunteering our time to help businesses succeed. Look us up www.a-s-e.ca
Recent testimonial - The ASE team is amazing at guiding me and telling me what I need to know in order to make the right...
(more)
Based in Etobicoke in a historic home, we at ASE are retired Entrepreneurs and Executives volunteering our time to help businesses succeed. Look us up www.a-s-e.ca
Recent testimonial - The ASE team is amazing at guiding me and telling me what I need to know in order to make the right strategic decisions to grow my business. I’ve sustained over 700% growth over past 5 years and attribute a lot of my success and staying power to ASE team.
The Power of Advertising
Most small businesses shy away from paid advertising for the obvious reason; it is just too expensive. However, it is a well-known fact that advertising brings in business. ‘Front of mind’ is a well heeded mantra. Even previously happy customers may, in time, forget...
(more)
The Power of Advertising
Most small businesses shy away from paid advertising for the obvious reason; it is just too expensive. However, it is a well-known fact that advertising brings in business. ‘Front of mind’ is a well heeded mantra. Even previously happy customers may, in time, forget about your operation. Depending on the industry and competition, a general thought is to spend 7% to 8% of gross revenue on advertising; no small amount for small businesses. The suggested percentage increases to 10% for larger businesses!! If wisely thought through, this can pay off. To the right demographic, in the right season and in the right venue you can reach many interested clients and customers.
Budget, however, is a very real and limiting factor.
Alternative ways of reaching out to the public is both paid and/or free advertising.
Some free advertising ideas are:
Word of mouth - most effective
Blogs on your website shared on your social media pages [Facebook, LinkedIn. Twitter]
Facebook, Tweeting and Instagram [new ideas and products]
Google front of line [may have some expense to it]
Testimonials on your website
Local newspapers [people still like to browse good stories in print]
Radio and TV interviews [human interest stories especially those with ‘value added’ for the local community such as local charities]
Your demographic and professional periodicals [may have an expense to it]
Local businesses that may have synergy with yours and allow you to place flyers, pamphlets, cards, give talks, refer your business; a win-win situation for both
Networking with and giving talks to business groups. Attend these as a participant regularly. MEETups, Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade]
Do not be afraid of trying free sources. Many of these are looking for a story of interest. Make yours a good one.
Running a business is a lonely and a challenging endeavor.
We often feel we carry the load of the world on our shoulders and are unable to seek guidance or share ideas.
Fortunately there is ASE.
ASE is composed of a group of successful retired business Executives volunteering their time to...
(more)
Running a business is a lonely and a challenging endeavor.
We often feel we carry the load of the world on our shoulders and are unable to seek guidance or share ideas.
Fortunately there is ASE.
ASE is composed of a group of successful retired business Executives volunteering their time to provide guidance, coaching and advisory services. They can be your business Advisory Board. The services are unbiased and provide an outside view of a business from a new and sage perspective.
A recent testimonial
The ASE team is amazing at guiding me and telling me what I need to know in order to make the right strategic decisions to grow my business. I’ve sustained over 700% growth over past 5 years and attribute a lot of my success and staying power to ASE team. Thanks
Here are some indications when you are in need of such a Business Advisory Board
“There just isn’t enough time”You are burning candle at both ends. You are sometimes irritable and always pushed for time.
“Growth strategy that can add economies of scale remain a distant dream”You see the advantages that bigger companies have over you, but cannot see how to take that difficult next step.
“You have little time to acquire new knowledge because you are already too busy”So many ideas come to you but you lack the knowhow to effectively pursue them.
“You are changing your business direction too frequently and often on gut feelings and whims”Unduly influenced by the herd mentality of what you hear and see – temptation to constantly veer from your course… costing you in time and effort not to mention hurting your finances.
“Your priorities are not focused”The easiest and most comfortable things get done… with difficult items, you procrastinate.
“Personal life is suffering and you are nearing burnout”Your time is the most precious resource. Important things such as friends and family are getting ignored.
“You have never understood well, or followed through on a strategic plan”You know your weaknesses, but rarely capitalize of your strengths and opportunities. A coach can chart a manageable course for you.
“Your company is growing beyond your capacity and control and quality are both being sacrificed”.Growth while very exciting and motivating can often kill a business if not managed and controlled. A sober second thought with even tempered strategy using help of your ASE Advisory Board can help you steer through such dangerous and yet opportune times.
Shishir Lakhani – Associated Senior Executives
Referrals
Successful entrepreneurs know that they are in business not because they are the smartest or the best at their craft, but mostly because they ‘fill a need’ in the market place. They must add value to others in a responsible fashion to remain in business.
In small business, revenue...
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Referrals
Successful entrepreneurs know that they are in business not because they are the smartest or the best at their craft, but mostly because they ‘fill a need’ in the market place. They must add value to others in a responsible fashion to remain in business.
In small business, revenue generation is so dependent on our brand, reputation, price, quality, service and good relationships. People have to like you, respect you, and trust you to engage in business with you.
Warm leads via referrals are a goldmine of revenues. Satisfied customer provides that connection, making your job far easier. Did you know that on average each individual knows about 250 people!
Many of whom could well be your Prospects.
So many small businesses complain, ‘I cannot compete with companies that have sales people on their payroll!’
My answer “How many happy satisfied customers do you have? That’s how many (non-payroll) sales people you have”
Your best salespeople are your existing happy customers.
Ensure your customer is entirely happy with your service and has complimented you. This is an opportune time to ask for referral.
So how do you leverage this advantage?
1 At every opportunity, seek good references from your existing customers. “Thank you …That was very kind of you to say that about my service and now I could use advice from you on how to advance my business ….Who do you know… that I should know?”
Happy customers when so asked, usually oblige with ideas and suggestions. Thus obtained, warm leads become excellent Prospects.
2 Ideally get your customer to make the introduction for you “I am sure your friend Jim would be more comfortable if you make the introduction.”
3 Research your Prospect well (via the person who recommends, or online social media and or via other common contacts).
Understand Prospect’s ‘pain points’, his/her ‘needs’. Focus on the ‘hot button’ issues that will draw their attention. Craft and tailor your product and/or services to alleviate their ‘pain’. No canned sales pitches, but customized offering.
4 Size up the Prospect. What is his/her budget, decision making ability, etc.?
5 When communicating whether on phone or in person, no hard sell – Listen more, talk less. This art is called ‘selling with your ears’. This is how you ‘get to know’ as opposed to trying to close a sale. People like to buy from people they like, respect, and trust. This is your chance to put the Prospect at ease.
6 Anticipate the possible objections that they may raise in concluding this potential sale. To such objections, be well prepared in advance with your counter.
7 Perception must be that both parties are embarking on a mutually beneficial transaction.
8 Then get together to discuss over details and finalize. “When is it best for you, next Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning?”
9 With all the research and prior preparation, you can put the Prospect’s concerns at bay and proceed with the tailored sale.
10 Remember… keep this ‘referred’ customer happy, as he is now the one who will bring in your next sale.
Sales through a warm lead is far easier than a cold prospect. There are so many solid businesses we meet, whose lion’s share of business is through ‘word of mouth’ – They work smarter instead of harder.
Shishir Lakhani
The Power of Advertising
Different advertising has worked for me at different times in my business.
Most small businesses shy away from paid advertising for the obvious reason; it is just too expensive. However, it is a well-known fact that advertising brings in business. ‘Front of mind’ is...
(more)
The Power of Advertising
Different advertising has worked for me at different times in my business.
Most small businesses shy away from paid advertising for the obvious reason; it is just too expensive. However, it is a well-known fact that advertising brings in business. ‘Front of mind’ is a well heeded mantra. Even previously happy customers may, in time, forget about your operation. Depending on the industry and competition, a general thought is to spend 7% to 8% of gross revenue on advertising; no small amount for small businesses. The suggested percentage increases to 10% for larger businesses!! If wisely thought through, this can pay off. To the right demographic, in the right season and in the right venue you can reach many interested clients and customers.
Budget, however, is a very real and limiting factor.
Alternative ways of reaching out to the public is both paid and/or free advertising.
Some free advertising ideas are:
Blogs on your website shared on your social media pages [Facebook, LinkedIn. Twitter]
Facebook, Tweeting and Instagram [new ideas and products]
Google front of line [may have some expense to it]
Testimonials on your website
Local newspapers [people still like to browse good stories in print]
Radio and TV interviews [human interest stories especially those with ‘value added’ for the local community such as local charities]
Your demographic and professional periodicals [may have an expense to it]
Local businesses that may have synergy with yours and allow you to place flyers, pamphlets, cards, give talks, refer your business; a win-win situation for both
Networking with and giving talks to business groups. Attend these as a participant regularly. MEETups, Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade]
Do not be afraid of trying free sources. Many of these are looking for a story of interest. Make yours a good one.
Social media can yield great results if handled right. It can also be become a huge time drain if pursed without discipline. Set aside limited times for this effort. Excessively reviewing your social media feeds and emails is an ill-advised pursuit, wasting enormous amount of time
(more)
Social media can yield great results if handled right. It can also be become a huge time drain if pursed without discipline. Set aside limited times for this effort. Excessively reviewing your social media feeds and emails is an ill-advised pursuit, wasting enormous amount of time
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