I’ve been asked by a prospect to provide a business profile. Having not done this before I have no idea where to start. Has anyone got any tips or starting points?
what the flip is a business profile?
What the heck is a Business Profile???
We have been asked to prepare a few of these in our window business. In short its a quick snap shot of your business. Is this a large prospect? Did they tell you why they wanted this?
From a government website:
Preparing a Business Profile
[B]FAST FACTS 22[/B]
A business or company profile is a marketing document designed to catch the attention of and inform potential purchasers about your goods or services. It must be more than just an “advertisement”; it must provide a convincing argument of why a potential purchaser should deal with your business.
The profile is a succinct, honest and accurate statement of who you are, what you provide, how you are structured and governed, your principle policies and procedures, your trading history and financial viability.
The aim of your business profile is to influence the purchaser’s decision, by demonstrating your credibility and convincing potential customers that you can offer:
[LIST]
[] Certainty of supply
[] Quality
[] Value for money
[] Minimal risk
[/LIST]
The following checklist can be used to help you source the information you will need when preparing your company profile.
Company Particulars
[LIST]
[] Trading name
[] Company logo
[] What the business supplies
[] Parent company (if relevant)
[] ACN (if applicable)
[] ABN
[] Names of principals
[] Contact details:
[LIST]
[]postal address
[]street (physical)
[]phone
[]fax
[]email
[]web page
[/LIST]
[] Number of employees
[] Staff turnover rate (if this is an advantage)
[] Professional memberships
[] Industry accreditations held (with copy of relevant documentation)
[*] Registrations and licences held (especially if you hold any specialised certifications)
[/LIST]
Financial viability
[LIST]
[] How long in existence
[] Average annual turnover or annual growth
[] Copy of last years’ financials (or auditor’s statement of financial viability)
[] If you are a new business, find a way to demonstrate viability (eg, if you hold 90% equity in the business and have a low overdraft)
[] Bank contact details (clients may have their bank talk to your bank, so it is wise to contact your bank manager in advance; you may also need to sign a consent form for the release of information)
[] Contact details for your accountant (after notifying your accountant)
[] Ability to carry a debtor for a specified period of time (eg, 60 days)
[] Any other information deemed appropriate and advantageous
[/LIST]
Capabilities and Capacities
[LIST]
[] Specific products or services provided
[] Equipment owned and operated
[] Details of any specialist equipment or trades
[] Staff qualifications (include apprentices)
[] Track record (demonstrate your ability to meet contracts up to a certain value)
[] Highlight specialist skills and experience (eg, expertise in remote locations or difficult conditions)
[/LIST]
Trading History
[LIST]
[] Previous contracts held, including any Government or major contracts
[] Significant achievements in servicing these contracts (eg, completed under budget)
[] Testimonials
[] Details of any “preferred supplier” status
[*] Industry Awards received
[/LIST]
Insurance Details
[LIST]
[] Public Liability
[] Professional Indemnity
[*] Workers’ Compensation
[/LIST]
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance explains your attitude and approach to your business, and influences your organisation’s workplace “culture”. The aim is to assure potential purchasers that you have policies and procedures in place to meet your legislative requirements and thus, provide a quality, low risk job.
Quality Management
[LIST]
[] Documented processes (eg, checklists)
[] Trade / Professional Accreditations
[*] Processes must be practiced in the workplace
[/LIST]
Occupational Health and Safety
[LIST]
[] Your business is OH&S aware, trained and compliant
[] Understand Legislation and Regulations
[] Show how you actively manage safety in your workplace (eg, staff training, signage, safety barriers, incident reporting procedures, plant maintenance and inspection schedules)
[] Injury-free days (reflects safety “culture” in the workplace)
[/LIST]
Environmental Policy
[LIST]
[] Understand Legislation and Regulations (contact Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts & Sport)
[] ISO 14000 offers guidance to help formulate your policy.
[] Chamber of Commerce NT has a voluntary Code of Practice, and also offers advice.
[] Website: www.chambernt.com.au
[/LIST]
Industrial Relations
[LIST]
[] Compliance with Awards, Workplace Agreement or Certified Agreement.
[] Documentation re. allowances paid, fringe benefits, etc.
[*] Details of induction processes etc (demonstrate how you inform employees of your industrial relations policies).
[/LIST]
Layout & Production
[LIST]
[] Quality - professional appearance
[] Attract the reader’s attention
[] Provides all key information
[] Accurate and honest
[] Well written and logical
[] Spelling and grammar (have it proof-read several times)
[*] Print sufficient copies to be able to freely distribute
[/LIST]
Distribution
[LIST]
[] Existing and potential clients
[] NT Industry Search and Opportunities Office (NTISO)
[] Submit with all tenders
[] Web page
[*] Email
[/LIST]
Oh… I see. Thanks Chris.
what a headache
it’s cleaning windows, not making weapons for the government…Gosh!
The big Fish want alot of Bait. 
I just went out this morning to give a proposal to a New Chevron Office Complex, 1-3 story, 1-4 story, and 1 Big wall of Glass, about 2800 panes in all.
They emailed me over a supplier information packet, wow, about 15 pages of info I had to provide. If I get the job it will be worth it of course.
It has alot of issue’s with awning’s over 1/2 of the glass, so we’ll see…
windowman
Wow. Info overload.
If I were you, I would also include a unique cover letter, with a few key benefits of using your services, and a strong personal guarantee.
Cut thru the noise and all that.
no doubt
Geez… better get started. By the way Kevin, is there anything in your book about this? Mine should be arriving soon.
Chris simply posted [I]one[/I] example.
Isn’t your business worth the effort if requested?
Sounds like an excellent opportunity to toot your own horn…
