Rural Biz Connect

This survey is designed by Sharp Image Consulting to explore the interest of a rural business owner’s group that connects online for the purpose of peer to peer advisory & support, business training, and a monthly 90 minute one to one business coaching session. The intent is to connect rural business owners from a region with each other to share challenges and successes, build a strong support network, decrease isolation, and brainstorm new and innovative solutions. Such groups can be found in larger centres where members meet face to face. It’s neither feasible or practical for rural business owners to participate and reap the tremendous benefits from such groups. This initiative fills that void. This survey will take about 5 minutes to complete. Your feedback is appreciated and will be used to inform a pilot project. This survey will close June 30, 2019. Thank you.

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* 1. What is the population of your community

Under 2,500

2,500 - 5,000

5,000 - 10,000

10,000 - 20,000

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* 2. How many employees do you have in your business?

1-5

5-10

10-25

25-50

more than 50

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* 3. What is your business sector

Retail

Manufacturing

Tourism

Light Industry

Service

Professional

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Do you have access to High Speed Internet?

Yes

No, but would join by telephone if that was an option.

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* 5. Please rank below your interest in meeting frequency.

A scheduled meeting every second week for a 6 month commitment

N/A

A scheduled meeting once per month for a 6 month commitment

N/A

A scheduled meeting once per month for a 12 month commitment

N/A

A scheduled meeting bi-monthly for a 12 month commitment

N/A

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* 6. What would be your preferred day and time for a scheduled session of 2 ½ to 3 hours? Check all your preferred options.

Weekday morning - 9:00 - 12:00

Weekday afternoon - 2:00 - 5:00

Weekday evening - 5:30 - 8:30

Saturday morning - 9:00 - 12:00

Saturday afternoon - 2:00 - 5:00

Other (please specify)

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* 7. Each meeting will include a training session. There are a number of topics being considered. Check all the topics that appeal to you. Please add other topics in the comment section.

Operating your business from a plan

Succession Planning

Change Management

Relationships as capital

Effective communication

Marketing Strategies

Social Media pro's and con's

HR - working with multi generations

Sales

Growth mindset

Leadership

Hiring practices

Disciplinary and dismissal practices

Staff training

Other (please specify)

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* 8. The benefits and outcomes for a business to join a peer advisory, business training, and coaching group can be tremendous. The membership fee is viewed as an investment.
Rate your support of a monthly membership fee of $350.00.

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

Other (please specify)

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* 9. What type of group would most interest you? Check all the categories that appeal to you.

A diverse group to broaden my perspective and insights

Industry specific group (ie Tourism)

Women in business owners group

Home-based business owners group

Business owners from similar size communities

New businesses - under 7 years

Established businesses - over 7 years

Business owners with a similar staff compliment

Other (please specify)

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* 10. Thank you for participating in this survey. If you're interested in participating in a pilot for this project starting in October 2019 for 6 months at a generously discounted fee, please leave your email address in the comment section below. We are interested in any thoughts or comments you have regarding this initiative. Please leave your ideas in the comment section.

Yes, I would like to participate in a pilot group

No, I'm not interested in participating in a pilot group

Other (please specify)

Rural Biz Connect