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As with everything, knowledge is key. The more you know about your practice the better you can hone its performance. Unless you know its strengths and weaknesses - as a business - it is almost impossible to evaluate the things you do, and so find that perfect balance between business acumen and professional creativity.

This session, presented by Caroline Cole of Colander Consulting will:  

• look at the different business measures and benchmarks that can pinpoint where individual practices might be losing profit, or where there is an opportunity to develop the business further
• identify data that needs to be collected to allow these measures to be undertaken
• look at how benchmarking results should be interpreted to improve profitability
• look specifically at the RIBA's new benchmark initiative and address the questions that need to be answered by participating practices.

 

Adrian Dobson, RIBA Director of Practice, will then present the issues you need to address when negotiating your appointments and fee agreements.  Subjects will include:

• Why you need a comprehensive appointment agreement
• Defining the Appointment: RIBA Appointment Agreements 2007, including scope of services and fee schedules
• Letter contracts for very small projects
• Getting the right fee: fee setting and negotiation
• Adding value: demonstrating how your service adds value for your client
• Getting paid: strategies for getting paid and maintaining cashflow.

 

Speakers
Caroline Cole, Colander Consulting and Adrian Dobson, RIBA