E-Learning Version of The Role of the MTA

Our e-learning format of the Most Trusted Advisor allows you to participate in the course at a time and location that is convenient for you. We’re excited to introduce you to a very effective, convenient and flexible way to train your entire team to be the Most Trusted Advisor as they guide their family business clients through the succession planning process.

Each e-learning course runs for a period of three to six weeks and requires approximately eighteen hours to complete the presentations including group interaction and discussion, and the required assignments. You will be supplied with a CD containing the video presentations and will log on to the MTA website for the other components.

The following is the format of an e-learning course:

1. Watch the multimedia presentation on CD ROM
2. Complete the online self-assessment
3. Check out the recommended readings
4. Participate in the online discussion forum
5. Download your assignment
6. Complete assignments offline
7. Submit assignments online
8. Assignments returned by email

This program combines dynamic audio/visual presentations on CD ROM with online interaction on the MTA website. Click here to view our information presentation or call Ed Rosenfeld at 212-579-2613 for clarification on any of the following information.

Level One of the MTA comprises seven modules containing important concepts and tried-and-true tools for guiding clients to be future-focused in transitioning their family businesses.

Throughout the seven modules, you will work with The Penmaen family who are in a situation very similar to many of the family businesses you will engage as clients.

You will have an opportunity to apply all the education points and tools in the assignment that follows each module. More importantly, you will then take these same tools and apply them to your own clients.

How the Program Works

In Level One of the program, you should expect to invest around 18 hours of your time to review the concepts and complete your assignments. In addition, we recommend that you apply your learnings to real life scenarios.

We suggest you allot a minimum of 3 weeks to a maximum of 6 weeks to complete the course. Therefore you should aim to complete at least one module each week. You can expect to spend approx 2 – 3 hours on each module.

The course outline, timeline and instructions are posted on the MTA website. You will be provided with a password to access this website before the course is due to begin. The website also contains a discussion room for contact with other course participants, and the coach’s corner where you can interact with your instructor.

The lecture component of the course is delivered via a CD that you play in your computer at a time and place that is convenient to you. This CD contains a series of multimedia presentations that range from 10 to 40 minutes in length. You will be provided with the CD prior to the start date of the course.

Once you have reviewed each module’s presentation, you will log on to the MTA website to complete your self-assessment and download your assignment for that module. When you have completed your assignment, you will submit it to be evaluated. Your evaluated assignment will be returned by email within 7 days of submission.

Having completed all required assignments you will be issued a certificate that you may submit for continuing education credits. Course Agenda

Module One

Objectives

From your participation in this module, you should expect to: Gain an understanding of the importance of the industry called “family business”

• Recognize that the family business entity is extremely complex and then understand the factors that cause this complexity
• Understand what succession really is
• Recognize that there is no one way to carry out your role as your clients’ Most Trusted Advisor Overview To meet the objectives of this module, we will review a number of concept:

Overview To meet the objectives of this module, we will review a number of concepts: We will review the facts that illustrate the importance of family businesses

• We will assess the criteria for being a Most Trusted Advisor
• We will review the 4 disciplines in family business consulting
• We will examine the different types of families and the key players to gain more of an understanding of how culture affects the family business
• We will look at what an effective succession plan must incorporate

Module Two

Objectives

To introduce you to a tool that will:

• Help you identify and understand the relationships and different perspectives within the family business
• Help you identify underlying issues and the area in which they belong

Overview

• Review the concept of the 3-circle model
• Discover how to take that concept and turn it into a valuable tool
• Use the tool within a case study
• Use the tool with your own family business clients

Module Three

Objectives

To review the process to: Understand what is stopping a client from moving forward with your advice

• Recognize their fears
• Help your clients acknowledge, understand, and address their fears

Overview

• Review the issues facing a typical family business to determine the underlying fear
• Begin to develop a process to help the family understand that these fears can be addressed
• Apply this process to your own client

Module Four

Objectives

To provide a process that will:

• Enable the entrepreneur to see the bigger picture and have the confidence to focus on the future
• Address the fear of losing wealth
• Address the fear of losing control

Overview

• Introduction to the “One Day You Will Sell” concept
• Methodology around ensuring a voluntary sale

Module Five

Objectives To provide a process and tool that will:

• Help clients to understand that change is good
• Help clients to understand that conflict doesn’t have to be negative
• Outline the methodology to creating confidence around managing conflict and therefore address the fear of conflict

Overview

• Examination of the Change Equation
• Introduction to the Positive Conflict Model

Module Six

Objectives

To provide a process and tool that will: Help define the family’s common interest

• Celebrate the past and see the opportunities for the future
• Gather information on how to recreate the successful times and take advantage of the opportunities

Overview

• Beginning with the End in Mind
• The Success™ Chart

Module Seven

Objectives

Clear the way to focusing on the common interest

• Develop action items that will help overcome any obstacles to achieving the family’s goals

Overview

• Forums to establish procedures and processes for governing the business
• Structures that allow for more open communication
• Enable everyone to have a voice so they can work together for a common goal
• Tactics that can move the family towards their goals

For more information on the benefits of enrolling in our Most Trusted Advisor e-learning program, click here to view our information presentation or call Ed Rosenfeld at (212) 579-2613.

Hardware and software requirements
You will need the following hardware and software to participate in the e-learning version of The Role of the Most Trusted Advisor: IBM-compatible computer with a Pentium-class processor running Windows 98 or later

• 64 megabytes (MB) RAM
• 70 megabytes (MB) of free disk space
• Colour monitor with 8MB video card and 256 colours
• Internet connection
• Microsoft Word 2000 or later
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (go to www.adobe.com and click on GET ADOBE READER)
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (If you currently have an earlier version, you will be able to load v6.0 from the CD ROM provided.
• Windows Media Player 7 or later (If you currently have an earlier version, you will be able to load v7 from the CD ROM provided.)
• Runtime Animation (Can be loaded from the CD ROM provided.)
• CD-ROM drive
• Sound card and speakers